Rodney Frelinghuysen

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Thornberry), the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), my predecessor. He is a member of the Subcommittee on Defense of the Committee on Appropriations and a chairman in his own right.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter).

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), and thank him for his service on the Defense Appropriations Committee.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Palazzo), a great member of the full committee.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Womack), and I thank him for his great contributions to the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Alabama (Mrs. Roby), a new member of the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Jenkins). He is a great member of the full committee.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th Anniversary of the Packanack Lake Fire Company No. 5, located in Wayne, New Jersey. Beginning in 1942, during the midst of World War II, the Packanack Lake community of 500 homes at the time was very concerned about the threat of attacks from the Axis powers. Six residents found the need for a local fire department in order to provide protection to the community. The residents applied for use of Civil Defense equipment. With great effort, they were organized as a civil defense unit and equipment was allocated. Funds were later loaned in order to purchase a truck from a nearby fire company in Mountain View, New Jersey. Over the years two more trucks were added; increasing the capabilities of the fire company. In 1946, the state of New Jersey passed legislation that officially recognized the Packanack Lake Fire and Emergency Squad as a fire company, and allowed Wayne Township to allocate extra funds to the emergency squad. After several expansions of the emergency squad, the need for a fire house emerged. Property was donated by Packanack Homes and a two story fire house was built by the volunteer firefighters themselves. Materials were gathered from nearby demolished buildings and construction was complete by 1948. While construction was nearing completion the spouses of the volunteers formed the Packanack Lake Ladies Auxiliary who dedicated their time raising funds and supporting the fire company. And, the Auxiliary remains very active today! Today, the fire company is a prominent entity in Packanack Lake. Membership has never been higher and they are now equipped with four trucks and one heavy rescue truck. With over 700 calls a year the fire company is always utilizing these resources to the best of their abilities. From six residents who saw the necessity to protect their community, grew a fine fire company who still supports and protects their community. Like all fire companies, the Packanack Lake Company is more than fighting fires. From serving as a safe haven during natural disasters, floods in particular, the first to respond to home emergencies, and to functioning as a social hub for the community to connect with one another, I commend Company #5 for its distinguished 75 years and its support of the four other Wayne companies and their mutual aid to neighboring towns. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in congratulating Packanack Lake Fire and Emergency Squad No. 5 on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Cedar Grove resident and recent New Jersey Hall of Fame inductee, Tommy James. Mr. James is a pop-rock musician, singer, songwriter, record producer and is one of the fifteen new inductees to the New Jersey Hall of Fame. America in the 1960s was a time of significant cultural and musical development. From Tommy James to the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Jimi Hendrix, and a young New Jerseyan named Bruce Springsteen receiving his first guitar from his mother in 1964, the artists from the 1960s shaped the music landscape forever. In the 1960s, a young, outspoken and politically active generation often told their stories through music and art. As a young person during this era, I can attest to the importance of the messages conveyed by musicians about contemporary society and their unwavering belief in building a better America for future generations. The State of New Jersey can bestow no higher honor on one of our citizens than induction into our Hall of Fame and I congratulate Tommy James, who helped to influence generations of musicians. Mr. Speaker, with an award-winning music career spanning over three decades and countless contributions to our State and its citizens, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Tommy James to his induction to the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask my Colleagues to join me in honoring the Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Committee of Morristown, New Jersey in my Congressional District, which this year is celebrating its 47th Anniversary. Since 1970, the Committee has been dedicated to promoting the rich legacy of the life and works of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the involvement of the Morris County community in its annual commemorative services. Our community owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Felicia Jameson, who has officially retired as chairwoman after 30 years of dedicated support of this event. We welcome her successor, the Reverend Dr. David A. Hollowell, and his continuing willingness to contribute. The observance for 2017 marks the 32nd year that Dr. King's birthday will be commemorated as a national holiday. As an expression of local unity and in recognition of this important