Duncan Hunter

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, how much time remains?

Mr. HUNTER. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And this is probably appropriate coming after Mr. Jones speaking about the United States Marine Corps. I come before you today, Mr. Speaker, to talk about a great marine, a marine who was just in charge of Central Command and has retired and resigned after decades of service to this Nation, and let me start at the point where I was able to meet him. Ten years ago today, the war in Iraq was under way. Nineteen days after the invasion, marines and soldiers had dismantled Saddam Hussein's regime. The takedown of Baghdad and Iraq was precise and supremely coordinated, much to the credit of Marine General James Mattis, who led the 1st Marine Division in Baghdad, and just recently completed his tour as the commander of Central Command. On March 20, 2003, Mattis led the 1st Marine Division to the borders of Iraq. The marines' success and effectiveness, sustaining light casualties, was due to the intellect and the skill of one of the most cerebral warfighters of our lifetime, General Mattis. General Mattis is a tough man, exactly what you would expect from a United States Marine. He's practical in combat while laser-focused on securing the objective. Let me give you an example, Mr. Speaker. On the march to Baghdad, General Mattis landed C-130s on the highway to keep vehicles and tanks moving. Mattis' marines outsmarted and overpowered Saddam's forces. In the aftermath, Mattis took a totally different tactic. It was harder to win the peace in Iraq to a certain extent than it was to win the war, but that is when Mattis let his intelligence and his outside-of-the-box thinking show through. In the aftermath, General Mattis and his commanders, working to build trust, establish alliances, and support projects that were important to the Iraqi people, befriended what some thought were the worst people in Iraq in the Anbar province where the bloody battles of Fallujah and Ramadi roared. General Mattis was able to make friends with those sheiks and with those elders and brought about the awakening where those local tribes realized that al Qaeda was their enemy and not the Americans, and they then turned on al Qaeda in Iraq and that was able to precipitate the surge and the drawdown from Iraq where we won, largely as a testament to General Mattis' leadership. There were a lot of other great generals--General Odierno, General Petraeus, General McChrystal, General Kelly, General Dunford, who's now in Afghanistan in charge of the International Security Assistance Force, a lot of great generals. But General Mattis stands out to me, and I would like to relay a quick experience. When I got to Iraq in 2003, I was driving north to join the 1st Marine Division, and we got ambushed. My marine that was on the Mark 19 in the gun turret got shot in the arm. And at that point as a lieutenant, we were taught to drive out of an ambush as quick as possible and link up and go back and prosecute the enemy if we were able to. We weren't able to at this point. It was 2003. There was no radio communication at this point in time. We couldn't talk with higher headquarters. So me being the highest ranking officer in this convoy, and I was brand new in Iraq and, frankly, didn't know much about anything, we continued north to where the 1st Marine Division was headquartered in a little place called Diwaniyah. General Mattis happened to be in the command operations center when I got there and dressed me down for not prosecuting the enemy that had ambushed my convoy. He was angry not that a marine was shot or not that we had escaped; he was angry because we didn't get after the guy that got after us. That's a real trait of General Mattis. But for a lieutenant like me who had been in country for a few hours, it was a stark awakening to, hey, you're in the war, and you have to live up to the expectations and the presence and the example set by people like Jim Mattis. I got to meet General Mattis again in 2004 when I returned to Iraq in the battle of Fallujah. We would call General Mattis ``Chaos.'' That was his call sign because not only was he the cerebral and intellectual architect regarding a lot of what the Marine Corps did in the Anbar province, but he was also fearless. He would drive alone and unafraid by himself in his own light-armored vehicle, and he would show up anywhere he wanted to, day or night, in any kind of situation, whether there was a fire fight going on or not. And I tell you, he earned the respect, rightfully so, of every single marine and every single soldier who saw him on the front lines during those wars. General Mattis is now CENTCOM commander. Through his leadership, CENTCOM has overseen the Afghan war with a level of confidence and strategy that is indicative of General Mattis' touch. Aspiring leaders would be smart to take a lesson from General Mattis. He well served the United States Marine Corps and America for more than 40 years. I would argue, Mr. Speaker, that this administration with this Commander in Chief likes military leaders who agree with it, military leaders that give this administration the answers that they like to get about the way that the world is today. And they are opposed, frankly, to military leaders who give their honest opinions, regardless of who is Commander in Chief. General Mattis is the type of person that our military needs now more than ever before. And as he prepares to leave CENTCOM, for reasons that appear to possibly hinge on politics and this administration and General Mattis' take on Iran, I can say that I speak for the marines who have served under Mattis that a leader of his kind is near impossible to replace. I would like to read a couple of quotes. This book is called ``Victory in Iraq: How America Won.'' The opening page, General Mattis is featured speaking to his Marines, the 1st Marine Division, in Iraq, or in Kuwait before the invasion. Here's what he said: When I give you the word, we will cross the line into Iraq. For the mission's sake, our country's sake, and the sake of the men who carried the division's colors in past battles, who fought for life and never lost their nerve, carry out your mission and keep your honor clean. Demonstrate to the world that there is no better friend, no worse enemy than a United States Marine. I would like to give General Mattis the appreciation of the entire United States House of Representatives and every single Marine, past, present and future, and every single American that owes, at least partly, the safety of this Nation to people like him and to him, literally and explicitly, for what he's done for this Nation. Semper Fi, General Mattis. We hope that retirement treats you as well as your Marine Corps did. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. I thank the gentleman from Texas. And my good friend from Missouri, thank you for your kind words about Mac--Nelson ``Mac'' MacWilliams. See, he passed away about a year ago on December 20, 2011, in an unfortunate car accident that cost him his life on one of the most dangerous roads in San Diego County. He was a dedicated public servant, proud Navy veteran, an all-around great guy to be around. San Diego is not just the city part where there's the ocean and the beach. There's the back country in San Diego. You have small towns like Ramona where everybody knows each other. There is literally a place called Cheers. It's a bar in Ramona where everybody does know your name. You could find Mac there after work on Sundays. He was a member of the VFW. Like my friend said, he was in the Navy from 1977 to 1999, where he became a Navy chief. Anybody who knows the Navy or knows the U.S. military, they understand that the Navy runs on its chiefs. The chiefs are the ones that actually get things done, the ones that you look to when you need to cut through the red tape and cut through the bureaucracy. Mac was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7783 in Ramona, California. It was because of their request, along with others in Ramona, that I introduced this bill to name the post office in Ramona for Mac. When the devastating wildfires hit San Diego in 2007, Mac answered the call to service again, working tirelessly helping victims get assistance to rebuild their homes. As we can see from Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Sandy, when natural disasters happen, the bureaucracy is sometimes hard to get through, but Mac specialized at that as a Navy chief. He did the same thing working as the executive director of the Ramona, California, Chamber of Commerce for 4 years. In his position, he advocated for businesses and built lasting relationships across the region. But Mac wasn't a big business guy. He came out of the Navy. The reason he was chosen for that position was because he was great to be with, he knew how to get along with people of differing views and ideologies, and he simply knew how to get things done. The VFW said in their letter: One of Mac's traits was that he was always ``on duty.'' There was never a problem too small which did not dictate 100 percent effort to have it corrected. In fact, on the day he died, Mac was coming into my office because he was in the middle of some casework for a constituent and didn't want to wait until he got back from Christmas vacation. At his funeral, one of my constituents and VFW Post member, Dale Smith, described Mac by saying: Mac was a gentle, intelligent individual and a ``get-it- done'' kind of guy, no matter what obstacles stood in his way. He was a proud veteran and public servant who served his country in the Navy and served the people in his community on veterans and military issues. He had a profound impact on his community and deserves recognition for his contributions, and naming the post office for him in the community he did so much for is a fitting way to commemorate his memory.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I just want to take a brief moment to wish a very Happy Birthday to my son, Duncan, who turns 12 years old today. Call it a coincidence, Mr. Speaker, but he turns 12 on 12-12-12. It's a special day for a very special boy. He's got a lot of great qualities, but it's his dedication to doing what's right when no one is looking that makes me, as his father, so proud. He's also got a great sense of humor and his energetic love for life is both infectious and inspiring. So on this occasion, Mr. Speaker, and as I think about how the last twelve years have gone by way too fast, I want to wish him a very Happy Birthday.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my unfortunate honor to come before you and speak about a true son of America who lost his battle with cancer 6 days ago on November 22. I have an article here from the local paper in San Diego talking about Dan McKinnon, and it says, Dan McKinnon: Navy pilot, radio, and airline executive. Appointed to two Federal boards, was son of San Diego congressman. Those are a lot of things, but Dan McKinnon was so much more than those, even put together. First, his father was a Democrat congressman from San Diego here in the 1950s, probably stood at this table and spoke like I'm speaking now. Dan was a page, when we still had pages in this House on this floor in the fifties during the Truman administration as well. He had a great respect and love for this country, and he had a great respect and love for this body and the institution. He has some great claims to fame. One of those is this: As a young man, Dan served in the Navy as a helicopter pilot, and he's credited with 62 saves on land or sea. That's more saves during peacetime than any other Navy pilot in American history. He loved the Navy and he loved flying, and that led him to do other things later in his life. But he was a great pilot. He was inspired to fly from some words taken from the movie ``The Bridge Over Toko-Ri.'' And basically the words-- I'm going to summarize what made him want to be a helicopter pilot. There were some folks talking in this movie, and they basically said: Where does America get these kinds of people that want to fly off these little platforms that are floating in the ocean, go and rescue men or take out the enemy, and then fly back out to these platforms again in the middle of the ocean, try to find those platforms and then land on them? Where does America get them? They are the greatest in that country. That inspired Dan to join the Navy and do exactly that--to fly helicopters and rescue his fellow sailors that had the bad luck or the bad skills to land in the water. He bought a country radio station in San Diego and transformed it, made it into one of the most successful radio stations in San Diego County. At the same time, in 1977 he was the president of the Country Music Association in Nashville. He also served on the National Association of Broadcasters' board of directors here in Washington, D.C. And as I go through this litany of things that Dan McKinnon did, you can see where his courage, his faith in God, and his selfless service to country and Christianity played through throughout his entire life. He ran for Congress. He tried to get in this body in 1980. He had an unsuccessful run for Congress in 1980, but the next year President Reagan nominated him to lead the Federal Civil Aeronautics Board which basically oversaw the deregulation of all of the airlines. And as I know, as somebody who wants less government and less Big Brother intervention, Dan McKinnon was the rare sort of man who, after he did his work on the Civil Aeronautics Board and deregulated the airline industry, so we have what we have now, which is competition and low rates and extremely high safety measures, he shut down his own board that President Reagan started. Rarely in Washington do you see a creature that starts up some kind of board or blue ribbon panel or commission and actually closes it down on themselves after they've done the work that they needed to do. That takes a special person. It takes a special person to give up the reins and say, we don't need more bureaucracy, we're going to shut it down. We've done the work that we were assigned. So he did that. He didn't get paid for that either. He did it because he wanted to help the country and he loved being a pilot and he loved the airline industry. People say that the airline industry right now, the way that it is is a direct reflection of how he deregulated it during these times. That was a big deal when you had the Federal Government dictating fares and routes, and to change that into a free market system where competition could enter, it took a long time and it took a man of special character and significance to do that, and Dan did it. His daughter Lisa, who is, I think, a lieutenant in the Navy right now in Coronado doing intelligence work for the Navy SEALs, said this about her dad: He would say that his Navy wings were the only thing that he ever did by himself. He said everything else was a team effort. He loved being a pilot. He loved flying for the Navy, and he flew and sailed to the end of his days. He also worked for the Central Intelligence Agency. They had him doing special projects, and he actually got the Seal Medallion from the Central Intelligence Agency. So you take all of these things together, and you see a man who had a full life, a full family, that loved his country and served his country, and someone who had courage and true grit and a true faith in God, that God would help lead him through his life and his path, and he trusted in the Lord to do that. On a couple of other separate stories, Dan taught me how to jump motocross bikes at his ranch when I was a kid. I got my first job in high school at a TV station doing the news camera that his brother had. I got to work on his airlines after high school and between college. I'm a young guy. I'm only 35 years old, Mr. Speaker, and sometimes young guys like myself need people to look up to, people that give us structure and people that tell us which way is the right way to go and which way is the wrong way to go. Dan always knew what the right way to go was. He was a mentor of mine. And on November 22, when he lost his battle with cancer, America and San Diego truly lost one of their sons and one of the people that make this country truly great. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my profound respect for the four patriotic Americans who gave their lives on behalf of this nation, when the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, was attacked on the 11th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. All of them are heroes not just for their service in a foreign land that presented danger and a difficult diplomatic mission, but also for their selfless actions to defend the consulate and their immeasurable sacrifice protecting the cause of freedom. One of the brave Americans who stayed at the consulate to repel the assault by a band of terrorists was former Navy SEAL, Glen Doherty. Glen was an inspiration in every part of his life, but his actions in the face of immense danger and personal risk, which saved the lives of many others, were not a surprise to those who knew him best. Glen's passion for life, his unbreakable loyalty and his commitment to helping others were only some of the reasons why he was so admired and respected, both personally and professionally. When the consulate was attacked, Glen fought tirelessly throughout the night and into the next morning. It was on September 12 that Glen lost his life, after a mortar attack on the consulate. Because of Glen's awareness, his tactical coherency and experience as a sniper and combat paramedic, lives that otherwise might have been lost were preserved. And we all take great pride in the fact that Glen was someone who faithfully represented the most enduring and admired quality that's associated with elite combat warriors like the SEALs. He stood his ground. He never gave up and he fought hard to the end. Glen's pioneering spirit, his determination and his selflessness is emblematic of America's goodness and the willingness of so many of our citizens to sacrifice for causes bigger than themselves. The preservation of freedom is dangerous and costly, but individuals like Glen are the reason why freedom is possible for others across the world who are eager to break the chains of oppression and put an end to violence that threatens innocence. Glen's legacy now lives through a foundation in his name: The Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation. The foundation honors Glen's life and his beliefs, truly a fitting way to ensure that his ambition to serve and protect others continues for many years to come. A close friend and SEAL Teammate of Glen's described him in a few words, which are worthy of repeating. He wrote, ``My friend Glen: he would never pound his chest or tell you how great he was. Glen was a great listener and always had experienced advice. He was the jack-of- all-trades AND master of all. A rare person that was great at everything he did. A warrior spirit balanced by the kindest of hearts . . . .'' Mr. Speaker. All of the Americans that died that day are heroes in their own right. Glen's story is one among three others, but I know I speak for all of my colleagues, especially those of us who have ever worn a uniform in defense of this great country, when I say that Glen Doherty is a patriotic warrior whose service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, it's with deep respect and profound admiration that I rise today to honor Marine Corps General John Kelly, who just recently became the Corps' fifth active four-star general and took the helm of U.S. Southern Command. General Kelly has a long and distinguished military career, leading Marines through peacetime and war. His record of accomplishment has earned the respect of not just Marines, but the entire military and civilian leadership structure, and members in both bodies of Congress. General Kelly is not just someone who I consider a good friend. Having served as a Marine, I also consider him to be a high-caliber officer who embodies all the qualities that make the Marines the most effective fighting force in the world. Without a doubt, he's a role model and mentor to younger Marines. He's a trusted voice for U.S. national security and his service to the nation, spanning more than four decades, has been an asset for the Marine Corps and the entire country. Those who have had the distinct opportunity to learn from General Kelly and observe him in action are even better Marines today. He's been an inspirational figure to many--myself included--and now as head of U.S. Southern Command, he will surely make his mark as a superior and effective officer who is capable of leading at the highest levels. Among Marines, the rank of four-star general is attainable only to a select few. They are considered the best and brightest military minds. They are tactically coherent. They are masters of strategic planning and they represent both the intimidating strength and goodwill that is associated with the Marine Corps and the rest of America's military. General Kelly is the right person to lead U.S. Southern Command at the right time. There is no shortage of challenges throughout the Caribbean, Central America and South America. America faces threats from drug trafficking, corruption and cyber attacks. With General Kelly at the forefront, America will be safer and more secure, and we'll surely be in a position to make progress toward improving conditions in countries that are so close to our doorstep. And I know I speak for the rest of my colleagues in expressing my gratitude for General Kelly's service. He's an exceptional leader who deserves our unending respect and appreciation for a military career that first began in 1970 when he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing General Kelly much success as the Marine Corps' newest four-star general and the head of U.S. Southern Command. Semper Fi.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the centennial of the city of El Cajon, California, and to celebrate the rich cultural, historical and economic resources that make El Cajon the ``Valley of Opportunity.'' Incorporated on November 12, 1912, El Cajon is well-known as a place of diverse business interests and robust commerce. It's home to Gillespie Field, which opened in 1942 to train World War II Marine Corps paratroopers and today, the airport serves as one of the County's public use regional airports. Always family oriented, El Cajon still has the same small-town values that make the city such a great place to live. In fact, some of the biggest events in the city that are inspired by these family values are the Mother Goose Parade and Fourth of July fireworks and picnic celebrations held every year. San Diego and Cuyamaca Railway installed tracks through El Cajon in 1889. At that time, the El Cajon Depot served mountain-bound miners and passengers and was the last stage stop before west-bound travelers reached San Diego and the coast. Today, El Cajon is still known as the cross-roads between the mountains and the beaches. As the current Congressman who represents the 52nd congressional district which includes the city of El Cajon, I am proud to have had the privilege of representing this great community and I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating 100 years of such a great American city.

