Doug Lamborn

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Major General Mark A. Graham who became Commanding General of First Army Division West and Fort Carson on September 14, 2007. Major General Graham, who entered the Army in 1977 upon his graduation from Murray State University as a graduate of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, holds a bachelors degree from Murray State University, a Masters in Business Administration from Oklahoma City University, and a Masters of Science from National Defense University. Major General Graham is also a graduate of Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, United States Army Command and General Staff College, and National War College. After attending United States Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 1990, Major General Graham served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 2000, Major General Graham was appointed Commander, 3rd Battlefield Coordination Detachment in Korea and went on to serve as Executive Officer to the Commander-in- Chief, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea until July of 2003. Following this position, Major General Graham served as Chief of Staff for the United States Army Field Artillery Center and Fort Sill at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and later as Deputy Commander and Assistant Commandant of the United States Army Field Artillery Center and School at Fort Sill. Most recently, Major General Graham was the Deputy Commanding General, Fifth United States Army at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. During his distinguished career, Major General Graham has received numerous decorations including the Defense Superior Service Medal, a Bronze Star, a Meritorious Service Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters, a Joint Service Commendation, and an Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. It is an honor to welcome him to Fort Carson and the Fifth Congressional District of Colorado.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate General C. Robert Kehler being promoted General and becoming Commander of the Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base. Prior to assuming command of AFSPC, General Kehler served as the Deputy Commander for U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. Entering the Air Force in 1975 upon his graduation from Pennsylvania State University as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, General Kehler went on to graduate from missile operational readiness training. This area of expertise has enabled him to serve in various roles from missile crew, to instructor, to evaluator and in wing-level staff positions. After completing an Air Staff Internship and tour at Strategic Air Command headquarters, General Kehler served in the Office of Legislative Liaison of the Secretary of the Air Force, a capacity in which he was the expert on Capitol Hill for issues regarding the ICBM Modernization Program. While serving on the Joint Staff, General Kehler aided in the overhaul of the nuclear war plan structure and targeting. In addition to his recent position as Director of National Security Space Integration for the Office of the Under Secretary of the Air Force, General Kehler was also the Deputy Director of Operations at Air Force Space Command at Peterson where he was Commander of the 21st Space Wing. It is a pleasure to welcome General Kehler back to Colorado. I know that AFSPC will benefit tremendously from his capable leadership.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude for General Kevin P. Chilton's service as Commander of the Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base. During his time there, General Chilton commanded over 39,700 professionals responsible for providing North American Aerospace Defense command and U.S. Strategic Command with combat forces and capabilities. In addition to managing the development, acquisition and operation of the Air Force's missile and space systems, the General also supervised missile warning and launch facilities, satellite command and control, and America's intercontinental ballistic missile force. Before coming to AFSPC, General Chilton served as Commander, 8th Air Force, and Joint Functional Component Commander for Space and Global Strike, U.S. Strategic Command. General Chilton, who graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1976, is a Guggenheim Fellow with a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from Columbia University. After graduating from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School in 1984 with the Liethen-Tittle Award for top graduate, General Chilton conducted weapons testing in models of F-4 and F-15. In 1987 he entered the National Aeronautics and Space Administration where he served as Deputy Program Manager for Operations for the International Space Station Program and flew on three space shuttle missions. A capable leader, General Chilton has served on the Air Force Space Command Staff, the Joint Staff, the Air Staff and was the Commander of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing. His distinguished career has been marked by numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, and NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal. I wish to offer my sincere appreciation to General Chilton for his dedicated service to our nation and his contributions to Air Force Space Command.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my sincere gratitude for Major General Robert W. Mixon's service to Fort Carson as Commanding General of Division West, First Army and previously as Commander of the 7th Infantry Division. Before coming to Fort Carson, Major General Mixon, a 1974 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, served as Deputy Director and Chief of Staff for Futures Center at the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Virginia. He was also the Deputy Commanding General, Assistant Commandant, and Director of the Unit of Action Maneuver Battle Lab at Fort Knox as well as the Assistant Division Commander 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood. Major General Mixon, an Armor Officer, has served in numerous capacities at the operations, planning and training levels including as Command of L Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at Bad Hersfeld, Germany, Command of 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Bliss, Texas, and as Command of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Republic of Korea. A distinguished graduate of the War College, Major General Mixon also holds a Masters of Arts in History from Rice University and was an Assistant Professor of History at West Point from 1982 until 1985. As Major General Mixon prepares to retire from the U.S. Army, he departs with an impeccable record of nobility and leadership of the utmost distinction. Soldiers who served under his command will always remember him to be a soldier's general. I would like to offer my sincere appreciation for his commitment to defending our country and the invaluable contributions he has made to Fort Carson.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LAMBORN. Yes, in its current form.

