Ike Skelton

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1385) recognizing and honoring the courage and sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and for other purposes.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, May is Military Appreciation Month; and to honor our men and women and uniform and our veterans, I, along with my good friend and ranking member from California (Mr. McKeon), have introduced H. Res. 1385. Mr. Speaker, I grew up around veterans of the First World War. My father served in the Navy onboard the U.S.S. Missouri in that conflict; and he, like so many young men who returned from that war, became the civic and political leaders of their day. Tom Brokaw wrote a best-selling book entitled, ``The Greatest Generation,'' the saga of those who fought the two-front Second World War. These veterans changed the complexion of our country in every walk of life. Their experiences in war, sometimes on the battlefield, instilled in them tremendous confidence and a sense of duty and, like the generation of war veterans before them, the World War I veterans, returned to hometowns across America, large and small, to become leaders in their communities. In 1950, President Harry S. Truman ordered U.S. military intervention on the Korean peninsula. In many respects, our participation in the Korean conflict has served as a model for the way our military operates today. Korea was the first multilateral United Nations operation, and it has become the longest standing peacekeeping operation in modern times. While we are inclined to remember the leaders who ultimately brought us victory in the Korean War--Truman, MacArthur, Acheson, Walker, and Ridgeway--it's really the men and women who served so bravely to whom we pay tribute. The need to contain the spread of communism brought U.S. servicemembers to a small country in Southeast Asia called Vietnam. It was 1964 when Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin resolution and 1973 before the last U.S. combat troops left Vietnam. Much is owed to the men and women who served in that conflict, and it must be remembered that those who fought and died in service to the United States in Southeast Asia are owed the appreciation of a grateful Nation, even though so many did not receive the welcome home that they deserved. The Persian Gulf War was a tremendous display of U.S. military technology, but what must not be forgotten is that the swift end to combat operations was the result of a sound strategy and the ability of U.S. service personnel to carry out that strategy. And of course today our men and women in uniform are engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan. I predict those returning from these conflicts will be another great generation. Rising from the sands of the Middle East, these veterans, who have toiled and fought there to bring peace and civilization back to those two beleaguered countries, are truly America's future. In addition to large-scale conflicts, U.S. military forces have been involved in far more small-scale contingency operations. In each instance, in numbers both large and small, the men and women of the United States' armed services have answered the Nation's call. So let us remember the importance of those who wore the uniform and those who wear it today. They have served this Nation, and now we must do right by them in Congress, in our communities, and in our everyday lives. Today, we honor their courage and their sacrifice, and to all of them we say thank you. House of Representatives, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Washington, DC, May 21, 2010. Hon. Ike Skelton, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Rayburn Building, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Skelton: On May 20, 2010, H. Res. 1385, recognizing and honoring the courage and sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces and veterans was introduced in the House of Representatives. This measure was sequentially referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The Committee on Veterans' Affairs recognizes the importance of H. Res. 1385 and the need to move this resolution expeditiously in order to honor the courage and sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces and veterans. Therefore, while we have valid jurisdictional claims to this resolution, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs will waive further consideration of H. Res. 1385. The Committee does so with the understanding that by waiving further consideration of this resolution it does not waive any future jurisdictional claims over similar measures. I would appreciate the inclusion of this letter and a copy of your response in the Congressional Record during consideration of H. Res. 1385 on the House floor. Sincerely, Bob Filner, Chairman.