event, the Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Committee invites the Morris Clergy Council to join with the committee in sponsoring services on Monday, January 16, 2017. This year's theme ``The Dream at the Crossroads: Empower Love to Overcome,'' is the true embodiment of Dr. King's philosophy and teachings. From those individuals who spearheaded the initial celebration, the late Rachel Viola Jones and Dr. Jamison, the planning efforts have broadened to include members of the Morris Area Clergy Council, with representatives from all major faiths. In addition to the two founders, other volunteers who assisted in the early years included Emma L. Martin, George Dorsey, William ``Jack'' Harris, Reginald and Emanueline Smith, Flora Webb, Norman Jean Matthews, Woody Huff, Elizabeth Lubar, Cecelia Dowdy, Rabbi Z. David Levy, and the Rev. Charles Marks. The core planning committee is continuing to carry on the tradition of excellence for this great program and has grown to include many dedicated volunteers. Mr. Speaker, I am confident that the Martin Luther King Observance Committee will continue, in the years ahead, to promote the cause of equality and opportunities for all people to pursue productive, fulfilling lives. I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Observance Committee as they celebrate decades of valuable service to our community.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, every year, more high school seniors from the 11th Congressional District trade in varsity jackets for navy pea coats, Air Force flight suits, and Army brass buckles than most other districts in the country. But this is nothing new--our area has repeatedly sent an above average portion of its sons and daughters to the nation's military academies for decades. This fact should not come as a surprise. The educational excellence of area schools is well known and has long been a magnet for families looking for the best environment in which to raise their children. Our graduates are skilled not only in mathematics, science, and social studies, but also have solid backgrounds in sports, debate teams, and other extracurricular activities. This diverse upbringing makes military academy recruiters sit up and take note--indeed, many recruiters know our towns and schools by name. Since the 1830's, Members of Congress have enjoyed meeting, talking with, and nominating superb young people to our military academies. But how did this process evolve? In 1843, when West Point was the sole academy, Congress ratified the nominating process and became directly involved in the makeup of our military's leadership. This was not an act of an imperial Congress bent on controlling every aspect of Government. Rather, the procedure still used today was, and is, a further check and balance in our democracy. It was originally designed to weaken and divide political coloration in the officer corps, provide geographical balance to our armed services, and to make the officer corps more resilient to unfettered nepotism and handicapped European armies. In 1854, Representative Gerritt Smith of New York added a new component to the academy nomination process--the academy review board. This was the first time a Member of Congress appointed prominent citizens from his district to screen applicants and assist with the serious duty of nominating candidates for academy admission. Today, I am honored to continue this wise tradition in my service to the 11th Congressional District. My Academy Review Board is composed of local citizens who have shown exemplary service to New Jersey, to their communities, and to the continued excellence of education in our area; many are veterans. Though from diverse backgrounds and professions, they all share a common dedication that the best qualified and motivated graduates attend our academies. And, as true for most volunteer panels, their service goes largely unnoticed. I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank them publicly for participating in this important panel. Being on the board requires hard work and an objective mind. Members have the responsibility of interviewing upwards of 50 outstanding young men and women every year in the academy review process. The nomination process follows a general timetable. High school seniors mail personal information directly to the Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy once they become interested in attending. Information includes academic achievement, college entry test scores, and other activities. At this time, they also inform my office of their desire to be nominated. The academies then assess the applicants, rank them based on the data supplied, and return the files to my office with their notations. In late November, our Academy Review Board interviews all of the applicants over the course of 2 days. They assess a student's qualifications and analyze character, desire to serve, and other talents that may be hidden on paper. This year the board interviewed over 40 applicants. The Board's recommendations were then forwarded to the academies, where recruiters reviewed files and notified applicants and my office of their final decision on admission. As these highly motivated and talented young men and women go through the academy nominating process, never let us forget the sacrifice they are preparing to make: to defend our country and protect our citizens. This holds especially true at a time when our nation is fighting the war against terrorism. Whether it is in the Middle East, Africa or other troubled spots around the world, no doubt we are constantly reminded that wars are fought by the young. And, while