Duncan Hunter

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, before we talk about H.R. 5978, I would like to talk about what is not in this bill, which is probably one of the most important things that is my duty, Mr. Garamendi's duty, and the Coast Guard's duty to get done--and that is build a polar icebreaker. Let me tell you why there is no polar icebreaker in this bill: the CBO couldn't get their act together in time to score this one way or another. So, again, this body is held ransom by the Congressional Budget Office not scoring something one way or another, whether it is good to go or not. The reason it is so important that we have more polar icebreakers and that we included the language that passed the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee last week is this: we do not have 24/7, 365- day polar icebreaking ability for the Arctic. The Russians have over 40 polar icebreakers. That is over 40, some of which are even nuclear. China has got more than 20 now. The United States only has one that is capable of crushing heavy ice, and even that is not available 24/7, 365. The High Latitude Region Mission Analysis revealed the following Coast Guard missions--defense readiness; ice operations; marine environmental protection; and ports, waterways, and coastal security in the Arctic--were significantly impacted by the gap in this mission performance. It is these gaps and the knowledge that, when the Polar Star reaches the end of its extended service life, we will have a period where the Coast Guard doesn't have a heavy icebreaker at all, let alone what it has now, which is limited capability in the Arctic. Progress is being made on the acquisition front. Mr. Garamendi and I and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee granted the Coast Guard the capability to do block buys, which is what the Navy has, where you can purchase more than one vessel at a time, which saves billions of dollars. We also gave them the ability to have lead-time materials, which means they could buy the materials way in advance, which would save tens of millions of dollars. The Coast Guard now has this ability for the FRC and the OPC. We want them to have it for the icebreaker as well, but because of the CBO not scoring this, we weren't able to get the language in. Here is the specific language that is missing from H.R. 5978: ``The Commandant of the Coast Guard, subject to the availability of amounts specifically provided in advance in subsequent appropriations acts may enter into a contract for the acquisition of no less than three heavy polar icebreakers; and may enter into a contract for acquisition of additional polar icebreakers, except that the total number of icebreakers acquired under this subsection may not exceed six.'' We are talking about three. Right now we have one. ``Such acquisitions may be made through block buy contracts; may be incrementally funded; may include combined purchases, also known as economic order quantity purchases, of materials and components; and long lead time materials; and may include advance construction funding.'' This is what the Navy has for every ship that they make. This is one reason we created a joint program office between the Coast Guard and the Navy, so that the Navy can push the Coast Guard to do the right thing. The Coast Guard, let it be said, at the best, has been dragging their feet on acquiring these icebreakers. In fact, they have been pushing back against Congress every inch of the way on this. In my point of view, this is just like UAVs, or the unmanned aerial vehicles that we have now, Predators and the like. Congress earmarked those because the Air Force did not want pilotless airplanes. Then you would have to get rid of pilots. So the Air Force pushed back day and night in the late nineties and this Congress earmarked Predator drones. That is why we have Predator drones. The military pushed back against Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, also known as MRAP vehicles, which have saved thousands of lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, also pushed by Congress, not the U.S. military. In things like this, Congress is able to see things outside the box, which the Coast Guard cannot in this case. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5978) to amend title 14, United States Code, to clarify the functions of the Chief Acquisition Officer of the Coast Guard, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Farenthold).

