Ike Skelton

Mr. SKELTON

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

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, that is a well-stated comment from the gentleman from Washington. It is right. We did right. I thank the gentleman for his influence and his supportive words. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the motion to instruct. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this motion is about the priority we accord our troops rather than the special interests. The House passed bill gives priority to protecting the troops from theater ballistic missile attacks while the Senate version, on the other hand, would gut theater missile defense to pay for resumption of futuristic Star Wars experiments. The House bill, Mr. Speaker, got it right. Our bill got it right. Mr. Speaker, the Senate bill would increase the administration's request for space-based lasers by $94 million, a 100 percent increase. The Senate bill would also reduce the administration's request for theater missile defense by a net of $203.9 million, resulting in a 40 percent reduction of the highest priority theater missile defense program. Correctly, the House bill would do neither. For that we owe a debt of gratitude to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence), chairman of the full Committee on National Security, and to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Research and Development, for their leadership in this important area. I thank them, and I know the rest of the committee joins me in doing so. The proposed Senate increase would begin to put weapons in space by starting a multibillion dollar 8-year program to demonstrate a space- based chemical laser capability for the national missile defense system. It is premature because, as a Nation, we have not made the policy decision to put weapons in space, nor have we decided that a chemical laser is preferred over solid state or other lasers. And, perhaps most important, we have already rejected the near $30 billion price tag such a space-based laser national missile defense system would entail. Worse, the chemical laser to be demonstrated is not slated to be part of any actual space-based laser national missile defense system we might one day choose to develop. Moreover, the theater missile defense decreases proposed by the Senate would unnecessarily slow development of our lead theater missile defense program, the Army's Theater High Altitude Air Defense System. THAAD, what it is known as, is our highest priority missile defense effort and is being developed to counter the theater missile threat currently facing our troops overseas and our friends and our allies. Let me point out, Mr. Speaker, that during the Gulf War the highest fatalities we had were as a result of a theater missile, and we must do something to protect the troops in that regard. The program has suffered some setbacks, but we must recover from those setbacks as quickly as possible. There are no reasonable alternatives. The proposed $323.9 million cut to the THAAD system would gut our ability to restructure the program and put it on a more sound technical footing and it would add further delay. Frankly, Mr. Speaker, this is just unacceptable. The House position is correct. Taken together, the recommendations in the Senate bill would have us walk away from our first missile defense responsibility, countering the theater ballistic missile threat already facing our troops and friends and allies today, in favor of a futuristic space-based laser experimentation to benefit special interests. It makes no sense. For several years now we have had consensus on the priority to be accorded theater missile defenses between the legislative and executive branches, Republicans and Democrats and liberals and conservatives. Mr. Speaker, nothing has changed. The House-passed bill got it right, got it correct, and correctly prioritizes protecting the troops from theater ballistic missile attack over futuristic space-based laser experiments. I sincerely urge my colleagues to keep our troops in mind. We know what the past has held for them on the front lines in combat, and it is up to us to do our very best to protect them, to protect the troops. Stick by the House position.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Maine (Mr. Allen).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Skaggs).

Mr. SKELTON. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Speaker, I would tell the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Skaggs) I appreciate his bringing this to our attention. We know this is a very important subject to him that he has worked hard and well on, and I can assure him that I will consider the points that he made in favor of dropping this provision from the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, let me thank the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence), the chairman, for his support of this motion to instruct. I think it is very important that this carry in conference, for the simple reason that we have to take care of the troops. It is a high priority should there be another battlefield. We hope and pray that does not come to pass. But those things happen. No one predicted Desert Storm, but it did come to pass, and the largest number of casualties did come as a result of a missile that came down amidst American soldiers. So, looking out for the soldiers and looking out for the troops, looking out for the men and women in uniform, I think this is the proper procedure to instruct the conferees to stand by the House provision that is well thought out and well worked on.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to instruct conferees.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to thank the gentleman from South Carolina not just for his kind comments but also for his reasoned thinking regarding this issue, and thank him for his support. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt). (Mr. SPRATT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) for speaking for the protection of the troops. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Sisisky).

