Rodney Frelinghuysen

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I thank the gentleman from Minnesota for yielding. We accept his amendment. I would note that I know marines never retire.

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

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the gentleman's amendment. Budgeting for contingency operations, especially 1\1/2\ years in advance, is very difficult. Goodness knows, the war on terror in Afghanistan and what we did in Iraq, we never knew how long we would be there and how expensive it was. For example, despite having a higher overseas contingency allocation for fiscal year 2013 of $87 billion, budget execution during fiscal year 2013 has proven that that request was understated by as much as $10 billion. As a result of the extent possible, funds for OCO are being cash-flowed from baseline funds which have already been squeezed due to the sequester, resulting in profound readiness implications. Ships are not sailing, planes are not flying, and civilians are being furloughed. We've heard a lot about that on the floor today. Additionally, I think all of us know that we are exiting out of Afghanistan. The timetable may be a year or two, or maybe the Commander in Chief will decide to expedite our departure. Transportation costs are spiked as men and equipment are moved and deployed, and God only knows things can happen on the travel route. We've heard a lot about that on the floor, too. Things can happen in Pakistan that might require additional expenses, billions of dollars more if we have to move men and materiel by aircraft. Contractor costs spike for many functions such as dismantling forward operating bases. Some of that's occurring now in disposing of excess materiel or turned over to the private sector to complete. Of course, the reset of equipment carries a very high price tag. There are a lot of reasons that this money is needed. I strongly oppose this amendment and reserve the balance of my time. MR. MULVANEY. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen).

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Before I close, let me just say for the Record, the $5 billion extra was in the National Defense Reauthorization Act which the House passed I believe in June, and just for the record, funding for the overseas contingency fund in our bill matches the amount recommended by the House Budget Committee, which membership is well known and is present on the floor this evening. So it has a pretty good endorsement, and for this reason I strongly oppose the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I thank the gentleman, Mr. Visclosky, for yielding to me. I reluctantly rise to oppose the amendment. It seems as though this amendment attempts to reopen issues that were resolved in the 2013 bill, and would prohibit the Air Force from conducting authorized re- basing actions until April 2014. This amendment appears to be not so great for the National Guard. The National Guard is depending on re-basing actions or remission or backfilling units that otherwise would lose aircraft. I think that needs to happen, and I don't think it necessarily needs to happen after the receipt of this report, which is due some time in the future. I appreciate the gentleman yielding.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise to oppose the gentleman's amendment but understand, because we're good friends, his passion and his very, very strong feelings which he expresses on any number of occasions and has done so eloquently tonight. Some would argue this isn't true, but I believe Pakistan does remain a key U.S. counterterrorism partner. Their cooperation is essential. As we did during the war in Afghanistan, we're going to have to use air routes over Pakistan. We're going to have to use their maritime capabilities. We're going to have to use the land routes to get our troops and material out; otherwise, we're going to depend on Kyrgyzstan and Russia. It's going to be expensive. It will probably be $20 billion worth of expense to withdraw from Afghanistan if we don't have the cooperation of the Pakistanis. The other issue is Pakistan is a nuclear power. I think we need to have a close working relationship with them to make sure that those weapons in the future never fall into the wrong hands. So I appreciate the gentleman's remarks. I associate myself with them. I strongly oppose this amendment but obviously respect the sponsor for his strong views as well.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Let me associate myself with Mr. Visclosky's remarks. I think there's some benefit for us to have a joint military exercise. They may learn something about us; we may learn something about them. I can assure you the committee isn't in a state of denial. We know the Chinese are very aggressive, setting out a strategy for a blue navy. I think these joint exercises may be extremely beneficial to us in terms of their naval strategy, and to be part of an overall Pacific rim program gives us a pretty good opportunity to take a look at their capabilities. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

