Ike Skelton

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my good friend and colleague, Marty Meehan, the chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. I would like to thank him on behalf of the committee for his distinguished service to our country and to the men and women who wear the uniform. Marty came to the House of Representatives in 1993 to represent the Fifth District of Massachusetts. He's worked tirelessly to encourage economic development in the area, to redevelop and maintain the military presence at Fort Devens, and to preserve over 10,000 acres of open space in Massachusetts. Additionally, Marty was the lead Democrat sponsor of the Shays- Meehan-McCain-Feingold Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2002. Marty has served on the Armed Services Committee since coming to the House of Representatives in the early 1990s. Marty was the ranking member of the Terrorism and Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee and has been an active member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, where Marty has had a strong interest in helping Reservists and Guardsmen in their transition from military to civilian life. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Marty has led a bipartisan investigation into the development of the Iraqi Security Forces. The product of this investigation, a report on subcommittee's findings and recommendations, was unanimously agreed upon and signed by every member of that subcommittee. The report seeks to present information for the public debate and recommends increased transparency into the training of the Iraqi Security Forces. Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish Marty Meehan the best of luck as he leaves this institution to serve as the next chancellor of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. I thank the gentleman for yielding and giving me this opportunity to memorialize and to remember a truly outstanding Missourian and American. Bill Hungate was elected to Congress in 1964 and served until my class of 1976 arrived. Undoubtedly one of the most popular Members of this body, warm, jovial, a musician, he always had a good word and a cheery smile. He will be remembered for his work in Congress, but I think remembered most as a warm and decent human being. After leaving Congress he became a Federal judge, and did quite well in that position. Whatever he did, he did well, as well as make friends and did an awful lot for our wonderful State of Missouri. So I ask, Mr. Chairman, if we may pause for a moment of silence remembering the late Bill Hungate.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise to engage the chairwoman of the State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee in a colloquy on oversight on Iraq funding. Madam Chairwoman, I want to thank you for your hard work in ensuring that funds spent in Iraq are properly overseen. Your bill on the floor today contains a section concerning the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction that extends the authorities of that office. The National Defense Authorization Act, which came out of the Armed Services Committee and passed the House on May 17, contained a provision with similar goals that I had worked out with Chairman Lantos of the Foreign Affairs Committee. I want to thank, first, the chairwoman for pursuing this issue so strenuously. Also, I want to express my appreciation that we were able to work out a way forward so that our two committees worked together on the issue, rather than pursuing separate paths. Rather than contesting it at this time, the inclusion of this authorization language in the State Department, Foreign Operations and Related Programs appropriations bill, I rise to assure you that you will be involved in the Defense authorization conference on the SIGIR issue. I am glad that in return you have offered to drop your provision in conference on your bill so that together we can ensure that there is only one version of the language instead of competing versions. I yield to the chairwoman for a response.

Mr. SKELTON. Let me sincerely thank the chairwoman. I do look forward to working with you on this issue. I think this is the right way to approach this, and I certainly appreciate it.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, we are speaking about today and not 1983. I have had the opportunity, since being a Member of Congress, to work in the area of professional military education. I must tell you it's important not just for American students, American leaders, American service personnel, but it's important for our friends and allies as well. I have nothing but great respect, great respect for my friend, my colleague from Massachusetts. I know how strongly he feels in his beliefs. But I must say that we are doing the right thing by keeping this school going and going well. We do not teach human rights abuse. This school bestows upon its students standards. It teaches them military art. It teaches them military-to-military relationships. It also instructs in the area of human rights. I have been to Latin America several times. Three weeks ago, I travelled again to the region with Dr. Gingrey and Mr. Conaway, visited Colombia and Panama. There we met with President Uribe of Colombia, President Torrijos of Panama, and other senior military and political leaders. Without exception, the leaders of those countries touted the WHINSEC program in Georgia as an exceptional opportunity for their men and women in uniform to gain not only technical knowledge but a deeper understanding of human rights. Furthermore, spending time in the United States gives them an opportunity to learn of American values, gives them the opportunity to make friends within the American military, with whom they will undoubtedly, in days and years ahead, will have the opportunity to work. I spoke with our American commanders in the field. They reiterated what I have heard many times before. Individuals who have been trained at WHINSEC performed better on their missions in their host country than those who have not. Our military commanders also cherished the relationships that they have built with their Latin American counterparts who participated in the program. In addition to comprehending our military culture and its operations, the school of graduates often are promoted and rapidly rise through the ranks. They understand what it is to have American values, and they understand about human rights which are taught there. The message from everyone was simple: Please keep that school open. Professional military education is so important, but it's also extremely important to allow our neighbors, our friends to the south. We can't forget them to participate in the professional military education of our country.