our military missions are both important and dangerous, it is reassuring to know that we continue to put America's best and brightest in command. Academy Nominees for 2017, 11th Congressional District Air Force Academy Jordan Behrle, North Caldwell, West Essex HS. James Coyne, Chatham, Chatham HS. Arielle Fortes, Parsippany, Parsippany HS. Kurt Hill, Pompton Plains, Pequannock HS. Erik Jensen, Mendham, Randolph HS. Noor Khan, Livingston, Livingston HS. Benjamin Lee, Sparta, Sparta HS. Pranay Malla, Chatham, Chatham HS. Matthew Manion, Morris Plains, Morristown HS. Michael Matarazzo, Cedar Grove, Cedar Grove HS. Jamie Moul, West Orange, West Orange HS. Merchant Marine Academy Shane Arcilla, Cedar Knolls, Morris Catholic HS. Anthony Corso, Fairfield, West Essex HS. Kyle Frey, Sparta, Pope John XXIII HS. Travis Healy, Andover, Pope John XXIII HS. Matthew Russo, Cedar Grove, St. Peter's Prep. Naval Academy Dean Caravela, West Caldwell, James Caldwell HS. Robert Dromsky-Reed, Kinnelon, Kinnelon HS. Caroline Duemling, Chatham, Chatham HS. Shannon Fashbender, Andover, Lenape Valley HS. Kyle Gonzalez, Wanaque, Lakeland Regional HS. Matthew Makuch, Lincoln Park, The Academy for Math, Science and Engineering. Brandon Maravi, Wayne, St. Joseph's HS. Paul Malatesta. Chatham, Chatham HS. Emma Noury, Sparta, Sussex County Technical School. Steven Orciuoli, Livingston, Livingston HS. Brendan Reilly, Mendham, West Morris Mendham HS. Grace Sheehan, Fairfield, Mt. Saint Dominic Academy. Helena Seijas, Mountain Lakes, Mountain Lakes HS. Jake Siciliano, Fairfield, West Essex HS. Military Academy Dylan Berrier, Lake Hopatcong, Morris Catholic HS. Andrew Bowlus, Carlisle Barracks, PA., Carlisle Area HS. Timothy Cieslak, Wayne, Wayne Valley HS. Michael Flanagan, Florham Park, St. Peter's Prep. Anthony Giachin, Livingston, Newark Academy. Wilson Maya, Madison, Morristown HS. Rebecca Morel, Mendham, Villa Walsh Academy. Ivan Peters, Boonton, Mountain Lakes HS. Matthew Rothman, Pequannock, Pequannock HS. Minkyu Yang, Livingston, Livingston HS

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge support of the continuing resolution. But first I must pay tribute to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) as he manages his last appropriations bill as full committee chairman. I know I speak for Ranking Member Lowey and all members of the committee, Republicans and Democrats, and our remarkable professional staff when I say that this body and this Nation owe a tremendous debt of gratitude for his many contributions on the Appropriations Committee for 30 years and as its chairman for the last 6. No one understands better than Hal Rogers the House's constitutional duty to responsibly fund the Federal Government. No one has defended this body's power of the purse with more vigor. He has always supported rigorous oversight. Under Chairman Rogers' leadership, the committee has held over 600 public hearings to ensure that Federal tax dollars are well spent, and the committee has earned results, cutting wasteful spending to the tune of $126 billion since fiscal year 2010. In fact, the chairman has worked tirelessly to restore public trust in our Federal funding process, all with professionalism, good humor, and class. Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for all members of the committee and all Members of the House in extending to you our heartfelt thanks for your continued service on the committee and your remarkable service as chairman. On the resolution, briefly--and this is relative to national security--the reality is we are a nation at war, engaged with enemies in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, and we have no greater responsibility than to ensure that our men and women in uniform have the resources that this continuing resolution assures so they can carry out their missions and return home safely. In this regard, we have scrubbed the President's budget amendment $5.8 billion for overseas operations. In doing so, we have redirected funding to replenish our stocks of various munitions that our troops need to fight ISIS and the Taliban; and in light of increased activity on behalf of the Russians, we have provided funding for our NATO allies. This resolution needs to be supported for national defense and homeland security. Again, I salute Chairman Rogers for his leadership.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, on August 2nd, the House of Representatives lost a bit of its humanity with the passing of our friend and former colleague Steve LaTourette. Steve's life was a life lived well and lived fully. It brought to mind that old adage, ``In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.'' There certainly was a lot of life in Steve LaTourette's years. Simply put, he was a great member--respected and admired. He served for eighteen years in this House, and in doing so, made this chamber a more effective, more responsible and more compassionate body. He cared deeply about this institution and recognized that we all-- Republicans and Democrats--were sent here to find solutions to tackle the nation's challenges. The headline on his obituary in the ``New York Times'' of August 4 referred to him as ``Congressman Who Despised Gridlock.'' In his daily battle to get things done for the people of Ohio and the United States, he was never reluctant to reach across the aisle to find a path forward. Personally, Steve was more than a classmate, a fellow appropriator and colleague. He was a great friend. I found him bright, thoughtful and incredibly hardworking. And his keen sense of humor could lighten any situation. I think often of Steve and his wife, Jennifer, and also of his children Emma, Henry, Sarah, Sam, Clare and Amy. I hope they will be comforted in the knowledge that Steve LaTourette, above all, always strived to do what he thought was the right thing, no matter the circumstances, obstacles or consequences. That is the definition of courage. Moreover, that is the essence of service. Steve's passing is a tremendous loss for all of us and for the state of Ohio. Of course, the loss is most acute for his family but also by the colleagues he left behind in this House. He will not be forgotten.