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, Hector Polla graduated from West Point in June of 1941. After the infantry officers' basic course in Fort Benning, Georgia, he was assigned to his first military assignment--the Philippines. It was on December 8, Philippine time, that the Philippines were invaded by the Japanese. Hector Polla helped defend the Peninsula of Bataan, receiving a commendation for heroism, a Silver Star for his actions, in February of 1942. In April, he, along with the other American forces, surrendered. He survived the death march on the way to Cabanatuan prison camp, and he was kept there over the years. In December 1944, he was put aboard a Japanese ship to be taken to Japan to do slave labor. American bombers bombed that ship, and he survived. On January 19, 1945, he was again placed on a Japanese ship to go to Japan to do slave labor. The American bombers bombed that ship, and Hector Polla died as a result of the wounds received. There are others throughout that war who saw that battle--the combat, the deprivation. Yet, at the end of the day, the American forces did well in that sector of the Asia-Pacific and also in Europe. So many of them came home and became leaders in the community--in the businesses, in the churches, in the civic organizations, in politics. Today, we are the recipients of what they have done. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) for his words and for his cosponsorship of this resolution. It is important that we as a Congress express our appreciation for those who served, not just in the Second World War, but in all of the wars down through and including today. I hope that we will recognize them when we see them at the airports or on the streets or in the coffee shops or in church so we can just say ``thank you'' to them. That's what this resolution does. It expresses appreciation. After all, it was the sister of a great Roman orator who once said that gratitude is the greatest of all virtues. This is our opportunity as a Congress to say we are grateful for those men and women who have worn the uniform. We are proud of them and we thank them. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me take this means to pay tribute to William M. Krause who is retiring after 30 years of active duty and federal civilian service. He currently serves as the Director of Business Operations on Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. In August of 1980, Mr. Krause began his service as an airman in the United States Air Force. After 10 years of active duty service, he started his career as a contract specialist for the Air Force. He distinguished himself early on as a leader and innovator in this field. For his superior performance and unique approach to the job, Mr. Krause was named the Director of Business Operations in 1993. As Director, Mr. Krause mentored small businesses in Missouri through the Department of Defense Small Business program and during my annual Procurement Conference. His mentorship and expertise strengthened Whiteman's security, improved relationships with local businesses and communities, and bettered the lives of the servicemen and women who call Whiteman home. Madam Speaker, Mr. Krause's tireless dedication and outstanding contributions to the Whiteman community will continue to be felt for generations to come. I wish him, his wife Peggy, and his son Josh the very best in the years ahead.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it has come to my attention that Col Michael R. Shoults will retire from the United States Air Force after 27 years of active duty service. He currently serves as the Chief of the Nuclear Plans, Policy, and Strategy Division of the Air Force. A native of Bridgeton, Missouri, Col Shoults earned his Bachelor's degree in Aircraft Maintenance Management from Parks College of St. Louis University. From there, he went on to receive degrees from the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Webster University, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the National Defense University, among others. This extensive education did much to further Col Shoults' long, diverse, and successful career. In the Air Force, he served as the Air Force operations readiness officer at U.S. Atlantic Command and the commander of the 28th Bomb Squadron and deputy commander for the 7th Operations Group at Dyess Air Force Base. Most recently he served as the vice commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing and the Chief of Staff of Air Combat Command's 8th Air Force. Additionally, as a command pilot he has logged over 3,800 hours in the B-52 and B-1 aircraft. For his service, Col Shoults received numerous awards and decorations including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Madam Speaker, let me take this means to extend my congratulations to Col Shoults on his well-earned retirement and to wish him, his wife Elaine, and his two sons, Robert and Neil, the very best in the days ahead.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me extend my gratitude and appreciation for the twelve years Mr. Tom Hayes served as Mayor of my hometown of Lexington, Missouri. For over a decade, Mr. Hayes selflessly dedicated his life to the betterment of all who call Lexington home. For twelve years, Mr. Hayes oversaw top to bottom improvements in Lexington that led to economic growth and increased safety. He tackled the problem of an aging infrastructure by overseeing the repaving of major thoroughfares and improving the city's intersections. These investments in the city's streets complimented Mr. Hayes' focus on economic development. He led the effort to refresh and improve the River Front Park, an important historical marker and central meeting place for the city, and he oversaw the development of the city's new theater. These improvements and the acquisition