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Just briefly in response, I would like to say that the parenthetical phrase ``including measures required in emergencies'' is, I believe, unacceptably vague. It should not have to be the case where a Forest supervisor has to go get attorneys and call the lawyers to say, In this case, here's the situation: Is a boat okay or do we have to use horseback or can we go on foot? It's just simply not clear enough.

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, the Wilderness Act is currently unclear as to when motorized access may be used for health and safety reasons in a wilderness area or in a wilderness study area. This motion to recommit removes any ambiguity regarding the legality of responding to health and safety emergencies within the wilderness area designated by this bill. Current law does not specifically authorize the use of motorized or mechanical equipment within wilderness areas in response to health and safety emergencies. The provision in the Wilderness Act dealing with health and safety issues is in parentheses and does not clearly define what types of motorized vehicles may be allowed for emergencies. The fact is that health, safety, and fire concerns merit more than a single phrase in parentheses, as is the case in the Wilderness Act of 1964. There are 3,600 words in the Wilderness Act. A mere 15 words are devoted to health and safety. The bill we are considering, H.R. 1011, designates 15,000 more wilderness acres than what the Forest Service recommended in the Jefferson National Forest. This is far more than what Forest Service professionals think is warranted. So the bigger the area, the bigger the potential fire, the harder it is to find a missing child, for instance, when an Amber Alert is issued. We cannot stand by and risk even a single human life, which is why we must begin to update the law to state clearly that a wilderness designation does not stop motorized access from being used for emergencies. The current ambiguity in the language, which this motion to recommit fixes, is just simply unacceptable, Mr. Speaker. This amendment does not threaten the wilderness designation. It just puts our priorities in the proper order. Human life must always be first. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor to House Resolution 106.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to denounce the liberals' fraudulent attacks on Rush Limbaugh. Anyone who reads the widely available transcript as I have done sees that Mr. Limbaugh was appropriately referring to the pretenders who pose as medal winners or who falsely claim to have committed atrocities in Iraq when he used the phrase ``phony soldiers.'' No, the real scandal here is that liberals in America and here in this Congress are willing to manipulate facts to smear those they disagree with. But there's an even more insidious agenda by liberals going on and that is to reinstitute the so-called Fairness Doctrine, which is actually a way to silence conservatives on the radio waves. Mr. Limbaugh deserves mega-kudos for being a forceful and effective voice on the side of common sense and for being an example of the first amendment in action. After all, isn't that what our country is supposed to be about?

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and recognize the heroic actions of the Park County Sheriff's office, Jefferson County Sheriffs office, Platte Canyon Fire Department, and the Elk Creek Fire Department for their quick response to the hostage standoff that occurred at Platte Canyon High School on Wednesday, September 27, 2006. On that morning at 11:40 a.m., a deranged man entered an English class, taking six students hostage at gunpoint. Over several terrifying and horrific hours, four were released. As the tense minutes dragged on, the officers knew that they had to act quickly if the remaining two girls were to be rescued. Committed to saving the lives of these two young women, the Park County Sheriff gave the go ahead order and the officers charged into the classroom, unaware of what they would confront. Their courageous acts saved one young life, but the other was taken by a madman determined to kill. The brutal and senseless murder of 16-year-old Emily Keyes devastated the mountain town. Home to around 7,650 Coloradans, Bailey is a tight- knit community where everyone knows one another, often by name. It is this bond that has provided solace for the town as it continues to heal and to grieve. We cannot hope to understand what would motivate a person to commit such an evil and heartless act. Yet, as we remember the one-year anniversary of this senseless tragedy, and lament the tremendous losses suffered by the community of Bailey, we must also praise the courageous efforts of these first responders. The rapid and selfless actions of the police and fire departments almost surely precluded further loss of life, and for that the people of my district and the State of Colorado are grateful.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Emily Keyes and the tragic event that touched the community of Bailey, Colorado, 1 year ago today. That morning Emily and six of her classmates were taken hostage at gunpoint by a deranged man as they sat in class at Platte Canyon High School. After several horrific hours, the gunman ended Emily's young and promising life. This act robbed the Keyes family of their precious daughter and the Bailey community of its tranquil security. Emily was beloved by all who knew her. They described her as ``sweet,'' ``beautiful,'' and ``polite.'' A member of the volleyball, speech, and debate teams, this active, bright, and industrial girl exemplified the Bailey community. She also possessed a beautiful soul, as was demonstrated by one of her final acts. In a moment fraught with terror, Emily chose to express love. This brave woman sent a text message to her father that read simply ``I love U guys.'' Following her death, Emily's family asked for ``random acts of kindness'' because, they said, ``there is no way to make sense of this and it is what Emily would have wanted. This is the legacy for which Emily Keyes shall be remembered. And this is the memory that I rise to honor today.