Mr. HUNTER

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

Mr. HUNTER. As a United States marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and who saw the bodies and the flag-draped caskets with dignity and respect get put into the backs of airplanes and sit off of the battlefield in those two theaters, I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for standing up for the fact that we accept them back into our arms in this Nation with the same dignity and respect. I would like to go a little bit further. Beyond saying this isn't Congress' job, if it were not for Congress, the bodies of our dead military men and women who come back to this Nation would be in the cargo holds of commercial airliners. As the moms and dads watch their sons and daughters get forklifted off a commercial airline cargo hold and set on the ground--with no military escorts and with no flag-draped coffins--that is what we should be ashamed of. I would say that this is an issue that resonates with anybody who has worn a uniform or with any family who has had to receive the remains of a loved one. Those who die for this Nation should be handled by honor guards, not by forklifts. It's harsh but true that the people who question the necessity of this process need to examine their souls and ask themselves if they are even worthy of the freedoms that are protected and secured by our military heroes. There is no extravagant cost. There are no luxury accommodations. Those who pay for our freedom with their lives deserve to be treated with respect and handled as the heroes that they are. There are plenty of places in the defense budget we can find savings, but the idea that someone would suggest the way we treat our war dead is a waste of money and resources should be ashamed, and he should not bring that up to any more Representatives in the future. I again want to thank Chairman Young for his extraordinary service and for the way that he honors our wounded and our KIAs. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Chairman, the war in Iraq has come to a close. And while the Iraq mission is over, countless examples of combat heroism performed by our military over nearly a decade of operations are both an inspiration and a reminder of the service and sacrifice of so many marines, sailors, soldiers, and airmen. For Iraq, there have been hundreds of Silver Stars awarded. There have been 21 Navy Crosses and 15 Distinguished Service Crosses. The Nation's highest award for combat valor--the Medal of Honor--was presented on only four occasions. Each was awarded posthumously, three for action that involved smothering a grenade to save others. One marine, Sergeant Rafael Peralta, who was posthumously nominated for the Medal of Honor deserves to be part of this distinguished group of heroes. But he's not. He was denied that honor when his nomination was wrongly downgraded to the Navy Cross. The incident leading to the nomination occurred in 2004 during combat in Fallujah, Iraq. He and several marines entered a room and came into immediate contact with the enemy. A firefight erupted, and Peralta was hit in the back of the head with a fragment of a ricocheted bullet. While Peralta was on the floor, a grenade was thrown and landed within his reach. He scooped up the grenade and pulled it into his body, saving the lives of his fellow marines. Seven marines confirmed his actions. So did the medical evidence. And the Marine Corps, after conducting its own review, nominated Peralta for the Medal of Honor. The Navy agreed with the Marine Corps and sent the nomination to former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. That's where the nomination was downgraded, 4 years after Peralta's death. Secretary Gates came to this conclusion after taking the unprecedented step of forming a scientific panel to review the evidence. Contrary to the eyewitness accounts, the evidence submitted, and the recommendation of the Marine Corps and the Navy, Secretary Gates determined Peralta could not have consciously pulled the grenade to his body. And if he did, it was involuntary, according to Secretary Gates. His judgment also concluded that the grenade detonated 1 to 3 feet from Peralta's left knee, not underneath his body. Yet the Navy Cross citation reads and exactly parallels the Medal of Honor citation: Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Peralta reached out and pulled the grenade to his body, absorbing the brunt of the blast and shielding his fellow marines only feet away. That's an indisputable statement. And the Navy Cross citation was awarded. According to this citation, Peralta did exactly what Secretary Gates said he didn't or couldn't have done. Now, more than 8 years after Peralta's death, new evidence is currently under review by the Navy, evidence found by my office and by Joe Casper on my staff, in particular, along with the History Channel--evidence that the Navy never even saw. We gave this evidence to the Navy, and it validates the eyewitness accounts that led to the Medal of Honor nomination. I also have a report from a renowned forensic pathologist. The report, which accounts for the condition of the body armor, autopsy findings, and the pathologist's own experience with head wounds, concludes Peralta was not immediately incapacitated by the brain injury and, in fact, reached for the grenade and pulled it under his body. I have seen this video evidence. Earlier this year, the Navy took a major step in recognizing Sergeant Peralta and named a destroyer in his honor--a great honor. The Navy and Secretary Ray Mabus in particular deserve to be commended for their decision, as well as their commitment to honoring Sergeant Peralta's sacrifice. The new evidence was submitted to the Navy months ago, and I did receive confirmation from Secretary Mabus that the evidence is being reviewed in the hope of resubmitting the Medal of Honor nomination. And based on the evidence, I'm confident in the Navy's ability to make the right decision. But even so, this process doesn't stop with the Navy. Resubmitting the nomination will still require the approval of the Secretary of Defense. And knowing the extent of the information before the Navy, prompting its initial decision and any subsequent decision will be valuable to ensuring the error in judgment that denied Peralta the Medal of Honor is corrected once and for all. I know that I speak for my colleagues in saying we look forward to the Navy's decision. And with that, I yield back the balance of my time. San Antonio, TX, January 27, 2010. Re: Medal of Honor Recommendation: Case of Sgt. Rafael Peralta. George M. Sabga, Jr., Attorney at Law, San Diego. CA. Dear Mr. Sabga: As requested, I have reviewed the following materials in regard to the death of Sgt. Peralta: 1. Investigative Documents generated by the Marine Corp including witness interviews and floor plans 2. the opinions of the neurologist and two neurosurgeons 3. photographs of the scene 4. the autopsy report: photographs of the injuries: x-rays of the body and the opinion of the forensic pathologist On November 15th, 2004, Sgt. Rafael Peralta, deployed to Iraq as a Scout Team Leader assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, along with his team was ordered to clear houses in the Battle of Fallujah. After clearing three houses, he entered a fourth house with his team. The first two rooms were empty. As Peralta opened the third door, insurgents in the room opened fire on the marines. Sgt. Peralta, hit in the head by friendly fire, dropped to the floor, severely wounded. The insurgents then threw a grenade at the marines, with the grenade coming to rest near Sgt. Peralta. The other marines in the room with Sgt. Peralta were unable to get out. Despite his wounds. Sgt. Peralta was described as reaching for the grenade and pulling it under his body. absorbing the majority of the lethal blast and shrapnel. The Sgt. died at the scene. Eleven witnesses to the circumstances of Sgt. Peralta's death were interviewed. Four saw Sgt. Peralta gather the grenade to himself with his right arm: a fifth stated he used his left arm and two didn't mention which arm was used. Two stated the Sgt. had his left cheek on the ground and three that he had his right cheek. The divergence in the descriptions as to which arm was used and which way the head was facing is reassuring as such contradictions are what one normally expects in stressful situations such as this. What is most significant. however, is that seven witnesses state that they saw him reach for the grenade and pull it to himself. Examination of photographs and X-rays of Sgt. Peralta's body reveal four grenade fragments in the left side of the head without penetration into the cranial cavity. In addition, there are multiple grenade fragment wounds of the left shoulder: left upper arm, forearm and hand; right forearm and hand, and the left thigh, calf and foot. There is no evidence of any fragment wounds or blunt trauma injuries in the areas of Sgt. Peralta's body covered by armor. Examination of the body armor revealed numerous shrapnel defects of the left side. densely grouped at the left mid