of the existing City Hall facility ensured the city was on sound fiscal footing. Mr. Hayes' approach to governing the city was innovative and refreshing. He harnessed the collective wisdom of Lexington's best and brightest by establishing numerous boards and committees, such as the Transportation Board and the Marina Committee. He also maintained and strengthened relationships with Wentworth Military Academy and other local institutions. These partnerships will continue to benefit Lexington for years to come. Mr. Hayes serves our community in many capacities outside of his role as Mayor. An active member of the First Baptist Church and a dedicated family man, he is a committed member of numerous community boards and foundations. As a man of good character with a high moral standard, he has set a wonderful example for all of Lexington's residents. He has and will continue to make the City of Lexington a wonderful place to live, do business, and raise a family. Madam Speaker, the commitment to service that Mr. Hayes has shown throughout his life is an inspiration to me personally and to us all. I trust my fellow members of the House will join me in thanking him for his unyielding service to the City and the citizens of Lexington.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it was recently brought to my attention that Patricia's Mexican Restaurant in Sedalia, Missouri, is celebrating its 25th year in business. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the owners of Patricia's, Patricia Ives and Gary Farr, for operating such a thriving business for so many years. Pat Ives, who is originally from Creighton, Missouri, first started a business in Sedalia as the owner of a Mexican restaurant franchise known as El Sambre, which was located in Liberty Plaza. In 1993, she bought the rights to the restaurant and changed its name to Patricia's Mexican Restaurant. In 1990, Pat's son, Gary Farr, joined his mother in running the restaurant, which moved from Liberty Plaza to a new, architecturally unique building in 1998. Pat and Gary have run their successful restaurant with a great deal of common sense and a compassion for their employees and for their community. They care genuinely about the people who help them operate their restaurant. This kindness has generated deep loyalty among their workforce and among those who have worked at Patricia's Mexican Restaurant through the years. By encouraging hard work and the development of good people skills, Pat and Gary have helped transform many young Missourians, the restaurant's first-time workers, into responsible citizens. Many of these folks are now contributing within their own communities and to our country. Pat and Gary are good employers, which is why it is no surprise that they have been in business for 25 years. I know my fellow colleagues in the House of Representatives will join me in paying tribute to Patricia's Mexican Restaurant on its important milestone and in honoring all who have worked for Pat Ives and Gary Farr through the years.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me take this means to congratulate the Smith-Cotton High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) of Sedalia, Missouri. These outstanding young men and women recently placed first overall at the 2010 National High School Drill Team Championships in Daytona, Florida. More than 145 schools and over 4,000 cadets from across the country participated in the annual competition, and each team competed in four events: regulation, exhibition, color guard, and inspection. The cadets from Smith-Cotton High School scored exceptionally well in each, earning first place in regulation and color guard, second in exhibition, and tenth in inspection. Since September, the Smith-Cotton JROTC has logged hundreds of hours in training and preparation. These young cadets showed an unyielding commitment to purpose, to team, and to goal, and their hard work has truly paid off. With leaders like the young men and women of this team, I am confident our future is in good hands. Madam Speaker, the cadets of the Smith-Cotton High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps deserve recognition for their outstanding achievement, and I trust my fellow members of the House will join me in congratulating them.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it has come to my attention that Mrs. Janice S. Bramwell will be retiring as Regional Director for Experience Works, Inc., after more than 30 years of service. Mrs. Bramwell has helped countless individuals in our communities, and her commitment to service will be sorely missed. As Regional Director, Mrs. Bramwell used her lifetime of experience as a social worker to bring exceptional service to low-income seniors in Missouri and Illinois. Experience Works, Inc., formerly Green Thumb, is a non-profit organization that helps this struggling population gain the skills and training they need to find gainful employment, a service that is especially needed in this difficult economic time. During her time with this organization she has been recognized for her excellence in budget management and the job retention rate of her clients. Together with her husband Dewey and her daughter Melissa, Mrs. Bramwell is an active member of the community. She serves as a member of the Ozark Region Workforce Investment Board, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Missouri Senior Employment Coordinating Committee. Madam Speaker, I trust my fellow members of the House will join me recognizing Mrs. Janice S. Bramwell for her dedicated service to the State of Missouri.