Ike Skelton

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, as the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) knows, I serve on the Committee on National Security, and I have a couple of questions I would like to put to the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. I understand this is a $36 million price tag; is that right?

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

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, we are here today to approve H.R. 2786, the Theater Missile Defense Improvement Act of 1998 under the suspension of the rules of this House. This bill addresses the earlier than expected development of theater or tactical ballistic threats to our men and women in uniform around the world, threats that I believe are real and, given the limitations of currently deployed theater missile defense systems, demand a priority response. H.R. 2786 is a bill that responds to the recent threat developments quickly, crisply and affordably. Moreover, it was approved unanimously by the committee. In terms of process, I cannot be more pleased. H.R. 2786 is the result of an open, deliberative and nonpartisan effort by our committee. I want to thank the gentleman from South Carolina (Chairman Spence) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), chairman of the Subcommittee on Research and Development, for their openness and willingness to work on this issue. In addition, I believe we owe a debt of gratitude to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Pickett) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt), whose vision brought us this bill today. I also want to recognize the hard work of their staffs and the committee staff in translating that vision into legislation that we can all vote for today. In the strongest possible terms, Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill. Madam Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Pickett), the distinguished ranking member of the Subcommittee on Research and Development, and ask that he be allowed to control the time.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate Lt. Gen. Joe Ballard the Chief of Army Engineers and the Commander of the United States Army Corp of Engineers. On February 28, General Ballard was recognized as the Black Engineer of the Year during the 12th Annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards Conference at Baltimore, Maryland. This award was presented by the Career Communications Group and the Council of Engineering Deans of the Historically Black College and Universities. A panel of judges from industry and academia screened over 200 entries and unanimously agreed that General Ballard was by far the best qualified for this award. General Ballard, a native of Oakdale, Louisiana, and a graduate of Southern University, leads the world's premier public engineering organization with engineering, construction and real estate responsibilities worldwide. In the civil works program, the Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for operating and maintaining 275 locks, 12,000 miles of navigable waterway and 300 deep draft harbors. Flood control systems across our nation prevent an estimated $26.8 billion in potential damage each year and Corps facilities provide 24 percent of our nation's hydroelectric power. When disaster hits our hometowns across the United States, General Ballard's forces are always on the front lines fighting as they did recently in the Midwest and California floods and the New England ice storm. General Ballard overseas the design and construction management of military facilities for the Army and Air Forces worldwide and often provides the same support for other Defense and federal agencies. As the senior Engineer in the Army, his engineer soldiers are also found on the front lines in Bosnia and Kuwait serving our nation. Through all this, he has the additional responsibilities for the nation's environment, managing environmental restoration programs and practicing environmentally sustainable development to balance environment values with economic growth. It is a tremendous honor that one of our finest public servants is recognized across the country as the Black Engineer of the Year for 1998. We applaud General Ballard for his professionalism, dedication and leadership, and we in the Congress, congratulate him on this significant distinction.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, first let me thank the gentleman from Indiana for his statement, for his sound reasoning, and for his courage in his comments today. The troops have no better friend than the gentleman from Indiana. I know, not just those in Bosnia, but those across the world appreciate his efforts on their behalf. What the gentleman from Indiana says is so true about American leadership and necessity for us being there. As he pointed out, I have rethought my position. I agree with him. I think he is right. I think we should continue on.