chest region with fewer defects superiorly and inferiorly. A piece of the fuse was recovered from his flak jacket. Present on the back of the head. behind the left ear, in the left parietal-occipital region is a vertically oriented, gaping wound measuring approximately 4 x 1.5 cm. This wound is level with the left ear. The skin extending outward from the lateral aspect of the wound shows confluent abrasion out to a distance of approximately 3.5 cm. Protruding from this wound are fragments of bone. Present in the right occipital scalp, level with the inferior end of the left sided wound, is an approximate 2 x 1 cm irregular wound. Photographs of the interior of the cranial cavity show an elongated, ragged edged defect of the occipital bone in the left occipital lobe fossa. This defect runs in a para-coronal plain, extending from the left lambdoidal suture to approximately the midline of the head. The lateral end of the wound shows some internal beveling with the rest of the wound having a sharp edged, punched out appearance. Two secondary fracture lines extend from this defect, one to the nine o'clock position of the foramen magnum and the other diagonally across the right cerebella fossa to approximately the right lambdoidal suture. X-rays of the head show fragmentation of bone at this wound site with a few fine metal fragments. Present in the right cerebral hemisphere, in the area of the right tempero-parietal lobe, is the steel penetrator of a 5.56 x 45 bullet. On review of the autopsy. the penetrator was said to have perforated the left occipital lobe penetrating into the right tempero-parietal lobe. Based on the aforementioned observation, it appears that Sgt. Peralta was struck in the back of the head by a 5.56 x 45 bullet traveling from his left to right. The bullet struck the head at a tangential angle inflicting a gutter wound, fragmenting bone, depositing a few tiny fragments of metal and breaking up. The 10.1 grain steel penetrator entered the cranial cavity penetrating the brain. The wound in the right occipital scalp may represent the exit side for the rest of the bullet or at least a fragment of the bullet that traveled beneath the scalp. The bullet striking the back of the head may represent a ricochet rather than a primary impact especially in view of the extensive area of abrasion along one margin of the wound. The bulk of the injury to the left occipital pole of the brain was due to the bone fragments produced by the gutter wound and not by the bullet itself or the penetrator. The 10.1 grain penetrator had minimal velocity and, thus, by virtue of this and its low weight, minimal kinetic energy. This is shown by the fact that the penetrator did not even exit the brain, let alone the head. By virtue of its low kinetic energy, injury from the penetrator would only be confined to the direct penetrator path, which would average approximately 0.181 inches in diameter. Two senior Naval neurosurgeons, a Captain and a Commander, a senior Naval neurologist, a Captain, from the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA, reviewed the autopsy report and witness statements and came to the conclusion that Sgt. Peralta could well have carried out the actions attributed to him, intentional scooping of a hand grenade beneath his body. The only person to contend that Sgt. Peralta could not have performed the action attributed to him is the pathologist who performed the autopsy. He states that the gunshot wound would have been immediately incapacitating and instantly fatal and that Sgt. Peralta could not have executed any meaningful options. He also states that there were no significant internal injuries from blunt force trauma of the thorax and abdomen, virtually ruling out a grenade explosion beneath his body. He felt that even with body armor, a military grenade would cause blunt force injury of which there was none. Based on my experience I would have to respectfully disagree with the opinions of the pathologist. The injuries to the brain consist of injury to the left cerebral pole and a thin wound channel running from the left occipital pole to the right temporo-parietal lobe. No vital area such as the brain stem and basal ganglia were injured. I have seen individuals with head trauma who are alert, conscious and talking even though there was extensive injury to the cranial vault and brain and which ``common sense'' would tell you is not possible. This opinion of mine is reinforced by the opinions of the two neurosurgeons and the neurologist. Unless a vital area is injured, one should be extremely careful in giving the opinion that an individual was absolutely unable to perform an action. In regard to the absence of blunt force trauma from the hand grenade, examination of the vest revealed evidence of numerous shrapnel trauma densely grouped in the left mid chest along with the grenade fuse. The armor obviously absorbed a hand grenade detonation at close range. The force would have been distributed over a large surface area by the armor. This may prevent any evidence of trauma underneath the armor. In conclusion, we are presented with three factors: 1. Seven witnesses who saw Sgt. Peralta scoop a hand grenade to himself 2. Two neurosurgeons and a neurologist who state that the Sgt. Peralta could have performed this action 3. A physician who states that Sgt. Peralta would have been immediately incapacitated and could not have executed any meaningful actions. He also states that the grenade did not detonate beneath the body despite evidence on the armor that it did Taking into account the circumstances surrounding the incident; the statements of the witnesses; the condition of the body armor: the autopsy findings; the opinion of the neurosurgeons and neurologist and my own experience with head wounds, it is my opinion that, in all medical probability, Sgt. Peralta was not immediately incapacitated by the brain injury, and in fact reached for the grenade and pulled it under his body. Sincerely, Vincent J.M. DiMaio, M.D., Consultant in Forensic Pathology.

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. I thank the gentleman from South Carolina, whose oldest son and I served in Iraq together. As a United States Marine, I filled out dozens of evaluations on my marines. Some I recommended for promotions, some I did not. As has already been said, Mr. Chairman, this amendment must be opposed because it would disrupt the vital role commanders play in the military promotion process. Our commanders are the best prepared to make the difficult judgments of balancing interests of the individuals against the need of the Armed Forces to promote the most qualified individuals. It is not ethical to ask commanders to overlook information that they believe directly bears on the member's qualification for promotion. Commanders strive to be fair, and current policies prevent prejudicial consideration of mental health treatment that carries no implications for performance and promotion qualification. The provision attempts to replace the commander's judgment with an artificial standard that cannot account for the complexity of cases. The Nation invests immense trust in our military commanders in the most challenging of circumstances, while leading marines and soldiers in combat, and we must not betray that trust. I urge defeat of this amendment.

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Virginia and the gentleman from Florida. I would like to start by talking about what this means to me. This is about accountability, responsibility, and authority. All of these leadership themes are well defined throughout the Uniform Code of Military Justice, but a civilian team does not protect the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. That's the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment that has the responsibility to honor our fallen comrades and conduct ceremonies and special events to represent the U.S. Army. One of most known tasks of this unit is the distinguished charge of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery, which it has done with honor since July of 1937. Again, this is a military unit, it's not a civilian unit. Many of our fallen heroes who were killed in action choose to be buried in Arlington, home to our Nation's military history, the men and women who sacrificed to make this country what it is today. The current chain of command under the Department of the Army has a civilian executive director of the Army National Cemeteries reporting directly to the Secretary of the Army. Nowhere in the current chain of command does there exist a uniformed military officer of appropriate rank with commensurate command authority, accountability, and responsibility who is subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. If we are only going to have one major national cemetery that is run by a branch of the DOD, then there needs to be a uniformed chain of command that runs the cemetery in a professional, military manner. In closing, I would state, Mr. Chairman, I have friends that may choose to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, and I would urge adoption of this amendment.

