Ike Skelton

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity to congratulate Central Missouri Eagles Youth Hockey Association of Jefferson City, Missouri. The Eagles have been named a winner of the 2006 ``Honoring the Game Award,'' by the Positive Coaching Alliance at Stanford University. The ``Honoring the Game Award'' recognizes youth sports programs that ``strive to win, but also strive to help their players develop skills that will serve them throughout their lifetimes.'' The Positive Coaching Alliance, a leading national youth sports organization, chose the Eagles as one of three national winners from among seven finalists. The Eagles are the only program in the Midwest--and the only youth hockey program in the nation--to be honored. The Eagles were honored for their positive coaching methods and for the community service projects completed by each of their four teams. This year, the Eagles' pee wee team (11-12 year-olds) collected 500 stuffed animals and 130 backpacks for the abused and neglected children in Jefferson City's Michael Prenger Family Center and the Cole Family County Court. The mite and squirt teams (5-10 year-olds) collected more than 300 canned goods for Jefferson City's food bank, the Samaritan Center. The high school varsity team collected more than 400 stuffed animals for the sick and injured children at the University of Missouri-Columbia Children's Hospital. Mr. Speaker, I am certain that the Members of the House will join me in congratulating the Central Missouri Eagles Youth Hockey Association on their accomplishments and thanking them for their dedication to helping others.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I need to share with the Members of this body the testimony we received at our Armed Services Committee hearing just yesterday. David Walker, the Comptroller General of the United States, told us we face a large and growing structural deficit. He testified as follows: ``Continuing on this path will gradually erode, if not suddenly damage, our economy, our standards of living, and ultimately our national security.'' Mr. Chairman, we have been warned. That is why I rise today in support of the Democratic alternative budget. The Spratt alternative begins to put us on a sane fiscal path which will protect our national security. Furthermore, it provides funding for our critical national security needs that were left out of the President's and the majority's budgets. The Spratt alternative would fully fund the end strength, the number of people, in the National Guard. If one supports the National Guard, one should vote for the Spratt alternative. It reverses the cut to the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program. If one supports keeping weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists, one should vote for the Spratt alternative. It rejects the TRICARE fee increases proposed by the President. If you oppose tripling the fees charged to military retirees, one should vote for the Spratt amendment. It increases funding for family support centers. If one supports military families when mom or dad is deployed overseas, one should vote for the Spratt alternative. It provides $400,000 of life insurance to servicemembers going into combat. If one supports taking care of our troops when they pay the ultimate price, one should vote for the Spratt alternative. It increases funding for pay raises and reenlistment bonuses. If one supports rewarding our troops with higher pay, one should vote for the Spratt alternative. Like the base bill, the Spratt alternative will extend the enhanced death gratuity to those families who were previously left out after September 11. Mr. Chairman, in summary, I view voting for the Democratic alternative being offered by Mr. Spratt as crucial to supporting our national security, and I hope that each of our colleagues who supports defense will vote with me and for the Spratt Democratic alternative. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to recognize the 75th Anniversary of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. I am proud to pay tribute to the years of service and protection provided to the citizens of Missouri by the Highway Patrol. On April 24, 1931, Governor Henry S. Caulfield signed Senate Bill 36, establishing the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The bill provided for a superintendent, 10 captains, and 115 patrolmen, but only 55 men were originally hired as troopers. The first superintendent, Lewis Ellis, was hired on July 21, 1931, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol became effective on September 14, 1931. Throughout its 75 years, the Patrol has provided many invaluable services. In addition to enforcing traffic laws, it encourages traffic safety to the public through displays, speaking engagements, Community Alliance Programs, and the Safety Education Center. The Governor's Security Division, a branch of the Patrol, provides security to Missouri's governor, his family, and visiting dignitaries. Since the Patrol assumed the operation of Missouri's weigh stations in 1942, it has also proven vital to the removal of illegal drugs from the highways. In the last 75 years, Missouri has called upon the Patrol for assistance in periods of civil unrest and natural disaster. In 1954, troopers were called upon to help quell a full-scale prison riot. The Patrol helped Missourians overcome the paralysis caused by the Great Flood of 1993. After Hurricane Katrina, 56 Patrol personnel responded to a call for assistance to Biloxi, Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, the Missouri State Highway Patrol can be proud of all it has done for the State of Missouri. I know the Members of the House will join me in congratulating the Missouri State Highway Patrol for 75 years of excellent service.