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it has come to my attention that Mr. Harold J. Johnston is retiring as Conductor of the Sedalia Symphony Orchestra after 30 years. Only the second Conductor in the history of the Symphony, Mr. Johnston continued and expanded the great tradition of this Sedalia staple. Mr. Johnston began his service to the community in 1955 as an educator in the Smithton School District. Four years later, Mr. Johnston began teaching in the Sedalia School District and remained there for the next 27 years. Having received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music education from Central Missouri State University, Mr. Johnston trained countless middle and high school students in vocal and instrumental music. In 1952, Mr. Johnston began his involvement with the Sedalia Symphony Orchestra, the second oldest continuous symphony in the State of Missouri. Now in its 75th concert season, the Symphony continues to bring great value to Sedalia and the surrounding communities due in no small part to Mr. Johnston's leadership for the past three decades. Building on the Symphony's great tradition, he introduced two new performances that have become community favorites: the annual Christmas POPS Concert and the performance of Handel's Messiah. Mr. Johnston's commitment to the community of Sedalia and the Symphony has not gone unnoticed. In 1998, Mr. Johnston received the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sedalia Area Council for the Arts, now the Liberty Center Arts Association. Madam Speaker, Mr. Johnston has brought the joy of music to countless individuals throughout his career in public education and with the Sedalia Symphony Orchestra. I trust my fellow members of the House will join me in thanking him for his many years of dedicated service.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, today I recognize and pay tribute to Colonel David Furness, United States Marine Corps, on the occasion of his transfer from the liaison office. I, and many other members of this chamber, have had the pleasure of working with him over the past two years that he has served as part of U.S. Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs and as the Director of the USMC Liaison Office in the U.S. House of Representatives. Colonel Furness expertly represented the Marine Corps on all matters in the U.S. House of Representatives and spearheaded the Marine Corps' most difficult and challenging legislative initiatives from June 2008 to May 2010. Through his direct and skillful interaction with Members of Congress, he ensured that Marine Corps requirements were widely understood by key Members and staff to guarantee the best possible support to the Marine Corps. He also successfully oversaw, planned, coordinated, and escorted more than 150 international and domestic trips for high-level Congressional and Staff Delegations. Furthermore, Colonel Furness managed, trained and mentored a team of Legislative Liaison Officers and House Legislative Fellows and created an environment that fostered teamwork and professionalism. He led Company and Field Grade Officers and ensured they better understood both the message of the Commandant and the role of the Congress in National Security matters. Colonel Furness contributed immeasurably to making capable Liaison Officers who will return to the Marine Corps Fleet with a better understanding of how Congress and the Corps work closely together to win our Nation's battles. Through it all, Colonel Furness has been able to ensure that Members of Congress and their staffs never forget the purpose and focus of the Marine Corps: the Marines themselves. Madam Speaker, through all of these actions, and many more, Colonel Furness has maintained and improved the U.S. House of Representatives' view of the Marine Corps. His performance has made a lasting impact on the readiness of the Marine Corps, laying the groundwork for continued Marine successes on Capitol Hill.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, allow me to recognize and pay tribute to Mr. George Thomlinson who recently received the Spirit of Service award from the Warrensburg Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This annual award recognizes a member of the community who shows an outstanding commitment to service and volunteerism. Although Mr. Thomlinson has worked for 31 years as an insurance agent with Farmers Insurance Group in Sedalia, Missouri, volunteering remains his true calling. Since 1995, Mr. Thomlinson has been involved with the Sedalia-Pettis County United Way. As president and campaign chair, Mr. Thomlinson helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable organizations in Pettis County, and he currently serves on the board as first vice president. Over the years, he has also served as president of the Liberty Center Association for the Arts, a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and a board member of the Sedalia Rotary Club. For 2 years, he was president of the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce, and he was awarded the ``Volunteer of the Year'' award in 2002 for his service with the Chamber. Though his commitments are wide and diverse, few have meant more to Mr. Thomlinson than his work with Ducks Unlimited, an organization that has conserved, restored, and protected over 12 million acres of habitat in North America. After serving as the Missouri State chairman for 3 years, this year he will be nominated to become a regional vice president. Madam Speaker, let me take this means to recognize Mr. Thomlinson for his tireless service to our community and for the impeccable example he and his wife Holly have set for their daughter Vanessa and us all.