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

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise reluctantly to oppose the amendment. The Army has made it clear to our committee that it does not want to retain C-23s, the Sherpas, the workhorses, that have been doing some remarkable work for over 30 years, or acquire any replacement platform. In fact, the Army is already taking steps to put the aircraft out of operation while stopping short of full retirement. At the beginning of fiscal year 2013, the Army National Guard was operating 34 of these Sherpas. As of July, 14 of those had been turned into Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where they are being maintained in semi- flyable storage. That tells you something. The remaining aircraft are scheduled to be turned into Fort Sill by the end of October of this year. Because this amendment only applies to fiscal year 2014, the aircraft likely will be out of operation before this amendment would take effect. Unfortunately, because the C-23s will already be in storage by the time this amendment takes effect, it is unlikely it will accomplish its intent. We do not believe that taking funds from other critical readiness programs to apply to the C-23 operations is the best use of the Army's increasingly limited resources. Thus, reluctantly, I oppose this amendment, and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Chatham Borough Police Department, located in Chatham, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On September 2, 1913, an ordinance used to regulate the Chatham Borough Police Department of Morris County was approved. The Department came from humble beginnings, with only one fulltime police officer in its inaugural year and, today, has 18 fulltime officers. Despite the passage of a century, the Police Department's excellent service and core values have remained unchanged. The Chatham Borough Police Department prides itself in upholding values of integrity, respect, service, and fairness. The Department strives to promote a safe and secure environment and maintain order and provide safe flow of traffic while demonstrating the core ideals. It has continually responded to the changing needs of Chatham Borough and has looked to help the community in the best possible way. By demonstrating strong leadership qualities, the Chatham Borough Police Department has remained a reliable and strong influence in Chatham Borough. Throughout the past century, the Chatham Borough Police Department has dedicated itself to the surrounding community, yet, it is always looking for ways to give back. It influences the youth in Chatham through the D.A.R.E. program, which helps to illustrate the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. Additionally, it continues to promote internet safety through a program that aims to educate both parents and children on the subject matter. Overall, the Chatham Borough Police Department has continued to exemplify extraordinary citizenship and values while putting its officers in harm's way to ensure the safety and the betterment of its residents. Officers respond to every call without fear, and their efforts are commended. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Chatham Borough Police Department as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Junior League of Morristown, located in Morristown, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. As a non-profit, charitable organization of women, the Junior League of Morristown aims to ``bring people and needs'' together through the promotion of voluntarism, the development of potential in women, and the improvement of communities through adept leadership and action. Since its founding in 1936, the Junior League of Morristown has been completely nondiscriminatory in its acceptance of women, as demonstrated by the members' diverse backgrounds. There are over 390 active members that compose the Junior League of Morristown, an organization that is 1 of the 292 total Junior Leagues that make up the Association of Junior Leagues International, which draws from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Mexico. Since its creation in 1936, the Junior League of Morristown has played a significant role in the development of Morristown and the surrounding area. The League has dedicated both time and effort to a plethora of charitable and non-charitable organizations, such as The Neighborhood House, Morristown Hospital, the Girl Scouts, the Red Cross during World War II emergencies, the Children's Theatre, and the Arts Council of the Morris Area, just to name a few. The League has received a number of grants and donations in order to continue its charitable work in the surrounding community. The Junior League is also proud to operate The Nearly New Shop resale and consignment shop located in Morristown. In most recent news, the Junior League of Morristown made headlines when it finished a project with the Jersey Battered Women's Service that transformed a common room into a multi-purpose room for victims healing from violent acts. The Morristown Patch and The Daily Record, area newspapers, both cover the tremendous effort by the League. The JBWS director, Patty Sly commented: ``We are so appreciative of the JLM for sharing their time and talents to create a relaxing and healing environment for our clients. Their efforts offer hope and dignity to those seeking protection from abuse. This is just one of many projects that the JLM has assisted us with over the years and we are grateful for our ongoing partnership.'' The project is only one of many that the League has pursued over its 75 year existence, yet it symbolizes the values that every community should strive to uphold. While it did receive a little bit of press coverage for a seemingly ``small'' project, a newspaper cannot do justice in describing what the Junior League of Morristown means to its community. Charitable organizations, such as the Junior League of Morristown, provide an invaluable and meaningful service to towns such as Morristown. The Junior League of Morristown has always been available and willing to lend a helping hand when it was needed, and with the support of the local residents, its staff and volunteers, it will continue to do so for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Junior League of Morristown as they celebrate their 75th Anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Saint Clare's Health System, located in the Township of Denville, Morris County, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary. The history of Saint Clare's Health System dates back to 1895, when the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, the founders of Saint Clare's, came to Denville. After building a health resort that saw tremendous success, the Sisters decided it was time to go forth with another project in 1940. However, World War II intervened, and the project did not take root until 1949. With the post-war housing boom and migration to the suburbs, the Sisters saw a growing need for a hospital in Denville and the surrounding area. Finally, after building a 157-bed hospital at a cost of $3.25 million and hiring a staff of 35 nurses and medical technicians, the Sisters opened Saint Clare's Hospital Auxiliary on September 24, 1953. Saint Clare's commitments and expectations in the community have grown, as it continues to explore new ways to enhance its medical care. Saint Clare's now encompasses hospitals in Denville, Dover, and Boonton Township, with other facilities scattered throughout both Morris and Sussex Counties, featuring the most up-to-date technology and offering the most compassionate care in the community. Denville and the surrounding area have come to rely on Saint Clare's in its times of need, and Saint Clare's has always responded with open arms. The Saint Clare's Health System tradition is built on values such as reverence, integrity, compassion, and excellence. In exhibiting those core values, Saint Clare's has become one of the most prestigious health services in northern New Jersey. Saint Clare's aims to nurture those in need of medical help by offering a wide range of medical services, like women's health, maternal-child care, emergency services, pediatrics, behavioral therapy, cardiovascular care, weight loss surgery, and a world-class cancer center. Through those medical services, Saint Clare's has been able to provide the most personal and most advanced health care to Denville and the surrounding municipalities, while emphasizing human dignity and social justice by helping create healthier communities. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating Saint Clare's Health System as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

