John McHugh

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, let me begin by adding my words of deep admiration and appreciation to Chairman Spence. This naming of the bill in his honor is the most appropriate act. Frankly, it does not even begin to reflect the dedication that he has brought to the committee and to its efforts, and I salute him. I also want to thank our ranking member, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan), and the ranking member of the full committee, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), and their never- ending, untiring efforts to working in a bipartisan way to produce what, as we are hearing on this floor today, is a very, very fine bill. As the Chair mentioned, I want to discuss for a moment the provisions in the bill that do pertain to morale, welfare and recreation activities of the Department of Defense and the military service. I think it is fair to say that all Members of this great body support their troops and their families, and that certainly is a very, very good thing. We can make a difference in the lives of young military families from each of our districts, as well as retirees across the country by supporting this bill. The legislation takes decisive action to protect a critical and highly-valued benefit for our troops, namely the commissaries. Lost in the discussions about food stamps is the fact that each military base operates a grocery store that sells name-brand products to our military men and women at substantial discounts. This long-standing military benefit has been endangered by a serious lack of funding for store modernization. It was primarily caused by the insidious drains on the building fund initiated by the Pentagon. This bill firmly shuts those loopholes and protects the commissary benefit well into the future. Mr. Chairman, the committee has also included other measures as well, that serve notice on the Department of Defense that inadequate defense budgets cannot be shorn up by using funds that properly belong to the troops. This is an issue that has been a continuing battle and that all of us on the committee have championed and through the adoption of this bill. It is a fight we can effectively wage in the future. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman will continue to yield, I believe that is the text of the language. But it does not obviate the gentleman's point of the gentleman. If in the State of Alaska, wherever this project is occurring, the local political subdivision most immediately under the State is other than who is trying to construct it, then the answer would be yes. I would venture a guess, if their construct is anything like most other States, then the City of, say, Anchorage, they would be the political jurisdiction and would have the authority.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman will continue to yield, we are talking about land acquisition in our amendment.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman would yield, it is in the State of Alaska. First of all, I do not believe the funds under this could be used for construction of skating rinks, but I will defer to the gentleman.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time and begin by thanking him for his very diligent work in this initiative, and to express my appreciation for the opportunity to have worked with him. Mr. Chairman, in sum, this very simple amendment is intended to do what virtually everyone through the development of this bill, the authors, the sponsors, the backers have set is their intent, and that is to involve local governments, to ensure their participation. We have even heard in the last 10 minutes here, Mr. Chairman, of the interest in the title of the bill, a bill to assist State and local governments. We heard a few moments earlier from the gentleman from Washington about the importance of union in the discussion and the development of this bill. We cannot have a union in the United States without meaningful participation of local governments. So contrary to the concern of the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), our intent was not to make it difficult for the gentleman, because, indeed, his leadership and his record on these kinds of issues is clear and something to which I, and I know many others look with great admiration, but rather to facilitate him and others in reaching the goal that they have proclaimed is such an important one in this particular bill. We have heard a great deal about how this is a western concern. And as my friend and neighbor and colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney) so correctly noted, this is an issue that permeates through many regions of the States, certainly, in the northeast as well. The Adirondack Park, a great region, a wondrous region that the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney) and I share the honor of representing, currently has some 5.8 million acres in totality; of those 2.4 million acres within the park boundaries are held by the State government. The fact of the matter is, in eight out of the 10 counties that I represent that have a piece of that great land, we have double digit unemployment, and I think it is absolutely essential that this Federal Government ensure through specific language, not just expressed intent, but specific language that local governments whom we come to this floor everyday and pretend, and I would like to think that we will actually take the steps to, in reality, defend their rights and participation. Let me add on to what my colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney) said contrary to the distinguished chairman's concerns, this does not require that local property owners get the permission of local governments. What it does do in those, I would argue very rare occasions, when there is a local government concern, provide the local government with the opportunity to express its opposition, otherwise, no action, no consideration is involved. As the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney) said, there is no right, no explicit constitutional guarantee that Federal monies will be available to every property owner to have their land purchased and, indeed, in another effort to assuage the concerns of our friend, the chairman, we went to the Congressional Research Service, we went to the legislative council of the House, and queried about the possible constitutional problems, they pointed out to us what seemed at the time to be very obvious, that, indeed, time after time, this House has passed legislation after legislation that conditions the use of Federal money pursuant to some action or restriction or prohibition followed by local governments. Mr. Chairman, I am delighted to take that burden from the shoulders of the chairman; that is, indeed, not a concern, not just our opinion, but that of the Congressional Research Service and the legislative council for the House of Representatives. We are not precluding that the land be purchased, even if the local government denies the opportunity under the Federal acquisition monies, any State is still free to use other monies, as most do, including my State of New York, in purchasing this land. We are simply doing what, time and time again, the sponsors, the authors, the supporters have said is their intent, the local government's will have a meaningful voice; if that is not their intent, then this amendment will give them the opportunity to step to the podium to vote no and to declare a fraud upon what most have said is a primary pillar of this bill. Again, we are happy to be a constructive participant, and this amendment would make the bill pretty close to perfect. With that that I, again, thank my colleague from New York (Mr. Sweeney) for his initiative.

