Ike Skelton

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning, along with my colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan), to talk about how House Democrats feel about national security. It may seem obvious to say we Democrats support our troops and support a strong national defense, but I want to offer today a more detailed explanation of where we stand and why. These are challenging and difficult times for our country. We are engaged in a global war against terrorism, we have military forces deployed around the world, and we are involved in two shooting wars in Iraq and in Afghanistan. These deployments and these conflicts are putting a terrible strain on our military, on our troops, on our equipment, on our military families, on our defense budget, and on our national economy. I believe we will overcome these challenges because we have the greatest treasure in the world, our service men and women, who are selflessly serving around the globe on behalf of this great Nation. They are the key to the war on terrorism, more than any doctrine or system. Their effort and sacrifice will make ultimate victory for us in the war on terror, and in Iraq and Afghanistan, possible. Unfortunately, the two most people-intensive services, the Army and the Marine Corps, are last in line for funding from the Defense Department. For example, the fiscal year 2006 budget request for the Army, not counting money that may be added in the supplemental, actually declined by some $300 million relative to last year's level. Mr. Speaker, it is incredible to think that this administration would actually reduce funding for the Army, the service with the most people and the most equipment in Iraq and Afghanistan, in a time of war. Even if the amount for the Army is ultimately increased because of supplemental appropriations, what kind of signal does this send our troops, who are literally putting their lives on the line, when the administration asks for fewer funds for their service? Our servicemen and women deserve better. I know I speak for all House Democrats in saying we support our troops, but what is more important for everyone to understand is that supporting the troops is more than just a bumper sticker. It means giving them the best possible leadership, the finest training, and up- to-date and working equipment, protective armor body, and vehicle armor. We in Congress have a duty to ensure that they have all the tools they need to succeed on the battlefield. We also have a duty to provide for their families while they are deployed in service to our great Nation. We have a duty to take care of the families of those who are killed and those who are wounded. Mr. Speaker, we also have a duty to our citizen soldiers, members of the National Guard, members of the Reserve, who also make such extraordinary sacrifices. They not only serve our country beside their active-duty counterparts, but they also do so at considerable sacrifice back home. Because they have jobs in their communities, oftentimes they give up these jobs and ask someone else to pick up the slack created by their absence. Moreover, while they are deployed, their families are entitled to benefits, but it is often hard for families to use these benefits because so many of them do not live close to military facilities. Finally, Mr. Speaker, we Democrats believe we have an obligation to our Veterans, whether it is allowing them to receive full retired pay in addition to VA disability compensation, allowing their survivors to receive both Social Security and Survivor Benefit Plan benefits, or allowing their survivors to receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation in addition to VA benefits. We have an obligation to make sure they know that America appreciates their patriotism and is willing to recognize their sacrifices. America should know that Democrats unanimously take these responsibilities very, very seriously. The supplemental appropriation bill, which we will pass later this week, will have overwhelming bipartisan support. That is evidence of the commitment that we on this side of the aisle have in supporting our troops. But I want to be clear. While Democrats support a strong military and support using our military when necessary, we do not support squandering it. My concern, Mr. Speaker, is that we are starting to see visible signs of strain in our military. I do not want to see it break. My colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan), will speak to these issues momentarily. The bottom line, Mr. Speaker, is that all Members should support our men and women in uniform, we should not deploy them wantonly, and we should give them the compensation, recognition, and tools they, as well as their families, need and deserve. I know I speak for all Democrats in saying we honor their service.