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 further consideration of H.R. 2609, and that I may include tabular material on the same.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the gentlewoman's amendment. The amendment would prohibit, as she said, hydraulic fracking operations or fracking within the Inglewood Oil Field in Los Angeles. I appreciate my colleague's passion for this particular issue and obviously her desire to protect her constituents, but the Energy and Water appropriations bill is not the proper place for such a unique prohibition on fracking. Inglewood Oil Field is not Federal land nor does the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy have any current projects that involve Inglewood in its natural gas portfolio. Furthermore, fracking activities are currently regulated both locally and by her own State of California. This is a complex authorizing issue, but we are still waiting to hear from the Department's lawyers on what effect, if any, this language would actually have in the fiscal year 2014. Therefore, I must oppose her amendment and urge other Members to do the same. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I move to strike the last word.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the gentleman's amendment. I share the gentleman's support for smart investments in our Nation's water resources infrastructure, though. In fact, the Army Corps of Engineers has always been one of the top priorities in our Energy and Water bill. Total program level funding is $50 million above the budget request and almost $150 million above the post-sequester level. There is very strong Member interest in the harbor maintenance activities, and most of these additional funds were included in the Operation and Maintenance account. Even so, construction funding is less than 1 percent below the President's budget. On the other hand, the bill already reduces funding for fossil energy by $84 million below the fiscal year 2013 level. That's a 16 percent reduction. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, provide for 82 percent of our Nation's energy needs, and we will need to continue to use these valuable energy resources for generations to come. Research conducted within this program ensures we use our Nation's fossil fuel resources well and as cleanly as possible. In fact, if we increased the efficiency of our fossil energy plants by just 1 percent, we could power an additional 2 million households without using a single additional pound of fuel from the ground. We simply cannot take a further reduction to this account, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I will support the amendment, but I do have some concerns. Of course we want the Corps to take a look at the cost of their operation across the Nation to see where they can make savings. We are seeking from the Corps information before we make any final decisions, but I'm supportive of their objectives. We just need to take a closer look at the financial justification for what they're doing. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I am in support of the gentleman's amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.