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

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with great regret that I inform the Members of the House of the passing of Everett W. Hannon, Sr., a councilman from Lexington, MO, on July 17, 1998. Mr. Hannon was a native of Lexington and a graduate of Douglass High School. He entered the United States Army in 1952, and was honorably discharged in 1954. He served on the Lexington City Council for over 20 years, and was also employed with Allied signal as a Cost Reduction Representative for 25 years, until his retirement in May of 1993. Mr. Hannon was an active member of the Lexington community. In addition to serving on the city council, he was Chairman and Treasurer of the Lexington Park Board, Board and Executive Board Member of Missouri Valley Human Resource Development Corporation, and a member of the American Legion, the Lion's Club, and the Second Baptist church of Lexington. Mr Hannon is survived by his wife Marjorie, three sons, two brothers, three sisters, an aunt, and seven grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, Everett Hannon played many important roles in the Lexington community, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity to say a few words in tribute to the late Col. (R) William S. Starke, Jr. Col. Starke, a loyal and dedicated soldier and a good friend of mine through the years, recently passed away at the age of 80. Col. Starke, a native of Lexington, MO, entered the United States Army as a private in 1942. He served until 1970, when he retired as a colonel. During his distinguished career, William Starke fought as a tank commander during World War II in France, Germany, and Austria and saw combat in Korea. His other military tours included Turkey, Alaska, and Iran. William Starke was one of three brothers who served in the Army. He married Heidi Maria Bauer of Vienna, Austria, in 1947, and they had five children. After retirement, William Starke worked for Boatmen's Bank and in real estate development in Dixon, Missouri, He was a member of the Elks Club and several military service organizations including the Heartland Chapter of the 11th Armored Division. Col. Starke is survived by his wife, Heidi, four children, 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a brother and a sister. Mr. Speaker, William Starke was a dedicated soldier and a true friend throughout his military career and beyond. I am certain that the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to this fine Missourian.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to bring to the attention of the House of Representatives and the American public the distinguished contributions of the Naval Research Laboratory on the occasion of its seventy-fifth anniversary. The Naval Research Laboratory was officially founded in Washington, District of Columbia on July 2, 1923 after Thomas Alva Edison recommended that a modern research facility for the Navy be established. In the following seven decades, research efforts have expanded from the two original areas of scientific endeavor--radio and underwater sound--to nineteen broad areas that encompass many diverse fields. The Naval Research Laboratory's early research achievements include the discovery and explanation of radio skip distance, the development of the fathometer and early sonar, and the development of the first operational American radar. During World War II, the Naval Research Laboratory's scientific activities focused on applied research in direct support of combat forces. The Laboratory devised ship electronic countermeasure systems, developed the first application of cryptography in radar identification, and invented the first Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) radio system in the United States. After World War II, the Naval Research Laboratory greatly expanded its pre-war research program in radio, radar, underwater sound, chemistry, metallurgy, optics, nuclear science, and cosmic rays. The naval Research Laboratory pioneered naval research into space launching atmospheric probes with V-2 rockets through the direction of the Vanguard project--America's first satellite program. The Laboratory also produced the first satellite communication system by using the moon as a reflector and receiving the returned signals on the Earth's largest parabolic antenna. More recently, the Laboratory developed the Navy's Global Positioning System and built the Clementine satellite that conducted the most comprehensive lunar mapping to date. Since the late 1950's, the Naval Research Laboratory's scientists and engineers have designed, built, and launched more than 80 satellites that have expanded our understanding of the vast frontier of space. The Naval Research Laboratory's facility for the Structure of Matter has become internationally famous for its groundbreaking work in using electron and x-ray diffraction methods for understanding the structure of complicated organic molecules. For his work in this field, the Laboratory's Dr. Jerome Karle received the 1985 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The Naval Research Laboratory's current research program spans the scientific spectrum--including studies in areas such as advanced materials technology, electronic warfare, infrared countermeasures, fire suppression, information technology, radar technology, monitoring the solar corona and its impact on the Earth's atmosphere, biomolecular engineering, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, meteorology, and oceanography. Today, the Naval Research Laboratory is well-positioned to enter the 21st century with a strong technical program and all the tools necessary to continue its mission as the United States Navy's corporate laboratory. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Naval Research Laboratory, and I am certain that the Members of the House will join me in congratulating this distinguished research institution on the celebration of 75 years of scientific achievement.