Mike McIntyre

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, on Monday I visited a food bank in my district to discuss the importance of healthy food for healthy families. It is clear from their example, among many, that a healthy mind and a healthy body means a healthy workforce and a more productive economy. In May, the Agriculture Committee passed a bipartisan farm bill with reforms to nutrition that would have saved almost $40 billion. That bill was defeated, and now we're considering a bill with serious ramifications that have proposed cuts that are not bipartisan and that go way too far. They will take away food from children, seniors, veterans, and military families. Our children are our future, and ensuring their access to healthy meals at school and at home is critical. The Greatest Generation paved our path to prosperity. How dare we not honor our seniors and we take food from them on their tables. Third, those who serve in our military, we should keep our promises and make sure that they and their families and our veterans do not go hungry. As one who has worked with both sides of the aisle, I implore my colleagues to oppose this bill. Work together. Find a bipartisan, commonsense solution that stays true to our Nation's commitments to our children, our seniors, our veterans, and our military families. For I was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat. General Leave

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a truly outstanding North Carolinian, Mayor Daniel Evans, of Smithfield, North Carolina. Mayor Evans was elected to his post sixteen years ago and has since dedicated himself wholly to bettering this great community. I ask you to join me in recognizing his long and honorable career. Mayor Evans' hard work and leadership have been vital to the continual development of Smithfield. During Mayor Evans' tenure, he has administered projects to fix water and sewer infrastructure in the East and South Smithfield and was instrumental in the expansion of Neuse Charter School, an institution that has made a tremendous impact in the community since its opening in 2007. He has also been a great force for economic progress through his pivotal role in the development of innovative projects, such as the Smithfield Farmer's Market, as well as securing lower energy prices for the citizens of Smithfield. All of these achievements have contributed to the growth of Smithfield. Mr. Speaker, even as Mayor Evans has dedicated many years of his life to solving the complex problems facing Smithfield, he has managed to remain openly accessible to its citizens. His enduring commitment to his community makes him an exemplary public servant, and his accomplishments will continue to benefit Eastern North Carolina for many years to come. As his time as Mayor of Smithfield comes to a close, let us honor Mayor Evans and pray that both he and his family may receive God's richest blessings upon them.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Chair, on rollcall Nos. 415 Waxman Amend, and 416 Tonko Amend, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on both.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week seeking comments from the general public as the Agency contemplates the future of menthol cigarettes. As part of the agency's review process, the FDA released a report entitled ``Preliminary Scientific Evaluation of the Possible Public Health Effects of Menthol Versus Nonmenthol Cigarettes,'' which documents the FDA's review of the currently available science on menthol. Disappointingly, the report relies heavily on social sciences while admitting that menthol cigarettes are no more harmful than their nonmenthol counterparts. Specifically, the report states that ``No studies found an increased risk of cancer or non-cancer diseases in menthol smokers compared to nonmenthol smokers. From the available studies, the weight of evidence supports the conclusion that menthol in cigarettes is not associated with an increase in disease risk to the user compared to non-menthol cigarette smokers.'' In addition to the FDA's conclusion that menthol cigarettes pose no greater disease risk than nonmenthol cigarettes, it is insensible for the agency to conduct a review of perception of menthol products. While the review of this type of information may be useful to understanding adult consumer choice, it should not form the basis of any policy decision within FDA. Rulemaking should be rooted in science. Finally, the real world health consequences of a potential ban are very alarming. Implementing a ban unfounded in science could lead to the creation of a black market for menthol products. Such an illegal market would result in an influx of illegal, unregulated, counterfeit products into the marketplace. Mr. Speaker, I am hopeful that these concerns will be addressed during the public comment period, and that the FDA will treat this issue fairly and with the scientific integrity it deserves.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Chairman, when you talk about helping with education, when you talk about helping food banks, and when you talk about helping our military families, it really was worth raising a racket about. That's what happened down at the Kastle stadium. We want to thank them for their hospitality. Tennis is a lifetime sport, but this offers a lifeline to those in need in our schools, those who are hungry, and also to our military families. We appreciate the great opportunity. It truly was a great time to have the ball in our court to do something in a positive way.