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this House concurrent resolution. I guess it is the small town country lawyer coming out in me, but to begin with, this is legally wrong. Under the original War Powers Act a concurrent resolution was required. Subsequent to that there was a Chadha decision in 1983 that says you cannot do it without a joint resolution, that gives a President the opportunity to agree or disagree. Subsequent to the Chadha decision there was a statute that was all-encompassing, including this statute, the War Powers Act that requires a joint resolution. Consequently, this being an attempt to pass a concurrent resolution at best is moot. That in and of itself is enough reason to oppose it. But it should be opposed for other reasons, for policy reasons, for practical reasons as well. The policy implications of adoption of this resolution are clear. Adoption of this resolution by this House would send the wrong message, a very wrong message, to our troops in Bosnia, of whom I am so very proud, to our allies and friends helping us in Bosnia, and third, to friends and foes alike around the world. First, our troops would view the adoption of this resolution as telling them that despite their efforts, which have been successful in bringing peace to Bosnia, we made a mistake. My views on our efforts in Bosnia have evolved over the last 3 years to reluctant support, and I do support it. Mr. Speaker, our troops are doing a magnificent job. I have had the opportunity to visit with them just a few weeks ago in Bosnia, and I tell you that they know what they are doing, they know that it is a success, and they are proud of the fact that they are there bringing peace to that troubled corner of the world. I thank them for what they are doing. Second, our allies and friends in Bosnia would wonder why this Congress is taking this action when now we made not only substantial progress in this effort, but we are near real success. Since we have become directly involved in Bosnia through our diplomatic efforts 3 years ago, the war in Bosnia has stopped. We are in Bosnia there with allies and friends. Thirty-eight other countries are involved with us. Those combined forces make a substantial contribution to this joint effort. The other nations are contributing about 75 percent of the military forces, and the current stabilization force is a successful effort. About 85 percent of the funds for economic reconstruction are being supplied by our European and other allies. I say this to remind my friend, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), who was talking about them not paying their fair share. Mr. Speaker, they are. Mr. Speaker, we will be sending the wrong message to friends and foes alike. They would view the adoption of this resolution as a sign that the United States is rethinking its role as leader in the world. Mr. Speaker, we are the leader of this free world. We have stepped up to the plate. We are there batting a thousand. We must continue that in Bosnia. The role as leader on the world stage is so very important. It has been said, and they will say so, our allies from Europe will say so, that they could not do it by themselves. Remember, they were there with UNPROFOR and that did not work, and it took American leadership to go in with the IFOR and now the SFOR. Were this to be adopted, the credibility of this country, the credibility of our leadership would be undermined drastically. Europe continues to be of vital interest to the United States. On two occasions earlier in this century our country fought wars to keep the Old World from falling under the domination of hostile powers. From 1945 until 1989 we found ourselves involved in another struggle, the Cold War, which compelled us to keep some 300,000 troops in Europe until that conflict ended in 1989. Now for the third time in this century we are trying to secure an enduring peace, because if we are able to do this, the rest of Europe will follow and there will be a peaceful Europe, under the leadership and because of the leadership of the United States of America.

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

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to congratulate Larry Sexton, a dedicated Missouri businessman, who has been named a finalist of the 1998 Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award (TMQDA). Sexton, a native of Salem, Missouri, was selected as one of the top ten new-car dealers in the nation, from a field of more than 20,500 participants. Sponsored in association with Goodyear, and in cooperation with the National Association of Automobile Dealers, the TMQDA program recognizes outstanding new-car dealers for exceptional performance in their dealerships and distinguished community service. Finalist are selected by a panel of faculty members from the University of Michigan Graduate School of Business Administration. Larry Sexton, a graduate of the University of Missouri, owns and operates Sellers-Sexton, Incorporated, one of South-Central Missouri's largest new-car dealers. In addition, Sexton is chairman of the Fort Leonard Wood Regional Commerce and Growth Association and vice president of the Fifth Regional Association of the United States Army. He also serves on the executive board of the Committee of Fifty and the Missouri Highway Corridor Coalition. Mr. Speaker, Larry Sexton is an outstanding businessman and a good friend. His service to his business and his community is to be commended. I am certain that the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to Larry for being named one of the top-ten new-car dealers in the United States.