Ike Skelton

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding time. First let me compliment the chairman of the Committee on Rules. This is the last time that the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence) and I will be before the committee with the gentleman from New York as the presiding chairman. We wish him well and we thank him for his many, many efforts on behalf of the young men and women in uniform. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the gentleman from New York. Regarding the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham), I thank him for his kind words. We know and hope that his work on the Committee on Appropriations will reflect the work that we on the authorization committee will do as it precedes the work on the appropriation efforts. The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost) mentioned the fact that the President has recognized that we need additional funding for our military. I am in receipt yesterday of a letter from the President wherein he stated that there will be the $1 billion in emergency recommendations. He also added that in the long run, there will be additional necessary funds for readiness. Let me share with this body that I am not a newcomer to this issue. I was concerned about readiness shortfall, concerned about spare part problems and concerned about some research and development and procurement several years ago. I embarked on a major effort to put together a military bill, a defense bill, from scratch. On March 22, 1996, I appeared before the Committee on the Budget recommending additional funds for fiscal years 1997, 1998 and 1999. But of course those figures were not adopted. I am sending that budget to the President, to the Secretary and to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, because it might reflect what well is needed now, because there were shortfalls in those years and we find ourselves in a position of young people leaving, and spare parts and readiness is down. We need to do something about it. Now is the time for us to fulfill the pledge. We must take care of the troops. We must let them know we appreciate them, that we back what they are doing in their efforts, we will back their families, and we will allow there to be sufficient funds for training so they can be ready for any contingency that comes along. That is our job. We should not have to wait for the President to make the recommendation. It is good that one is coming forth. I have suggested to him a figure which I hope he will look to.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran), who has been so active in helping establish the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program demonstration project.

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

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Pickett), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Military Research and Development.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Harman), a strong member of our committee. A few moments ago, I expressed our appreciation for all the work that the gentlewoman has done in the area of national security and we are going to miss her. (Ms. HARMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I wish to pay tribute to the parishioners, past and present, of the Dover, Missouri, Christian Church, who will celebrate the Church's 150th anniversary this year. The long history of the Dover Christian Church, located just east of my hometown of Lexington, MO, began in the decades before the War Between the States. In the early part of the 19th Century, two men, Thomas and Alexander Campbell, father and son, came to Missouri from Virginia. These men brought with them the idea of a new faith which fostered the dream of uniting all Protestant denominations. The little town of Dover accepted this tenet, and in August of 1824, the Dover Christian Church was organized. The tradition of the Church's August meeting began in 1824. Over the years, this event has become the binding tie to the members of the Church and to the community of Dover. These meetings have been one of the biggest and most looked-forward-to events in the community. From 1824 to 1848, before there was a church building, Dover Christian Church's annual August meetings were held beneath three large elm trees that stood near a small bridge south of Dover. The current church facility was not completed until 1848. Mr. Speaker, for over 150 years, the members of the Dover Christian Church have been gathering in friendship and in prayer. I am certain that the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to the Church and its parishioners.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, recently, my hometown of Lexington, MO, lost one of its most beloved citizens. Rev. Donald Selmer Lintvet, 77, passed away at his home on August 13, 1998. Rev. Don Lintvet was born in Hawley, MN, on March 4, 1921. He attended school there, and after graduating from Lake Park High School, he received degrees from the Industrial College of Minnesota and the Detroit Lakes Business College. In addition, he attended both Baylor University and Rockhurst College for several years, as well as Trinity Theological Seminary, San Francisco Seminary, and Toledo Bible College. Don's studies were interrupted by his service to the United States in the U.S. Army. Immediately before World II, Don served as a finance officer in Panama at the Panama Canal Zone. During World War II, he served