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. I thank the gentleman and my great friend from California. Mr. Speaker, the parties to this settlement have been working towards a resolution for almost 50 years; so I will keep my remarks brief so that we don't delay them any further. Before I get into the substance of this bill, I thank Chairman Bishop, Chairman Fleming, and the Natural Resources Committee staff for their assistance in getting this bill to the floor right now. I also thank my friends across the aisle. Today we are addressing an issue that dates back to the late 19th century, when the Federal Government established reservations--in what is now my district in northern San Diego County--for five Mission Indian bands. The creation of these reservations included sufficient water to meet the bands' present and future needs. However, in 1969, litigation arose surrounding whether the Federal Government improperly signed over the bands' water rights claims to two non-Indian municipalities--what are today the city of Escondido and the Vista Irrigation District. In 1988, after decades of litigation, Congress enacted legislation that was introduced by former Congressman Ron Packard, the 1988 San Luis Rey Water Rights Settlement Act. Among its provisions, the legislation directed the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to provide water annually to the tribes and established the San Luis Rey Tribal Development Fund. However, that act only becomes effective when all of the parties to the litigation enter into a settlement agreement providing for the complete resolution of all claims. That is what the legislation we are considering today accomplishes. This legislation puts into effect a previous Department of Justice settlement agreed to by all parties--the five Mission Indian bands, the two local municipalities, and the Federal Government--and requires no new money or water to be enacted. With the passage of H.R. 1296, Congress can, at last, end this dispute and finalize the action it sought in passing the original settlement act in 1988. I urge all Members to support this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, the Republic of Georgia is a trusted friend and partner of the United States. I firmly support Georgia's sovereignty, security and prosperity, and I wish to congratulate Georgians on the remarkable democratic and economic progress they have achieved in 25 years of independence since the fall of the Soviet Union. I would particularly like to call attention to the United States' unwavering security partnership with Georgia, whose armed forces participate in international missions worldwide, including the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan where Georgia is contributing more personnel than any other non-NATO member. I know the United States deeply appreciates Georgia's contributions to these missions and honors its sacrifices. Our important security relationship with Georgia continues to grow through ongoing regional efforts like the European Readiness Initiative and expanded bilateral cooperation. And our two countries are working closely to boost our mutual security, build Georgia's resilience and self-defense capabilities and create a safer region and world. In this context, I remain deeply concerned about Russia's continued occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and believe Russia must fulfill its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement. The United States is steadfast in our support for Georgia's sovereignty and remains committed to helping Georgia achieve its goal of NATO and European Union membership and full integration into European institutions. Georgia is preparing for parliamentary elections in October, an important test of the country's civic institutions and democratic practices. Georgia's continued democratic maturation depends on free and fair elections in a pluralistic media environment. And it is critical for Georgia to sustain progress in enacting its reform agenda, particularly in the justice sector, which will both further strengthen our bilateral partnership and prove to Georgians that their government is working for them. Progress has not come without difficulty, but the commitment of the Georgian people has made Georgia a true standout in a difficult region and an important partner of the United States. Again, I would like to congratulate the Republic of Georgia on reaching this significant milestone and recognize the importance of our continued close partnership.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, this week marks the 100th anniversary of the ``Shipping Act of 1916'' becoming law, a measure that established the entity that has evolved into what exists today as the Federal Maritime Commission. The impetus for this legislation was a concern among policymakers about the state of the American maritime industry and more specifically, how to deal with two key challenges: the paucity of shipping capacity and potential anti-competitive business practices by steamship lines. That latter point was of particular interest to Representative Joshua W. Alexander (D-MO), who was Chairman of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries from 1911 to 1919. In the Sixty-Third Congress, Mr. Alexander's Committee published a Report on Steamship Agreements and Affiliations in the American Foreign and Domestic Trade that found shipping companies did indeed cooperate formally or informally, but concluded it was more beneficial to the shipping public for these lines and their cooperative agreements to be regulated than for the government to attempt to end these business practices. In the following Congress, Mr. Alexander introduced