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to bring to the attention of the House of Representatives and the American public the distinguished honor of a fellow Missourian. Senior Airman Andre L. Walker, of St. Louis, was recently chosen as the Air National Guard Airman of the Year. Senior Airman Andre L. Walker is a Satcom/Wideband Communications Specialist assigned to the 239th Combat Communications Squadron as a TRC-170 tactical communications terminal crew member, Missouri Air National Guard Base, Lambert Field, St. Louis, Missouri. He is 31 years old and was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended McCluer Senior High School and was a member of the school football team and the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). After graduation from high school, Airman Walker was locally employed while attending S. Louis Community College's Florissant Valley and Forest Park campuses. He graduated with honors from Forest Park Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. He then went on to continue his education at the University of Missouri, St. Louis campus. In July 1995 Airman Walker enlisted in the Missouri Air National Guard, and was sent to Basic Military Training in September of the same year. He was selected as flight leader (Dorm Chief) and his flight had the overall highest score in intrasquadron competition. After completing BMT, Airman Walker attended Satcom/Wideband Specialist Training at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, where he was a student leader and member of the drill team in his squadron. After graduating from technical school, he volunteered to assist a Civil Engineering squadron install fiber optics lines on Spangdahlem Air Base, Spangdahlem, Germany. Airman Walker was recognized as an outstanding performer for his efforts during the project. In August 1996 Airman Walker volunteered to serve in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in support of Operation Southern Watch. He received an Air Force Commendation Medal for his performance there. Airman Walker returned home in January 1997 and assisted the 131st Fighter Wing in its' Mobility Warehouse Reorganization Project in which he and his team completed the task in eighty percent of its estimated time. His team received recognition for its Superior Performance. He subsequently served as an augmentee for the 107th Air Control Squadron during their Operational Readiness Exercise, and afterward he returned to the Middle East for a second tour. Upon his return home in June 1997 he assisted his squadron in preparing for their upcoming Operational Readiness Exercise until August 1997. After the August Operational Readiness Exercise, he was recognized as a Superior Performer by his squadron for his efforts during the Operational Readiness Exercise. Airman Walker subsequently returned to Phoenix, Arizona, in September to assist the 107th Air Control Squadron in their Operational Readiness Inspection. While there, he and two others discovered and extinguished a brush fire on the Fort Huachuca Army Base, preventing potential injury to military personnel and equipment. Airman Walker was again recommended for the Air Force Commendation medal for his efforts there, confirmation of his decoration is pending. His military awards include the Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Joint Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Air Force Overseas Short Ribbon. Mr. Speaker, I am certain that the Members of the House will join me in congratulating Andre L. Walker as the Air National Guard's Airman of the Year.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this. We debated this fully this past March. With the gentleman in the well I had an amendment that opposed the initial placing of troops in Bosnia for the simple reason that there was army and training that should not have taken place. That has been a success. This is not the right message to send to the troops, it is not the right message to send to our allies who, by the way, furnish 75 percent of the troops there, and by the way, provide 85 percent of the reconstruction assistance. I think we should vote this down and pass this bill.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I applaud the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor) and will concur, and I intend to vote for his amendment.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I hereby yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, we have reviewed the amendment on this side, and we have no objection.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. In studying this amendment, we find that, quite frankly, it is unnecessary and that under the Atomic Energy Act no export license can be granted unless the United States Government has already negotiated a nuclear cooperation agreement with the nation receiving the equipment or the technology. These agreements are reviewed by the Congress before their implementation, thereby eliminating the need for further congressional review with each individual license. Changing licensing procedures would reward India, imposing new restrictions on peaceful nuclear trade, especially with China at this time. It would harm U.S. China relations and would perversely reward India for detonating its nuclear device and punish China for India's misdeeds. New licensing procedures that institute greater delay and greater certainty will leave China and other potential markets like Brazil to view U.S. vendors as unreliable suppliers.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I had not intended to become involved in this debate, but as ranking member of this committee, I must. I must look out for the military that we have, knowing the various missions that we have and, frankly, the lack of young men and young women that we have presently on duty. Mr. Chairman, first we should look at the specialists, those that are involved in Border Patrol, the Customs, the National Guard. We already have military people of all services, including the Navy, working against the drug traffic. This evidently involves brute force. The 82nd Airborne, my goodness, they are the first line of our defense. We have today too few young men and young women to cover the necessary missions that they have. We need more. We need more resources for the right specialists, and even to consider this, we need more resources for those in uniform. Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, we have no further requests for time. Thus, I yield back the balance of my time.