state-side in the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Benning, GA, the Paratrooper Division at Indianapolis, IN, and at Fort Hood, TX. After the conclusion of the war, Don came to Lexington, MO, the hometown of his wife, George Lynn. In Lexington, he once again served in military uniform, as Assistant Commandant at Wentworth Military Academy. Soon thereafter, he was recalled to active duty by the Army during the Korean War. For years, Don worked in the credit and banking industry. He worked at the Bureau of Internal Revenue and at Riss and Company in Kansas City. He was also employed for twenty years as a Retail Credit Manager at Western Auto in Kansas City. While working at Western Auto, Don was appointed Vice President of the International Consumers Credit Executive Association. Don joined the Bank of Tulsa in 1968, and also served as Vice President of the Bank Americard (now known as VISA) Center for several years. In 1972, he instituted the Bank of Americard facility in St. Louis and oversaw the development of the facility. Later, Don joined the Noland Road Bank of Independence, MO, and became an executive member of the Board of Advisors to the Bank of America in San Francisco, CA. Don Lintvet ended his active business career in 1979 due to health problems, however, his professional life took a turn which led him to the Christian Church. On October 10, 1980, Don was ordained as a minister in the Disciplies of Christ church, and he served as a minister at churches in Lexington, Dover, Bates City, and Hardin. His most admired contribution to the ministry was as a volunteer chaplain at the Lafayette Regional Health Center. From 1980 to 1990, Don served more than 11,000 hours of volunteer service at the hospital. Early in his life, Don played baseball for the minor league Fargo- Morehead Twins at Fargo, ND, and the major league Cleveland Indians, and of his many affiliations, Don enjoyed being on the committee of the Board of Amateur Sports Hall of Fame in Kansas City. He was also a music enthusiast and he was an active member of the Tulsa Opera Company and the Christian Church choir in Tulsa, OK. He was a 58-year member of the Masonic Lodge AM FM #149, a member of the Lexington American Legion/Thomas Cullom Post, and a member of the Masons in Balboa Canal Zone. In addition, Don was one of ten Missourians nominated for the Outstanding Senior Volunteer for the state of Missouri. Don is survived by his wife, George Lynn, one son, one sister, two grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, one niece, two nephews, two great-nieces, and one great-nephew. Mr. Speaker, Rev. Donald Lintvet was a man of honor and dignity. His service to his nation, to his community, and to his God are highly commendable. He is truly a role model for all Americans. I am certain that the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to this honorable Missourian.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, Barbara Tuckman once wrote a book about how governments through the ages have acted in their own noninterest. To adopt this amendment would not be in the interests of the United States of America. To adopt this amendment will not be in line with what we have as our goals in this world and to help shape a region to make it more stable and secure. We are confident that genuine independence and peace and prosperity for the nations in the southern area of the Caucasus and central Asia allows them to resist aggressive Iranian and Russian pressure, promises of American national interests. It is important that we understand what is at stake here. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter) spoke about a pipeline that might go through Armenia. What if that pipeline went through Iran? That will not be in our self-interest at all. Why do we shove our allies, our friends, those that did us a favor and do favors for us, why do we shove them, if this amendment is adopted, toward the country of Iran? We know what it has done. There is terrorism in the area of squashing human rights. We must also think of our ally of Israel. It is interesting to read a letter from the Conference of Presidents of American Jewish Organizations that speaks on this issue and says that we must promote what is in the base bill for the interest of Israel as well. Azerbaijan has resisted all efforts to locate foreign troops on its territory. It has resisted the Fundamentalist government. Azerbaijan has also been strongly supportive of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Minsk group, and the United States of America is a co-chair of that Minsk group. I think it behooves us to realize what is really at stake. Do we want to further American interests in this area, or do we by this wish to help the Iranian interests in this area? I think that the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Livingston) is right. What he and his committee put into the base bill is correct. I fully support what is in this bill, and I will vote with the chairman and his committee against this amendment.