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me take this opportunity to recognize Brigadier General John F. Kelly, United States Marine Corps. From August 2004 to June 2007, Brigadier General Kelly admirably served as the Legislative Assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. During his time in this position, Brigadier General Kelly created numerous successes for the Marine Corps mission. His keen knowledge and experience in Congressional affairs, combined with an increased emphasis on Congressional relationships, propelled the Commandant's strategy and vision. His leadership has enabled the Marine Corps to make tremendous progress during a period of sustained high operational tempo and unprecedented interest in Marine Corps activities. Brigadier General Kelly is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, the School for Advanced Warfare, and the National War College. He has served in numerous command and staff positions over his 31 years as an officer in the Marine Corps and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I wish Brigadier General Kelly and his family the best as he continues his distinguished service to our Nation in his next assignment as the Deputy Commanding General of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. I am confident he will continue to exemplify the best that the Marine Corps has to offer and will superbly command our troops in the field.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, our Nation recently commemorated the 65th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway. Let me take this opportunity to reiterate the importance of that battle and remember the Americans who lost their lives in the defense of a small island northwest of Hawaii. Between June 4 and June 7, 1942, the United States Navy defeated a Japanese attack against the Midway Atoll in what has come to be called the Battle of Midway. The battle was a decisive victory for Americans and is widely regarded as the most important naval engagement of World War II and a critical turning point in the Pacific Theater. During the battle, 307 Americans lost their lives. We remember the sacrifices made by those men. They gave their lives for the cause of freedom. Through their actions, the war was won and peace preserved. We will not soon forget them. At this time, it is also important to pause to remember the contributions of the many thousands of American sailors who participated in the Battle of Midway and survived. They--like so many of their generation--were touched by the ravages of war and continue to wear their scars. We owe them a debt of gratitude we cannot soon repay except by remembering their struggle, honoring their sacrifice, and continuing to keep in our thoughts those Americans who maintain our Nation's tradition of military excellence by serving with valor and distinction today.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it has come to my attention that Major Brian P. Sharp will be leaving his position as Assistant Marine Corps Liaison to the House of Representatives and will be continuing his military education at the Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia. Major Sharp has been a valuable asset to the Marines since his enlistment in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1991. He attended the School of Infantry, Camp Geiger, MCB Camp Lejeune where he received the MOS of 0341 mortar man. He was assigned to Company G, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines for 4 years and was accepted into Officer's Candidate School in 1995. He has also received a B.A. in History from Ramapo College in New Jersey and was selected for Career Level School through which he attended United States Army Field Artillery School, Captain's Career Course in April of 2002. Upon graduation from the Basic School, Major Sharp reported to the United States Army Field Artillery School and was designated a Field Artillery Officer. In his first tour, he reported to Battery E, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines and served as forward observer, Guns Platoon Commander, and Executive Officer. During this tour, he was deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of the 31st MEU (SOC). Major Sharp has also served as S-3A/Battalion Fire Direction Officer following the completion of his tour at 2nd Battalion, Target Information Officer for the 15th MEU Command Element, MEU Liaison to the United Nations for conducting operations to stabilize the new nation of East Timor in the spring of 2000, and Fire Support Officer following September 11, in which he assisted in the planning and execution of the seizure of Forward Operation Base Rhino, Afghanistan, to include combat operations. Upon his graduation from Career Level School, Major Sharp was assigned to Battery B, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment and served as Commanding Officer. While he served this position, Major Sharp and Battery B were deployed with Regimental Combat Team 2, Task Force Tarawa, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and participated in the Battle of An Nasiriyah. Upon his return to CONUS, Major Sharp assumed the duties of the Battalion Logistics Officer, and then Battalion Operations Officer. Major Sharp's decorations include the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat ``V'' and two stars and the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Madam Speaker, I know that the Members of the House will join me in thanking and honoring Major Sharp for his exceptional commitment to the United States Marine Corps and wishing him luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. I thank the chairman for allowing me to speak on this very important subject. Mr. Chairman, for too long, Afghanistan has been the forgotten war. Opportunities there have been lost, and progress has been limited. Recently, there has been movement in a more positive direction. Secretary Gates has been focusing more on Afghanistan and NATO-led and U.S. forces achieved some notable successes against the ongoing Taliban insurgency this spring. This, of course, is encouraging. I commend Secretary Gates for his efforts, and, of course, I