Martha McSally

Ms. McSALLY

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Raphael ``Rafe'' Sagarin, a world-renowned scientist and University of Arizona professor who died tragically a few weeks ago. Rafe was passionate about the world's oceans and applying the lessons of our natural world to solving modern challenges. He earned widespread recognition for theorizing that governments could learn national defense techniques by studying how animals adapt to threats they face in the wild. During his lifetime, Rafe authored three books and nearly two dozen scholarly articles and book chapters. At the time of his death, he was leading a University of Arizona project called Biosphere 2 that involved creating a functional model of the Gulf of California in the Sonoran Desert. I was fortunate enough to meet Rafe earlier this year and hear him describe with trademark enthusiasm his work studying adaptable security systems in southern Arizona. I am also currently reading his insightful book on the subject. Rafe will be missed by so many around the world, but his contagious spirit and groundbreaking contributions over many years will have lasting impacts. Rest in peace, Rafe.

Ms. McSALLY

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, the number one priority I hear from my constituents is creating more jobs and economic opportunity in southern Arizona, and this week, I introduced legislation, along with my Arizona colleagues, to do just that. Southern Arizona already plays a vital role in our Nation's trade partnership with Mexico through its proximity to the border and key interstate systems, but more can be done to take advantage of these invaluable assets. Right now, trucks driving north on Interstate 19 from the Mariposa Port of Entry at Nogales must travel on congested city routes before meeting Interstate 10 to travel east. This impedes the flow of traffic and wastes valuable time and money. A connection between the two highways south of Tucson would reduce this congestion, help attract businesses to southern Arizona, and expand trade connectivity for the southwestern United States and Mexico. My bill, the Sonoran Corridor Interstate Development Act, would designate this proposed connection a high-priority corridor on the National Highway System. It has the support of the entire Arizona delegation. Its passage is in the best interest of southern Arizona, our State, and our country; and I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this important project forward.

Ms. McSALLY

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2200) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear intelligence and information sharing functions of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security and to require dissemination of information analyzed by the Department to entities with responsibilities relating to homeland security, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I rise today in support of H.R. 2200, the CBRN Intelligence and Information Sharing Act of 2015. We know that terrorists have long strived to employ chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear--or CBRN--materials in their attacks. ISIS and other terror organizations have attempted to use chemical weapons, and experts suggest that terrorist interest in utilizing chemical agents has increased. In fact, reports indicate that ISIS may be currently using chemical weapons in Syria and Iraq. Since the procedures and equipment required to develop biological weapons are the same as those used for legitimate research purposes and are readily available, it is imperative that intelligence information related to bio threats is appropriately analyzed and shared with those who would be on the front lines of response in the event of a biological attack. Furthermore, events such as the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 illustrated the need for better information sharing between Federal and local officials. H.R. 2200 will enhance intelligence analysis and information sharing to fill this need and will work to ensure that State and local officials get the actionable intelligence information necessary to stop or mitigate a CBRN attack. This legislation considers information garnered from the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications hearings on the threat of chemical and biological terrorism. During two hearings earlier this year, we heard from numerous stakeholders that information sharing with appropriate State and local officials and emergency response providers about these threats is critical. Specifically, this budget neutral bill requires the Office of Intelligence and Analysis at DHS to support homeland security focused intelligence analysis of CBRN threats, including emerging infectious diseases, working in coordination with the Department's National Biosurveillance Integration Center and the intelligence community. As information and intelligence is only useful if it is shared with those who can take action, such as State, local, tribal, and private entities, H.R. 2200 directs the Office of Intelligence and Analysis to not only share information with these partners, but also engage with them and get their feedback on mechanisms for two-way sharing of information. Finally, H.R. 2200 directs the Secretary of DHS to report annually for 5 years on the Department's intelligence and information sharing activities to counter the threat from weapons of mass destruction and DHS's activities in accordance with relevant intelligence strategies. The House passed nearly identical bills during the 112th and 113th Congresses with bipartisan support. I urge Members to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I, once again, urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation that will enhance the sharing of CBRN-related threat information. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. McSALLY