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues in the Congress to join me in paying tribute to Donald L. Clark, a truly outstanding Missourian. It has come to my attention, that after 48 years of commendable service to the Laclede Electric Cooperative, Don Clark has decided to retire. A native of Pulaski County, MO, Don Clark graduated from Waynesville R-6 High School in 1949, at the age of 16. After graduation, he attended the University of Missouri Extension Service and participated in Electrical Engineering Short Courses in Columbia, Missouri. In addition, Don attended several specialized electrical schools in order to prepare him for a career in the electrical field. Immediately after high school, in December of 1949, Don began working with Laclede Electric Cooperative, and he has remained with this company for 48 year. Over the years, Don has worked as a Groundsman, Linesman, Area Foreman, Operating superintendent, and General Manager. He was recognized by state and national associations as a Co-op leader. Don also serves on the NRECA board and the board of Show-Me Power Electric Cooperative. In addition to a career in electricity, Don Clark honorably served his country in the United States Army. Don served in the Army from November 1952 until November 1954, and was sent to the Republic of Korea for one and a half years. While in Korea, Don served in the Field Artillery Observation Battalion, where he surveyed battlefields in preparation for artillery attack. During his last six months in Korea, Don served as Survey Party Chief, and he was discharged from active duty with an E5 rank. Don Clark's military and civilian careers are enhanced by his participation in many community activities. Don has served as Chairman of Deacons at First Baptist Church in Lebanon, Missouri, and on the Building and Personnel Committees therein. He has also served on the Waynesville, Missouri, City Council and the Waynesville Area Vocational School Advisory Board. Don organized and was chairman of the Waynesville City Park Board for 15 years, and he has served as President of the Waynesville-Fort Leonard Wood R-6 School District. In addition, for more than 20 years, Don has participated in the Association of the United States Army. He has also served on the Committee of Fifty, the Red Cross Board, the Boatman's Bank Board, and is a member of the Rotary Club. Don Clark's dedication to his nation, his community, and his career is exemplary, and 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, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, with great respect and tribute to our friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson), we sincerely hope that this resolution passes unanimously. I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma for his efforts in this regard, as well as the other cosponsors. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Boyd).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the sponsors of this resolution which calls for all Americans to recognize the courage and sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces held as prisons of war during the Vietnam conflict. Especially singled out is our friend from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson). Mr. Speaker, the gentleman is an example of courage and is one for the history books, and Sam Johnson, we all salute you and there is no way for us to adequately empathize with what you went through. But we can say a sincere word of gratitude to you as an American and as you continue to serve our country in these halls. Mr. Speaker, also being honored in this resolution is a gentleman who served ably and well as well as on the committee on which I now serve, Pete Peterson from Florida, who not only endured the hardships of being a prisoner of war during the Vietnam conflict, but returned and completed a successful Air Force career, was elected to Congress, and now presently serves as the United States Ambassador to that sad country. To his credit, he went back in another capacity to help heal those wounds that were so open and so sore from those many years ago. This resolution also makes reference, excellent reference to Admiral James B. Stockdale, who I know and have great admiration for. All three of these gentlemen should be remembered and properly doing so in this resolution. Mr. Speaker, it was 1978. I was a freshman in this body. Mississippi Congressman Sonny Montgomery asked me as the only freshman to go to Vietnam to help bring back remains of those who had died in that conflict. It was a very difficult trip. A very difficult trip. The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) was a member of that delegation, and we did. We met with various Vietnamese officials and we were given the remains and returned them honorably and correctly to a ceremony at the air base in Honolulu, Hawaii, a memory that