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Chairman, this amendment basically appoints a Special Envoy to Iran to try and talk the Islamic leaders out of nuclear weapons and out of their nuclear weapons program. If talk and negotiations could de-nuclearize Iran, we wouldn't have to worry about them anymore. But the reality is you can't take the crazy out of radical Islamic fundamentalists, which are the people that run Iran. And this amendment does, contrary to what the gentlelady from California says, this amendment does, in fact, take the military option off the table because it would prevent the President from taking action, even if the U.S. were directly threatened and immediately threatened unless Congress authorized it first. The President would have to call this body back into session, from wherever we were at, and then ask us for permission, on C SPAN, to go ahead and act against an immediate Iranian threat. This amendment does not acknowledge the six U.N. Security Council resolutions to address Iran's nuclear program. It does not acknowledge that France, Germany, and the U.K. offered Iran several proposals to resolve nuclear issues during negotiations in 2004 and 2005. It does not acknowledge that the diplomatic initiatives to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue have produced absolutely nothing. Absolutely nothing. What this amendment does is appease and appease and appease and stall and while we talk, while we stand here in this body, right now, discussing this, Iran's getting closer and closer to a nuclear weapon. And Iran's not North Korea. North Korea is sane compared to Iran. As soon as they get enriched uranium that can be used as a weapon, it will end up on our shores. And it probably won't be by the Iranians. It probably won't be launched from Iran. It'll cross our border or come into an American port, and it will kill Americans. So, Mr. Chairman, I oppose this amendment, and I would urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, today, I want to recognize and pay tribute to Captain Kyleane Hunter, of the United States Marine Corps. I, and many other Members of this chamber, have had the great pleasure of working with Captain Hunter over the past year that she has served as part of Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs Liaison Office in the House of Representatives. She will soon be leaving the liaison office and looking toward new challenges ahead. Captain Hunter diligently and professionally represented the Marine Corps on all matters in the House of Representatives from September 2009 to April 2012. Throughout this period, Captain Hunter advised and assisted in the execution of many of the Marine Corps' most difficult and challenging legislative initiatives and distinguished herself as a leader and standard bearer of Marine Corps values and skills. Through her direct and skillful interaction with numerous Members of Congress, she ensured that Marine Corps' concepts, programs, and requirements were widely understood; ensuring the greatest possible support to the Marine Corps. Her initiative, leadership, and tireless efforts as a USMC Military Fellow and as the Operations Officer of the House Liaison Office have had a direct and lasting impact on improving the war fighting capabilities and the quality of life for Marines throughout the Marine Corps. Throughout her time, Captain Hunter personally supervised and responded to hundreds of inquiries, many of which gained national level attention. Through her exceptional inter-personal skills and broad knowledge in a wide range of military affairs, she assisted the Director, Marine Corps Liaison Office, in gaining the Members' support and trust in critical issues. This served to provide the Marine Corps latitude and time to reach appropriate solutions in each case. Captain Hunter directly contributed to the Marine Corps' high degree of success in these matters that may not have been otherwise achieved. Captain Hunter successfully planned, coordinated, and escorted an extensive number of international and domestic trips for high-level Congressional and Staff Delegations. These delegations often included senior leadership Representatives, such as the Chairman or Ranking Member of the major Defense Committees. These delegations visited heads of state, military commands, and deployed U.S. military personnel worldwide. Her attention to detail and anticipation of requirements allowed the Representatives and staff personnel to focus on fact- finding and learning new information to guide critical decisions to support the people of the United States. These trips led to an understanding of the successes and challenges facing our Marines that could only be gleaned from first-hand observation and face-to-face interaction. Captain Hunter also assisted in the planning, coordination, and execution of countless events, receptions, and meetings on Capitol Hill. These events included New Member Orientation for the Freshman Congressional Class of the 112th Congress on Capitol Hill and in Williamsburg, Virginia; The House of Representative Marine Corps Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremonies, Multiple House Armed Services and House Democracy Partnership events, Promotion Ceremonies, Awards Ceremonies, and tours of the Capitol. She also scheduled and supported a great many office calls for the leadership of the Marine Corps to include Commandants of the Marine Corps, Assistant Commandants of the Marine Corps, and numerous other General Officers conducting business on Capitol Hill. Through her exceptional personal efforts, Captain Hunter has contributed immeasurably to the Marine Corps' professional reputation throughout Capitol Hill. The rapport she developed with Members of the House of Representatives and the Professional Staff Members has in large part helped to ensure the strength and vitality of the Navy/ Marine Corps team for years to come. Her exceptional performance as a USMC Congressional Fellow and Operations Officer of the House Liaison Office has made a lasting impact on the readiness and welfare of the Marine Corps, and as such, I thank her for her steadfast dedication to the Marines and our country. From one Marine to another, I can unequivocally state that Captain Hunter is a testament to the Marine Corps' commitment to excellence. On behalf of my colleagues; we thank Captain Hunter and wish her the very best of luck in future endeavors.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and recognize James Richards of Jamul. James was named the recipient of the 2012 Military Child of the Year Award, which honors military children who stand out among others in their community. The candidates must demonstrate good character, and excel within both military and civilian communities. James embodies all of the qualities and more. Each year, more than 1,000 nominees are considered for this award. The recipient is chosen by a committee including those currently in the military, Family Readiness Support Assistants, teachers and others. After choosing the winner, the award is given to one military child from each branch of service. Anyone who knows James is aware that he is extremely involved in his community. He started a blog to help deal with members of his family being deployed. Currently 87 military children follow his blog daily. James also started the anti-bully committee at his school, which meets once a week to discuss ways to prevent bullying in schools. James is one American who is making a difference by lending a helping hand to others. Last year, James volunteered over 200 hours during Christmas season at the USO collecting toys for less fortunate children and wrapping stockings to send to the troops. After collecting gifts he would assist with babysitting for those parents while they picked out gifts. I cannot say enough about James. He is a truly admirable young leader. Without question, he is setting a good example and is a role model to others. I want to thank James for his continual dedication and congratulate him on the Military Child of the Year Award. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing James Richards and wishing him continued success in all future endeavors.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, it's an absolute privilege that I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Jeffrey Leonard Marxen, who died at the age of 60 on Thursday, February 23, 2012. Dr. Marxen was a dedicated, loving father, and renowned orthopedic surgeon. After graduating from college and completing his residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, he moved to San Diego to begin his orthopedic practice. He specialized in replacement and reconstruction of the knee, hip and shoulders. Anyone who knew Dr. Marxen is aware that he was an extremely respected and accomplished surgeon who took great satisfaction in forming lifelong relationships with his patients over the course of his 32-year practice. He was president of the San Diego chapter of the Western Orthopedic Association and held numerous leadership positions within Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, California. Dr. Marxen was interested in community service, sports and pursuing his passion and love for music. He loved playing in evening sports leagues, including softball and tennis, within the community. In addition he was an avid fan of the Chargers, Padres and Aztec Basketball. Along with sports, he enjoyed playing the coronet and the trumpet with the Acme Rhythm and Blues band, which performed all over venues in the San Diego area. My condolences go to Dr. Marxen's wife and best friend, Dr. Annette Conway Marxen; his children, Philip, Jeffrey Christopher and Marissa. Dr. Marxen was truly an inspiration to the San Diego community. I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize such a great American and I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Dr. Jeffrey Marxen.