the Shipping Act of 1916, which became law on September 7, 1916, when it was signed by President Woodrow Wilson. Congress achieved two key goals through this act: first, it created a merchant fleet capable of meeting the defense and trade requirements of the United States; and second, it regulated the industry to ensure competitiveness and protect the interests of shippers and consumers. Both of these objectives were to be achieved through the work of the five-member United States Shipping Board created via the bill. This legislation was passed as armies in Europe battled each other from trenches and across no-man's-land. It became the law at a time before the United States was a combatant in the First World War, and the intent of the act was not to prepare for conflict. Nevertheless, this measure had the fortunate effect of taking the first steps toward remedying the serious issue of the lack of sufficient transport ships available to our military. Today, international trade is an integral and critical part of the American economy. More than one-third of our Nation's Gross Domestic Product is tied to global commerce, and this figure is only predicted to become more significant in the coming years. Ocean transportation of goods and commodities is the backbone of our trading system, and the Federal Maritime Commission ensures that export and import shippers enjoy access to international maritime carriage services that are fair, reliable, and efficient. Each of us, as consumers, benefits from the competitive marketplace the Commission works to maintain. Mr. Speaker, much like our predecessors who served in this very body 100 years ago, I want to guarantee the men and women of our armed services possess the resources they require to achieve their mission. As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, it is frustrating that, while history has repeatedly demonstrated the need for the United States to maintain a vibrant merchant fleet and to have the vessels required for the transportation of troops and materials, we do not always heed the lessons of the past. While we should follow the example of what Congress did in 1916 and find ways to reinvigorate the U.S. Merchant Fleet in the international trades, it is reassuring to know that the Federal Maritime Commission monitors the global shipping market for predatory and anticompetitive practices. The work of the Commission is little known, but critical.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the service of Lieutenant Colonel Sean C. Braziel, who serves as the Strategic Operations Officer for the Marine Corps Intelligence Activity (MCIA). Sean will retire from the Marine Corps on September 1st, 2016, after 20 years of distinguished and faithful service to this great nation. Throughout his unique career, Lieutenant Colonel Braziel has had the opportunity to serve our country in capacities that span intelligence analysis, policy, and operations. Prior to his current assignment, Lieutenant Colonel Braziel served as the head of Intelligence Plans and Policy for Headquarters Marine Corps, and as the Marine Corps liaison officer to the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) where he planned sensitive, strategic operations and briefed cabinet-level officials to positively affect U.S. national security objectives. At the CIA, he also served as the chief of crisis operations, leading joint military and interagency teams to more than 27 countries serving in combat operations on 13 separate deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other contingency areas. As a major, Lieutenant Colonel Braziel served as the intelligence officer for the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit where he led the intelligence effort for crisis and contingency operations, and integrated the first Marine Special Operations Company detachment to deploy aboard U.S. Navy shipping. Sean was the head of the Imagery Branch for MCIA where he tasked and integrated national collection assets to support Marine Corps and Navy operations in the wake of 9/11. He also served as the Air Combat Element intelligence officer for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, the air combat intelligence officer, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and the Marine Aircraft Group-16 intelligence officer. In addition to his distinguished career as a Marine, Sean has used his talents to inspire the youth of this nation as a head coach for junior hockey and is a volunteer coach and speaker to USA Hockey's National Team Development Program in Plymouth, Michigan. He has led and developed athletes and diverse teams toward success, including the 2015 U-18 AA Youth Hockey National Championship. He has spoken at the semi- annual NCAA Division I Coaches Symposium on ethics in coaching and leading elite teams. Lieutenant Colonel Braziel is married to the former Janet Jumper of Burke, VA. He has one son, Collin, and he and Janet have two daughters, Claire and Chelsea. The love and support of his family has aided and strengthened Sean throughout his service and I congratulate them as well on this special occasion. I am proud to share in the celebration of Lieutenant Colonel Braziel's military career. As he and his family move to this next chapter of life, I wish Sean ``fair winds and following seas'' as he embarks on his future endeavors. Semper Fidelis, Marine.