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, at this time let me pay tribute to members of our committee. Buck McKeon, the ranking member, a gentleman of the first order, is helping so very, very much to achieve end results in a bipartisan manner. National security is an American challenge. It is not a Democrat or a Republican challenge but one that is bipartisan. And I certainly appreciate his efforts. Rob Andrews, Mike Conaway, and all those on the panel, the bipartisan panel, which made the recommendations for this legislation did so unanimously. We had a full hearing, debating the issues that arise in this bill, and it was passed out to this floor with a vote of 56-0. So I want to say a special thanks to the members of the Armed Services Committee, all the members, and especially the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) for his untiring efforts in this regard. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and my colleague, who is also the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me point out that this acquisition legislation is based upon a complicated set of facts. You just don't go down to the local store and buy the necessary equipment for the young men and young women in uniform. Many of the issues deal with the production, with the purchase, with the right sizing, and all of the intricacies and technologies of today's high-level type of efforts. So to explain all of this in much greater detail is the gentleman who is the key sponsor of this legislation, the gentleman who chaired the panel, and I compliment him on the excellent job that he and Mr. Conaway and the other members of the panel did. So I yield at this time 5 minutes to my friend, the sponsor, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. I yield the gentleman an additional 5 minutes.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H.R. 5013, which is known as the IMPROVE Acquisition Act of 2010. For many years we've witnessed waste in the Department of Defense's acquisition system spiral out of control, placing a heavy burden both on the American taxpayers as well as our men and women in uniform. Less frequently, but still far too often, fraud and abuse have crept into the system, as sadly it happened recently in Iraq. Our troops rely on the acquisition system to buy the equipment they need to keep them safe on the battlefield as well as to protect our country. And when that system breaks down, they suffer. In recent years, I and many of my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee have become increasingly concerned that this flawed defense acquisition system was not responsive enough to today's mission needs, not rigorous enough in protecting the tax dollars of millions of families who are struggling financially, and not disciplined enough in the acquisition of weapons systems for tomorrow's wars. We took action. Mr. Chairman, last year we worked with the Senate to enact legislation to reform weapons system acquisition, which covers about 20 percent of all of the military acquisitions. However, weapon systems make up only a small piece of our defense. That bill was a great launching pad; however, we need to do more. In the House, we continued the effort by creating a Panel on Defense Acquisition Reform, ably led by Congressmen Rob Andrews and Mike Conaway to carry out a comprehensive review of the current system and to identify what steps we need to take to make this system work. The panel could not have done a better job scrutinizing the defense acquisition system. It deals with everything from paper clips to boots to food, everything under the acquisition umbrella. During the course of this past year, this panel held 14 hearings plus two briefings on a broad range of issues dealing with the acquisition system, unearthing everything from contract fraud to simple process errors that led to billions of wasted dollars. They put together an excellent report with suggestions to fix the system. And we are here today, with the good will of the House, to pass legislation that will enact those recommendations as outlined in the panel headed by Mr. Andrews and Mr. Conaway. This act will overhaul the defense acquisition system in many respects. Basically, however, requiring the department to set clear objectives for the defense acquisition system and manage performance in achieving those objectives; requiring the department to introduce real accountability into the requirements process, and create a requirements process for the acquisition of services; strengthening and revitalizing the acquisition workforce; requiring the department to develop meaningful consequences for success or failure in financial management; and strengthening the industrial base to enhance competition and gain access to more innovative technology. In other words, the legislation before us today would require the Department of Defense to adopt the basic management practices that are necessary for anything as complex as the acquisitions system to function properly. These changes will make sure that the men and women who are risking their lives to protect our country are getting the proper equipment they need to do their jobs and to protect themselves, and that they get it sooner. Additionally, we expect this bill to prevent the waste of billions of taxpayer dollars over the next 5 years. This is a bipartisan bill. I am very proud of that fact. It passed our Armed Services Committee by a vote of 56-0. A great deal of credit goes to Mr. Rob Andrews and Mr. Mike Conaway. And a special thanks to my partner, Buck McKeon, the ranking member, the gentleman from California. I urge my colleagues to join us in sending the strongest possible message to the men and women in uniform, as well as to the American people, that we are serious about protecting the taxpayers' dollars and making the acquisition system work more smoothly. It's really for them as well as for our country. Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC, April 21, 2010. Hon. Ike Skelton, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Skelton: Thank you for working with the Committee on Ways and Means (``Committee'') on H.R. 5013, the ``Implementing Management for Performance and Related Reforms to Obtain Value in Every Acquisition Act of 2010.'' As you know, section 403 of H.R. 5013 is of jurisdictional interest to the Committee as it would require tax return information to be supplied by the Internal Revenue Service (``IRS''). Generally, tax return information is confidential. However, Section 6103(c) of the Internal Revenue Code permits the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose the tax return information of a taxpayer to such person as the taxpayer designates. The Committee continues to monitor the expanding IRS workload and remains concerned about programs that greatly increase the agency's workload outside of its core mission. In calendar year 2009, the IRS made nearly 11,000 tax disclosures under section 6103(c). It is unknown how many additional disclosures will be made under H.R. 5013. As such, the Committee worked with the Armed Services Committee to develop a provision that is administrable by the IRS. The Committee remains committed to ensuring that any additional responsibilities imposed on the IRS do not strain agency resources and welcomes the opportunity to re-evaluate this provision in the future. As we have discussed, this exchange of letters will be placed in the Committee Report on H.R. 5013 and inserted in the Congressional Record as part of the consideration of this legislation in the House. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked with the Committee regarding this matter. Sincerely, Sander M. Levin, Chairman.

Mr. SKELTON. No. I appreciate the gentleman from New Jersey. I have nothing further to add, except that hopefully this bill will receive a unanimous vote at a later moment.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment, but I do not oppose it.

Mr. SKELTON. The amendment before us is a sense of Congress amendment. In essence it says, we should follow the law. It reaffirms Congress' support for the Buy American Act and other United States labor laws, and Congress has acted in recent years to make contracting officers aware of firms seeking contracts that have engaged in certain violations of the law. This is a ``wake up and pay attention to the law'' sense of Congress. Today, Mr. Chairman, we have done more than adopt 16 amendments and had an excellent general debate on this bill. We have exhibited in a very substantial and substantive piece of legislation that Democrats and Republicans can work together, that, in a bipartisan effort, we can make things better for the young men and women in uniform, that we can save the taxpayer dollars, and over a period of time, it will be in the billions of dollars if this legislation becomes law. And we certainly hope that it will not only pass here with a substantial vote but also pass the United States Senate with a substantial vote, because it is a hallmark piece of real legislation. It should have been done before, but it wasn't. And here we are, taking up legislation that will be good for the young men and young women in uniform and save the American taxpayer dollars. I am really proud of the committee. I am really proud of Buck McKeon, the ranking member, for his excellent cooperation and work; Rob Andrews, the chairman of the panel that I appointed; Mike Conaway, for the excellent work that he did, in particular, the sections relating to the required audits that will be part of this legislation. We have just done marvelous work. I could not be prouder of the Armed Services Committee and those who worked on it as well as those who offered the very important amendments. With that, Mr. Chairman, I am very grateful for the work that has been done, and I do urge a ``yes'' vote on this particular amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I object.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I claim time in opposition, though I do not oppose the motion.