I shall long remember. This resolution calls for remembering those who sacrificed, like Sam Johnson, like Pete Peterson, like Admiral Stockdale. But we should also pay tribute to those who fought in that war, who wore the American uniform, who did well and returned home to work and live and experience the freedoms of our country. To them, too, we say a heartfelt thanks. We should also, Mr. Speaker, well remember those in previous conflicts. Now, this is the 25th anniversary of the release of the prisoners, Operation Homecoming, 1973 from the Vietnam conflict. But there were previous conflicts in which Americans were held captive, were mistreated, and were able to come home to an American welcome. I have a neighbor down the street in Lexington, Missouri, on Franklin Street, a longtime friend, George Stier, who was shot down as a pilot, a lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps at the time, and spent many, many, many months in a stalag in Germany. I went to a wake just a few weeks ago for another friend who more recently was mayor of Higginsville, Missouri, in Lafayette County, who was captured on Corregidor in May of 1942. He served as a marine, and he endured the hardships of the Japanese prisoner experience. Buford Thurmon, as his remains lay in the casket at that funeral home, Buford Thurmon was wearing his beloved United States Marine uniform. So it is to all of those today in the Vietnam conflict, and in my mind, in the other conflicts in which Americans have suffered because they were Americans, because they had courage, because they believed in this country, to them I say a heartfelt thanks and words of gratitude. And Sam, a special thanks to you not only for what you have done, but for your work here in the Congress of the United States. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that the Oak Grove, Missouri, Chamber of Commerce has named Hollis Dyer as Business Person of the Year. Born in Independence, Missouri, Hollis Dyer's family moved early in his life to Odessa, Missouri, where he graduated from Odessa High School at the age of 16. In 1945, Dyer began a short career in the Army, and then went on to attend Southwest Baptist Junior College in Bolivar, MO. He received an Associate of Arts degree from that school, and then attended Central Missouri State University. Before graduating from CMSU, Dyer became a teacher, and he continued to teach from 1947 through May 1955. In 1955, Dyer began a new career in banking, and became president of the Commercial Bank of Oak Grove in 1962. Dyer has served as president of the bank ever since, and he has established himself as an outstanding community leader. Over the years, Dyer has attempted to make his hometown a better place to live and work. He, along with the community, brought one of the earliest senior citizen apartment complexes to the region, and this facility became a model prototype. Dyer was also involved with naming the streets in Oak Grove in order to create better insurance rates for the residents of the small community. In addition, Dyer supported the schools and churches of the area, as well as their many worthwhile projects. Hollis Dyer's endless interest in the growth of the community and the well-being of its residents makes his name a household word to many who live in the city and the surrounding area. I am certain that the Members of the House will join me in congratulating Oak Grove, Missouri's Businessperson of the Year.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that an outstanding career in the agricultural industry is coming to an end in Missouri. B.L. `Bud' Frew, president and CEO of the Mid Continent Farmers Association, is retiring after having served Missouri's farming community for nearly 28 years. Bud Frew's distinguished career in agriculture began in 1960, when he worked at the Illinois farm cooperative, FS Services, Inc. In 1970, Frew crossed the state line, and joined the Mid Continent Farmers Association (MFA). After 10 years of dedicated service to the MFA, Frew became the company's chief operating officer, and just four years later he was appointed as president and CEO. While representing Missouri farmers at the MFA, Bud Frew involved himself in many agricultural affiliations. He has served as a Board Member of both CF Industries and the National Council of Farm Cooperatives, and as member of the Advisory Committee for the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. He has also served on the Governor's Advisory Council on Agriculture. In addition, he has been president of the MFA Foundation, and he has received recognition from the Missouri Young Farmers, the FFA, and the University of Missouri. Bud Frew's commitment to the community and the MFA is to be commended. MFA's recent success stands as a legacy to Bud Frew's dedication to Missouri farmers. As he prepares for quieter times with his wife, Kit, I know the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to Bud Frew and wishing him the best in the days ahead.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Horn).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from St. Louis (Mr. Clay), my fellow Missourian.

