Steven Palazzo

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Christopher Boulanger as a member of the United States Air Force Academy Class of 2015. Christopher will graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force on May 28, 2015. His career in the service has just begun, but it is a testament to Christopher's unselfish devotion to the people of this great nation. The challenges will be many and the time, although it may seem like an eternity, will fly by almost unnoticed. The challenge for this young man will be to retain as much as possible, pass on what he learns to others, and live life for every moment. South Mississippi is proud of Christopher and his accomplishments, and we look forward to him continuing to represent not only Mississippi, but the entire nation, as a United States Air Force officer. As Christopher embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that he may always recall with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment graduating from a program as prestigious as the Air Force Academy. I would like to send Christopher my best wishes for continued success in his future endeavors, thank him for his service, and congratulate him on this momentous occasion.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Matthew Goellner as a member of the United States Air Force Academy Class of 2015. Matthew will graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force on May 28, 2015. His career in the service has just begun, but it is a testament to Matthew's unselfish devotion to the people of this great nation. The challenges will be many and the time, although it may seem like an eternity, will fly by almost unnoticed. The challenge for this young man will be to retain as much as possible, pass on what he learns to others, and live life for every moment. South Mississippi is proud of Matthew and his accomplishments, and we look forward to him continuing to represent not only Mississippi, but the entire nation, as a United States Air Force officer. As Matthew embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that he may always recall with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment graduating from a program as prestigious as the Air Force Academy. I would like to send Matthew my best wishes for continued success in his future endeavors, thank him for his service, and congratulate him on this momentous occasion.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bravery, fortitude, and sacrifice demonstrated by Officer Benjamin J. Deen, a member of the Hattiesburg Police Department, who was tragically slain in the line of duty on Saturday, the ninth day of May in the year two thousand and fifteen. Officer Benjamin J. Deen, known as ``B. J.'', was thirty-four years old, a resident of Sumrall, Mississippi, and a graduate of Sumrall High School. He was a loving husband to his wife, Robin, and devoted father to his son Walker and daughter Melah. Prior to becoming a police officer, B. J. attended the Mississippi Fire Training Academy and served his community as a firefighter. He later attended the Hattiesburg Police Training Academy and became a patrolman with Hattiesburg Police Force. Deen soon after trained to become a K-9 officer and bonded with Tommy, his K-9 counterpart, who also became a beloved member of the family. Together, B. J. and Tommy successfully apprehended and arrested numerous drug-related offenders. Officer Deen was not only an exceptional citizen and neighbor, but he chose to live a life of service, stepping into harm's way daily in order to protect his community. An exceptional member of the force, Deen was named Hattiesburg Police Department's 2012 Officer of the Year. He was an outstanding and respectable man and a valuable asset to the Hattiesburg Police Department, even earning perfect attendance during two of his nearly six years on the force. The City of Hattiesburg and the Great State of Mississippi have suffered the loss of one of our own: a family member and a protector and defender of our Constitution and laws. Every citizen deeply and sincerely feels the loss of such a devoted law enforcement officer, and his service, heroism, and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bravery and sacrifice demonstrated by Officer Liquori Tate, a recently commissioned member of the Hattiesburg Police Department, who was tragically slain in the line of duty on Saturday, the ninth day of May in the year two thousand and fifteen. Officer Liquori Tate was twenty-five years old, a resident of Hattiesburg, and a graduate of South Pike High School near McComb. He was the son of Youlander Ross of Jackson and Ronald Tate of Georgia and brother to thirteen siblings. He had a passion for the Miami Heat, the Atlanta Falcons, and good blues music. Tate graduated from the Hattiesburg Police Training Academy and became a patrolman with Hattiesburg Police Force in 2014. During his training, Liquori was challenged in every way possible but, according to one of his training officers, he was the only recruit who refused to consider failure or withdrawal as an option. Tate's lifelong ambition was to serve his community in a policeman's uniform. He was an exceptional young man who chose a life of service, placing himself in danger each day in order to protect the citizens of Hattiesburg. Officer Tate had a passion for the siren, and could often be heard sounding his own while on patrol. He was excited about being