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I will vote in favor of this bill. We cannot let our troops down who are out there on the front line. Let me wish our new chairman the very best in his maiden voyage through this body on the floor. Mr. Chairman, I want my colleagues to know that my vote is not a full endorsement of the bill. I am troubled that we continue to resort to supplementals to fund our efforts in Iraq and in Afghanistan. I think we can do a better job making sure our troops on the front line have everything they need if we put funding for these operations up front in the fiscal year rather than halfway through it like we are doing in a supplemental like this. I also think we should require more rigorous accounting of the war costs. This is important. We need better information to conduct our constitutional duty of oversight. Most important, my reservations have to do with the fact that we still do not have a coherent strategy for success in Iraq. When I go back home I get questions from my constituents about the war in Iraq and its costs. What is the meaning of winning in Iraq? How will we know when we have won and we can leave, especially when for every insurgent we kill there seems to be another to take his place? Are we trying any more to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people? If so, when will the Iraqis be ready to take over their own security? Many in the administration have said we cannot put a timetable on the withdrawal. I agree. We cannot put a timetable on it. But while we should avoid a schedule, we must have a ``to do'' list. We must set goals for the Iraqi forces. We must be able to measure the progress of those Iraqi forces in attaining those goals. I voted for the resolution authorizing the use of force in Iraq. I will vote for this bill. We must win in Iraq. But I see no game plan. There is nothing in this bill that forces the administration to level with us and to level with the American people about either the real costs or about our strategy for success. In my opinion this is a missed opportunity. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill, but we should all realize that this is far from a perfect way of running Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I announce the upcoming union of Dexter Slagle and Donna Chasteen, two long time residents of Morgan County, Missouri, and dedicated public servants. Dexter has been a business owner in Versailles for 42 years and served his neighbors as City Alderman and as Morgan County Surveyor. Donna has also owned her own business for 35 years and for 12 years held the position of County Clerk. These are two individuals who have dedicated their time, money and energy to making the City of Versailles and Morgan County better places to live and raise a family. Mr. Speaker, on February 20, Dexter and Donna, along with their children, Amy and Windy and Barbara and Bert, and their grandchildren will become one family. I am sure my fellow Members of the House will join me in wishing them all the best as they start their new life together.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity to congratulate and pay tribute to the city of Warrensburg, Missouri, which will celebrate its 150th birthday this year. Warrensburg, Missouri, was incorporated as a town in 1855, after being settled by local farmers and a blacksmith named Martin Warren. Mr. Warren had a blacksmith shop which served as an informal gathering place for the local farmers. Mr. Warren's shop was named the county seat of the newly created County of Johnson. The township was named Warren's Burg, in honor of the blacksmith. Warrensburg citizens have many reasons to be proud of their city. One of these reasons is the city's excellent school system. With an enrollment of 3,200 students, the district is accredited with Distinction in Performance by the Missouri State Board of Education. Also, the city is home to Central Missouri State University, which has provided fine post secondary education for more than 130 years. Warrensburg also is home to many prominent businesses and organizations. EnerSys, GE Transportation Systems, Swisher Mower, Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity world headquarters and Carlyle Van Lines have all thrived in the city, and there are countless other businesses--small and large--that contribute to the economic well being of Warrensburg. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my congratulations to the citizens of Warrensburg, Missouri, for this outstanding accomplishment. I know all the Members of Congress will join me in paying tribute to a great American city.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, one doesn't have to look very far from home to find an excellent example of patriotism. Ken Wolters, of Jefferson City, Missouri, is the commander of American Legion Post 5. In late January, he left home for up to 18 months of active duty in Iraq with the Missouri National Guard's 1035th Maintenance Company. Wolters has been a National Guardsman for 39 years and a Legion member for 34 years. A sergeant first class, Wolters is an automotive technician with the unit. He also has worked full-time as an armament inspector at the Missouri National Guard headquarters, and has been activated for state power outages and the Missouri River flood in 1993, but this is his first federal duty. The unknowns don't bother Wolters because years of training and a reliable unit give him confidence, he said. As Ken Wolters begins his active duty in Iraq, he will continue to serve our country with great distinction. Mr. Speaker, I know the Members of the House will join me in thanking Ken for his dedicated service and in wishing him all the best in the days ahead.