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Chairman, for decades, Congress has worked in a bipartisan fashion to craft farm bills that protect and support our farmers, strengthen rural economic development, encourage conservation and provide nutritional support for the most vulnerable in society. These bills have generally received wide bipartisan support. This year I was pleased to, once again, work with my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee to advance a strong, reform-minded, fiscally responsible and bipartisan farm bill. This bill preserves the farm safety net and provides regional equity while consolidating over 100 programs and making targeted cuts to rein in Federal spending and move toward a balanced budget. These reforms will save almost $40 billion. In fact, do you realize that less than 1 percent of our entire Federal budget is agriculture? Yet, by God's grace, it feeds us all. The farm bill is critical not only to our Nation. I know in North Carolina agribusiness and farming are the number one industry. Each year, agribusiness brings millions of dollars in revenue to our State, supporting countless families. When we talk about economic opportunity for families in rural America, we are talking about the farm bill. Last Congress, we brought a broad, bipartisan bill, but the committee was never able to get a vote on the floor. Now is our chance. Now is the critical time for rural America. People in our rural communities do count, and they ought to have the opportunity to have a farm bill voted upon. Now is the time that our farmers need to be able to plan for the future, and now we must have that opportunity to give them the chance to plan to help feed all of us. This is the place, now is the time, now we have that opportunity to do something about it. Delay is serious, not only for our farmers, but for all of us. Short-term extensions only provide a band-aid. Uncertainty diminishes agriculture's ability to face the challenges associated with a growing population in our country and indeed a growing world population. Yes, rural Americans are willing to do their part to cut the deficit and rein in spending, but we should not disproportionately put the burden upon the backs of families who live in small towns and communities across America. We hope that you will stand together and let's get the farm bill done for all Americans.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. I rise to oppose this amendment. The Navy is already down to 11 aircraft carriers from a high of 15 during the Cold War. We clearly need these 11 aircraft carriers to maintain a continuous presence in the Middle East, the western Pacific, and wherever else we may be called upon to go. Protecting our national security interests with our allies, such as Israel and Japan, and keeping trade lanes open, require the fleet of carriers that we have today. Also, these carriers allow the U.S. to maintain influence without having a base in a foreign country. Talk about saving money; carriers are, in reality, mobile bases. This is a critical military capability for the United States, and it must be maintained. Keeping aircraft carrier production on track is also a major jobs issue. We know that tens of thousands of skilled workers support building and maintaining our aircraft carriers, and without them, we would soon lose our ability to build large ships of any kind.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the National Defense Authorization bill, which the Armed Services Committee passed last week with overwhelming support, and thank my colleagues, Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith, for their hard work in making sure this bipartisan measure would be done the right way, and to help our men and women in uniform. Specifically, I am pleased that this bill strengthens our national defense, supports North Carolina military bases with a $355 million investment in military construction, and makes key investments across the Nation to help make sure that our servicemen and -women have the tools they need to do their job. This measure authorizes $552 billion for national defense spending and $85.8 billion for overseas contingency operations. It also supports current law, which mandates an automatic 1.8 percent annual increase in troop pay, and it rejects proposals to increase some TRICARE fees or establish new TRICARE fees, which many servicemembers and veterans have long been concerned about. I am also pleased that the committee made sexual assault prevention and prosecution a cornerstone of this legislation. And I am particularly pleased that this bill includes an amendment authored by my good friend and colleague across the aisle, Representative Walter Jones, a fellow North Carolinian, to protect the religious freedom of military chaplains to be able to close a prayer according to the dictates of their conscience, faith, and training. The committee also included an important provision that Representative Jones and I both worked together on to require periodic audits of Berry Amendment contracting compliance by the DOD inspector general. I can tell you, as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, I would like to thank my colleague, Chairman Randy Forbes, for his work on our section of this bill. The Seapower portion of the bill carefully