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I am sure all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives were horrified by the tragic loss of life in the bombings of our embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Twelve Americans and nearly 300 Africans were killed and more than 5,000 people were injured. We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of those who died and to those who were injured. The nation owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the men and women who serve our interests overseas, and to their families. We mourn their loss. For the benefit of my colleagues, the following is a list of the names of the individuals who served in our embassies in Kenya and Tanzania who died as a result of the blasts. Embassy Employees Who Died in the Nairobi Bombing Sgt. Nathan Aliganga, Julian Bartley, Jay Bartley (dependent), Jean Dalizu, Molly Hardy, Ken Hobson, Prabhi Guptara Kavaler, Arlene Kirk, Louise Martin, Ann Michelle O'Connor, Sherry Olds, Tom Shah, Hindu O. Idi, Tonny Irung, Joel G. Kamau, Lucy N. Karigi, Tesia Warimu Kionge, Joe Kiongo, Dominic Kithuva, Geoffrey Kalio, Peter K. Macharia, Francis W. Main, Cecilia A. Mamboleo, Lydiah M. Mayaka, Francis Mbogo, James Mathenca Migui, Namayi Moses, Catherine Mukeithi, Kimeu N. Ngamga, Vincent Nyoike, Johnson Kimeo Nzioka, Francis O. Ochilo, Obias Ochola, Maurice Okach, Hudson Nyamber Omae, Edwin A.O. Omori, Evans Onsongo, Eric Onyango, Mungasia (Rachel) Pussy, Farhat M. Sheikh, Shah Umanlal, Phaedra Vrontamitis, Josephat K. Wachira, Adams Wamai, and Frederick M. Yafes. Embassy Employees Who Died in the Dar es Salaam Bombing Abdalla Mohamed, Abbas William Mwila, Yusuf Shamte Ndange, Bakari Nyumhu, Mtendeje Rajabu, Mohamed Mahundi Ramadani, and Doto Lukua Romadhani.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Rear Admiral Mike Sullivan, United States Navy, as he retires on October 1, 1998, upon completion of over 31 years of honorable and faithful service to our Nation. Rear Admiral Sullivan, a Supply Corps Officer, has performed in a consistently outstanding manner under the most challenging of circumstances. As the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) he was responsible for advising the Navy's Acquisition Executive on business and programmatic matters concerning Navy and Marine Corps major weapon systems programs. He also provided policy and oversight for the Naval procurement system which encompasses over 900 activities contracting for more than $40 billion in weapon systems, supplies and services annually. Mike, no stranger to anyone in uniform, can reflect on several successful operational tours in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He came to his current position after being the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Acquisition and Business Management. His wide range of experience also included, among others', tours at Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Air Systems Command, the Government Operations Committee of the House of Representatives, and Competition Advocate General of the Navy. And Central Missourians too, know him well: for four consecutive years he traveled to their neighborhood--my congressional district--to counsel and assist small businesses about the requirements of the federal contracts. A graduate of the University of Kansas, he completed his MBA degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and Carnegie Mellon University's Program for Executives. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit (three awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards). Married to the former Pam Ross of Leavenworth, Kansas, the Sullivan's have one son, Brian. The Department of the Navy, Congress, and the American people have been defended and well served by this dedicated naval officer for over 31 years. Rear Admiral Mike Sullivan will long be remembered for his leadership, service and dedication. I am proud to call him my friend. Let me wish him, his wife Pam, and their son Brian our very best as they begin a new chapter in their life together.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me say I take a back seat to no one on the issue of drug control. I support all serious initiatives to rid our country in the hemisphere of the scourge of illegal drug trafficking and drug use. I rise, however, as the ranking minority member of the House Committee on National Security to express grave reservations over the process, over the process under which this important bill is being considered. But I also consider myself a jealous guardian of the process and the rights and responsibilities of the Members of our institution as well as the committees they are on. This bill has major and far-reaching national and international implications, along with a staggering $2.3 billion price tag. Yet, incredibly, House committee consideration has been totally eliminated from the process in which the bill is being brought to this floor. No fewer than five committees, unfortunately, waive their jurisdiction over elements of the bill; and I for one would like to go on record as saying that this is an incredibly dangerous precedent to set here in the House. My colleagues with whom I am privileged to serve on the House Committee on National Security on both sides of the aisle have made it their serious and thoughtful business to develop an expertise in matters of defense policy, including drug policy. The same can be said of the expertise of other committee members in their areas of jurisdiction. We have a right and we have a responsibility to use the expertise in the careful consideration of any legislation which is referred to our committee, especially one so far- reaching as this bill. The Chairman of the Committee on National Security, my good friend, my colleague, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence) has made his reservation known to the Speaker by letter, and I thank him for that. But the waiver, nevertheless, has been granted, and now we usher in a process by which a task force is being formed and laid in the legislative cycle which circumvents all committees of jurisdiction and brings a major initiative to the floor. There is no reason to believe that this will not occur again and more often in the future as the process succeeds today. As ranking member of my committee, I am greatly concerned that legislative consideration by task forces instead of by committees which has expertise in various areas on comprehensive measures will begin to supersede the normal process and degrade the purpose of service on our respective committees.