a policeman and loved going to work each day. Those who served with him knew he was `all smiles,' and he was a valuable member of the Hattiesburg Police Force. The City of Hattiesburg and the Great State of Mississippi have suffered the loss of one of our own: a family member and a protector and defender of our constitution and laws. Every citizen deeply and sincerely feels the loss of Officer Liquori Tate, and his service, heroism, and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of the two police officers who were killed in the line of duty in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on May 9, 2015, Officer Benjamin Deen and Officer Liquori Tate. I am joined tonight by my fellow colleagues and Mississippians, Congressman Gregg Harper and Congressman Bennie Thompson. We would like to take this time to lend our prayers to the families of these two young men, to the Hattiesburg Police Department, and to the community for their loss. This week, our Nation observes National Police Week, and we recognize the bravery, fortitude, and sacrifice demonstrated by police officers nationwide. They put their lives on the line to defend our communities and our citizens against criminals and thugs. I ask the House to join us tonight in honoring the lives of Liquori Tate and Benjamin Deen by joining me in a moment of silence.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sister Mary Jo Mike, named 2015 Principal of the Year by the National Catholic Educational Association. Sr. Mary Jo, of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, has devoted more than 40 years to Catholic education and has led Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral Parish elementary school for the past 23 years, the longest serving principal in the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi. Sister Mary Jo soars beyond the call of duty, deeply involving herself in the life and ministry of her parish, school, local community, and the culture of the Gulf Coast, and encourages others to do the same. From their daily arrival to their departure, Sr. Mary Jo is dynamically present in the lives of her students' school setting. She inspires teachers to identify and nurture each student's strengths and to discover ways to help them overcome their challenges. Her ministry and leadership encompasses the healthy development of the whole student--mind, body, and soul. True to her calling, Sister Mary Jo seeks and claims opportunities to improve life for those around her. Under her leadership, Nativity BVM now offers a broad range of programs for students of any ability, even including a Robotics team and a Lego club. Clearly loved and highly respected by all, Sr. Mary Jo runs a tight ship in an environment of love, prayerfulness, justice, and peace. She is an example of always doing one's best and exceeding expectations in herself, her faculty, her students, and her community, believing that when children see their teachers and leaders doing their best, they, in turn, are inspired to do their best, too. I proudly congratulate Sister Mary Jo Mike as the 2015 NCEA Principal of the Year.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the State of Qatar for its continued support of the Boys & Girls Club of the Gulf Coast Qatar Center at Pass Christian, Mississippi. We welcome the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States, Mohammed Al-Juwari. In 2005, the Mississippi Gulf Coast was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, resulting in the destruction of many of the Boys and Girls Clubs in South Mississippi. In June of 2009, through the generosity of a 5 million dollar donation from the people of Qatar, the Boys & Girls Club opened a new, beautiful, state-of-the-art facility in Pass Christian. When the facility opened its doors in 2009, over 175 children enrolled in programs offered by the club. The staff has worked hard to provide the best care, programs and opportunities to benefit the children of the Gulf Coast. The Qatar Center now serves well over 300 children daily, and it continues to grow, giving children the opportunity to reach their full potential. It helps allow the Boys and Girls Club to fulfill its mission to ``enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.'' Today, with Boys & Girls Club locations all along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Pass Christian location continues to provide the perfect model for other centers to follow. Once again, I would like to thank the people of Qatar for their generosity to the Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Riemann Family Funeral Homes on the occasion of the opening of their Jackson County location. This facility will continue the legacy of service the Riemann family has provided the citizens of the Mississippi Gulf Coast for nearly a century. In 1920, Ernest and Ruth Riemann moved from Michigan to South Mississippi and purchased Wilder Funeral Homes. They would be proud of the success and growth of their family business. Today, with locations all along the Mississippi Gulf Coast this new Jackson County location provides the Riemann family another opportunity to compassionately serve their neighbors, friends, and family during life's most difficult times. The Riemann family is blessed with a dedicated and professional staff that combined has hundreds of years of experience. Like the Riemann family, they are committed to faithfully serving their community. Once again, I would like to thank the Riemann Family for their four generations of dedicated service to the citizens of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome our friend and ally Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to the United States of America. Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will address this Chamber as a head of state. Some are protesting and will not attend. This is shortsighted and, frankly, disheartening. We have no greater ally in the Middle East than Israel, and Israel's very existence is being threatened by its neighbors in the region. Words like ``total destruction'' are being thrown around by its enemies. Iran marches towards a nuclear bomb; yet we do nothing, we say nothing. Sure, we negotiate, but we don't lead. Mr. Speaker, the President needs to step forward and lead, tell the world that we will do what it takes to protect our Israeli friends, as we have done for over 70 years. Prime Minister Netanyahu, welcome to the United States. I look forward to your remarks tomorrow and to our nations' continued friendship, as do the majority of Americans.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor longtime Broadcast Journalist and news anchorman, Mr. Randy Swan, of Mississippi's Fourth Congressional District, upon the occasion of his retirement from WDAM, Channel 7, a television station covering the region known as the Pine Belt. Ask anyone in the northern half of Mississippi's Fourth Congressional District who delivers their nightly news, and they will likely answer, ``Randy Swan.'' For over 50 years, Randy's voice has narrated important events to the people of South Mississippi, first over radio, then television. For the past 38 years. it has been Randy's face in hundreds of thousands of Pine Belt homes as he reported the days' events on the evening news. Randy was born and raised in broadcasting. At the time of his birth, in 1947, Randy's father, Jimmy Swan, held a contest on WFOR radio station to name his newborn son. Out of more than six thousand entries, the winning name, James Randolph, was chosen to honor the memory of a young local man who had died fighting in World War II. Randy's broadcast career began at the age of three, talking on the radio while sitting on his father's lap, at WFOR. At the age of fifteen, he was working full-time in radio broadcasting while also attending high school. In the 1950s, Randy took to the television screen, singing on his father's music variety show, McCaffrey's Showtime. After graduating from Hattiesburg High School in 1965, Randy attended the University of Southern Mississippi, earning a bachelor's degree in broadcasting in 1970. It was 1976, the year of our nation's bicentennial, when Randy began his career at WDAM, as morning anchor and reporter for the station covering a large portion of South Mississippi. Within a short six years, Randy was named News Director and soon became the main anchor for the station--his was the face many area residents turned to for their news. In the 1990s, Randy served as Station Manager, News Director, and lead anchor at WABG in Greenville, Mississippi, but he returned to the Pine Belt and WDAM five years later. The span of his career has given Randy the privilege of sharing some of the best and worst moments in history. He claims that one of the most fulfilling aspects of his career is in helping others through the sharing of information. For example, Randy and his team remained steadfast in their on-air coverage in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Thousands of residents relied on WDAM and the trustworthiness of Randy Swan to assist them with finding needed supplies and assistance in the recovery. His dedication and professional integrity earned Randy distinction in the Mississippi Associated Press Hall of Fame (2006) and the University of Southern Mississippi School of Mass Communications & Journalism Hall of Fame (2010). Randy has four children and is married to the former Millie Ivey. The family resides in Hattiesburg. I am proud to honor Mr. Randy Swan for an outstanding career in radio and television broadcasting in South Mississippi. We extend our appreciation for a job well done, and wish him all the best in retirement.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor longtime Broadcast Meteorologist, Mr. Mike Reader, of Mississippi's Fourth Congressional District, upon the occasion of his retirement from WLOX, Channel 13, a television station covering our beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast region. Mike Reader, a veteran of the United States Navy, began working part time at WLOX as a weekend weathercaster in 1983. When he retired from naval service in 1988, Mike became the morning weatherman and was soon promoted to Chief Meteorologist. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised in Louisiana, it seems Mike's eyes have always been set on the skies. His twenty year career in the Navy trained him in weather observation and forecasting around the world. It was only natural that the man, who some call ``Winnie'' because of his likeness to the famous bear, would become the most trusted name in weather along the Gulf Coast. One of Mike's most challenging assignments entailed flying with the Hurricane Hunters into numerous storms, collecting data for national forecasts. In the span of his thirty year career with WLOX, Mike has safely weathered countless weather threats to our area, but Mike's dedication and passion for the safety of Gulf Coast residents shone under the stress of three major hurricanes, each of which had a serious impact along the coastline: Hurricane Elena in 1985, Hurricane Georges in 1998, and of course, Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Mike holds a certificate in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University. He is also a member of the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association. His WLOX weathercast has received the coveted AMS Seal of Approval. He is married to Delores, the woman he calls his ``best buddy.'' They have one son and three grandchildren. I am proud to honor our friend, Mr. Mike Reader, for an outstanding career in weather broadcasting along Mississippi's Gulf Coast through WLOX news. We extend our appreciation for a job well done, and wish Mike ``smooth sailing'' in retirement.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my sincerest appreciation and admiration to the City of Hattiesburg, the Honorable Mayor Johnny Dupree, and all who were involved in declaring the month of March as March for Meals Month in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. March for Meals commemorates the hard-work and selfless dedication of the MEALS ON WHEELS program, which brings hot meals to the homes of those in need. I especially want to acknowledge the men and women who volunteer and work tirelessly to ensure that the MEALS ON WHEELS program at Christian Services, Inc. is a success. The program has proven to be a valuable resource to older adults and homebound individuals in the City of Hattiesburg and its surrounding areas. In 2014, over 78,000 meals were delivered through MEALS ON WHEELS. Providing hot meals everyday not only meets the physical needs of the elderly and homebound but the smiles and kind words that MEALS ON WHEELS volunteers bring with each meal offer joy and hope with each delivery. With the increasing need for programs to feed the homebound and seniors in our area, Christian Services has partnered with the City of Hattiesburg and the national MEALS ON WHEELS ``No Senior Goes Hungry'' campaign to raise awareness to the program and its contribution to the community. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Mississippi and the United States House of Representatives, I wish MEALS ON WHEELS continued success in their valiant effort to help their fellow man and commend the City of Hattiesburg for declaring March to be March for Meals Month.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 810) to authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and for other purposes.

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin).

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

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this is truly a bipartisan bill. The House should be proud of the work the committee has done and continues to do to be inclusive of Members on both sides of the aisle. In a time of partisanship on Capitol Hill, both Republicans and Democrats came together last year to craft legislation that moves beyond congressional districts and parochial interests. This bill provides clear and consistent guidance to NASA. The authorization levels are responsible and consistent with the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015. It also continues looking to NASA to provide a strategic roadmap that will guide exploration development in the future. Space Subcommittee Ranking Member Donna Edwards and I worked long days to put this legislation together last year. While Ms. Edwards and I don't always agree, we are united in our unwavering support for NASA and space exploration during this crucial time in our Nation's history. We are committed to once more launching American astronauts on American rockets from American soil. I know many of our colleagues agree that American leadership in space is both a matter of national pride, but also of national security; yet over the last decade, the human exploration program at NASA has been plagued with instability from constantly changing requirements, budgets, and missions. We cannot continue changing our program of record every time there is a new President. We must be consistent in our commitment to human exploration. As identified by numerous reports and committees, NASA needs Congress to provide consistency of purpose. That commitment is reflected in today's bipartisan bill, and I am confident it will continue into the future. The bill before us today requires the agency to develop a human exploration roadmap and provides a framework to build an executable plan for future exploration efforts. NASA must use this plan as an opportunity to utilize assets from all the mission directorates to find the most efficient and effective ways to build technologies and capabilities within constrained budgets. Both the Space Launch System and Orion crew vehicle are reaffirmed in this bill, consistent with the NASA Authorization Act of 2010, which laid out very clear guidelines and direction for the development of these systems. This bill authorizes ample funding for the Commercial Crew Program to ensure safe and ontime development of domestic access to the international space station. There are also oversight provisions to ensure transparency during the development of these systems. This agreement represents an understanding that both our Commercial Crew partners and those developing