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, five years ago, I had the honor of bringing to the attention of this House a tribute for a great Devil Dog celebrating his 90th birthday. Once again, I have been given this honor and rise to recognize Marine Corps Master Sergeant Frank Mason who will be turning 95 this month. As I said at that time, Frank is part of America's greatest generation who led our nation to victory in World War II and came home to live a life every one of us should be blessed to have. On May 3, 2011, I outlined Frank's life story of service and sacrifice in great detail, so here I will just remind everyone briefly that he enlisted in the Marine Corps at 17, proudly serving in World War II in China and the Philippines, held as a prisoner of war for over three years, and once again served during the Korean War, including the critical and historic Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. While I initially searched for new words to describe Frank and his service, I have come to the realization that what was stated five years ago remains the best description and rings just as true today. So, with no apology for repeating my previous remarks, I believe Frank's account of these events aptly reflects the attitude of a Marine rifleman and the proud tradition and honor of the Marine Corps to this very day. Frank asserted, ``We never surrendered. We were ordered to stop fighting.'' I will also repeat the quote I used at the time from Ronald Reagan, ``Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have made a difference in the world. Marines don't have that problem.'' Mr. Speaker, as a fellow Marine and a Member of Congress that represents Frank in this body, I am proud to once again thank him for his service and wish him all the best as he celebrates his 95th birthday. Frank, we are honored by the example you provide. Semper Fidelis.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the service of Colonel Drew T. Doolin, of the Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Agency, or JIDA, who will retire from the United States Marine Corps on July 1, 2016, after 30 years of distinguished and faithful service to our nation. Colonel Doolin significantly contributed to the global fight against Improvised Explosive Devices during his final tour of duty as JIDA's Chief of Staff. His direction and oversight were crucial in ensuring our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines serving in harm's way had the necessary capabilities and training to protect them from improvised threats. Colonel Doolin's service has spanned a variety of command and staff billets to include Chief of Staff and assistant Chief of Staff for Aviation Ground Support at Third Marine Aircraft Wing; Commanding Officer, Marine Wing Support Group 37; Commanding Officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 7 during two combat deployments to Iraq; Director, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Exercise Training Branch J-7; Director, Lifecycle Management Branch, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; Director, Logistics Operations Team, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; Commandant of the Marine Corps' Executive Research Fellow at the Brookings Institute; and Military Aide to Vice President Dick Cheney. Colonel Doolin's decorations include the Legion of Merit Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star in lieu of second award, the Joint Staff Badge, and the Vice Presidential Service Badge. By his side throughout his successful career and arduous deployments have been Maribeth, his wonderful wife of 28 years, and their children Kendra, Ryan, Delayna and Caroline. Their love and support has aided and strengthened Colonel Doolin throughout his service and I congratulate them as well on this special occasion. I am proud to share in the celebration of Colonel Doolin's military career, and as he and his family move to this next chapter of his life, I wish Colonel Doolin ``fair winds and following seas'' as he embarks on his future endeavors. Semper Fidelis Marine.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the life of a pillar of service from our community in East San Diego County, Mr. B.W. ``Stoney'' Stone of Santee, who passed away on April 20, 2016, surrounded by his family and loved ones. We had over 90 years with Stoney but, honestly, the selfish side of us wishes we had him a bit longer because we knew East County was better with him by our side. Born in Mesa, AZ in 1925, Stoney moved to East County with his parents as a teen, graduating from Sweetwater High School in 1943. Knowing how much service was a part of his character, it is no surprise that he immediately joined the Army Air Forces upon graduation, proudly serving his nation during World War II from 1943 through 1946. Stoney was also a successful businessman, opening Stoney's Rock & Roll Market in El Cajon, before moving into the banking industry and becoming President of Cajon Valley Bank and eventually retiring from Temecula Valley Bank in 2000. By his side throughout this successful career was Stoney's beautiful wife of 54 years Bonnie and a large family of five children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In our community, Stoney was known as ``Mr. East County,'' and this was for good reason. Aside from his family, community service was Stoney's greatest passion, particularly helping underprivileged children. Stoney founded the East County Toy and Food Drive, which has been helping kids for the past 41 years and has become East County's largest Holiday charity collection event, assisting over 20,000 families and 50,000 children. In fact, the drive became so successful that, 14 years ago, Stoney asked the Salvation Army to come in and help organize the thousands of toy donations to ensure that they reached those in need. Eventually this event would be taken over by another great service leader in our community, the Viejas Band of Mission Indians, who have proudly carried on Stoney's legacy. Aside from the