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to pay tribute to a great soldier on the occasion of his retirement. After over 35 years of more than honorable service, General William W. Hartzog, Commander of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command, retires on 14 September. Over the course of those 35 years, he has demonstrated strong and inspiring leadership, unsurpassed executive ability, and an untiring dedication to the spirit and mission of the United States Army. His many significant and exemplary achievements have gained him the utmost respect in the military and civilian communities both in the United States and abroad. Throughout his entire military career, General Hartzog has tempered mission accomplishment with a deep, committed concern for the welfare and professional development of the soldiers he has led. Let me just provide a few examples from his very impressive career. His leadership contributed immeasurably to the success of Operation Just Cause, the United States' invasion of the Republic of Panama to bring to justice Manuel Noriega and install a legitimate and democratically elected government. General Hartzog crafted a masterful plan for military operations that not only accomplished the mission of restoring democracy quickly, but also did so with limited loss of life and property. During a period of continual regional crisis, he remained sensitive to the demands of the geopolitical arena while crafting the United States security assistance policies for the region. In August 1993, General Hartzog became the Deputy Commander in Chief (DCINC) and Chief of Staff of the United States Atlantic Command (ACOM). His in-depth knowledge of and experience with joint organizations, planning, and operations were indispensable to the formation of the then fledgling command. While still forming the staff of this new command, he was called on to begin the planning process for Operation Uphold Democracy in the Republic of Haiti. Starting with a blank sheet of paper, General Hartzog stimulated the staff planning process for Uphold Democracy with his personal involvement, tireless determination, and positive attitude. His efforts resulted in a highly flexible plan that could be changed from forced entry to permissive entry on a moment's notice. In October 1994, General Hartzog assumed command of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). His first mission was to insure that the command was focused on its core mission of training soldiers and leaders in basic and advanced combat skills. Partnering with training units in the Army Reserve, he set about to create a program designed to ensure that all Army institutional training, regardless of component, was done to the same standards. At the same time he made sure that the instruction at all Army schools was relevant, with an eye on the work being done for the Army of the future. Capitalizing on the groundwork laid by his predecessor, General Hartzog began the Force XXI process in earnest by developing the concepts for the operation and organization of the Army's digital division. Calling on his skills as a planner, General Hartzog developed the concept of using Advanced Warfighting Experiments (AWEs) as a means of testing new concepts and ideas for the digitized force. Through the use of AWEs, General Hartzog was able to test new concept for doctrine and equipment at a more rapid pace than was possible under the traditional system, thus ensuring that the digital force would not be obsolete before it is fielded. Throughout his career, General Hartzog has made singular and unique contributions at each level he was assigned. In his final assignment, he brought to bear the accumulated experience and dedication of a career spent serving the Nation and our soldiers by bringing to fruition the ideas and concepts of our future force, setting the stage for the evolution of our Army over the next twenty years. He has provided continuity for the profession of arms--integrity, loyalty, dedication, mentorship, vision, and the willingness to take the risks associated with advocating and implementing change while envisioning even more change in the future. General Hartzog's distinguished performance and far reaching impact on the future of the Army and its soldiers reflect great credit upon him, those who mentored him, and the United States Army.