cuts waste in some programs while also improving Congress' ability to oversee the DOD. It includes provisions for the Gerald Ford class aircraft carrier, multiyear procurement language for E-2D and C-130J aircraft, and several other provisions that provide additional oversight of important programs, including two of the Navy's largest unmanned aircraft programs. It also gives the DOD permission to begin retirement of some old KC- 135 refueling aircraft that have been in storage for many years. With the new tanker program--the KC-46A--coming on line, it is ``on cost'' and ``on schedule,'' two phrases that we love to hear, not only in the committee but also on behalf of our taxpayers. I am glad we are giving DOD more flexibility in these tough budget times to manage its inventory of aircraft. Also, the Seapower portion has $14.3 billion for shipbuilding that would authorize a total of eight new ships. It authorizes $934 million of ship construction funding to ensure that the Virginia-class submarine DDG-1000 class destroyer, DDG-51 class destroyer, and joint high-speed vessel programs stay on schedule. With regard to the aircraft programs, this bill fully funds the administration's request for all major aircraft programs in our jurisdiction, including the Air Force's new bomber program. The Seapower portion of this, being on budget and on time, is something I know that we all can support. It is clear this entire bill is one that has strong bipartisan support, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. McINTYRE

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

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I do want to emphasize the fact that we have great bipartisan support and would like to see this bill passed right away. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McINTYRE. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McINTYRE. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill of which I'm a strong supporter and lead cosponsor, H.R. 634, and would like to thank my colleagues--Representatives Hensarling, Grimm, Peters, and Scott--for their commitment to working together on this, as you've heard, in the discussion that has occurred thus far. This bipartisan bill is a prime example--something our Nation is yearning for to see here in Congress--that Members can and will work together when we need to to find solutions that we can come across the aisle and reach, and reach them quickly. The Business Risk Mitigation and Price Stabilization Act will clarify that true derivatives end users are exempt from the margin requirement supplied by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and the Consumer Protection Act to many derivatives contracts. These true end users use derivatives to manage actual business risk and protect against fluctuating prices, currency rates, or interest rates--not to speculate. Margin requirements would place undue burden on responsible end users not only back home in eastern North Carolina where I'm from, but also, indeed, across the country. Our farmers, agriculture co-ops, and community banks all use financial products to mitigate risk, provide security for their businesses, and maintain prices for consumers. By removing margin requirements, this bill will free up capital--something we all hear about that our small businesses are screaming for--free up capital and allow businesses to plan for the future, shield these plans from risk, and provide certainty needed to create American jobs. And those battle cries of freeing up capital and providing certainty is something I know all of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle can agree on. We do want to help with jobs and small business. In the previous Congress, the House overwhelmingly passed an identical bill, as has been mentioned earlier. It is my hope that this House will again pass this important bipartisan legislation today and send a strong message that Congress can and will work together to pass commonsense solutions that protect our businesses, our farmers, our cooperatives and others from burdensome and misguided regulations. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the longtime pastor of the Stedman Pentecostal Holiness Church Mr. Clyde Randal Strickland, known as Randal by his friends and his congregation. Mr. Strickland passed away on March 30, and he will be remembered as a caring pastor who led by example, describing himself as a shepherd, not a policeman. He will be dearly missed. Randal Strickland was born in January, 1951, as one of six children to Randolph and Laverne Strickland. Mr. Strickland was given his grandfather's name, Clyde, but everybody in his congregation and the tight-knit Stedman community knew him as Randal. Mr. Strickland first met his wife, June Hancock, when she was in fourth grade and he in fifth. They dated throughout high school and attended Coker College in South Carolina together. Mr. Strickland discovered his calling as a pastor when he was asked to temporarily fill the position at Stephenson Avenue Pentecostal Holiness in Savannah, Georgia. He then moved to Stedman, North Carolina and served the Stedman Church for 30 years. Mr. Strickland baptized hundreds of people and officiated over 100 weddings, including that of one of his own daughters. Over his lifetime he earned the love and admiration of his congregation, the people of Stedman, and all who met him. Mr. Strickland is survived by his wife, June H. Strickland; children, Joanna Gray and husband Jim, Lynn Jeffrey and husband Travis, and Phillip Strickland and wife Ashley; grandchildren, Judah, Julianna, Jacob and Jennalyn Gray, and Cooper and Caden Jeffrey, all of Stedman; mother, Laverne Strickland; brothers, Allen Strickland, Doug Strickland and Wayne Strickland; and sisters, Darlene Fisher and Anita Williams. Mr. Speaker, may we never forget the goodness, humility, service, and character that defined the life of Randal Strickland. May God continue to bless all of his loved ones, and may we all strive to carry on his ministry and good work.