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that Brigadier General Dennis Shull will be relinquishing the post of Adjutant General of Missouri. Brig. Gen. Shull began his military career more than 32 years ago as an enlisted military policeman. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant of artillery in 1975 by the Missouri National Guard Officer Candidate School. He held multiple battery, battalion, brigade, and state level staff positions and has held command leadership positions of increasing responsibility from squad leader to the commander of 135th Field Artillery Brigade. Also, he was the Chief of Staff of the Missouri Army National Guard from February 1999 to September 2001. As the Adjutant General of Missouri, Brig. Gen. Shull was responsible to the Governor for the command and control of almost 11,000 Missouri Army and Air National Guard personnel. In addition, he was responsible to the Governor for the State Emergency Management Agency and the Civil Air Patrol. Throughout his career, Brig. Gen. Shull has received many awards and honors, which include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and many more. Brig. Gen. Shull will continue to serve our Nation; he has volunteered for a one year tour of active duty in Afghanistan. Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues in the House will join me in wishing Brigadier General Dennis Shull all the best in the days to come. We thank him for his continued service to our Nation.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today I rise in support of the resolution introduced by the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hefley), my good friend. I wholeheartedly endorse this resolution, which expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense should continue to provide assistance and support to one of America's most treasured institutions, the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts of America is one of the finest organizations in our country. Countless young men have learned the values of God, home, and country as young scouts, and the Boy Scout motto, ``Be Prepared,'' has inspired generations of youths to prepare for and lead full and productive lives. One of the most significant lessons taught by the Boy Scouts is the importance of being a patriotic American. To call into question the status of the Boy Scout organization and potentially deprive young men who are military dependents of the opportunity to participate in Boy Scout troops on their military bases, is an absolute shame. I was fortunate as a boy, as a lad, to join the Boy Scouts when I was growing. I still remember how proud my mother and my father were when I attained the rank of Eagle Scout. I remember it as if it were yesterday. The sponsor of my Eagle Scout class was Dr. Milton Eisenhower, and as I mounted the podium with the other branded Eagle Scouts and a rose was handed to me, which I was to hand to my mother, which I did, and Dr. Eisenhower, after hearing my name called off, my first name being Ike, he leaned over to me, shook hands with me, and said, ``That is what they used to call me, Ike.'' So evidently all the Eisenhower boys were called by that name. Madam Speaker, later I was an assistant scout master. I later was the cub master of a cub troop in my hometown. I am enormously proud of our family who also participated in the scouting program, one of our sons of course being an Eagle Scout. I am honored to have continued the association with Boy Scouts of America to today. So I call on my colleagues to join us in voting for this concurrent resolution, for standing up for the young men, Boy Scouts of America, who are really the future leaders of our country. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to control the time of the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield) in his absence.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. I rise in strong support of this Intelligence Reform Act. Mr. Speaker, we are making history today. This conference report represents the most profound government reform to date for meeting the unique and daunting security challenges existing in this era of terror. This bill fundamentally overhauls the structure of our Nation's intelligence community. It represents an important step in the improvement of our government's intelligence capabilities while, at the same time, preserving our ability to ensure that our own military personnel have the intelligence information they need to succeed on the battlefield. More broadly, Mr. Speaker, this bill promises to advance our abilities in the global fight against terrorism. From my vantage point as the ranking member of the Committee on Armed Services, this conference includes two important legislative achievements. First, it creates and empowers a new Director of National Intelligence to set the vision, direction, and priorities for the entire intelligence community. Second, it maintains the sanctity of the military's chain of command, so that the Secretary of Defense will have the necessary authorities to effectively manage intelligence assets and resources, particularly technical assets on the battlefield. The 9/11 Commission pointed out that our Nation's intelligence community has suffered from a failure of imagination, failure to focus, and failure at organization. This bill addresses these failures with a new organization, new authorities, and management flexibility. In addition to the new director, the bill authorizes a National Counter Terrorism Center to improve analytic vision and operational planning across Departments and at the highest levels of government. Another important change is the information-sharing requirements across traditional bureaucratic barriers, or what we call stovepipes. Such innovation has been suggested for years, and these provisions are long overdue. Mr. Speaker, opportunities in this body to effect fundamental and indeed historical changes are rare. We have such an opportunity today. I commend the leaders of this conference, and I strongly support the bill before us. It is significant, necessary, and unprecedented; and it offers much promise to make our Nation more secure, and I strongly urge its adoption. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California for her work.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to inform you that Robert M. Robuck of Jefferson City, MO, has been awarded ``The Missourian Award'' by the American Heart Association. Mr. Robuck received the award for his civic and business contributions to the community. Mr. Robuck grew up in Cairo, MO. He attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and graduated in 1964 with a degree in business administration. Soon after graduation, Mr. Robuck moved to Jefferson City to work for Central Trust Bank. Mr. Robuck is very committed to his community. Currently, he is the president, chief operating officer and director of Central Trust Bank. Also, he is the vice chairman and director of Central Bancompany, Inc. Additionally, Mr. Robuck is council president and a director of the Great Rivers Council, Boy Scouts of America. He was the chairman of Capital Region Medical Center, and he is a director of Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. Mr. Robuck sits on the University of Missouri Medical Alliance Board. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Robert Robuck has distinguished himself as a fine community leader and citizen. I am sure that my colleagues will join me in wishing Mr. Robuck and his family all the best.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution introduced by my good friend from Colorado, Mr. Hefley. I wholeheartedly endorse this resolution, which expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense should continue to provide assistance and support to one of America's most treasured institutions, the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts of America is one of the finest organizations in our country. Countless young men have learned the values of God, home, and country as young scouts, and the Boy Scout motto, ``Be Prepared'', has inspired generations of youths to prepare for and lead full and productive lives. One of the most significant lessons taught by the Boy Scouts is the importance of being a patriotic American. To call into question the status of the Boy Scout organization, and potentially deprive young men who are military dependents of the opportunity to participate in Boy Scout troops on their military bases, is an absolute shame. I was fortunate to join the Boy Scouts when I was growing up, and I still remember how proud my mother and father were when I attained the rank of Eagle Scout. I later led a scout troop in my hometown and was enormously proud when my sons also became scouts. I am honored to have a continued association with the Boy Scouts today. So I call on my colleagues to join us in voicing our support of the Boy Scouts, and encourage the Department of Defense to continue their excellent efforts to promote this important institution.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that a long and exceptionally distinguished career has come to an end. Mr. Bob Wolfe, of Sedalia, Missouri, has retired from his position as president of the Sedalia office of Septagon Construction Company. Mr. Wolfe was born on August 12, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from Charles F. Brush High School, he attended Iowa State University on a full football scholarship. He graduated in 1965 with a degree in Business Administration. In 1975, Mr. Wolfe began working at a company called Temple Callison, and in 1977, Mr. Wolfe and his business associate, Tom Davis, bought Temple Callison. At the time, the Temple Callison Company generated 3 million dollars in revenue. In 1982, Mr. Davis and Mr. Wolfe turned the Callison Company into the Septagon Construction Company. The company currently has 5 locations in two states and generates over 100 million dollars. Mr. Wolfe believes in strong principles and values that have helped his business continue to be successful for so many years. He believed that the company had to be a part of the community, and the company needed to be a family of customers and employees for the company to survive and flourish. Mr. Wolfe was president of the entire Septagon Construction Company until 1998, at which time he became president of the company's Sedalia Office. In addition to his accomplished business career, Mr. Wolfe has been very involved in his community. He has served as a board member, campaign chairman and president of the Sedalia Pettis County United Way. Also, he was a board member, officer and founder of the Ditzfeld Foundation for recovering alcoholics. He has been a member and chairman of the Central Missouri State University College of Business and Economics Advisory Board and has served as a member of the Iowa State University College of Business Advisory Board. He is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and he has been president of the congregation for three terms. Mr. Speaker, I know the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to Mr. Bob Wolfe for his outstanding career and dedication to his community and in wishing him all the best as he enters the next stage of his life with his wife Claudia and his children, Erika and Aaron.