Mr. McHUGH. If that is the local political jurisdiction under the State law of the gentleman, the answer would be yes.

Mr. McHUGH. If the gentleman's State law provides that, then, yes, the gentleman is correct in his understanding.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman will continue to yield, the park system is not a political subdivision under any law.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Chairman, it is indeed an important point and why we work very closely with the legislative counsel to conform this to existing law and other provisions where there are, indeed, local review potential and options. The language provides for that local political jurisdiction that is immediately below the State level. It does vary from State to State. I cannot say what the local political jurisdiction is in the State of California. In most jurisdictions in the State of New York, it would be the county.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman will yield, it only applies to those funds under the land and water conservation portion, which I believe the bill of the gentleman only provides for land acquisition.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Chairman, but the political jurisdiction in terms of the State hierarchy would be the city I believe. I cannot answer the question of the gentleman.

Mr. McHUGH. Using funds under this particular legislation, yes. However, that would not preclude the purchase, as I hope the gentleman understands. It would just preclude the purchase with these particular funds.

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, there is little I can add to the sponsor's very eloquent words, but again I would just like to express our appreciation to him for helping this House today in recognizing an extraordinary man with this very, very due and owing honor. I urge passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Boyd) is to be credited today for his initiative and his work in introducing this bill which has just been noted designates the facility of the United States Postal Service at 200 East Pinckney Street in Madison, Florida, as the Captain Colin P. Kelly, Jr. Post Office. For the record, Mr. Speaker, I would note the Congressional Budget Office has reviewed the legislation and has determined that the enactment of this bill would have no significant impact on the Federal budget. Spending by the Postal Service is classified as off-budget and thus is not subject to pay-as-you-go procedures. As well, the bill contains no intergovernmental or private sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and, as such, would impose no costs on State, local, or tribal governments. I would also, Mr. Speaker, like to thank the gentleman from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), the ranking member of the subcommittee, for his continuous cooperation, certainly on this bill, but on all of these initiatives that we have tried to develop through the subcommittee and for his work on behalf of his side; and the support of the full committee; and the chairman of that full committee, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), as always is greatly appreciated. I should say that this legislation continues what I think is a very admirable record of the subcommittee and of this House of expressing its admiration through these designations for individuals and citizens who have served their communities and have served their countries well. Today, we are marking a gentleman who has really put forward heroic efforts and a gentleman who has been widely recognized as our Nation's first World War II hero and, in fact, Time Magazine, in its issue of December 22 of 1941 stated, ``If heroism can be compared, the most illustrious of America's first heroes was Captain Colin Kelly, Jr. His citation was recorded in a single pregnant sentence of a communique issued by General Douglas MacArthur who said, `General MacArthur announced with great sorrow the death of Captain Colin Kelly, Jr., who so distinguished himself by scoring three direct hits on the Japanese capital battleship Haruna, leaving her in flames and in distress.' '' It is indeed fitting that the Post Office in Madison, Florida, be named after Mr. Kelly, who was born in that community in the year of 1915. He graduated from that community's high school in 1932. Thereafter, he entered West Point in 1933, graduated, and was assigned to B-17 fighter group. He was the first Army officer to fly the Boeing Flying Fortress in the Far East. At the time of his early demise on December 10 of 1941, Colin Kelly was survived by his wife and his young son, Colin P. Kelly, III. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, we are indebted to our friend and colleague for bringing this legislation forward. I know that the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Boyd) is here on the floor and will wish to make some comments, but he has our gratitude and our admiration in making this effort to identify a gentleman who has done his Nation, his community, and his family so much good, and we appreciate that. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 1666.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1666) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service at 200 East Pinckney Street in Madison, Florida, as the ``Captain Colin P. Kelly, Jr. Post Office''.