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of H.R.1287, the Sound Science Act of 2013. Congressman Stephen Fincher and I introduced this bill on March 20, 2013 to ensure the highest level of Scientific Integrity at our federal agencies. Our bill is a sensible approach requiring federal agencies to develop scientific integrity policies that adhere to the scientific method, therefore maximizing the quality and integrity of science used in the regulatory decision-making process. Mr. Speaker, this bill is a continuation of the efforts the Administration has put forth on the issue of scientific integrity. In March of 2009, President Obama issued a Presidential memorandum directing the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to require federal departments and agencies to develop procedures ``for restoring scientific integrity to government decision making.'' At the beginning of last year, the President continued this work by issuing Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' which stated that each agency ``shall ensure the objectivity of any scientific and technological information and processes used to support the agency's regulatory actions.'' Since that process began, departments and agencies have developed their own policies to address the President's concerns. Unfortunately, not all agencies have made an equal commitment to scientific integrity. In fact, earlier this month, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), released a report on the status of such policies--now four years after this process started. Unfortunately, a variety of Departments and agencies have received an unfavorable review from UCS, including the Department of Energy, Health and Human Services, and the USDA to name a few. UCS notes that these departments have developed ``policies that do not make adequate commitments to scientific integrity.'' This bill attempts to address some of the inadequacies highlighted by UCS and builds on the Administration's initiative by codifying the requirement that the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy compel each federal agency to develop guidelines regarding the scientific information used by federal agencies. Additionally, this legislation clarifies that scientific information be supported by peer review when appropriate; ensures that scientific studies used in making decisions be disclosed to the public, and requires an opportunity for stakeholder input. It also requires federal agencies to give greatest weight to information based on reproducible data that is developed in accordance with the scientific method. Finally, the bill establishes any regulatory action in violation of an agency's internal scientific integrity guidelines be deemed arbitrary and subject to challenge by affected stakeholders. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill to ensure that government decisions are fact-based and made in sound science.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Sunset Beach, North Carolina as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding. After Hurricane Hazel struck Southeastern North Carolina in 1955, only a small area called Bald Beach remained unscathed. Mannon C. Gore purchased the small island of Bald Beach and a 500-acre section of the mainland across from the Intracoastal Waterway. In the following years, Mr. Gore built a pontoon swing bridge, a one-of-a-kind bridge that served the town until November, 2010. These areas established the foundation for the future Town of Sunset Beach. On March 26, 1963, the North Carolina General Assembly ratified the incorporation of the Town of Sunset Beach. From a population of 30 in 1963, Sunset Beach is now home to more than 3400 permanent residents and a booming tourism industry. Unique among Barrier Island communities in North Carolina, Sunset Beach encompasses both a mainland and an island. Nearby Bird Island is a 1300-acre State Preserve barrier island home to unique species of birds and turtles. From the natural beauty of the Intracoastal Waterway to the pristine beaches, small-town atmosphere, golf courses, and wildlife, Sunset Beach offers a family-friendly destination for thousands of tourists every year. Although Sunset Beach has grown significantly since 1963, it retains the small-town charm that has led thousands of North Carolinians to call it home. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Town of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, as it celebrates 50 years. I am fortunate to represent this beautiful coastal town, to have a place to spend time there with my family, and to enjoy the friendship of its residents. May God continue to bless this place which is so special not only to its citizens and to families like mine, but also to those who travel to this wonderful destination indeed, a beautiful part of God's creation!