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that General Leon J. LaPorte, Commander of the United Nations Command, Republic of Korea/United States Combined Forces and Commander of the United States Forces Korea, will soon be retiring after a long and distinguished career. General LaPorte was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and graduated from the University of Rhode Island. He completed the Armor Officer Advanced Course in 1975 and he earned a Master's Degree in Administration from the University of California. After General LaPorte was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Armor, he served as a Platoon Leader and Motor Officer in Alpha Company, 3d Battalion, 64th Armor. In 1971, he served as a Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer in the 283rd Aerial Weapons Company in the Republic of Vietnam. He commanded the 3d Battalion, 64th Armor, 3d Infantry Division in Schweinfur, Germany, and following the Army War College, he served as the G3, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. In October 1990, he deployed with the division to Southwest Asia and was Chief of Staff during Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. In 1997, he assumed the duties of Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operation and Plans, Headquarters, Department of the Army, Washington, DC. Prior to assuming his current position, General LaPorte served as Deputy Commanding General/Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Forces Command. General LaPorte has earned numerous decorations and badges for his outstanding service in the military. These decorations and badges include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (three oak leaf clusters), the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (two oak leaf clusters), an Air Medal (``V'' device), an Army Commendation Medal (``V'' device), a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (with Palm), a Kuwait Liberation Medal, an Army Aviator Badge, a Parachutist Badge, and a Ranger Tab. Mr. Speaker, I know the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to General Leon J. LaPorte for his exceptional service to the United States and will wish him all the best in the days ahead.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to congratulate and pay tribute to Paul Beykirch, who recently received the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce's Outstanding Citizen Award. He has distinguished himself with dedicated service to the community of Sedalia, MO. The Chamber of Commerce honored Mr. Beykirch for his values, community service, and involvement. Mr. Beykirch has been a member ofthe Bothwell Regional Health Center's Board of Trustees for the past 16 years and currently serves as its president. He is a former Rotary Club president and is currently the president of County Distributing Company Incorporated. Mr. Beykirch enjoys working with children as an assistant golf coach and as a Cub Scout Leader. I had previously honored Mr. Beykirch by nominating him to serve on the National Security Forum at America's Air War College. Mr. Speaker, I am certain that my colleagues will join me in congratulating Paul Beykirch and in wishing him luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the House of the death of Sheriff Sidney ``Sid'' Warren Shippy of Butler, Missouri. He died at the age of 57 of complications from a heart and kidney transplant. Shippy was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the oldest of three children. After graduating from Raytown High School in 1967, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation and Air Medal during his service. Shippy attended Longview Community College before beginning a 33-year career in law enforcement. Shippy served with the Missouri Highway Patrol as an undercover narcotics officer, road patrolman, zone commander, and worked in the department's gaming commission. He served as an instructor to other officers and attained the highest investigation qualification, an Accident Reconstructionist. After retiring from the Patrol in 2003, he entered politics and was elected Bates County Sheriff in 2004. Mr. Speaker, I am certain that the Members of the House of Representatives will join me in paying tribute to the outstanding public service of Sheriff Sidney Warren Shippy. He will be missed by all who knew him and I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family: his wife of 30 years, Markita; daughter, Anissa Fischer; mother, Deva Shippy; brother, Russell Shippy; and sister, Barbara Shippy.