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. I thank the gentleman from Ohio for yielding and for his service as a veteran and for what he has done for this country. I also thank the gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands. One of the most common ways that this Nation honors its military and war dead is with monuments and memorials. Across the Nation, from Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego to Arlington National Cemetery, there are countless markers paying tribute to America's war heroes and the brave men and women who never came home. In many cases, these markers display symbols of religion and personal faith-- representing not just individuals, but the shared commitment and sacrifice of those who serve and those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others and us here at home. I'm reminded of headstones at Arlington National Cemetery or images of Normandy where symbols of personal faith and religion are prominently displayed. And even then, these symbols never overshadow the purpose and message of honoring our military and veterans. Now this time-honored tradition is under attack. Civil liberty groups have taken offense to the presence of religious symbols on war memorials. They are going after a cross sitting atop a hill at Camp Pendleton in San Diego. It's not an official site sanctioned by the Marine Corps or the Federal Government, and the cross can't even be seen by the public. But groups are pushing the Marine Corps to remove the cross from Camp Pendleton even when the base is contributing much of the manpower to the fight in Afghanistan and more recently Iraq. The Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial in San Diego is also a cause for their outrage. The memorial, first erected to honor veterans of the Korean war, displaying a 29-foot concrete cross, is now under the full ownership of the Department of Defense. At the base of the cross are more than 3,000 plaques with images and statements paying tribute to the veterans of all wars and religions. Last year, the runaway Ninth Circuit Court ruled that the memorial is unconstitutional, overturning a lower-court ruling. The future of the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial is uncertain, even though the memorial, for all its years as a fixture of the San Diego community, had one stated purpose: to remember those who have fought and died for this Nation. H.R. 290 ensures Mt. Soledad and any other war memorial will withstand these attacks by allowing the inclusion of all symbols of religion and personal faith on war memorials established and under control of the Federal Government. For the 131 national cemeteries under the purview of the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are currently 48 emblems, I believe, authorized. There is no preference for one symbol over another--the way that things should be. In the face of persistent legal challenges and the threat of more to come, it's important that we install the right protection for war memorials in Federal law, allowing the spirit and tradition of honoring our Nation's military to continue. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my opposition to the U.S.-Korean Free Trade Agreement (KORUS). Put simply, this agreement is a bad business deal for the United States. KORUS is an example of an agreement that stands to benefit certain industries at the expense of others. For instance, the Obama administration went to great lengths to include special provisions to ensure that our auto manufacturers have equal access to South Korean markets. While the economic fairness may help, the effect is likely to be minimal. Currently, over 95 percent of South Koreans drive South Korean cars. Because of this, I have serious concerns about the realistic ability of our auto industry to succeed in a reluctant Korean market. In addition to my concerns with the feasibility of success for the auto industry in South Korea, it is widely acknowledged that textile workers will lose out because of the deal. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that 159,000 American manufacturing jobs will be lost, and because of the administration's failure to address textile issues, it is estimated that 40,000 textile jobs will be lost. I have always said that 1 job lost as a result of free trade is too much. Perhaps most troubling about KORUS-FTA is the unintended economic boost it will give to China, currently South Korea's largest trading partner. Rules of origin provisions in the agreement are set far too low so that only 35 percent, less than half, of a product has to come from either South Korea or the United States. Because such a small portion of a product must come from South Korea in order for it to ensure duty-free access to the United States, the majority of supplies can come from neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, such as China, or even other foreign trading partners, such as the European Union with which South Korea recently entered into a free trade agreement. The United States currently has a $273 billion trade deficit with China, and we should not be in the business of helping China increase their exports with special access to our market. Proponents argue that new, stronger customs provisions in the agreement prevent the transshipment of goods from China or other countries through South Korea. However, the fact of the matter is that these provisions are modeled off NAFTA, which stands as an example of failed free trade. U.S. Customs data shows that fraud has increased as a result of NAFTA, and there has been a decreased ability to intercept or deter illegal activity. These same failed policies should not be replicated in a new agreement. We need to look no further than our previous free trade agreements to see the effects of these deals. In the 17 years since NAFTA, our trade balance with Mexico has gone from a $1.4 billion surplus in 1994 to a $97.2 billion deficit in 2010. South Korea is currently the seventh- largest trading partner of the United States, and the United States is South Korea's third-largest trading partner. Therefore, any agreement is sure to have significant effects on the U.S. economy and trade balance. Mr. Speaker, I feel that this agreement includes too many loopholes, carries too many unintended benefits for foreign competitors, and will result in U.S. job loss.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Chair, my amendment is pretty simple. It requests that the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of Defense, 120 days after the passage of this bill, submit a plan and execute the plan to develop a coordinated strategy between our intelligence communities and our Department of Defense to go after IED manufacturers and IED transporters between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The majority of improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan come from Pakistan. We know where a lot of those IED manufacturers are, but our DOD is not able to execute the strategy of going after those IED manufacturers and the people that transport them across the border on their own. They need the intelligence community and the 16 agencies which make up that community to be on their side. More than 80 percent of the explosive devices used against our U.S. troops in Afghanistan have homemade explosives as the main charge and are almost exclusively derived from calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizer produced in Pakistan. Homemade explosives are also called HMEs. The vast majority of IED components, including commercial explosives, radio-control triggers, and HME precursors are sourced from and/or transmitted through Pakistan. The continued uncontrolled availability of ammonium nitrate and other HME precursor materials smuggled into Afghanistan from Pakistan is the most significant factor contributing to the Afghan IED problem. Over 70 percent of our casualties in Afghanistan come from these homemade IEDs. IEDs are also a problem in Pakistan and to the Pakistani people. Since January of 2011, more than 500 people have been killed and over 14,000 people have been injured by IEDs in Pakistan. The Afghanistan IED threat cannot be defeated without addressing the networks and precursors in Pakistan. To defeat the Pakistan-produced HME-fueled IEDs in Afghanistan, the solution requires integrated efforts and leveraging of the combined authorities, policies, and capabilities of many agencies of our government, coalition partners, and especially the intelligence community. We need to identify the key facilitators of raw materials supplying the HME pipeline into Afghanistan. We also need to identify specific financial networks and funding streams for these HME networks, as well as identify these key financiers. That's what my amendment does. It makes the intelligence community and the defense community get together, submit a plan, and execute that plan to work on the same page, because right now there is a severe gap between what the DOD considers its number 1 priority, our defense guys over there, our soldiers and marines on the ground; their number 1 priority is different from the intelligence community's number one priority. The intelligence community right now goes after high-value targets. They go after the bad guys wherever they may be found, but they need to work together on these IEDs coming over from Pakistan. It's the only way we can defeat them. With that, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to accept my amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Michigan, Chairman Rogers.