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call Number 491, on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 660, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives to support the territorial integrity of Georgia, I am not recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted Aye.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, this Sunday, September 11, marks the 15th anniversary of the vicious attacks on America. I very much appreciate the leadership's scheduling a commemoration on the steps of the Capitol tomorrow morning, but more needs to be said as, I fear, time and events have dulled our memories. In addition, our Nation has grown by over 60 million since September 11, 2001--children born after the towers came down, including the 13,000 babies who came into this world on that incredible day. Unlike the rest of us, they have no direct memories of these horrendous events that changed our Nation forever as hate-filled extremists struck in the streets of Lower Manhattan, in the fields of Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon. Over 700 citizens from my State of New Jersey died on that day. Our mere words cannot possibly capture the sentiments that surround September 11. So in lieu of extended, formal remarks, I would like to read, as I have in past years, ``The Names,'' a poem written by the then-poet laureate Billy Collins, which he read before a congressional joint session in New York City just after the attacks which Members of Congress heard firsthand. ``The Names'' By Billy Collins Yesterday, I lay awake in the palm of the night. A soft rain stole in, unhelped by any breeze, And when I saw the silver glaze on the windows, I started with A, with Ackerman, as it happened, Then Baxter and Calabro, Davis and Eberling, names falling into place As droplets fell through the dark. Names printed on the ceiling of the night. Names slipping around a watery bend. Twenty-six willows on the banks of a stream. In the morning, I walked out barefoot Among thousands of flowers Heavy with dew like the eyes of tears, And each had a name-- Fiori inscribed on a yellow petal Then Gonzalez and Han, Ishikawa and Jenkins. Names written in the air And stitched into the cloth of the day. A name under a photograph taped to a mailbox. Monogram on a torn shirt, I see you spelled out on storefront windows And on the bright, unfurled awnings of this city. I say the syllables as I turn a corner-- Kelly and Lee, Medina, Nardella, and O'Connor. When I peer into the woods, I see a thick tangle where letters are hidden As in a puzzle concocted for children. Parker and Quigley in the twigs of an ash, Rizzo, Schubert, Torres, and Upton, Secrets in the boughs of an ancient maple. Names written in the pale sky. Names rising in the updraft amid buildings. Names silent in stone Or cried out behind a door. Names blown over the Earth and out to sea. In the evening--weakening light, the last swallows. A boy on a lake lifts his oars. A woman by a window puts a match to a candle, And the names are outlined on the rose clouds-- Vanacore and Wallace, (let X stand, if it can, for the ones unfound) Then Young and Ziminsky, the final jolt of Z. Names etched on the head of a pin. One name spanning a bridge, another undergoing a tunnel. A blue name needled into the skin. Names of citizens, workers, mothers and fathers, The bright-eyed daughter, the quick son. Alphabet of names in a green field. Names in the small tracks of birds. Names lifted from a hat Or balanced on the tip of the tongue. Names wheeled into the dim warehouse of memory. So many names, there is barely room on the walls of the heart. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky), the ranking member of the committee.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the gentleman's amendment. This amendment would force the Department to absorb a reduction of more than $4 billion. Mr. Chairman, we already have serious readiness gaps, and this amendment would force a reduction of more than $2 billion to operation and maintenance accounts, funding that supports key readiness programs to prepare our troops for combat or also for peacetime missions, including flight time, battle training, equipment and facility maintenance, as well as base operations. Furthermore, the amendment will result in a significant reduction to research and development, equipment procurement, modernization, all of which are crucial to our national security. These are investments that protect our Nation from threats to freedom and democracy. We are keenly aware that the United States and her allies continue to face attacks and threats from terrorist organizations like ISIL and al Qaeda and others that seek to do us harm, and our troops must be ready to fight at all times against the enemy everywhere. I oppose the amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chair, I urge opposition to the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the further consideration of H.R. 5293, and that I may include tabular material on the same.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.