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity to recognize the many achievements of Dr. William Allen Baker (Pg.D, Ph.D, D.Litt, Th.D, Kt.OBE), from Odessa, Missouri, who is an accomplished actor, educator, author, and philanthropist. Dr. Baker conducted his graduate studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and at the University College, Wales, United Kingdom. A Rotary Foundation International Graduate Fellow, he has earned a Doctorate in Theatre History (Ph.D), a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt), a Doctorate in Theology (Th.D), and an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity (HonDD). Previously an Associate Professor and Department Chairman at Avila University, Dr. Baker has published several books. His stage and film credits include performances in England, France, and Wales. Dr. Baker is a member of the Royal Star and Garter, the Royal British Legion, the British Society of Ethical Theory, the British Theological Institute, the American Biographical Institute, the International Society of Philosophers, Franciscans International, the Council for Parliament of the World's Religions, the Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Dr. Baker has been bestowed several awards and honors including the International Peace Prize, the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, the Magistracy Medal of Honor, and the International Professor of the Year 2005. He has been nominated for the American Medal of Honor for contributions to literature, the International Medal of Freedom, and International Writer of the Year. Dr. Baker has also been named to the BBC Hall of Fame, Top 100 Writers 2005, and Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my congratulations to Dr. Baker for his many achievements and wish him luck in all his future endeavors.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity to recognize the long and distinguished career of General Lance W. Lord. General Lord is retiring after serving in our nation's Air Force with distinction for over 37 years. General Lord received a Bachelor of Science in education from Otterbein College in Ohio, where he entered the Reserve Officer Training Corps Program. He earned a Master's degree in industrial management from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. He also attended the Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base. After entering the Air Force in 1969, General Lord served four years of Minuteman II ICBM alert duty. He was the Director of the Ground- Launched Cruise Missile Program Management Office in West Germany and he was the Commander of two ICBM wings in Wyoming and North Dakota. At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California he commanded a space wing responsible for satellite launch and ballistic missile test launch operations. He led Air Force Education as the Commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base and was the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff for the Headquarters U.S. Air Force. Since 2002, General Lord has been the Commander of the Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado, where he has been responsible for the development, acquisition, and operation of the Air Force's space and missile systems. General Lord has earned numerous decorations and badges for his outstanding efforts in the military. These decorations and badges include a Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, a Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, an Air Force Commendation Medal, an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with oak leaf cluster, an Air Force Organizational Excellence with two oak leaf clusters, a Combat Readiness Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal with two bronze stars. He also has received many honors, including the Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Award from Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, the General Jimmy Doolittle Fellow Award from the Air Force Association, and the Space Champion Award from the National Defense Industrial Association. Mr. Speaker, I know the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to General Lance W. Lord for his exceptional service to the United States and will wish him and his family all the best in the days ahead.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for allowing me to make comments on this, and I compliment the gentlewoman from Florida for her leadership in this regard as well. I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 341. This condemns Iran for violating its nonproliferation agreements and expresses support for efforts to report Iran to the United Nations Security Council. Thank you, Mr. Lantos, for the opportunity to briefly address House Concurrent Resolution 341 on the Iranian nuclear situation. I think it is deadly serious. Madam Speaker, the situation in Iran is a critical matter that demands serious attention and serious action from this administration as well as from Congress. It threatens the security of our Nation, the future of the nonproliferation regime and stability in the Middle East. International support for referring Iran to the United Nations Security Council is very encouraging, but it is not enough to address the complexity of the nuclear situation or broader longer-term problems posed by Iran, including its involvement in Iraq, which evidently is quite substantial. Direct American leadership is long overdue. There must be a comprehensive interagency effort to develop and implement the necessary plan, and Congress must do its part. This must be a top bipartisan priority. And yet while the U.S. must act expeditiously, it must also act effectively. We must sufficiently consider all tools at our disposal, and we must take care not to inadvertently make matters worse by our rhetoric or by our actions. For example, we should consider ``smart sanctions'' that would target Iran's leadership, avoid harming the Iranian population and have strong international support. There are no easy answers or simple solutions; but as I have emphasized numerous times now, there are many tools at our disposal, many more than this administration has used to date. I am committed to doing whatever I can to effectively address the problems posed by Iran, and I ask my colleagues to join me in this effort.