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Specialist Dane R. Balcon, who passed away on September 5, 2007, in Balad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Specialist Balcon died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Dane's mother, Carla, resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and his father, John, lives in Miami, Florida. From an early age, Dane dreamed of the opportunity to serve his country. His path to the military began at Sand Creek High School in Colorado Springs, where he joined the Army ROTC program. The assistant principal at Sand Creek remembered Dane as an outstanding person and someone who had an absolute love for the military and serving his country. Immediately following graduation, Dane enlisted in the Army. Specialist Balcon comes from a proud tradition of military service. Both his mother and father served in the military. I am grateful for their service and their selfless dedication to this great Nation. Specialist Balcon was a remarkable soldier and a devoted son who honorably served the Nation he loved. Making the ultimate sacrifice, he died protecting our freedom and security. I thank him, Specialist Dane R. Balcon, for his service to our country, and I offer my deepest, heartfelt condolences to his family.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. I thank the gentleman from California. It's a pleasure to be here with my fellow Republican colleagues as we talk about fiscal responsibility. I rise today with new poll numbers in hand regarding the performance in Congress under the Democratic majority. According to a Reuter's/Zobgy poll released earlier today, a measly 11 percent of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing. The American public is disappointed with their government, and understandably so. When the Democrats took charge in January, they promised to usher in an age of fiscal responsibility. Instead, they propose to hit 115 million American families with new tax increases totaling $392.5 billion. That is almost $400 billion. In addition, the Democratic Congress has also fallen short on their promise to enact serious earmark reform. As a result, wasteful earmark spending continues to be a problem. This is evident by Democrat Congressman Charlie Rangel's $2 million earmark to pay for a building to be named in his honor. You heard some about that earlier. Ninety- seven percent of Democrats, who only a year ago told the American people they would restore responsibility to government, voted in favor of this self-glorifying measure at the taxpayers' expense. In a time, Mr. Speaker, when the Federal Government faces an $8.8 trillion national debt, this Congress must demonstrate to the American people that we can be fiscally disciplined and that we can spend their hard-earned tax dollars responsibly. I am proud to say that Republicans have been leading the fight for this in the 110th Congress. Increasing the size of the budget and allowing earmarks to go unchecked will not reduce the deficit. I look forward to continuing my work on this effort with my Republican colleagues as we attempt to restore sanity upon the out-of-control spending practices of the Democratic majority. At this point, Mr. Speaker, I would yield back to the gentleman from California.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution and to honor the men and women of the United States Air Force who, today, celebrate 60 years of dedicated service. On a cold December day in 1903 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the Wright brothers achieved the world's first powered flight which lasted merely 59 seconds. Today our Air Force possesses an extraordinary global reach and even beyond into space thanks to the men and women who have served or are serving in the Air Force. Mr. Speaker, the United States Air Force has had a long and proud tradition of defending our Nation, as well as being a worldwide leader in aeronautical innovation. Since its early days, the Air Force has been in every military operation, from World War I to our present struggle in the global war on terror. My father, who now is 88 years old, fought in World War II as part of what was then the Army Air Corps. I am proud to have the Air Force Academy, Schriever Air Force Base and Peterson Air Force Base all located in the 5th District of Colorado. Schriever Air Force Base is home to the 50th Space Wing, which is one of the world's best space command and control teams, delivering combat power from space for America and its allies. At Peterson Air Force Base, we have the 21st Space Wing, the Air Force's only organization providing missile warning and space control to commanders and combat forces worldwide. Finally, Colorado Springs has the highly regarded United States Air Force Academy, whose mission is to educate, train and inspire men and women to become officers of character motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to our Nation. For the past 60 years, Mr. Speaker, the strength, preparedness, and innovative superior air power of the United States Air Force has helped ensure peace in the United States and throughout the world. Mr. Speaker, I thank the United States Air Force today and its airmen and -women for 60 years of service to our great Nation.