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I rise today in support of H.R. 615, the Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act, of which I am proud to be a cosponsor. This bill was introduced by the gentleman from New Jersey, the subcommittee's ranking member, Mr. Payne. The bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to include, among the responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security's Under Secretary for Management, achieving and maintaining interoperable communications among the Department's components. H.R. 615 addresses the findings and recommendations of a November 2012 DHS Office of Inspector General report, which stated that the Department does not have the appropriate oversight or governance structure to ensure communications interoperability among its components. It is vital that the Department's components are able to effectively communicate day to day and, most importantly, during emergencies. In response to the findings of this inspector general's report, I joined Chairman McCaul and Oversight and Management Efficiency Subcommittee Chairman Perry in requesting a review of this issue by the Government Accountability Office. Their report, which was released in March, found that nearly 3 years after the inspector general's report, communications problems persist in the Department and among its components. In particular, Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel reported to the GAO that the lack of interoperability in some cases along the border resulted in missed apprehensions and jeopardized agent safety. My district is on the southwest border. I know the challenges our Border Patrol agents, CBP officers, and ICE agents face in meeting their vital missions. It is unacceptable that they lack the tools and training necessary to communicate with each other. This bill seeks to make this more of a priority at the headquarters level. In order to ensure the Department is taking the necessary steps to achieve and maintain interoperable communications capabilities, H.R. 615 requires the Department's Under Secretary for Management to submit an interoperable communications strategy to the Committee on Homeland Security no later than 180 days after enactment and to periodically report to Congress on efforts to implement this strategy. This bill passed the House in February by a vote of 379-0. I appreciate the swift action of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee under the leadership of my friend, Chairman Johnson. Their thoughtful additions have served to further improve this bill. I urge all Members to join me in supporting it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I, once again, urge my colleagues to support H.R. 615, which seeks to enhance interoperable communications at the Department of Homeland Security. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 615) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security to take administrative action to achieve and maintain interoperable communications capabilities among the components of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.

Ms. McSALLY

Ms. McSALLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tucson Fire Department Captain Diana Benson for her many years of service to the community upon her upcoming retirement. Captain Benson was one of the first women in the Tucson Fire Department, the first career female firefighter, and the first female lead training officer. During her 25 years in the department, she has been a pioneer and role model. Captain Benson served on the technical rescue team, a highly specialized crew responsible for conducting swift water, extrication, and rope rescues. She has been a reliable leader in the department who initiated numerous peer fitness programs and also served as a member of the Tucson Fire Honor Guard. She has been highly involved in Camp Fury and the cadet program, serving as a mentor to Tucson youth and opening doors to nontraditional careers, such as firefighting, for girls. No doubt, Captain Benson's positive impact on the department and legacy of excellence lasting over two decades will be lasting. I wish her all the best in her upcoming retirement.

Ms. McSALLY

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of Burney Starks, a man who was beloved by many in southern Arizona and who recently, suddenly passed away. Burney dedicated his life to service as an Army veteran, a school counselor, and drop-out prevention specialist for the Tucson Unified School District. He played football for the University of Arizona and graduated from the U of A with honors. Southern Arizonans will remember his incredible singing voice, his love for Motown and karaoke, and his active involvement in the community. He was a lead organizer for the Juneteenth Festival, and he was involved in many local organizations, including the Tucson Boys Choir, Tucson MLK Celebration Committee, and the Warrior Alumni Foundation. He had a passion for helping others succeed and a unique gift for bringing out their best. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing Burney a few weeks ago on Memorial Day before he died. He was as lighthearted and dynamic as ever. His smile and laughter will be missed by many, but no doubt his spirit will live on through the countless lives he touched during his life.