SLS and Orion have a crucial role to play in ending our reliance on Russian rockets. NASA must develop a concrete plan for the future of human exploration if we have any hope of ensuring America's leadership in space. This bill tasks the scientists and engineers at NASA, rather than the administration, to develop such a plan. As a study last year from the National Academy of Sciences pointed out, ``a return to extended surface operations on the Moon would make significant contributions to a strategy ultimately aimed at landing people on Mars.'' I hope that the roadmap NASA produces in response to this bill will also incorporate the valued guidance from the National Academies, as well as the NASA Advisory Council, the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, and the many other groups that advise NASA. Our bill is not perfect, but it represents a serious bipartisan commitment to space exploration at a critical time in our Nation's space exploration history. As a good steward of taxpayer dollars, I will continue to raise questions and concerns over NASA's budgets. For instance, since 2007, NASA's earth science budget grew almost 75 percent while NASA's exploration budget remained stagnant. Even with these historic increases, I am worried that the additional responsibilities being thrust on NASA by NOAA and USGS will consume NASA's already challenged budget even more. The administration continues to advocate for an ever-changing and poorly justified asteroid mission which was universally criticized by all of NASA's advisory groups. One study from the National Academies even called a portion of the mission a ``dead-end technology.'' In these budget-constrained times, NASA must be frugal with its precious exploration resources and focus on core developments, such as the SLS and Orion, which will provide the foundation for any potential deep space missions in the future. I also have interest in strengthening provisions dealing with cumbersome termination liability requirements, and I hope those can be addressed as we work with the Senate. American leadership in space depends on our ability to put people and sound policy ahead of politics. This is what we have tried to do with this House bill. This bill has been tested, debated, and passed multiple times over the last year. It has passed the subcommittee, full committee, and the House once already, and I urge our friends in the Senate to move forward with us by adopting our commonsense compromise and passing the House bill. Our Nation's space program needs this legislation. Space exploration has always had its challenges, but the United States has always risen to the occasion. This country was built by people who dream big and do the hard things. I believe the decisions we make today will determine whether the U.S. maintains its leadership in space tomorrow. In the future, as in the past, I hope we will be able to focus mission priorities and goals to ensure our best chances of success. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the full Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hultgren).

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher).

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. As I close, I would like to acknowledge all the hard work and bipartisan efforts of Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith, full committee Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson, and Space Subcommittee Ranking Member Donna Edwards. Like Ms. Edwards, I also want to acknowledge the work of my personal staff, Patrick Large; Ms. Edwards' personal staff, Anne Nelson; the majority staff, Tom Hammond, Jared Stout, Allison Rose-Sonnesyn, and Christian Rice; and the minority staff, Pam Whitney and Allen Li. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for H.R. 810, and I yield back the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC, February 10, 2015. Hon. Lamar Smith, Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Smith: I write concerning H.R. 810, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2015. This legislation includes matters that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. In order to expedite floor consideration of H.R. 810, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will forgo action on this bill. However, this is conditional on our mutual understanding that forgoing consideration of the bill does not prejudice the Committee with respect to the appointment of conferees or to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill or similar legislation that fall within the Committee's Rule X jurisdiction. I request you urge the Speaker to name members of the Committee to any conference committee named to consider such provisions. Please place a copy of this letter and your response acknowledging our jurisdictional interest into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Sincerely, Bill Shuster, Chairman.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor Pastor Dan Q. Carr of South Mississippi's Fourth Congressional District, on the occasion of the pastor's 30th anniversary of ministry at Faith Baptist Church of Gulfport. Born in 1962, Pastor Carr found himself called to preach at a young age. He surrendered to that call on January 17, 1985, and became pastor of Faith Baptist Church on that same day. On Sunday, January 18, 2015, his flock of family and friends will join together to honor Pastor Carr's 30 years of faithful stewardship. On that fateful day in 1985, Faith Baptist Church began with nine dedicated members and since has grown to a congregation of over one thousand. That type of growth, along with a steadfast pastor like Dan Carr, has allowed Faith Baptist Church to become a community leader of faith ministry and outreach. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Faith Baptist opened its doors as a relief station where thousands of Gulf Coast survivors found comfort, hope, and needed supplies in those troubled and uncertain times. Pastor Carr is married to his lovely wife Mickey, and together they share nine children and eleven grandchildren. Mississippi, Gulfport, and the Fourth Congressional District are blessed by the continued ministry of Pastor Dan Carr. I congratulate Pastor Dan Carr on his 30th anniversary and wish the Faith Baptist Church family continued growth and success in ministry for many more years to come.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Father Louis Lohan upon the occasion of his retirement from active priesthood with the Diocese of Biloxi after 43 years of service. Father Lohan, a native of Ireland, was ordained a priest in June of 1971 and traveled to the United States in August of the same year to join the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi. A man of unwavering faith and commitment to serve, Father Lohan was appointed as Pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Long Beach, Mississippi, where he has served for the last 21 years. While appointed as Pastor, Father Lohan was influential in the restoration efforts of the church, office complex, community center, and elementary school after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina destroyed them all. Prior to his tenure in Long Beach, Father Lohan served at other churches along the Gulf Coast as well as overseas in Saltillo, Mexico. His humble spirit and encouraging demeanor has been an asset, not only to his parishioners, but to the community as a whole. I would like to send Father Louis Lohan my congratulations on the legacy he has left. He has touched the lives of thousands, and he will never be forgotten.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress and as a fellow member of the Mississippi National Guard, it is my pleasure to welcome and congratulate the brave men and women of the 209th Civil Engineer Squadron. The airmen who stand before you today are unique professionals who have answered the nation's call to support and defend our great nation and state. Today's ceremony truly represents the next chapter in a storied legacy of ``Americans at their best.'' Since 1969, the 209th Civilian Engineer Squadron has served our State with honor and distinction and for more than a decade, worked shoulder- to-shoulder with the Special Operations community. These airmen have provided world class support services and civil engineering teams during crisis response operations all around the globe. Today's redesignation ceremony officially recognizes your skills, talents and esprit de corps . . . the hallmark of the Special Operations community. As the new colors are uncased, you will carry on a long lineage of Special Operations units, who for nearly a century have operated at the tip of the spear and in harm's way. Most recently, our special operators have played key roles in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as provided significant efforts toward humanitarian operations in Africa and counter-narcotics missions in South America. Within our own shores, National Guard Special Forces have responded to the devastating effects of natural disasters, providing unique resources and personal commitment to aid their fellow Americans. I'd like to send a special thanks to our military families. The preparedness of our airmen is only possible through the loving support of our immediate and extended families, who keep our households running during the uncertainty of deployments. Congratulations again to our unit leaders and airmen! As we look toward the future, the world isn't getting any safer. Your skills, talents, will remain in high demand. Through perseverance, hard work and training, the 209th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron will remain ready, strategically mobile and postured to respond to crisis at home and abroad.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, from day one as a Member of Congress, I have always known that our number one constitutional responsibility is to the common defense of this Nation at home and abroad. We should make the smart financial investments in our men and women in uniform--their readiness, their training, and their weapons--as if our lives depend on it. Because their lives do. This weekend, I gathered with some of the greatest defense minds in our Nation to discuss the safety and security of our country at the annual Reagan Defense Forum. A common narrative from this forum was that the defense cuts under sequestration are dangerous and undermining our national security. If so, then why are these dangerous cuts allowed to stand? The American people, the military, Members of Congress, and even the President recognize the world is not becoming a safer place but much more dangerous. Ronald Reagan's policy of peace through strength worked, and it worked well. The time has come to remove these cuts and restore our Nation's strength so we can live up to our constitutional responsibility.