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the House of the death of Mr. Andrew J. ``Jack'' Anderson of Harrisonville, Missouri. Jack was born in Harrisonville, Missouri on September 27, 1924, son of William Monroe and Prudilee (Mathews) Anderson. He graduated from Harrisonville High School in 1942 and went on to answer his call to duty. Jack served his country by enlisting in the Navy in October 1942. He received a commission as an officer and earned his wings as a Navy Fighter Pilot. After serving in World War II, Jack came home and continued his service in the Navy reserves until 1959, when he was discharged with the rank of Lieutenant. On March 27, 1945, Jack was united in marriage to Dorothea Ann Gaston. Their marriage, which lasted 54 years, was truly a story of love and admiration. Jack and his wife also were the proud parents of two sons, Andrew and Kevin. After returning from World War II, Jack attended college, receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and his law degree from Cumberland University. In 1951, Jack was admitted to the Missouri Bar. He first began practicing law with his father in Harrisonville in 1951 at the law firm that is now Anderson and Milholland P.C. and continued to work there until his retirement in 2003. Also, Jack was elected to four terms as Cass County Prosecuting Attorney, serving in this position from 1954 to 1962. In 1976, he began serving as my campaign treasurer. Jack also made significant contributions to the community. He served over 25 years on the Board of Directors of Allen Bank and Trust and over 25 years as Municipal Judge for the City of Harrisonville. Jack also was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Harrisonville. Mr. Speaker, Jack was a valuable leader in his church and community who was respected by everyone who knew him. He was a dear friend of mine who had a deep faith. He will be missed by all. I know the members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to his family.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, a long and distinguished career in public service is coming to an end in the Show-Me State. Missouri State Senator Harold L. Caskey will retire at the end of the year. He has served the people of the 31st District since 1976. He was born in Bates County. After graduating from Central Missouri State University with honors in 1960 with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology, he attended University of Missouri-Columbia where he received a Juris Doctorate in 1963. He also was a member of the Order of the Coif. From 1968 to 1972, Mr. Caskey served as the prosecuting attorney for Bates County. Then he was the Butler city prosecutor from 1973 to 1974. After serving in this position, he was an assistant professor in Business Law and Criminal Law at Northeast Missouri State University, now Truman State University, from 1975 to 1976. Mr. Caskey was first elected to the Missouri Senate in 1976. During his accomplished tenure in the Missouri Senate, he served in many positions. He was the Senate Assistant Majority Floor Leader, Senate Majority Caucus Chair, Senate Majority Floor Leader, and Minority Caucus Chair. Mr. Caskey awards and honors include the 2002 Access Award from the American Foundation for the Blind, the 1997 National Legislator of the Year from the National Industries of the Blind Workshop, the 1999 University of Missouri School of Law Alumnus of the Year and the National Freedom Righter from the National Rifle Association. Additionally, the Missouri Deputy Sheriffs' Association named an award for him--the Harold Caskey Freedom Award. Mr. Speaker, I know the Members of this House will join me in thanking Mr. Caskey for his life of public service.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Admiral Skip Bowman, U.S. Navy, as he prepares to retire upon completion of more than 38 years of faithful service to our Nation. Admiral Bowman has held the position of Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (Naval Reactors), for the last eight years. During his distinguished career, he played a pivotal role in ensuring that nuclear-powered warships continued to meet our global commitments in defense of our Nation's security. During his career, Admiral Bowman served as the Commanding Officer of the nuclear-powered attack submarine, USS City of Corpus Christi, which completed a seven-month circumnavigation of the globe and two special classified missions during his command tour. Other highlights include tours as the commanding officer of the USS Holland, as the Director of Political-Military Affairs on the Joint Staff, and as the Chief of Naval Personnel. Nuclear-powered warships have safely steamed over 130 million miles, and operated for more than 5,600 reactor years