commend our troops for their tremendous contributions. However, over the same time, violence is on the rise in Afghanistan. Roadside bombs, suicide attacks are increasing, and the number of civilian casualties is, of course, troubling. Opium production is at high levels. The authority of the central government remains, of course, limited. Corruption and poverty still plague the country. These are significant challenges that will not be overcome either easily or quickly. Lasting security in Afghanistan depends on long-term comprehensive efforts that, of course, are well coordinated. It is critical that our NATO partners who are there play a central role in this effort in terms of both troop contributions, as well as aid. Earlier this year, I traveled to Afghanistan with a delegation led by Speaker Pelosi. I came away from that trip convinced that the effort in Afghanistan is winnable, and I am still optimistic. But together with NATO, we must ensure that the Taliban and al Qaeda are destroyed and destroyed for good. Afghanistan will never again become a terrorist harbor as it once was. The House Armed Services Committee, which I am pleased to chair, is committed to doing whatever it can to achieve this goal. Our committee has held comprehensive hearings on Afghanistan this year. Just recently, in the defense bill that we passed, we had provisions regarding Afghanistan. This bill not only provides funds for Afghan national security forces, but it includes a range of provisions that will promote long-term security, as well as robust oversight of American activities in that country. I am pleased to see that the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act builds upon our committee's efforts. This legislation includes many important bipartisan provisions that will further advance long-term security in Afghanistan. I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this. We must build on recent gains in that country and seize the moment to establish real security there. I do support this legislation.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the House of the death of Dr. Benedict K. Zobrist, the former director of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library. Dr. Zobrist was born in Moline, Illinois, on August 21, 1921, son of Benedict and Lila A. Colson Zobrist. He graduated from Moline High School in 1939 and went on to attend Augustana College, but left his studies to join the United States Army in 1942. After serving in World War II and upon discharge from active duty, he returned to complete his college studies. It was at Augustana College that he met Donna Anderson, his future wife. Benedict graduated in 1946 with a bachelor's degree in history and began graduate school at Stanford University. However, he returned to the Midwest to be closer to Donna and on October 23, 1948, they were united in marriage. Dr. Zobrist resumed his studies at Northwestern University, earning both a master's degree (1948) and a doctor of philosophy degree (1953) in history. After completing his education, Dr. Zobrist joined the staff of Augustana College, where he became a full-time faculty member in 1960. In 1962, he won a Fulbright Fellowship and studied at Tunghai University in Taichung, Taiwan. He also pursued advanced studies at the East Asia Institute at Columbia University in New York in 1962-63. Dr. Zobrist moved to Missouri in 1969 to join the staff of the Truman Library in Independence; he became director shortly thereafter. He worked diligently to expand the collections of the library, traveling from coast to coast to meet with members of the Truman administration, as well as other significant figures of that period. Zobrist expanded the work of the Harry S. Truman Library Institute, the not-for-profit foundation associated with the library. He went on to charter a course for the expansion of the Institute's education efforts and its support of the library's operations within the National Archive system. Dr. Zobrist was most proud of instituting ``Truman Week'', a week long annual celebration held around President Truman's May 8th birthday. Dr. Zobrist maintained his affiliation with the United States Army as a reservist, and retired as lieutenant colonel. He spent many summers on active duty with the Office of the Chief of Military History in Washington, DC,; he also served as a faculty member at the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, and the Army Intelligence School, Fort Bragg. Madam Speaker, I know the members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to Donna Anderson Zobrist and their three sons: Karl, Mark, and Erik.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, as our men and women in uniform are deployed all over the world, they leave behind parents, siblings, spouses, children, and friends. It has come to my attention that Tracy Della Vecchia has formed a network in order for families of those deployed in the United States Marine Corps to stay connected and informed. When Operation Iraqi Freedom began, Tracy's son, Derrick Johnson, was in marine basic training. Like so many others, he was deployed to Iraq after training. Not long into Derrick's tour Tracy met several other mothers with concerns similar to her own, and it was after this meeting that she decided to create www.marineparents.com. The website was designed for others to reach out through chat rooms in order to post questions and get answers from other families that have been in the same situations and circumstances. Since creating this forum in 2003, Tracy has spent countless hours organizing, sorting, and sending care packages to marines who are serving in Iraq. Tracy Della Vecchia formed this organization with the intention of making a difference, and the care packages she has mailed have done just that. Recently, she sent hundreds of AA batteries for personal CD players; however, the batteries were put to use in night vision goggles when the unit's supply was exhausted. Personal hygiene and first aid items have also been included in care packages; however, they were used in combat situations to ease the pain of the wounded. Madam Speaker, I know the Members of the House will join me in thanking Tracy Della Vecchia for all that she does for the United States Marine Corps and the men and women who are currently serving overseas.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 171) honoring the Marquis de Lafayette on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of his birth, as amended.