Ms. McSALLY

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the chairman for including funds to support our fleet of EC-130H Compass Call aircraft in this bill. The underlying legislation restores $27.3 million to support 15 EC-130H aircraft next year. My amendment today does not cost a dime. The chairman has already provided full funding for our entire EC-130H fleet, and my amendment simply ensures that the chairman's intentions are carried out, and that the Air Force does not use backdoor means to try to retire these important aircraft. The Compass Call is the only dedicated U.S. Air Force electronic warfare aircraft. I can tell you in this unclassified setting that it can perform electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defenses, and offensive counterinformation operations. It was successfully employed during Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and provided electronic warfare support in operations in Kosovo, in Haiti, Panama, Serbia, and Afghanistan. It was the most heavily-tasked special mission C-130 in operations in Afghanistan. Despite plans to divest 50 percent of the fleet, the Air Force has not identified a follow-on capability, and no other platform currently performs this mission. In fact, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Lieutenant General James Holmes confirmed there are things that only the EC-130H does and does best. Right now, the Compass Call is currently deployed both in Afghanistan and in the fight against ISIS. Divesting it without a replacement for the unique capabilities it offers would be irresponsible, especially given its high rate of deployment. I restate that my amendment would not cost a dime, simply ensures the chairman's decision to fund the fleet is carried out. This is a critical capability, and we cannot afford to dispose it without a replacement. I want to thank the chair, and urge support of my amendment.

Ms. McSALLY. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.

Ms. McSALLY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your support. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. McSALLY

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life of Erik Hite, a Tucson police officer and former Air Force member who was killed in the line of duty 7 years ago this week, as well as the great work of his wife, Nohemy, following his tragic death. Erik was a model public servant and an exemplary cop. To honor his memory and his commitment to family, Nohemy founded the Erik Hite Foundation in 2009 to support construction of a daycare facility for the children of police officers, firefighters, military personnel, and other emergency responders. The foundation also runs enrichment and outreach programs that offer a safe and positive environment for these children. Today, the facility cares for up to 45 children a day in a flexible setting that matches the around-the-clock hours that men and women of law enforcement are assigned. It has become a lifeline for many families who sacrifice to protect and to serve our community, just like Erik did. Though nothing can make up for Erik's tragic death, Nohemy has kept his spirit and the ideals he lived for alive through her amazing efforts. She has shown tremendous courage and perseverance, and I commend this incredible woman for the difference she continues to make in southern Arizona.

Ms. McSALLY

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the men and women from southern Arizona who have given their lives in service to our country. Countless southern Arizonans have bravely raised their right hands and volunteered to make the defense of our Nation their responsibility. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their stories of bravery and selflessness are remembered every day by those who knew and loved them--stories like that of U.S. Army Command Master Sergeant Martin R. Barreras, who graduated from Sunnyside High School and was killed in Afghanistan in 2014; or of U.S. Army Specialist Christian M. Adams, a native of Sierra Vista, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010; or of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Benjamin D. White, who was based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and was killed when his helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan in 2010. These are just some of the many stories of brave southern Arizonans who fought and died to preserve our way of life. Their sacrifices remind us this weekend and every day that freedom is never free. Have a meaningful Memorial Day.

Ms. McSALLY

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. It is a commonsense amendment that passed the House last year with bipartisan support because it simply provides the Department of Homeland Security with increased resources, and it saves the taxpayers money. This amendment makes a small change to current law. Mr. Chairman, regarding the excess property owned by the Department of Defense, DHS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have benefited greatly from DOD equipment in years past. For instance, Vehicle and Dismount Exploitation Radar, or VADER, is providing better situational awareness on my border in Tucson, the Tucson sector, and allows Border Patrol to be smart about deploying their resources. The technology used by the DOD in Afghanistan was transferred to CBP. When deployed, VADER will allow operators to track ground movement with great detail and make this information available to ground commanders in real time, often in tough terrain, allowing them to be more efficient with their resources. The sensors are capable of detecting even subtle human movement along the ground and increase their aerial surveillance, enforcement, and security to prevent potential threats from transnational criminal organizations illegally entering the United States. These organizations are trafficking drugs, money, people, and weapons through the border and into our communities. Mr. Chairman, since 2012 VADER has detected over 33,000 people moving across the southwest border. Since 2006 this versatile platform has been credited with interdicting and disrupting over 6 tons of cocaine and 250,000 pounds of marijuana. CBP has also benefited from aerostats and helicopters which allowed CBP to have greater visibility of this illicit activity on the border. Again, Mr. Chairman, this is a short amendment. It is one page. It just allows them to work together. It is not about militarizing our border. It is about being a good steward of our taxpayer resources so we can keep our borders secure.