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that a long and exceptionally distinguished career has come to an end. Mrs. Alice Hoeppner, of Lexington, MO, retired on December 31, 2005, from her position as deputy county clerk for Lafayette County. Mrs. Hoeppner first entered public service while she was attending Lexington High School, Lexington, MO. On July 12, 1948, she began working for the probate court in the Lafayette County Courthouse. Later she joined the County Clerk's office on a part-time basis. In 1950, Alice married Bennie Hoeppner, and in 1951, she resigned her job to raise her children, Patricia, Steve and Tony. In September 1974, then-Lafayette County Clerk Edgar Oetting asked her to work for him full-time as the deputy county clerk. She remained full-time, also serving under County Clerk Linda Nolting and under the current County Clerk, Linda Niendick. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Alice Hoeppner has dedicated herself to serving Lafayette County. I know the Members of the House will join me in wishing her all the best as she moves on to the next step in her life.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the House of the death of the Most Reverend Bishop Michael F. McAuliffe of Jefferson City, MO. McAuliffe was born on November 22, 1920, in Kansas City, Kansas, son of John and Bridget McAuliffe. His education included the St. John High School Seminary in Kansas City, St Louis' Preparatory Seminary and the Theological College of Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. On May 31, 1945, he was ordained a priest. In 1954, he earned a doctorate in Sacred Theology. He served many parishes and education assignments. One of these assignments was superintendent of the diocesan schools in the Kansas City area. On July 2, 1969, Pope Paul VI appointed McAuliffe as the second Bishop of Jefferson City. He served in this position for 28 years. During his tenure, he had an active interest in parochial education. Approximately 13 years ago, he started the Diocesan Excellence in Education Fund. McAuliffe retired in 1995, at age 75, but remained the bishop until Pope John Paul II appointed the current bishop in 1997. Mr. Speaker, the Most Reverend Bishop Michael McAuliffe was a valuable leader in both the church and his community. I know the members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that a long and exceptionally distinguished career in public service has come to a close. Mr. Fred Siems has retired from his position as Blue Springs city administrator. In 1978, Siems became the first professional city administrator in Blue Springs. He served in this position for 27 years, overseeing the city's growth from approximately 10,000 to almost 52,000 people. He retired at the end of December 2005 as Missouri's longest-serving city administrator in one city. During his tenure, he was honored with the Mid-America Regional Council leadership award. The International City/County Management Association recognized him as its outstanding city administrator. Mr. Fred Siems has distinguished himself as a community leader. I am certain that my colleagues will join me in wishing Fred and his family all the best in the days to come.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, thousands of Americans have lost their lives and billions of U.S. dollars have been spent in the war in Iraq. This war has dangerously overstretched our military and preoccupied our country for almost 3 years now, and it still has no end in sight. And after all this, what a tragedy and disaster it will be if the real winner in this war is not the Iraqi people nor a more secure and democratic Middle East but rather Iran, a country that supports terrorism and opposes most of what we stand for. Yet today this possible scenario is exactly what we face. Iran has used our preoccupation in Iraq to its advantage. While we have searched for nonexistent weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, Iran has pursued its own nuclear ambitions. Now, with its decision to resume uranium enrichment, Iran is dangerously closer to having the capability to produce nuclear weapons. And press reports today link Iran's supposedly peaceful nuclear program to its military work on high explosives and missiles. At the same time, Iran has deeply insinuated itself in Iraq. It has taken advantage of Iraq's porous borders and is supporting anti- American efforts there. Its goal is to promote a Shiite-dominated anti- American state that can strengthen Iran's military, economic and political power in the region. But even before its latest nuclear pursuits and involvement in Iraq, Iran's actions have been seriously troubling. It has pursued dangerous chemical, biological, and ballistic missile capabilities; supported terrorists; and undermined the Middle East peace process. Amidst all of this, Iran's leaders have escalated their anti-Semitic rhetoric, threatening to wipe Israel off the map. Yet, rather than handle Iran's nuclear situation and involvement in Iraq early and decisively with a sophisticated policy that also addresses the broader problems posed by the country, this administration largely relied on the Europeans to sort this thing out. As a result, the nuclear situation is now an international crisis, and we risk having a radical anti-American regime armed with nuclear weapons entrenched as the dominant power in the Middle East. We simply cannot let this happen. Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon. It must respect Iraq's sovereignty, and it must become a constructive member of the international community. While cooperation with our allies and strategic partners is critical, the U.S. must take the lead here. The agreement brokered by Secretary Rice this week to report Iran to the U.N. Security Council is encouraging, but action by the council is uncertain and may not resolve the nuclear crisis or much else. The administration must put forth the necessary plan, and Congress must do its part. Today, the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on this matter and will do more. There are no simple answers or easy solutions, but one thing is clear: the administration, with Congress, must be more engaged and must get this right. Other countries will be closely watching this situation, and there are serious implications for the security of our Nation, stability in the Middle East and the nonproliferation regime. We must address the immediate nuclear crisis, but we must also account for the complexity of the situation and broader, long-term issues involved; and we must consider all tools at our disposal. Yet there are limits to what we can accomplish militarily, and sweeping sanctions could cause more harm than good. Still, there are many tools available that this administration has, unfortunately, failed to utilize effectively or at all. Here are some of them: we should actively support the IAEA's efforts. We should pursue more focused and vigorous diplomacy and encourage China, Russia, and India to play key roles. We should develop necessary human intelligence capabilities. We should cultivate U.S. support among the Iranian population and substantially increase democracy promotion efforts that encourage the population to demand more moderate leadership. Specifically, we should increase communication through TV, radio, and the Internet. We should convey a coordinated U.S. policy. We should widely disseminate information about the regime's repression and corruption. We should provide effective assistance to Iranian dissidents and pro-democracy NGOs here in the United States. We should increase cultural, academic, and professional opportunities for Iran's youth and women. Additionally, we should consider ``smart sanctions,'' as well as incentives that would target Iran's leadership, avoid harming the Iranian population and have strong international support. For example, we should sanction overseas assets of corrupt leaders. Also, we should encourage Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, which Iran uses to reject power. We should limit Iran's ability to disrupt oil and gas supplies and increase energy prices. This includes reducing the vulnerability of Middle Eastern energy resources to Iranian-backed terrorist attacks and decreasing U.S. reliance on such resources. We simply cannot allow Iran to emerge as the real winner in the war in Iraq. This must be a top bipartisan priority.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. SKELTON asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I first wanted to ask the chairman a question, because I am not sure I heard him a moment ago. Does the chairman confirm that this conference report is the report of the conferees as signed and intended to come to the floor as it was on 3 p.m. Friday?

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

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Marshall).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, and I rise in strong support of this conference report. Once again, I am proud to be part of the process that delivers our troops the support they need. Let me take this moment to commend our chairman, Mr. Hunter, for his work on this bill. This is important work, and I applaud all the members of the Armed Services Committee on both sides of the aisle. Mr. Speaker, I submit for the Record at this point two letters, one signed by John Warner and Carl Levin and one signed by Erin Conaton on my behalf. U.S. Senate, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, December 18, 2005. Hon. Duncan Hunter, Chairman, Armed Services Committee, Chairman, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 Conference, Washington, DC. Dear Duncan: On Friday, December 16, we joined you and Ike Skelton in conducting the final meeting of the conferees along with other Members of the Senate and House. At the conclusion of the meeting the ``base bill'' was agreed upon and signatures of Republican and Democratic Committee Members were requested and affixed to the Conference Report with the expectation that the House, following the customary procedure, would be the first chamber to file. It was our further understanding that this would be done Friday evening. We are returning to you the signatures of the Senate conferees on the condition that there are no changes made in the ``base bill'' and Conference Report and that the House obtain a Rule which precludes any further amendment. You have shown strong leadership during this very brief and unusual conference period and we have confidence that you can achieve passage in the House of the ``base bill''. We believe it is in the interest of the Nation aud the men and women of the Armed Forces that our Conference Report as agreed to on December 16 becomes law. Sincerely, Carl Levin, Ranking Member. John Warner, Chairman.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz). (Mr. ORTIZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 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 yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar). (Mr. OBERSTAR asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)