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the memory of one of our Nation's brave young soldiers who gave his life in service to this country. Sergeant Kenneth R. Hobson, II lost his life in the tragic bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. This 27-year-old hero from Nevada, MO, was assigned to the U.S. Army Defense Attache, Kenya, in April 1998 as an administrative specialist. He dedicated almost ten years of his life to serving our country in the U.S. Army, enlisting in July 1989. Sergeant Hobson was a soldier whose bravery and skill were tested during the Persian Gulf War. As a result of his commitment to duty and freedom in that conflict, he was awarded the Southwest Asia Medal with two bronze service stars and two Kuwait Liberation Medals. He also served our Nation proudly in Germany during two previous tours there. Sergeant Hobson was an accomplished soldier--the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, three Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Air Assault Badge, and the Expert Marksmanship Badge. Sergeant Hobson loved his country and believed in our Nation's tenets and principles. His beliefs were manifested in his dedication to the duties he was charged with and the commitment he displayed in service to our Nation, half a world away. Although his life was cut short by a terrorist's cruel attack, it is my sincere hope that his values and beliefs, instilled in him by his parents, Kenneth and Bonnie Sue, will be carried on by his wife, Deborah and daughter, Megan. I invite my colleagues to join me in remembering Sergeant Kenneth R. Hobson, II and his family. I pray that we all let his courage and selfless commitment guide our public service and that we ensure his memory will never be forgotten.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I wish to pay tribute to William (Bill) Aull, III, a good friend and outstanding attorney, who recently passed away at the age of 82. A native of Lexington, MO, Aull graduated from Westminster College in Fulton, MO, and continued his education at the University of Missouri- Columbia, where he received his Juris Doctorate degree. Bill began his law profession as the Prosecuting Attorney in Lafayette County, which led to a position as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. He continued as the City Attorney for his hometown of Lexington, and spent most of his professional career practicing law there. A veteran of World War II, Bill commanded a company of the 442nd Japanese-American Infantry Regiment in Italy. He received numerous decorations during his tour, including the Silver Star. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after twenty years of service with the United States Army Reserve. In addition to his outstanding professional and military service, Bill served as the president of the Commerce Bank of Lexington, the Lexington R-5 Board of Education, the Missouri Historical Society, and the Wentworth Military Academy Board. He also served as an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Lexington. Aull is survived by his wife Tuni, one son, two daughters, one step- son, one step-daughter, and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Bolding Aull. Mr. Speaker, Bill Aull's public service and military career make him a role model for young civic leaders, and his closeness within the Lexington community will greatly be missed. I am certain that the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to this distinguished Missourian.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to again compliment the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) on his efforts, which appear to be successful, in naming the CIA headquarters after former President George Bush. It is a very, very fitting tribute to this man who was the head of the CIA, and who later became President of our country. I had the opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to work with President Bush rather closely in preparation for Desert Storm and Desert Shield, in which American interests were so vitally involved, and he not only marshaled support for the effort here in our country, he marshaled support among our allies, and he should long be remembered for that. I compliment the gentleman and thank him for his work on putting this piece of legislation together. It certainly is a fitting tribute to Mr. Bush.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3821, to designate the headquarters of the Central Intelligence Agency in Langley, Virginia as the ``George Herbert Walker Bush Center for Central Intelligence.'' George Bush served this country not only as President but also as Vice President, Member of Congress, United Nations Ambassador, chief of the U.S. Liaison Office to the People's Republic of China, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and also, Mr. Speaker, as a naval aviator in World War II. As a matter of fact, he received the Navy Cross for his courageous action in the Pacific. He is the only Director of Central Intelligence to have become President of the United States. The CIA headquarters does not now have a formal name, and there is no facility in the Washington, D.C. area named after President Bush. I thus believe this legislation represents a fitting tribute to honor President Bush's long and distinguished career in public service. I have known President George Bush for a good many years. History has shown that he was an excellent Director of Central Intelligence, and I heartily endorse naming the CIA headquarters after him. I am thus happy to join my colleagues on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in cosponsoring this tribute to former President George Bush, and I urge its passage by the House. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, if I have the time, I would be pleased to yield additional time to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman). My inquiry of the Chair is do I have the time?

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, July 25, 1998, I attended the commissioning of the U.S.S. Harry S Truman, CVN 75. It is our Navy's newest and most advanced nuclear aircraft carrier. It was a special day not only for me, but for Missouri and for the United States of America. This vessel bears the name of a fellow Missourian and family friend, and I feel that it is most fitting and appropriate that an aircraft carrier be named for this great man. Harry Truman provided heroic leadership and set a standard of personal accountability during a critical period in our nation's history. This son of rural Missouri possessed common sense and decency. I share my remarks of that day with the Members of the House. Remarks of Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) Commissioning of the U.S.S. ``Harry S Truman'' July 25, 1998--Norfolk, VA

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with great regret that I inform the Members of the House on the passing of Medford R. Park, a former Executive Director of the Wentworth Foundation, on July 23, 1998. Mr. Park, a native of Lexington, Missouri, graduated from Wentworth Military Academy, and later attended the University of Missouri- Columbia. While at the University, Med participated in various extracurricular activities and was a four-year varsity letterman in basketball. After graduating from Mizzou with a bachelor's of Science in Education in 1955, Med joined the St. Louis Hawks of the National Basketball Association. Med played for the Hawks from 1955 through 1959--including the 1958 national championship team. He concluded his NBA Career with the Cincinnati Royals from 1959 to 1960. Med coached the Battle Creek Braves of the Northern Professional League from 1966 to 1968. Mr. Park was the Executive Director of the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in Macon, Georgia, and served as the Executive Director of the John Q. Hammons Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield, Missouri. Mr. Park is survived by his wife Nancy, three sons, and one sister. Mr. Speaker, Medford Park was an inspiration in the Lexington community, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I am certain that the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to the life of this great Missourian.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I will not object, but I would ask the gentleman from Indiana to explain the concurrent resolution.

Mr. SKELTON. I yield to the gentleman from Indiana.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, under my reservation of objection, first I wish to compliment the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Maxine Waters) for her foresight in offering this resolution. I think it is a very, very appropriate one, particularly realizing that I am from Missouri, and that this past weekend, Mr. Speaker, I had the honor of speaking at the commissioning of the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman in Norfolk, Virginia. So I think it is entirely appropriate that I commemorate 50 years of racial integration in the armed services. It was President Harry Truman, a fellow Missourian, who took the courageous and historic action in signing Executive Order 9981. President Truman had seen many examples of sacrifice by soldiers and airmen which proved that segregation was incompatible with the values of our Nation: the Tuskegee airmen, who never lost a bomber they accompanied, showed the high quality of black pilots; the heroism of Dory Miller, who manned a machine gun, in violation of the Navy's then segregationist policies, to defend Pearl Harbor against the Japanese invasion. For his brave actions, he was awarded a Navy cross for two confirmed kills on Japanese aircraft. While integration of our military has not been without difficulty, this executive order was a giant step forward in the quality of our force. Take a good look at it today. It works, and it works well. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I wish that I could say the words that would assuage the grief of the families of Officers Gibson and Chestnut, but I cannot. I wish I had the words to properly express how they have protected this democratic institution, but I cannot. I can only say a word of gratitude. It was Cicero, the great Roman orator, who once said that gratitude is the greatest of all virtues. So that is what we are here about this evening, expressing in our own way the gratitude of our Nation, of our people and of each other. My first experience with police officers on Capitol Hill was when we first came in December 1976, and the police officer I asked, and I was dressed in blue jeans and a ratty old overcoat. My family, my wife Suzy and I, my three boys were in the Capitol to look around. I asked directions of one of the officers, and he called me by name. Yet I was not a Member of Congress. I thought then they were a special group, and they are. Quiet competence, knowledgeable, friendly. On top of that we have examples of two who were quietly competent, knowledgeable and friendly, but also heroes. I say to this body, Mr. Speaker, as well as to all across the country, that every one of the Capitol Police that serves us today is quietly competent, friendly and knowledgeable, but each one, Mr. Speaker, is also a potential hero.