Toy and Food Drive, Stoney was instrumental in helping the El Cajon Police Department with their D.A.R.E. program, which would eventually evolve into its own program named Stoney's Kids. This program has raised over $800,000 since 1991 to assist underprivileged kids throughout the year in providing youth programs, summer camp, sport equipment, music instruments, exercise equipment for the disabled, and playground build-outs. As if this was not enough, Stoney was also involved with the Mother Goose Parade, the American Red Cross, and the Lion's Club, always serving with his personal motto, ``It's All About the Kids.'' In our community we like to say that ``East County is a special place to live.'' The fact of the matter is that it's the people that make it special and there was no greater example of this than Stoney Stone. As the Congressman whose district has included East County for many years, I am proud to have had the privilege of knowing Stoney and learning from his commitment to service. And while we will miss him greatly, we are left with Stoney's example and legacy that challenges us to do more. Thank you Stoney, for everything.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100-year mark since Archie Moore's birth, one of America's greatest boxers, whose career took him from the ring, to the big screen in Hollywood and to San Diego, where his impact is still felt today as a crusader against the gang and drug culture. Throughout Archie's life, he competed in 219 boxing matches, winning 185--131 coming by knockout; however, Archie's most important life work came outside the ring, when, in 1957, he founded the Any Body Can (ABC) Youth Foundation. In its 59th year, the ABC Youth Foundation continues to serve low-income students throughout Southeast San Diego, and aims to empower San Diego's inner-city youth with courage and dignity as they confront life's challenges. Throughout the years, ABC has moved throughout the San Diego area, but its mission remains the same. They offer after school learning programs, where students can do homework and receive tutoring in a comfortable environment; they ensure that students are able to ``Bridge the Gap'' during school breaks, by providing hands-on educational learning experiences and a meal free of charge; and in honor of Archie, they offer year-round boxing classes, where students can learn self- defense and build self-esteem. As you can see, Mr. Speaker, Archie's legacy is alive and well in San Diego--it is seen in the thousands of students who have traveled through ABC's door in the past 59 years. When Archie passed away, he handed the torch on to his son, Billy Moore, who has served as President of the ABC Foundation since 1998. Billy's leadership as President of ABC would make his father proud, as he has presented the ABC Concept in eleven community schools throughout the San Diego region and ensured that students have the opportunity to rise up out of challenging circumstances. On the occasion of this 100-year anniversary, we remember both the champion he was in the ring and the impact he made out of the ring, by inspiring students to realize that Any Body Can make a difference.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 4188) to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2016 and 2017, and for other purposes.

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 4188.

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I stand here with my good friend from California (Mr. Garamendi), and it looks like the third time is the charm for the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015. After twice passing an authorization bill to the Senate in 2015, we finally have before us a Senate-passed bill. H.R. 4188, as amended by the Senate, is very similar to the legislation which passed the House in December of 2015. It makes several reforms to Coast Guard authorities, as well as laws governing shipping and navigation. It is important legislation that will assist the Coast Guard in fulfilling its missions. I thank the committee ranking members, Mr. DeFazio and Mr. Garamendi, for their hard work and their efforts, and Chairman Shuster for his leadership. Our collective interests to support the Coast Guard and its many missions allowed for the development of the bill before us today. The members of the Coast Guard do a tremendous job for our Nation. Coast Guard servicemembers place their lives on the line and at risk on a daily basis to save those in danger, ensure the safety and security of our ports and waterways, and protect our environmental resources. Passing H.R. 4188 will help rebuild and strengthen the Coast Guard. It will also demonstrate the strong support Congress has for the men and women of the Coast Guard and the deep appreciation we have for the sacrifices they make for our Nation. I thank John Rayfield, who is on my staff, and the Democrats' staff for what they have done on this bill. I thank Reyna Hernandez McGrail for the work that she put in, and I thank Commander Burdian, with the Coast Guard, who liaised with us on a daily basis to get this done. I urge all Members to support H.R. 4188 as amended by the Senate. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, the Coast Guard in the future is going to fulfill a much greater role than it has filled since its inception. As you have weapons of mass destruction become ubiquitous throughout the world, the bad guys are going to use the same routes that they use to smuggle drugs and people to smuggle weapons of mass destruction into this country. It is my belief and Mr. Garamendi's firm belief that the Coast Guard is going to play a major, pivotal role going forward. After the Iranian deal goes through, who knows who is going to have nuclear weapons. It is going to be the Coast Guard that interdicts and stops them on those same drug routes that they are going to be taking with those weapons of mass destruction; so it is important that we make sure that they are staffed, that they are capable, and that they are ready to do what we need them to do as a nation, even if it is different than what they have done for the last few hundred years. I also thank my staff and Mr. Garamendi's staff and my personal staff for their time and effort. I will even squeak in a thank-you for the Senate for just finally getting it done. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, for 28 years the United States has been a party to the Treaty on Fisheries Between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the Government of the United States of America. At the time of its development, the Treaty resolved maritime boundary disputes and secured access for United States fishermen to tuna stocks wherever they migrated beyond the coastal waters of Pacific Island nations. To provide such access, multi-year fishing agreements were established, where vessel owners could pay for a license to access the Treaty area, roughly ten million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean. In addition to the industry license payments, the Treaty includes a related Economic Assistance Agreement between the United States and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency. The economic assistance usually ran in conjunction with the multi-year fishing agreement. Up until 2013, when a 10-year Economic Assistance Agreement of $21 million a year was adopted. It is important to stress that the economic assistance does not occur on its own; it has always been tied to United States fishermen fishing in the Treaty area. Multi-year fishing agreements were fairly stable under the Treaty for the first 25 years, with the last 10-year agreement expiring in 2013. Since then, the United States and the Island nations have only been able to agree on annual agreements, the last few being detrimental to United States-flag vessels due to lower tuna prices and payment for unused fishing days causing economic hardship. The most recent nonbinding agreement was developed in August 2015, and has been under month's long discussion between the Department of State and the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency regarding the final number of fishing days the United States and its industry will be paying for in 2016. Since January 1, 2016, United States-flag vessels have been banned from the Treaty fishing area, even though the United States Government paid $21 million in economic assistance in June 2015, which covers through June 2016. Thirty-seven United States-flag vessels are impacted by the ban and are losing money every day the vessels are tied up. The impact on the United States-flag fleet cannot be minimized. The viability of these United States companies and American jobs are at stake. For that reason, I am introducing the Fairness to United States Distant Water Fishermen Act of 2016. The bill would prohibit the United States Government from providing economic assistance payments to the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency, when there is no Treaty agreement allowing United States-flag vessels access to the Treaty area.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great American and fearless leader of Marines--General John Kelly, who is retiring this week after 42 years of honorable service to this nation. Few officers can claim General Kelly's long list of accomplishments, but that's just a part of what he's known for. He's also one of the savviest and most proficient officers among a very deep bench of leaders within the American military. And because of his talents and acumen, he's also among the most respected. I really got to know General Kelly during my first Iraq deployment in 2003. He had a reputation as someone who was willing to get his hands dirty, which isn't always true of many officers at that level. Looking back at that deployment, I am proud and honored to call General Kelly a mentor, and I am especially grateful that I was able to see up-close the value and significance of true leadership. General Kelly also has a way with words. He can honor or even memorialize Marines in one breath, and then motivate and inspire in the next. In fact, in one of his many inspirational moments, General Kelly eulogized two Marines who died as a result of a suicide vehicle. That speech, now known by the title ``Six Seconds to Live,'' is widely cited by Marines, military leaders and veterans alike, and exists as a testament to Marine combat ethos and dedication to duty. General Kelly also experienced an enormous hardship of his own when his son, Marine First Lieutenant Robert Kelly, was killed in action in Sangin, Afghanistan. We know, Mr. Speaker, that there is no greater sacrifice a Marine and his or her family can make--and as a nation, we are forever grateful for such a sacrifice. Some people might have walked away from their military careers at that point, but not General Kelly, whose oldest son is also a Marine. The Kellys are a military family--more importantly, they are Marine Corps family, and service to the nation is in the Kelly bloodline. General Kelly's resolve and courage, during the toughest of times, is a testament to his character, his strength and his commitment to his nation and his family. Mr. Speaker, the Marine Corps and the entire nation benefited from General Kelly's service and his many contributions, from a commander in Iraq to the head of U.S. Southern Command, where he's closing out his career. He leaves behind him a trail that he blazed over 40-plus years--and I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, there will continue to be many Marines who will aspire to walk down that same path. He would have been a great Marine Corps commandant, and he could have served anywhere and done anything--without limits. But as his Marine Corps career ends, knowing General Kelly, he'll be spending lots of quality time with friends and family--and it's time that's well deserved for his contributions as one of my generation's top military leaders. To General Kelly, I say Semper Fi. Thank you, on behalf of this entire institution and the nation. We are grateful for your service.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, Section 310(b) of H.R. 4188, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, requires the Coast Guard to prepare a Port Access Route Study for Nantucket Sound. The study would include the area subject to a lease for the Cape Wind Project. That lease is the subject of pending litigation that challenges, among other claims, the Coast Guard's terms and conditions under section 414 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 for failing to protect navigational safety. It is important that we do not interfere in this litigation, and section 310(b) does not make any presuppositions about the validity of the Coast Guard's actions under section 414. In addition, section 310(b) does not make any presuppositions about the validity of the lease for that Project. It is for the court to decide whether the Coast Guard properly set the terms and conditions for that project in accordance with section 414, and the Department of the Interior imposed proper conditions on the lease. Section 310(b) is needed because, when the Atlantic Coast PARS began, Nantucket Sound had been excluded. The PARS must review how any project in Nantucket Sound would impact the navigational safety of current marine transportation and vessel activities. The Coast Guard is also directed to review existing regulations to improve navigation safety. The goal of the report is to identify the impact to the current and future navigational activities and how to avoid unsafe operating requirements on vessels, and revise existing regulations to improve navigational safety in Nantucket Sound.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 4188, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, is a product of bipartisan efforts to reauthorize the Coast Guard through fiscal year 2017. The House passed similar legislation by a voice vote in May. The bill makes several reforms to Coast Guard authorities, as well as laws governing shipping and navigation. Specifically, the bill supports Coast Guard servicemembers, improves Coast Guard mission effectiveness, enhances oversight of the Coast Guard programs, encourages job growth in the maritime sector by cutting regulatory burdens on job creators, strengthens maritime drug enforcement laws, and increases coordination with partner nations, further strengthening port security. It does all this in a way that allows this to be brought under suspension in a bipartisan way. I want to commend Ranking Members DeFazio and Garamendi for their efforts in getting us to this point and, of course, the leadership of Chairman Shuster. I also want to thank the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard for the tremendous job they do for our Nation. Coast Guard servicemembers place their lives at risk on a daily basis to save those in danger, ensure the safety and security of our ports and waterways, and protect our environmental resources. They do all this on aging, obsolete cutters, and aircraft, some of which were first commissioned in World War II. Passing H.R. 4188 will help rebuild and strengthen the Coast Guard. It will also demonstrate the strong support Congress has for the men and women of the Coast Guard and the deep appreciation we have for the sacrifices that they make for our Nation. I urge all Members to support H.R. 4188. I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC, December 10, 2015. Hon. Bill Shuster, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing concerning H.R. 4188, the ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015,'' which was introduced on December 8, 2015. H.R. 4188 contains provisions within the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's rule X jurisdiction. As a result of your having consulted with the Committee and in order to expedite this bill for floor consideration, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology will forgo action on the bill. This is being done on the basis of our mutual understanding that doing so will in no way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology with respect to the appointment of conferees, or to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill or similar legislation. I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming this understanding, and would request that you include a copy of this letter and your response in the Congressional Record during the floor consideration of this bill. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Sincerely, Lamar Smith, Chairman.

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4188) to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2016 and 2017, and for other purposes.

Mr. HUNTER. 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 H.R. 4188.

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I enjoy working with the gentleman from California as well. It is a strange situation when we actually get stuff done. It is a California thing. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith).

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.