Ms. McSALLY

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the people of Willcox, Arizona, in my district, on their city's upcoming 100 years of incorporation on May 3. Willcox is rich in history of the Southwest. Incorporated in 1915, the city was founded over 30 years earlier as a construction camp of the Southern Pacific Railroad. The railroad contributed greatly to Willcox's development as one of America's busiest ranching towns. In 1936, Willcox shipped more cattle directly from the range than any other shipping point in the U.S., and ranching is still an important part of that community today. The city is the birthplace of Rex Allen, known as the Arizona Cowboy, and is home to the Headquarters Saloon, where the youngest of the fabled Earp brothers, Warren, was killed. Today, the city lies at the heart of the region's blossoming wine industry, where three-quarters of all wine grapes produced in Arizona are grown. Mr. Speaker, on this historic centennial, I congratulate the people of Willcox on preserving this gem of the Old West and wish them many years of future success.

Ms. McSALLY

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ruth Ellen Dailey Helm, who passed away at the age of 98 recently in Tucson. Ruth was a pilot during World War II, one of the first female pilots to serve in our military and a trailblazer. Unlike many of the male pilots who served at the time, Ruth was qualified to fly multiple aircraft as a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs; and she ferried bomber, transport, and pursuit aircraft all over the country during World War II. She was inducted into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame in 1999 and awarded the Congressional Gold Medal with her WASP colleagues in 2010. In addition to serving our country, Ruth and the WASPs were pioneers who inspired an entire generation of women to pursue their dreams of serving as pilots in our military, and that includes me. When I was going through the challenges of becoming a fighter pilot in the first wave, there were no mentors in front of us to see us through. But when I needed encouragement or when I wanted to quit, Ruth and her fellow WASPs, starting 20 years ago, would be there for me, to inspire me and to encourage me and to give me what I needed to fight for another day. They were more than role models who broke down gender barriers to serve in our military. They were my personal wingmen--or wingwomen, and I will be forever grateful to Ruth and all the WASP women for paving the way for me, for serving as my friends and my mentors, and for proving that women could be exceptional pilots too.

Ms. McSALLY

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, last week, Arizona and our country lost a hero with the passing of Bill Badger, one of the people responsible for subduing the gunman of the January 8, 2011, shootings in Tucson, Arizona. Bill served for 37 years in the Army, where he flew helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. After moving to Arizona in 1985 with his wife, Sallie, Bill established and later served as the first commander of the Western Army National Guard Aviation Training Site in Marana. He retired from the military as a colonel. After the shooting, Bill was credited with saying, ``Once you're in the military, you never retire. You're always there to help the community and the people who are in danger,'' and that is exactly what he did that day. Despite being wounded, Bill put himself in the line of fire to take down the gunman, saving many lives through his bravery and his quick actions. Like many others that day, Bill showed us that, even in the darkest of times, courage and compassion can shine forth. He was a hero in the truest sense of the word--one of southern Arizona's own--and he will be deeply missed by our community.