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. addressed the House. His remarks will appear hereafter in the Extension of Remarks.)

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 3701, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for a final word of appreciation for the leadership of the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) on this and a plea to our colleagues to adopt, as well, this piece of legislation honoring a very worthy individual.

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

Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, we are very fortunate today to have two individuals designated in these two bills who are so worthy of this designation that I am confident we are about to bestow. Again, to that opportunity, we owe much to the sponsors of both bills, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf). Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf).

Mr. McHUGH

Mr. McHUGH. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a sense of mixed emotions, because it is an occasion of good-byes, but it is also an opportunity to recognize the work and career of someone who is very special to this House, and certainly to me personally, my chief of staff, Cary R. Brick. His 30-year Congressional staff career spans the service of three consecutive New York State Congressmen. He really has an uncommon record of service, and I am pleased that I have this opportunity tonight to say a few words. Cary is the most senior chief of staff in the New York Congressional Delegation, and, in fact, one of the most senior staffers to serve this institution. He began his Capitol Hill career in January of 1969 as press secretary to the late Robert C. McEwen, and later served as his executive assistant. When Bob McEwen retired in 1980, Cary was appointed by his successor, former Representative David O'Brien Martin, to serve as his administrative assistant. When I was elected following Dave Martin's retirement in 1992, I asked Cary to stay on as my chief of staff as well, and it remains to this day one of the easiest and certainly one of the best decisions I have made in my 7-plus years in this House. Cary Brick has served our current office, that of my predecessors, and our Congressional constituents with the highest level of dedication and enthusiasm. There are few, if any, communities, institutions, organizations or individuals in our district who have not benefited in some way from his work. Additionally, as the administrator of my Congressional allowances, Cary has made it possible for us to return nearly $1.5 million to the Congressional coffers, without ever sacrificing the needs of the office and our constituents. He has handled his many responsibilities with the highest level of integrity and has gained a well-earned reputation on Capitol Hill as a dedicated professional. At a time, Madam Speaker, when the Congressional staff turnover rate is estimated to be 40 percent a year, it is unlikely that anyone will ever equal his achievement. His retirement is a loss to the institution of Congress, the people of New York's 24th Congressional District, his fellow staffers, and me personally. There are many remarkable things about Cary Brick's career as a Congressional aide, but, rather than citing his impressive biography, I would share but a single glimpse into Cary's psyche that I believe reveals much about what makes him particular. Simply put, Cary loves New York's North Country. Just as Dorothy loved Kansas in the Wizard of Oz, Cary truly believes that there is ``no place like home.'' Although he and his wife, Erin, have raised two beautiful daughters in their Northern Virginia house, Sarah and Rebecca have always known their home is in New York. His strong ties to the North Country and his strong sense of community have helped him keep that perspective. He never lost sight of what matters most. Although his job brought him to Washington, D.C., Cary embraced, even relished, the fact that he worked for every citizen of New York's 24th District. Through his service as my chief of staff for the last 7\1/2\ years, our interaction has been far more than a work relationship. We have celebrated the many achievements our combined efforts have produced; and there have, of course, been a few disappointments over which we have agonized together as well. He has been my advisor, my confidant, and most of all, my friend. In a town where personal ambition often obscures public interest, I can say without hesitation that Cary's brand of loyalty and friendship has been a priceless gift. When Cary publicly announced his retirement, one quote stood out as a great ``sound bite'' that stood out time and time again and on Capitol Hill. He said, and I quote, ``To have been an inside observer of congressional participation and debate in every national and world event during the final third of the 20th century is an awesome opportunity that few others have had.'' Awesome, indeed. However, Mr. Speaker, nothing about Cary's quote should lead anyone to believe that he has in any way been on the sidelines or a mere observer. Rather, he has been a soldier on both the front lines and in the war room. His battlefield has been Capitol Hill. From Watergate to the Gulf War to the closure of Plattsburgh Air Force Base, he has earned his stripes through many battles. His weapons have been quick thinking, his unmatched instincts and his constant integrity; and his ammunition has been the power of his words and his proven ability to mobilize forces. For your uncommon commitment, loyalty and sense of duty, Cary, we all salute you. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield at this time to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh), my friend and colleague and neighbor to the south and a good friend and associate of Cary Brick's as well, for a few comments.