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you Congressman Forbes, Randy, for your friendship and your leadership, undying, uncompromising leadership to help the Congressional Prayer Caucus be the great spiritual force and practical legislative force that it is in its witness and its work. And I'm thrilled to join my colleague, Congressman Forbes, and my other colleagues from both sides of the aisle who meet regularly for the Congressional Prayer Caucus, and particularly this week, as we get ready for the National Prayer Breakfast coming up this Thursday. Many Americans don't realize that this is a tradition that has gone on now for many years. In fact, this will be the 61st National Prayer Breakfast coming up this Thursday morning. I hope folks back home will tune in. This has happened every single year since President Eisenhower, by every single President; and we are excited that the President and First Lady will be with us again, as they have been the last four years, and that this will be a time to see about 3,000 people from around the world gather together from about 140 nations to come and ask God's blessings and wisdom as we begin this new Congress in this new year. But let me say in even a broader context, as Congressmen Forbes and Pearce have indicated, the Congressional Prayer Caucus is to carry on that, that in addition to supporting the National Prayer Breakfast this Thursday is to carry it on throughout the year and to affirm our commitment to maintaining and strengthening our great country's religious freedom. Through the more than 200-year history of our Nation, we know that faith, prayer, and trust in God have played a vital role in strengthening the fabric of our society. We are incredibly blessed to live in a country that was founded on the bedrock of faith and allowing our citizens to worship freely and without fear of persecution, which is guaranteed by our Constitution. Our Founding Fathers knew the importance of faith to the success of our infant democracy and affirmed it in the Declaration of Independence, declaring that our unalienable rights that we love to talk about as Americans, our rights of life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness, are endowed to us by our Creator. Indeed, faith was so integral to our new government that on Tuesday, September 6, 1774, the very first act of the first Continental Congress was to pause and join together in prayer. So this tradition doesn't just go back 61 years as we celebrate with the National Prayer Breakfast this week; it goes back to the very beginning of the first Continental Congress. It's from these historic underpinnings that our Nation has grown and thrived, and we stand here today on the shoulders of those Americans who stood up and boldly fought for our rights to practice our faith freely. And we must never grow complacent, as Congressman Forbes pointed out, in some of the specific areas that we've had some issues recently. It's our duty to defend and protect the rights of all Americans, especially in a place like the U.S. Capitol, where we ought to be able to gladly recognize what our Nation's religious heritage has been. Today we face many serious challenges as a Nation, and it's never been more important that we join together to ask God for guidance in making the right decisions. And that's why, during the first vote each week, we gather right across the hall here during that first vote, if it's on Monday night or Tuesday night or sometimes even the middle of the week on Wednesday, but when we gather during that first vote to step across the hall, leave party labels at the door and ask God, like Solomon did in the Old Testament, for wisdom for that week for those decisions that we make. We hear so much about partisanship. And having gone through an election recently that partisanship was in its full glory, I think it's reassuring to the citizens of this country to know that there are those of us who do want to reach across the aisle and who realize that faith and prayer transcends the partisan divide that we too often hear about here in Washington. We pray together each week because we recognize, as our Founders did, that the true source of power is not found in the Halls of Congress or in the Oval Office of the West Wing or in the Chambers of the Supreme Court, but on our knees before the throne of grace before Almighty God. And it's with that bold truth in mind that we gather this week with thousands of people of faith during the National Prayer Breakfast. And it's in this spirit that Members of this body gather every week just across the hall in room 219 to reaffirm our trust in God and recognize the profound reconciling power of prayer and to ask God for His grace and His guidance. I hope for those of you who are here in this Chamber and those who may be listening back home that you will join us, particularly this week, as we pray for God's blessing upon our Nation, for His will to be done throughout the world, for His peace to dwell in all of us, His children, as we gather for the National Prayer Breakfast. But I also hope you'll go to a Web site beyond this week, the Congressional Prayer Caucus Web site, and say, Yes, Mike, yes, Randy, yes, we do want you, men and women up there, to make the right decisions, you better believe it, because our country is that important, our future is that important, and we do want to make sure that we go forth as one Nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all. With that, I will also submit a copy of a prayer from Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and, as we know, our third President, and pray that God's blessings will be upon this great Nation, not only this week during the National Prayer Breakfast, but with the work of the Congressional Prayer Caucus and those of you who will join us back home, individually, through your families, your churches, your places of worship, your fellowship groups or prayer groups, that you too will join us in making sure that we are building a wall of prayer around our Nation's Capitol, just as Nehemiah built the wall in the Old Testament. Almighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage; we humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people, the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. With that, Mr. Speaker, I pray God's blessings upon our Nation, and I yield back to our great leader and co-chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, Congressman Forbes.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Charles Chrestman, of Lumberton, North Carolina, for his commitment and service to his community. Dr. Chrestman retired from his position as President of Robeson Community College on December 31, 2012, but his legacy of dedicated leadership in education will stay strong for generations to come. Dr. Chrestman has not only been a steward to higher education in Robeson County, but a trusted advisor and dear friend. Dr. Chrestman's colleagues acknowledge the remarkable progress the college has made during his decade of service as President. During his tenure, Dr. Chrestman worked to reaffirm Robeson Community College's status as a nationally accredited institution. He also helped oversee the creation of three new buildings on campus: a Continuing Education building, a Health Science building, and a Workforce Development Center. Two others were completely renovated. The College also landed one of the state's NCCCS Biotechnology Network regional centers that now serves a statewide role in advancing bio-agriculture. Dr. Chrestman's dream was to see all graduates become productive laborers within the community and the great state of North Carolina. During his tenure, Robeson Community College began offering the ACT's WorkKeys Assessment, which leads to a Career Readiness Certificate. Today, Robeson County ranks in the top three among the state's 100 counties with more than 5,000 individuals holding the certificate. These and many other accomplishments are a testament to Dr. Chrestman's leadership. I am personally grateful to Dr. Chrestman for his service as Chairman of my Education Advisory Committee, a small group of education leaders from the seventh congressional district of North Carolina who regularly meet to discuss education issues affecting our communities. His leadership in this capacity has been invaluable to me, and I will remain thankful. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Dr. Charles Chrestman's forty years in higher education as he retires as President of Robeson Community College. His long record of public service will continue to benefit the students and citizens of Robeson County and beyond.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, due to a medical emergency, I was unable to be present for three votes on January 3, 2013. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall Vote 4, ``aye'' on rollcall Vote 5, and ``no'' on rollcall Vote 6.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Defense Authorization Conference Report. I appreciate the hard work of Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith and that of my counterpart, Chairman Akin, on the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, on which I serve as ranking member. Among other important measures, this report provides a 1.7 percent pay raise, well deserved for our military servicemembers. It authorizes nearly $11 billion, which is almost $160 million more than the President's budget originally requested for our U.S. Special Operations Command, which has been a key component of the war against violent extremists. And I can tell you, as the cochairman and cofounder of the Special Operations Forces Caucus, and one who represents Fort Bragg, home of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and Joint Special Operations Command, and who has constituents who serve at the Marine Special Operations Command at Camp Lejeune, I am extremely pleased to see this investment in our Special Operations Forces warriors who are often on the front lines during global conflicts. Also, as ranking member of the Seapower Subcommittee, I'm pleased that the conference report makes real investments in our Nation's sea power by authorizing 10 new ships, a multi-year procurement authority for 10 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, and a multi-year procurement authority for 10 Virginia-class submarines, as well as the authority to fund them incrementally. The incremental funding gives the Navy greater flexibility in funding the new submarines and will take advantage of the savings generated from the Virginia-class attack submarines that continue to come in underbudget. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their hard work on this conference report. We stand up for America's defense and for those that serve our country, and I look forward to its passage on the House floor today.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Wallace Leinwand, of Elizabethtown, North Carolina, for his commitment and service to his community. Mr. Leinwand was a public servant, community businessman, devoted family man and a dear friend to me and my family. Mr. Leinwand passed away on December 6, 2012, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Mr. Leinwand was born in Branchtown, South Carolina, but moved to Elizabethtown, North Carolina at the age of 13. He served in the United States Air Force from 1943-1946, when he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. He then returned to Elizabethtown to aid his father in running the family business, Leinwand's, which he would in turn come to own, and which is now the oldest continuous business in Elizabethtown after 77 years in operation. Yet, Mr. Leinwand served as more than just a business owner to the people of Bladen County. Driven by love for his community and its people, he served as Mayor Pro-Tempore, and later, Mayor of Elizabethtown, President of Elizabethtown Rotary Club and Elizabethtown Jaycees, Chairman of the East Bladen High School Advisory Council, and as a member of the Board of Directors of Wachovia Bank. His contributions to these and numerous other civic organizations demonstrate his lifelong pride in his community. Mr. Leinwand was also an avid supporter of Bladen County athletics. In addition to his work as a founding organizer of the Elizabethtown Little League, he was also a chief booster for the athletics programs of Elizabethtown High School, Bladen Central High School, East Bladen High School, and middle school sports. Mr. Speaker, may we never forget the goodness, humility, service, and character that defined the life of Wallace Leinwand. His record of community and civic service will long be a legacy that will benefit all of the citizens of Elizabethtown and Bladen County. I know that his personal friendship with my father and their work together in the North Carolina Jaycees established a relationship with his family that has continued to bless my family now for three generations, and I'm sure will continue into the future. In fact, his son, Ricky Leinwand, who now runs the family business and serves on the Town Council of Elizabethtown, has continued his father's legacy of a very special friendship with my family. May God continue to bless Mr. Leinwand's beloved wife, Shirley, all of his loved ones, the work he did, and the greatness that he inspired within all who knew him.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Hector MacLean, one of the most influential leaders ever to live in my own hometown of Lumberton, North Carolina. Mr. MacLean passed away on December 7, and he will be remembered as a banker, lawyer, World War II hero, mayor, state legislator, civic leader, philanthropist, Sunday School teacher, and friend. He will be dearly missed. Mr. MacLean was born Sept. 15, 1920, to Angus Wilton MacLean, who served as North Carolina's governor from 1925 to 1929, and Margaret French MacLean in Baltimore. Mr. MacLean grew up in Lumberton and graduated from my own alma mater, Lumberton High School, in 1937. He then went on to graduate from Davidson College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1941. A courageous servant to his Nation during World War II, Mr. MacLean served as a Captain in General George Patton's 3rd Army during its successful campaigns in Europe. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Major and a Bronze Star Award in recognition of meritorious service in a combat zone. Upon returning from military service, Mr. MacLean enrolled in law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, receiving his LLB degree in 1948. He returned to Lumberton to practice law, and his strong leadership in the community led to his being elected Mayor of Lumberton (1949-1953). He became president of the Bank of Lumberton, later called the Southern National Bank, in 1953. He also served as president of the Virginia and Carolina Southern Railroad Company. Mr. MacLean continued as an effective leader when he was appointed to the North Carolina Senate in 1961, where he served for 10 years. During his tenure, he sponsored bills that led to Pembroke State College becoming a part of the UNC System and the establishment of the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. He was also instrumental in bringing Interstate 95 through Lumberton when it was originally built. In 1997, it was my honor to lead the effort to designate that portion of I-95 which is in the city limits of Lumberton as the ``Hector MacLean Highway.'' During his life, Mr. MacLean contributed to numerous boards and civic groups, including serving as chairman of the board for St. Andrews Presbyterian College and on the boards for Peace College and Flora MacDonald College. Mr. MacLean has received numerous accolades for his generosity and dedication to improving the lives of others, including the UNC-Chapel Hill's Distinguished Service Award, and honorary doctor of humane letters degrees at St. Andrews Presbyterian College and UNC-Pembroke. Mr. MacLean was inducted into the N.C. Business Hall of Fame and awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, our State's highest civilian honor. Mr. Speaker, during his 92 years Hector MacLean proved himself a devoted and effective public servant and a man of good character. He was a giant of a man who touched so many lives in so many ways--in church, community, and professional life. He was also a devoted family man and dear friend. He was my neighbor growing up, and he was close friends with my mother, who was also a banker, and my father, who was a fellow Elder at our church, First Presbyterian of Lumberton. In fact, my father and I used to substitute for Mr. MacLean and teach the Lacy McKenzie Bible Class, broadcast live over local radio, in his absence when he was away on business trips. He was a mentor to me inasmuch as I sought his advice and counsel when I first contemplated running for the United States Congress. While Mr. MacLean chaired the Bicentennial Celebration of both Lumberton and Robeson County in 1986-87, I chaired the Bicentennial Celebration of the U.S. Constitution for our county. Together, we worked on numerous projects that we presented as joint celebrations. He loved Lumberton, Robeson County, North Carolina, and our great country. May we never forget the goodness, humility, service, and character that defined the life of Hector MacLean. May God continue to bless all of his loved ones, the work he did, and the greatness that he inspired within all who knew him.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise with sorrow today following the passing of Lieutenant Colonel Morton Salk of Wilmington, North Carolina. Mr. Salk served as a bombardier in World War II and was also a beloved member of our community, a devoted family man, and a dear friend to many. Mr. Salk passed away on November 10, 2012, at the age of 93, and he will be dearly missed. Mr. Salk grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, and dedicated a majority of his life to the service of his country. He served as a member of the 243rd Coastal Artillery, Narragansett Bay Harbor Defenses beginning on January 17, 1941. He trained as a gun commander of the 12" disappearing cannon and then was transferred to the Aviation Cadet Program and subsequently earned flight wings as a bombardier. He was soon advanced to a triple-rated bombardier, navigator, and radar operator. On August 24, 1943, Mr. Salk volunteered to become part of a crew for a mission to bomb an airfield in Hankow, China. His plane was leading the mission's formation as these American airmen came under direct attack. A 20 mm shell crashed through the windshield of Mr. Salk's plane, fatally wounding the pilot and incapacitating the co-pilot. Although he was not a pilot, Mr. Salk pulled the pilot from his seat and proceeded to fly the plane for 15 minutes, saving at least eight U.S. Airmen. Mr. Salk earned a number of honors for his heroic actions, including the Purple Heart, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Defense Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross presented by General Chennault of the Flying Tigers for completing 57 missions. After the war, Mr. Salk continued his service as a flying officer with the United States Air Force for 25 years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He then spent the next 26 years of his life working for the Defense Intelligence Agency, who sought out Mr. Salk for his extraordinary knowledge of aircraft intelligence. Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Morton Salk was a fine patriot and I have the utmost respect for his bravery. Though a humble man, his efforts garnered him praise from the press, fellow citizens, and elected officials. His courage will continue to serve as an inspiration to us all. May God bless his family, and may we always remember the life of Lieutenant Colonel Morton Salk.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Chair, during rollcall vote No. 521 on July 26, 2012, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Amendment No. 8 Offered by Ms. Richardson

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Chairman, I rise to speak in favor of the amendment that Congressman Manzullo and I have introduced to improve H.R. 4078, the Red Tape Reduction and Small Business Job Creation Act. Our amendment would make a sensible and needed adjustment to our Nation's regulatory policy by requiring that Federal agencies develop guidelines to maximize the quality and integrity of scientific information used in the regulatory process. This is a goal not only supported by many Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, but also by the administration. In March of 2009, the President issued a memorandum directing the Office of Science and Technology to require Federal departments and agencies to develop procedures for restoring scientific integrity to government decision-making. At the beginning of last year, the President issued Executive Order 13563, which stated that each agency ``shall ensure the objectivity of any scientific and technological information and process used to support the agency's regulatory actions.'' Our amendment, which is based on bipartisan legislation that Congressman Manzullo and I introduced earlier this year, builds on the President's action, has bipartisan support, and codifies the requirement that the Director of the Office of Science and Technology compel each Federal agency to develop guidelines regarding the scientific information used by Federal agencies. Additionally, this amendment would clarify that scientific information be supported by peer review, when appropriate, ensure that scientific studies used in decision-making be disclosed to the public, and require an opportunity for stakeholder input. This is just common sense. It requires Federal agencies to give the greatest weight to information based on reproducible data that is developed in accordance with the scientific method. Finally, this would provide grounds for any agency's actions that violate these integrity guidelines, that they have to be deemed arbitrary and subject to challenge by the affected stakeholders. This commonsense amendment requires maximizing the quality and integrity of scientific information used in the regulatory process, and I encourage my colleagues to adopt this bipartisan amendment.