Mr. SKELTON. I thank the gentleman from Missouri. I yield to the delegate from the Virgin Islands (Ms. Christian-Green).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with mixed feelings that I address the House today and preside over this special order. On the one hand, we honor a truly outstanding American and Member of this body. On the other hand, he will be leaving as a Member of the United States House of Representatives on February 6. It is with that as a prelude that I precede my remarks. I might also say, Mr. Speaker, that we had intended to take this special order up at 5 o'clock this evening, and there are those who are still traveling back to Washington from their districts that I know would wish to be a part of this. Hopefully they will submit their statements for the Record at a later time. Mr. Speaker, in the early and middle years of the 1800s, there was a giant of an orator who spoke in this body and also spoke in the other body, the United States Senate. His name, of course, was Daniel Webster. I doubt if anyone has been measured to his status or his level until my friend Ron Dellums, who is one of the finest orators of our day, and, I think, of any day and time in this body, came along. A few years ago, after a very interesting debate, a young page approached me outside the chamber and remarked that Congressman Dellums was undoubtedly the finest speaker in the House of Representatives, to which I agreed with the young gentleman's observations. As our colleague and good friend Ron Dellums prepares to close this chapter of his life, 27 years as a Member of Congress, I would like to say a few words about the man and about the legacy. He is one of those rarities, a native who was born in Oakland, California. He served in the Marine Corps, used the GI Bill to go to college, and worked as a psychiatric social worker, a skill he put to good use here years later in this Congress. How would I describe him? First, he is a friend. He is a teacher, he is a role model. He is also a man of passion, of eloquence, and of intelligence, as anyone who has observed him in countless House debates knows so very well. He has a liberal badge that he wears with honor, and has been a leading figure in that part of the Democratic Party for over a generation. He demonstrated his courage on several occasions, of his convictions, and he used his position and status as a Member of Congress to draw public attention to an issue he considered important. I believe it was Speaker Newt Gingrich who once described Ron Dellums as the ``Conscience of Congress.'' Ron Dellums's accomplishments in the Committee on National Security, formerly known as the House Armed Services Committee, and here in Congress are numerous. He was the first African-American to serve on the House Armed Services Committee in 1973. He was the first to serve as a subcommittee chairman, which was Military Construction, from 1983 to 1989. He was the first to serve as the Chairman of the full committee, from 1993 to 1995. He has been a longtime opponent of large defense expenditures. At the same time he has always supported, always supported, those measures designed to improve the welfare of the men and women who served our Nation in uniform, as well as their families. He worked closely with the former Secretary of Defense, Bill Perry, to promote procurement and reform legislation, which passed, Mr. Speaker, with bipartisan support in 1994. Maybe his most significant accomplishment in Congress occurred with the Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, which prohibited new investment in South Africa. It capped a 15-year effort on his part and passed with overwhelming support as a result of his persistence. Less than 10 years later, in 1994, he traveled to South Africa and witnessed the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as President of South Africa. Ron Dellums can take justifiable credit for having been a leader on that issue in Congress and having contributed to the remarkable and positive outcome in South Africa. But as part of his legacy here in Congress and on the committee on which I serve, Ron Dellums conducted himself in exemplary fashion, with fairness, I will repeat, with fairness; with integrity, I will repeat, with integrity; and, of course, with the highest of dignity. As both Chairman and ranking member of the committee, he was committed to the democratic process. Yes, he had strong views about many issues the committee dealt with, arms control, defense spending, individual weapons systems, and many, many more, but he was scrupulously fair, to ensure that all points of view were heard and were considered, so that no one, no Member was shut out of the democratic process, whether it be in committee or here on the floor of the House. While Congressman Dellums took his responsibilities seriously as a Member of this body, as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and as ranking member of the House Committee on National Security, he maintained a down-to-earth attitude about himself. He remained a friend; approachable and bright. When asked for advice, he gave it; when asked for friendship, he gave it. Congressman Dellums can take great satisfaction that he leaves this body, this Congress of the United States, having made a difference, a major difference. We can also have the knowledge that he leaves many friends here. We hope he will maintain contact with each of us. We wish him and his family health. We wish them happiness and success. We wish them the very, very best in the days and years ahead. I am proud to call him my friend, I am proud to call him my colleague. We will miss him. I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Sisisky).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Clement).

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to rise to congratulate a friend and political colleague from Missouri, State Senator Harold L. Caskey, who was recognized recently for his outstanding work in behalf of people who are blind. Harold was named 1997 State Official of the Year by the General Council of Industries for the Blind. It is a recognition he richly deserves in light of his work in enacting the State Use Law for the State of Missouri. In addition, his leadership and commitment to the Lighthouse for the Blind will open the door for blind people to receive training, and enable them to lead meaningful and independent lives. My friend, Harold Caskey, is visually impaired, but there is no selfish motivation to his work to improve access to the blind. He stands out as a model civic leader, with a successful career in law and government. His blindness, however, has given him a unique vision and insight most people lack, and he is using that vision to pave the way for inclusion. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating Harold Caskey, and join the General Council of Industries for the Blind in commending his good work.