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

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I hail from Lafayette County, Missouri. Its county seat is Lexington, my home. A few miles westbound on Highway 224 are the small towns of Napoleon, Wellington and Waterloo. These communities, which are nestled into the fertile farmland and rolling hills south of the Missouri River, are named after prominent figures or places in French history. They are a very long way from France. But their names and the namesake of my home county, Marquis de Lafayette, reflect a friendship that has existed between the United States and France since the early days of the American Revolution. No one person better symbolizes that friendship and the assistance American colonists received from Europe in our struggle for independence than the Marquis de Lafayette. He occupies a considerable place in the history of the United States, which is why I was pleased to author H. Res. 171, a resolution honoring the life of the Marquis de Lafayette on the occasion of his 250th birthday on September 6, 2007. Lafayette was a man of considerable military skill who sympathized with the American revolutionary fighters. After withdrawing from the French army and traveling across the ocean at his own expense, the Congress voted Lafayette the rank and commission of major general in the Continental Army. His military service during the Revolutionary War was invaluable to George Washington, earning him the reputation as ``the soldier's friend.'' Lafayette's strategic thinking and dedication as a general officer serve as a model for our present day military personnel. After achieving military victory, Lafayette returned to France, helping the U.S. secure trade agreements and critical loans with European nations. He also became a prominent figure in the French Revolution, speaking out in support of universal freedom and human rights. Because of Lafayette's commitment to America, Congress honored him with awards of money and land. Congress was also presented a life-size portrait of Lafayette that hangs here in the Chamber of the House of Representatives. The other large portrait is of President George Washington, Lafayette's closest friend and role model. At the invitation of President James Monroe, Lafayette returned to the United States in 1824. He embarked upon a triumphant tour, during which he visited 24 States, including Missouri, and he became the first foreign dignitary to address the House of Representatives. Lafayette also visited many Masonic bodies across America. During this visit and thereafter, various American leaders honored Lafayette by naming cities, towns and counties for him or for his French estate, known as LaGrange. Schools, monuments and parks were named for him throughout the United States. One of the most prominent is Lafayette Park in Washington D.C., which is located directly across from the White House. As we take a moment this year to honor the Marquis de Lafayette on the occasion of his 250th birthday, let us remember how he helped secure American independence and helped establish the United States as an international presence. The values of democracy espoused by our Founding Fathers and by Lafayette have been the bedrock of U.S. domestic and international policymaking for generations. I urge all Americans, and especially those wearing the American military uniform, to study Lafayette as America pays tribute to him this year. As we take to the floor today to honor a respected Frenchman, I would be remiss if I did not also take the opportunity to say a word of appreciation to the current French Ambassador to the United States, Jean-David Levitte. Through his time in Washington, I have come to know Ambassador Levitte as a fine person and an outstanding representative of the people of France. Last week, I learned that the newly elected French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, has appointed Ambassador Levitte to be his chief diplomatic adviser. Let me take this means to wish him well as he takes on more responsibilities. But more importantly, let me thank him for his friendship. I ask Members to support H. Res. 171. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased that we are able to take this resolution up today honoring the Marquis de Lafayette. Those of us who grew up in Lafayette County knew that there was some special meaning to the name of our county. It was Lillard County once upon a time, and after Lafayette's visit to the State of Missouri, St. Louis to be exact, the General Assembly of our State named the western county which borders Jackson County, which now encompasses Kansas City, named it after Marquis de Lafayette and called it Lafayette County. We in Lafayette County are very proud of the reason and the heritage that this county has been so named. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me give a special thanks to my friend from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) who, among other assets, has a sense of history which has been exhibited this morning. I appreciate him speaking, as well as the gentleman from Louisiana speaking of his hometown of Lafayette. It was very kind of you to do so, as well as my friend from Texas coming here to discuss the Marquis de Lafayette. As the gentleman from South Carolina has pointed out, Marquis de Lafayette was a very unusual man. Doing what he did at such an early age and making such a great impact upon this country, it is fitting and proper that we, as a body, honor him, honor his memory, and honor the fact that he was of such great assistance and help to General George Washington in those very difficult days. As one leaves Lexington, my hometown, on the Missouri River and travels on Highway 224 towards Kansas City, one goes through Wellington, Missouri; Waterloo, Missouri; and Napoleon, Missouri, in that order, and it is rather interesting that part of French history between Lexington and Kansas City is reflected in the names of those communities. History has not borne out who named them such. There is no way for us to record or learn the genesis of those three names except they do exist, Wellington, Napoleon, and in between, Waterloo. But whoever did it did us all a favor so we can discuss and learn more of history; and today we are learning more about the Marquis de Lafayette and honoring his memory.

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

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland and compliment him on the wisdom in his reflection of the character of our people of our country. Strength of character is the message today. I compliment my friend from Kansas (Mr. Moran) for introducing this legislation. All of us, of course, express sympathy to the people of Greensburg, Kansas. We rise in solidarity, and you are an excellent reflection of the character of those brave and solid people. We thank you for bringing this to our attention. A community was destroyed by a massive tornado, and those of us from the Midwest are used to severe weather, thunderstorms, winter winds, ice. Weather conditions are just a part of life for us. In Missouri, tornadoes have been prevalent during my 30 years that I have served here, and, in fact, I was here just a few weeks in May of 1977 when tornadoes ravaged Pleasant Hill and Sedalia, Missouri. More recently in 2003, the city of Stockton was decimated by a large tornado. The storm damaged or destroyed over 250 homes, killing three residents and injuring numerous others. Since then, the city's been working with residents and both Federal and State authorities to rebuild the downtown and improve upon the public facilities. As the people of Kansas deal with the aftermath of Mother Nature's fury, we in Missouri stand with our neighbors to the west. And again, we thank the gentleman from Maryland for his words. We thank the gentleman from Kansas for introducing this resolution.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, the United States Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2007. Over the last century, the people who make up the Kansas City District have provided meaningful services to the people of Missouri and of our nation. In the early days, the Kansas City District's primary mission was to develop and maintain a navigational channel along the Missouri River to encourage barge traffic. Barge traffic remains a vital concern along the river. Since the early 1900's, barges have been critical to moving farm products to markets and to control railroad freight rates via competition along the river. This commitment to navigation has always been so very important to those of us who hail from Missouri. The Kansas City District has also played an important role in taming the turbulent and braided Missouri River. The men and women of the District have built numerous river control structures that have stabilized banks and used the force of the river's own current to carve a stable channel. They have constructed canals and river cutoffs that changed the course of the river. At the same time, they have offered easier navigation, opening the stream to, use, as a highway for goods. In the 1930s and 1940s, the Kansas City District tackled flood control concerns and helped protect property and lives along the river and its tributaries. Because of flooding and the federal government's commitment to employ Army engineer officers returning from battle in World War II, dams were constructed along the main stem of the river and on adjacent streams. The Flood Control Act of 1944 shaped the development of the entire Missouri River Valley region and transformed the landscape of America's heartland. The legislation authorized hundreds of dam and levy projects and established substantial changes in federal policy with regard to the management of the Missouri River. The Kansas City District played a key role in this national effort. In addition to its responsibilities along the Missouri River, the Kansas City District operates eighteen lakes across Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska. It also provides additional services to the nation, both inside and outside its own physical boundaries. Recently, the District has supported the United States Army by overseeing the construction of facilities for the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, KS, and of the new Lewis and Clark Classroom Facility for the Army's Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Madam Speaker, I know the members of the House will join me in congratulating the people who have worked to make the United States Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District a successful organization and will join me in sending thanks to them on their 100th anniversary.