Ms. McSALLY

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, Border Patrol unveiled a new statue honoring slain Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry at the Naco, Arizona, border station in my district named in Agent Terry's honor. The statue, depicted here, shows Agent Terry carrying a member of his Border Patrol tactical unit on his shoulders and is a fitting tribute to a man who loved his job and his fellow agents. Agent Terry entered the service with the Border Patrol on July 23, 2007. Before that, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and as a police officer in Michigan. On December 14, 2010, Agent Terry was on patrol with three of his fellow agents in Peck Canyon near Nogales, Arizona, when they came across five individuals suspected of crossing the border illegally. The agents approached the suspects and were fired upon, prompting them to return fire. In the gunfight that ensued, two agents were wounded, including Agent Terry. He died from his wounds in the desert later that morning while waiting for medical assistance. Agent Terry's sacrifice is a constant reminder of the dangers those who defend our homeland face every time they put on their uniform. Their job is to protect our communities, and often, they are the last line of defense against terrorist attacks on our country. Agent Brian Terry gave the ultimate sacrifice to carry out his duties. Every day, agents like him put everything they have on the line to keep us safe. They deserve everything we have to support them.

Ms. McSALLY

Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I come before this body today, again, to talk about the very important issue of border security. My district is Arizona's Second Congressional District. I represent about 85 miles of the southern border. We have border residents and ranchers who every day are dealing with transnational criminal organizations that are trafficking drugs and people and weapons and money through their property, putting their lives at risk, often having them have to make difficult decisions, potentially life-and-death decisions. As we stand today, this administration has done nothing to secure our border. This is a national security threat. It is a public safety threat. The people of southern Arizona need to be heard, and that is why I am organizing some time to address this issue. I appreciate one of my colleagues, the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao), joining this conversation. This is a serious issue. We do have a bill, Secure Our Borders First Act. I am a cosponsor of the bill, and I believe it is an important bill that should unite this body to move forward and address this issue. I don't want to play politics with it. I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao).

Ms. McSALLY. Congressman Valadao, I appreciate you coming to visit my district. Twenty-one Members of this body came to southern Arizona to see what these border residents and ranchers are dealing with on a daily basis, to include our chairman, Chairman McCaul. I really appreciated your willingness to come see firsthand and listen to the ranchers and border residents. We have men and women in uniform in our communities that are doing the best they can. But the strategy that they have been given in our sector is just not working, and they need some better tools and they need a better strategy so that we can use intelligence-driven operations, we can use technology where it works, we can have barriers where they work. Ideally, we need to be detecting the illegal activity of the cartels well south so that we are able to then monitor and either deter the breaches or intercept them as soon as possible when they come over the border. Some of the additions that I added into the bill were to create a rapid reaction force so that they quickly intercept, and directing the Border Patrol to be patrolling at the border to the maximum extent possible. Right now there is a multilayered approach in these rural areas. It is called a Defense in Depth strategy. It relies on taking sometimes, what they say, hours to days to intercept illegal activity. The problem with that is, during those hours to days, these cartels are transiting over private property. Whereas in the past, sometimes, these ranchers, look, they have always had a humanitarian heart. If they saw individuals who were coming over illegally to find work, if they needed water, they would help them and then they would call border security. But now they don't know who they are. As the numbers have gone down, the cartel activity, the drug mules, the potential violence, the violent history of the individuals who are apprehended have gone up. So they don't know who it is that is crossing their property right now. Rancher Rob Krentz, in 2010, went out to help someone, and that is the last we have heard of him. He was murdered on his own property. They still don't know who did that as he was out there responding. We have stories of individuals in my district. You have heard some of them. We hear more every single day where, generally speaking, they are on alert. They usually don't go out of their homes unless they are armed, and they often don't go out unless it is in daylight hours. So it is impacting their lives and their livelihood, and they are constantly dealing with cut fences and loose cattle or killed cattle and all of the implications that come with these cartels that are trafficking across their property and around their homes, like break- ins and other things that come with that. So I really appreciate your willingness to come down and see that firsthand. For those who are listening and watching, I want to make sure they know: Call your Congressman. This is a good bill. We have to get this thing passed. If we can't unite this body around securing our border, what can we unite around? This is something that we need to get done. It is what we have been asked to do. On our side of the aisle, as Republicans, we always hear our colleagues say to secure the border first. Well, this is an opportunity to do that. I stand today to support that bill again. I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis) to join the conversation.