without a reactor accident. The last 24 million miles and 900 reactor-years have been achieved under Admiral Bowman's superb leadership. He currently oversees 105 operational nuclear reactors. Admiral Bowman was a guiding force in the design and construction of the VIRGINIA Class submarine--our Navy's only major combatant available to the Fleet that was designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. These revolutionary submarines have significantly improved capabilities over their predecessors in acoustics, littoral warfare, communications, sensors, and life-cycle costs. Admiral Bowman also drove many aspects of the design of the Nation's next-generation aircraft carrier class--the first new design in over 30 years. Owing much to his leadership, the CVN-21 propulsion plant will triple the electrical power available for transformational technology, reduce reactor compartment manning by nearly 50 percent, and increase ship operational availability by nearly 25 percent. As the Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, Admiral Bowman's commitment to environmental stewardship and public health and safety helped foster the highest degree of public trust. The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program continued the superb performance, safety, and environmental record of nuclear-powered warships that has existed for more than 50 years. Our nuclear-powered warships benefit from acceptance in foreign ports worldwide as a direct result of that record. Mr. Speaker, I know the members of this house will join me in commending Admiral Bowman for a career of faithful service to his Nation. His leadership of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, a highly effective, responsive, world-class organization, has contributed significantly to our Nation's ability to confront 21st century security challenges. I wish him ``Fair Winds and Following Seas'' as he completes his honorable and distinguished service in the U.S. Navy.

Mr. SKELTON

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

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I take pleasure in yielding 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), who is the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. (Mr. REYES asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

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

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

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. The remarks of my friend from California (Mr. Cunningham), who is a distinguished war hero in his own right, cause me to wish to say a word or two about those who wear the uniform and about those who wore the uniform. Mr. Speaker, every Sunday morning, I have the pleasure of being with a group of men from my hometown of Lexington, Missouri, most of whom are veterans of wars of yesteryear, heroes in their own right, Marines of Vietnam, Army, Navy, my friend Vic Cosner who saw the very worst of battles in Europe during the Second World War. We owe it in this Congress under the Constitution that charges our committee and charges this body with raising and maintaining the military to produce and care for and train young men and young women who can take the place of those who so nobly served our country in the past. That is what we are doing today. A special thanks to our chairman, Duncan Hunter, who worked tirelessly with us well into the evening to produce this bill and got it to the floor. A special thanks to every member of the Committee on Armed Services, Democrat and Republican, and the unsung heroes of all of this is the tireless effort of the staff of the Committee on Armed Services. We could not do it without them. We thank them so very much. Mr. Speaker, I had a rare privilege 3 weeks ago of being able to address the new sailors who had just graduated, were graduating, from the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois. Mark Kirk, our fellow Member of Congress, invited me for such an event. I spoke to them, and I thanked them, and I also read a letter to the graduates that my father had written his mother in 1918 from that very same Great Lakes before he proceeded on to serve aboard the USS Missouri of the day. I want everybody to know that those young sailors, men and women, stood so tall, and you could see the pride in their faces, but even more proud were the parents and the families, thousands of them, to see the some 900 brand new American sailors become part of the fleet. So what we do in our own way here is to legally provide and maintain, but more than that, I think this effort and what we have done for those in uniform and the families, major steps to help them along the way. Cicero, the great Greek orator, said that gratitude was the greatest of all virtues. I hope that the efforts that we do today will show a bit of gratitude from this body to all of those young men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the minority whip, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the ranking member on the Committee on the Budget, 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 Arkansas (Mr. Snyder), the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Total Force.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Loretta Sanchez), the distinguished member of the Committee on Armed Services.