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of ADM Timothy J. Keating. I would like to thank ADM Keating for his recent service as Commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, from November 5, 2004 until March 19, 2007, and congratulate him on becoming the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, at Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii. ADM Keating, who graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1971, completed his flight training in 1973 and has gone on to amass over 5,000 flight hours. From 1982 to 1984 he was the Administrative Officer, Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer with the VA-94, during which time he deployed twice to the western Pacific. In 1987 ADM Keating commanded VFA-87 and deployed to the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt. Following this assignment, ADM Keating served at the Naval Military Personnel Command in Washington, DC as Head of the Aviation Junior Officer Assignments Branch. In 1991 he became Deputy Commander, Carrier Air Wing Seventeen where he participated in combat operations supporting Operation Desert Storm. In addition to serving as Chief of Naval Operations Fellow with the Strategic Studies Group, and at the Joint Task Force Southwest Asia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ADM Keating has also been Deputy Commander and Commander of Carrier Air Wing Nine aboard USS Nimitz in the Arabian Gulf, Commander of the Naval Strike Warfare Center in Fallon, Nevada, and Director of the Aviation Officer Distribution Division in the Naval Military Personnel Command. In 1998 he became Commander of Carrier Group Five in Yokosuka, Japan and, in 2000, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Plans, Policy and Operations at OPNAV. Prior to Commanding NORAD and USNORTHCOM, ADM Keating was the Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. Fifth Fleet, as well as Director of the Joint Staff. A highly decorated and distinguished leader, ADM Keating has served our country honorably for over three decades. I commend him for his invaluable contributions to our Nation's defense and know that U.S. Pacific Command will benefit from his extensive experience.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of United States Air Force General Victor E. Renuart, Jr. who, on March 19, 2007, assumed command of North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command both of which are located at Peterson Air Force Base in the Fifth Congressional District of Colorado. General Renuart began his distinguished career with the United States Air Force in 1971 and completed Officer Training School in 1972. After commanding the 76th Tactical Fighter Squadron during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, General Renuart was appointed, in 1992, Director of Assignments, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, Headquarters, U.S. Air Forces in Europe. He then went on to become Commander, Headquarters Support Group, Allied Air Forces Central Europe, NATO at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. He has served as Director of Plans for the NATO Combined Air Operations Center, Commander of the 52nd Fighter Wing, Commander of the 347th Fighter Wing, and in 2000 took command of Joint Task Force-Southwest Asia and the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Southwest Asia. After serving as Director of Operations for U.S. Central Command where he supervised all joint and allied combat, as well as humanitarian and reconstruction operations for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, General Renuart became Vice Commander of Pacific Air Forces and Director of Strategic Plans and Policy on the Joint Staff. Most recently, General Renuart was the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, in which capacity he also served as the senior military liaison to the military services for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the combatant commands. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to General Renuart for his service to our Nation and I congratulate him on this most recent achievement. NORAD and NORTHCOM are vital to our national security, and I am pleased that they will be under the command of such a capable and esteemed leader as General Renuart.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, like many of my House colleagues, I traveled with a Congressional delegation to Iraq during the August recess, and I rise now to speak about the successes that I saw and experienced firsthand while in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, the members of our armed services are working tirelessly each day and night in Iraq to rebuild this country and to ensure our national security. While in Iraq, I had an opportunity in Fallujah to meet with marines from Colorado Springs who were upbeat about the progress in Iraq and were certain that their accomplishments during the surge had produced a truly positive result. They were also equally concerned that people at home in the United States did not understand how successful they have been. After my visit to Iraq, I am pleased to say that I am even more sure than ever that their mission has not been in vain. They truly are making a difference for the Iraqi people and for the communities in which these people live. During our visit, we met with GEN David Petraeus who had many positive things to say about the progress that has been made since the surge began. For instance, he mentioned the elimination of safe havens for militia forces and al Qaeda, continued progress in Anbar province, progress in the operation and training of the Iraqi Army and encouraging signs of tactical successes in Baghdad. I look forward, like my colleagues here who've just spoken, to reading General Petraeus' report on the surge with great scrutiny when it is released this month. I'm also delighted to hear that some of my Democratic colleagues have realized and acknowledged that the surge is working. I plan to continue to work with all of my colleagues, as well as the military and the administration, to ensure that the sacrifice our brave men and women are making in Iraq is not abandoned before the mission is completed.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of CWO Scott A.M. Oswell, who passed away on July 4, 2007, in Mosul, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chief Warrant Officer Oswell died of injuries sustained when his helicopter crashed while trying to save another man's life. Scott's wife and three children reside in Olympia, Washington, and his parents, Barry and Nancy, reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Chief Warrant Officer Oswell enlisted in the Marine Corps following high school, and later joined the Army. During his time in the Army, Chief Warrant Officer Oswell was selected for flight training, and earned his instructor pilot rating on the Kiowa Warrior helicopter. He was not only a skilled pilot, but also a first-class soldier, who earned several medals throughout his career. A distinguished member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, the selective organization which honors members of the military who demonstrate leadership, professionalism, and care for their soldiers' welfare, Chief Warrant Officer Oswell embodied all of these ideas. Chief Warrant Officer Oswell comes from a military family dedicated to serving this country to ensure the ideals of liberty and democracy, which we hold so dear. He was a remarkable soldier, a devoted husband and a proud father, who served the Nation he loved sacrificing his life for our security and freedom. On a day when we celebrate the birth of our country, Chief Warrant Officer Oswell paid the ultimate price, and for that we are eternally grateful. I thank CWO Scott A.M. Oswell for his service to our country and offer my deepest heartfelt condolences to his family.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of SSG Michael Lee Ruoff Jr., passed away on July 1, 2007, in Ta'meem, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Michael's wife, Tracy, and two daughters, Danielle and Grace were residing in Schweinfurt, Germany, where Michael's unit was stationed, and had planned to return to their home in Canon City when Michael returned from the war. Canon City is also the home of his parents, Mike and Vickie Ruoff. Born in Ukiah, CA, Michael joined the Army at the age of 18, right out of high school, and was stationed at Fort Carson. During his 13 years in the Army, Ruoff served in posts around the world as a crew member on M1 Abrams tanks. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, in Schweinfurt, Germany. SSG Michael Ruoff's father was a Vietnam veteran, and like his father, Michael was a remarkable soldier, who could always be counted on. Michael was a devoted man with deep beliefs, who, on July 1, 2007, made the most selfless sacrifice by giving his life to uphold the American ideals of freedom and democracy. I present my humble gratitude to SSG Michael Lee Ruoff for his service to our country and offer my deepest heartfelt condolences to his family.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the significant contributions made by the Living Word Ministries International Church under the leadership of Bishop John Brannon to the Colorado Springs community. As they near their 4-year anniversary on August 27, 2007, I commend Bishop Brannon and his congregation for their courageous and tireless efforts to reach all of God's people and provide for them the skills to likewise teach others about the life-altering power of the Gospel. As a non-denominational church, Living Word Ministries International, LWMI, is devoted to bridging the gaps that keep God's people separate and alienated from one another. Through scriptural study, comprehensive prayer, dynamic worship, and focused group ministries, LWMI has successfully created a body of believers capable of reaching the un- churched in the Colorado Springs region and beyond. Currently, Brannon's church is involved in missions in more than seven States and four foreign countries. This is truly a church without walls. They also seek to provide a comfortable and functional location for the base of their ministries and their weekly church services. On July 22, my wife and I had the privilege of attending the dedication ceremony for their new church building. I was touched and impressed by the sincerity of their efforts to reach ever higher toward the glory of God. Today, I offer my sincere congratulations to LWMI for all they have achieved since 2003 to the benefit of my constituents in Colorado Springs. I trust and pray that their ministry will only continue to expand in size and effectiveness over the years to come so that they may share their joy and passion with even more of our local and global community.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Chairman, I also wanted to say that I serve on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and we struggle over there with budget needs for our veterans, both those who are in conflict now and will soon become veterans, those going back as far as World War II, and this $420 million would go a long way toward helping our veterans. I am not saying that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting should suffer. They can turn around and find corporate sponsorship, commercial opportunities. They could easily make up for that in the free market; and they are successful, and they would easily do that. So I just say that this funding should not be the responsibility of the American taxpayer.