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. I also want to extend my appreciation to Chairman Kline for his leadership and tireless work toward improving the quality of education for America's children, as well as Ranking Member Kildee, my colleague on the subcommittee and full committee, Ranking Member Miller, as well as Jared Polis from Colorado, who is not even on this full committee but was very supportive of this legislation. Mr. Chairman, the Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act is a bill that will have a direct impact on our Nation's children. Expanding access to high-performing charter schools has the potential to make a world of difference for students across the Nation simply by adding a much needed layer of choice and competition that is good for the entire school system, not just charters. Unlike traditional public schools, the charter school model is not limited by a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, these institutions enjoy increased freedom from State and local rules and regulations in exchange for greater accountability. Also, the flexibility afforded to charter schools allows teachers and school administrators to adjust schedules and course work to better serve a wide range of students in their individual communities, including disadvantaged students. For example, a Louisiana charter school established in the wake of Hurricane Katrina enrolled many students who had fallen significantly behind other students their age after the disaster forced them to miss a full year of school. Despite these difficult circumstances, dedicated teachers tailored ground-breaking coursework to meet the needs of these students. Student achievement levels soared, and this charter school is now the third most successful high school in New Orleans. Improved academic achievement in even the most troubled school districts is one reason why charter schools are in such high demand, with more than 400,000 students across the Nation on wait lists. Even so, many States have imposed arbitrary caps on the total number of charter schools permitted as well as the total number of students allowed to attend these schools. These provisions unnecessarily stifle parental choice and keep students trapped in low-performing schools. Charter schools also have difficulty securing adequate funding. Current law awards funding for the establishment of new charter schools but does not support funds for replication, updates, or improvements. As a result, charter schools with a proven record of high student achievement may be unable to secure funding to replicate their educational model in a new community. The Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act will help put an end to these barriers to charter school growth by streamlining and modernizing the Federal Charter Schools Program. The law will facilitate the ability of States to access funding for the expansion and replication of the best charter schools through the simplification of the Federal grant program. Additionally, the legislation incentivizes charter school development by offering priority grant funding to States that remove arbitrary caps on charter school growth. Charter schools provide an opportunity for students who might otherwise spend their formative years stuck in subpar classrooms. We cannot allow arbitrary measures or partisan differences to stand in the way of providing all children access to a high quality education. I strongly encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to unite in support of a better future for the Nation's students and vote ``yes'' on the Empowering Parents Through Quality Charter Schools Act.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a great American hero and the exceptional organization he founded--the Combat Marine Outdoors--which exists to serve our severely wounded Marines, soldiers, airmen, and sailors with unique and extraordinary opportunities to participate in outdoor hunting and fishing excursions. As we all know, behind every great endeavor there is a great personality. In this case, that great personality, that person of extraordinary character, is United States Marine Corps Colonel Alan Orr. Colonel Orr, while a solid Marine Corps Artillery officer (and in full disclosure my former battalion commander), is a special man whose love for our Marines, sailors and soldiers extends from the front lines of battle to the hospitals where our wounded warriors recover, and most exceptionally, to life past the battlefield. Extending beyond the stifling halls of military hospitals and recovery barracks, Colonel Orr, along with a group of dedicated hunters, ranch owners and patriots, have reinstilled our wounded heroes to the realization that excitement, adventure and Teddy Roosevelt's ``Strenuous Life'' doesn't end with their service wounds. In 2005, Combat Marine Outdoors founding members Colonel Orr, Rusty Hicks, Master Gunnery Sergeant Arturo Garcia and my father, former Congressman Duncan L. Hunter, visited wounded Marines from the 1st Marine Division at Brooke Army Medical Center. None were strangers to what they saw--they witnessed the full impact of war injuries. But it was their actions that made all the difference. They responded by creating an organization that would not only accelerate the recovery process, but restore hope in our servicemen and women. In collaboration with thousands of contributors and over 50 ranches, the Combat Marine Outdoors has provided well over 200 wounded veterans from Balboa Hospital to Walter Reed with the opportunity to hunt and fish, often at a once-in-a-lifetime adventure location, such as the Two Dot Ranch and the Y.O. Ranch in Texas. These outdoor experiences on ranches, bays and lakes foster the opportunity to engage in a challenging experience that promotes teamwork and camaraderie. In many cases, these excursions facilitated a turning point in emotional recovery through a challenging experience that helps our wounded military men and women regain confidence through a sense of accomplishment. A story then: a United States Marine wounded in combat, blinded, with both legs amputated. He sits in Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, waiting to recover and wondering what his future holds. For a weekend, he is taken by Colonel Orr and his band of patriots to an American treasure, the Texas Ranch. In the great outdoors, this blind, double amputee is, amazingly, guided by Colonel Orr and successfully shoots a big game animal. The excitement and feeling of accomplishment and the outdoors is no less real for this Marine for the fact that he cannot see his trophy. He has lived the hunt and is more alive for it. While many people, myself included, make the effort to show our veterans our appreciation, whether hunting elk in Colorado or deep sea fishing in San Diego, the exceptional few transition good intentions and singular acts of compassion into a systematic execution of true benevolent action. Colonel Orr is the consummate professional, more versed in the art of artillery than any officer I have ever known. But his impact is immeasurable when he takes one of our country's greatest treasures and returns the excitement of ``living life'' to him. That is the beauty of what Colonel Orr has accomplished through Combat Marine Outdoors. Mr. Speaker, most Americans will never know the pain and discomfort of combat, or what those who bear the scars of war feel when the smoke clears and they return home. But when they do return, what we can do beyond providing the care that restores the highest quality of life and self-reliance is to open doors that give new meaning, encouragement and excitement to those who were willing to sacrifice everything so that we can stay safe. This is what Combat Marine Outdoors is all about. As a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I am pleased to support the mission and service of the Combat Marine Outdoors for our wounded service personnel, and I am honored to have served with Colonel Alan Orr, a man who not only epitomizes military discipline, but exudes a steady compassion and love for our young warriors through a life of service above self. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this exceptional organization and the exceptional man who started it.