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me congratulate the gentleman from Missouri, the Honorable Emanuel Cleaver, for spearheading the effort in Congress to honor Kansas City Chiefs Founder Lamar Hunt, who passed away in December 2006 after living a long and distinguished life. As the Fifth District's U.S. representative and the former mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. Cleaver understands better than anyone in the House how special Lamar Hunt's Chiefs are to the Kansas City community and to people all throughout the Show-Me State. Missouri's Fourth District, which I am privileged to represent, includes portions of the Kansas City suburbs and most of the rural, west central section of the State. Many of the Missourians who call the Fourth District home are proud Chiefs fans. They don jerseys, t-shirts, hats, and flags emblazoned with the red team color of the Chiefs and travel great distances to watch the Chiefs play at Arrowhead Stadium. Among the people, there is a great deal of pride for the Chiefs. Missourians who love the Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League, NFL, owe a debt of gratitude to Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt, who in 1963 moved the Dallas Texans to Kansas City. For 40 years, Mr. Hunt owned and was a critical participant in the Chiefs football club. Under his leadership, the Chiefs won the American Football League Championship game in 1966 and in 1969 and won the National Football League Super Bowl IV Championship in 1970. And, while the team has been competitive through most of its history, it experienced a renaissance after Mr. Hunt hired General Manager Carl Peterson in 1988. Mr. Hunt also helped mold the direction of the modern-day NFL and served as the driving force behind the merger of the American and National football leagues in 1970. He founded the American Football League at the age of 27 and created and named the championship game known as the Super Bowl. Throughout his career, he advocated for innovative and progressive changes to enhance the NFL, including the inclusion of the two point conversion option for professional football, placing names on the backs of the uniforms, naming the Super Bowl trophy after Vince Lombardi, and adding another Thanksgiving game to the NFL schedule. In recognition of Mr. Hunt's work in football, he was enshrined in the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1972, was inducted into the NFL Alumni Association's prestigious Order of the Leather Helmet, and received the Francis J. ``Reds'' Bagnell Award from the Maxwell Football Club of Philadelphia. The NFL also named the American Football Conference, AFC, trophy, which is presented each year to the AFC champion, the ``Lamar Hunt Trophy.'' In addition to football, Mr. Hunt was dedicated to other sports, including soccer, basketball, and tennis. He was also a highly successful businessman and philanthropist. Mr. Speaker, Lamar Hunt was a remarkable man. Though he was born in Arkansas and lived much of his life in Texas, his decision to establish the Kansas City Chiefs in Missouri has endeared him to Show-Me State residents. And, he made his mark in the history of the United States by helping to create the NFL, which is revered by so many Americans. As the House of Representatives prepares to pass legislation today to honor Mr. Hunt's life and legacy, let us remember his unique contributions to Missouri and to our country.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition though I am not opposed to the motion to recommit.

Mr. SKELTON. I am somewhat disturbed, Mr. Speaker, procedurally on something this important not being shown to anyone on this side until moments ago and it takes a speed reader to go over the amendment and digest it. We are going to accept this amendment. In truth, in fact, the committee, the Armed Services Committee, fully funded, and I will say it again, fully funded the administration's request for Israeli missile defenses. The committee strongly supports efforts to work with Israel on missile defense. This has been true for years. The bill fully funds the President's request of $73.5 million for the Arrow missile defense system. It fully funds the President's request of $7 million for the joint U.S.-Israeli ``David's Sling'' short-range ballistic missile. The committee also supports Israel's effort to obtain information on the THAAD system, which is being held up by the Pentagon. It's interesting to point out that Representative Terry Everett and I wrote a letter on March 12 of this year to the Secretary of Defense asking that he work to release the THAAD information to Israel. Mr. Speaker, at this moment, I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from California, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces (Mrs. Tauscher).

Mr. SKELTON. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews).

Mr. SKELTON. I yield, Mr. Speaker, 30 seconds to the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman).