Ike Skelton

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott).

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

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I think this is true what the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) has said that this is an historic moment in this House because it makes a giant step forward in the nuclear nonproliferation effort. It retains the existing ban on developing low yield nuclear weapons, but the most important part is it allows scientific research to go forward in our nuclear weapons laboratories. As the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) said, in the original wording of the amendment, the latter part thereof did cause a great deal of concern on my part, and I am sure it was in the minds of others. So I compliment the gentleman on the compromise and our working together. This is an excellent example between the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) and all the others that were interested in this nonproliferation issue to make a step forward and to have an excellent compromise. We thank the gentlemen for that.

Mr. SKELTON. I thank my friend from Massachusetts for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, we all know from our experience in Afghanistan that adversaries use caves and bunkers to counter our American conventional strength and we are right to be concerned that future enemies might use such bunkers to protect weapons of mass destruction. However, the use of nuclear bunker busters is absolutely not the way to go. It is counterproductive. Using nuclear weapons would spread deadly radiation, putting both American troops in the theater as well as local populations at risk. It would also prevent American troops from entering caves and bunkers to retrieve potentially valuable intelligence. We have been doing that in Afghanistan. Perhaps most significantly, the use of tactical nuclear weapons would mark a dramatic change in United States policy and would undermine our nonproliferation policies around the globe. This is a very needed and a very necessary amendment to proceed on the non- nuclear proliferation effort.

Mr. SKELTON. In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, I again reiterate, based upon the colloquy between the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney) and those concerned about the future of the SBIRS system, I can fully support the amendment.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, during the testimony when General Eberhardt was before our committee, and a question was put to him as to what is of utmost importance for the future, his answer was what we call SBIRS, Space- Based Infrared System. I think that is very, very important to the defense of our country, based upon General Eberhardt's comments to us that day. Now, based upon the colloquy between the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt), it is apparent that the SBIRS, or the space-based infrared systems, are exempt from the language and the intent of this amendment, which allows me, based upon that, to support this amendment.

Mr. SKELTON. I yield to the gentleman from Indiana. (Mr. ROEMER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I strongly support the amendment by my friend from South Carolina, and I compliment him as well as the gentleman from California. This amendment addresses what I see as a relevance problem. I have looked at the future and found it wanting. There just is not enough money to carry out the current defense program through the next few years. But instead of keeping its priorities on what the troops need, we see the Department of Defense canceling programs with real-world relevance while throwing money at any missile defense item that comes down the pike. As a gesture of national unity, Democrats last year foreswore a significant debate on missile defense. We did not debate the 57 percent increase in spending. We have not debated Secretary Rumsfeld's removal of most of the controls and oversight required of all other major defense programs. We have not debated other significant changes. But I hope, Mr. Chairman, that we can at least begin, with this amendment, to reestablish relevance as a consideration when spending the national treasury.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder) for purposes of debate.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher) for purposes of debate.

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

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

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

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, let me thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) for his very generous remarks, but I must say that the bill is appropriately named after him. I might also point out that when I first came to the Congress of the United States, the gentleman from Arizona was my very first friend when we came up here in December of 1976. A lot of good memories in the memory bank about the gentleman from Arizona. He came out to Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri with me back in the late 1970s and the airmen there had this wooden stump that they called Sergeant Eucalyptus P. Stump, and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) and Eucalyptus P. Stump had their picture taken together. I might also say one of those great memories was going back to Ford Island with him in 1991, the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and we went over to Ford Island and he showed me where he was back in 1943 during the war. He is a marvelous, marvelous legislator, a great friend, and one of the most decent human beings, and we thank him immensely for his hard work and his generosity.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the rule and the farm bill conference report. Farmers throughout the 23 counties of Missouri's Fourth Congressional District have been facing some of the lowest crop prices in a generation. The 1998 Freedom to Farm Act was adopted when times were pretty good and with the notion of providing more flexibility for our agriculture producers. Unfortunately, it did not provide an adequate safety net and it failed to yield the tools we need to address hard times like the current farm recession. Consequently, since 1998, Congress has approved billions of dollars in ad hoc farm income assistance. In contrast, this year's farm bill provides a meaningful safety net for America's agriculture producers and gives certainty and support to farmers who might otherwise be forced to leave farming. The bill is comprehensive. It is a 6-year measure that covers subsidies to producers, conservation, food safety, nutrition and trade. For commodities, it continues the direct payment program in marketing loans, but also adds a countercyclical initiative that would make payments when farm prices are so low. Importantly, the bill also undertakes price supports for dairy farmers and increased funding for apple producers. The farm bill expands USDA's conservation programs, including helpful funding for the Environmental Quality Initiative Program so that Missouri's farmers can address conservation problems and comply with expensive, but important, environmental regulations. It also extends and improves the food stamp program and other nutrition initiatives while renewing our emphasis on rural development, agriculture research and energy, including language that reauthorizes and funds both biomass and biodiesel initiatives. Mr. Speaker, the farm bill is long overdue, and I commend the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Combest) and their counterparts from the other body in working together on behalf of America's farmers.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to congratulate and pay tribute to Sharon Early, who was recently recognized by the Missouri Association of School Librarians with the Special Service Award. Mrs. Early began her career in education 38 years ago after graduating from Central Missouri State University. She has spent her entire career in the Lee's Summit R-7 School District. She taught five years at Westview Elementary, was the Library Media Specialist at Lee's Summit Jr. High School for two years and Pleasant Lea Jr. High School for 16 years. She currently serves as Director of Library Media Services for the Lee's Summit School District. In this position, she coordinates twenty professional staff, four secretaries and twenty-nine library support staff. Sharon Early helped to found and was later president of the Greater Kansas City Association of School Librarians. Her participation in the Missouri Association of School Librarians (MASL) has included time as president and treasurer, among other offices. Within the American Association of School Librarians, Mrs. Early has served as a delegate to the Affiliate Assembly and on various committees. Her other professional affiliations include the American Library Association, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and Missouri State Teachers Association. She is currently serving on the Secretary of State's Council on Library Development, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's VIDEO/Technology Committee, the MASL Board of Directors and the MASL Leadership Team. She teaches graduate classes in library/media science as an adjunct professor for the University of Missouri and is a certified 7 Habits trainer. Additionally, she has presented workshops on copyright, integrated library/media curriculum, inspiration and the Internet. MASL's Special Service Award may be presented annually to someone who has served library media organizations at the national, state and local levels. This person must also demonstrate leadership through improved library services in the educational setting, such as in workshops and development of innovative curriculum or media center programs. Finally, the winner must have made significant contributions to the promotion of school libraries outside the immediate school library arena such as to school administrators, community patrons, and state and federal legislators. Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues in the House will join me in saluting Sharon Early for receiving this well deserved award.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to congratulate and pay tribute to Colonel Michael R. Regner, who performed in an outstanding manner as the Marine Corps' Liaison Officer to the U.S. House of Representatives from May 1999 to May 2002. Colonel Regner began his service in the military in 1976, following graduation from the Citadel. Commissioned a Second Lieutenant, he commanded Rifle and Weapons Platoons, a Rifle Company, Headquarters Battalion, and an Infantry Battalion. Colonel Regner was also a recruiter on duty in Little Rock, Arkansas. His staff assignments include duty as Battalion Logistics and Executive Officer, Staff Secretary to the 2nd Marine Division Commander and Joint Amphibious Operations Planner and Partnership for Peace Staff Officer to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. Colonel Regner served with distinction in Operation Desert Storm, United Nations operations in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, and in Bosnia. He has completed the Advanced Infantry Officer's Course, Airborne Course, Marine Command and Staff College, and the NATO Defense College. He also holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration/Human Relations. Colonel Regner's awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps commendation Medals. In Colonel Regner's three years as the Marine Corps' House Liaison Officer he has provided this Congress with a working knowledge of the Marine Corps. He has been instrumental in directing Marine Corps legislative activities in Congressional hearings, official travel, constituent services, and other important legislative functions. Colonel Michael Regner has served our Nation with distinction for the last 26 years. As he takes post as Commanding Officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit at Camp Pendleton, California, I know that the Members of the House will join me in wishing 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 4-Hers all over America as they celebrate 4-H's centennial. This year, the National 4-H Program celebrates 100 years of helping young people develop skills to improve their lives and contribute to their communities. This year, 4-H programs in all 50 states will conduct meetings, seminars, and listening sessions at the local, state, and national levels to discuss strategies for youth development in the 21st century. The National 4-H Program Centennial Initiative will culminate in a report to Congress and the President with recommendations on the programs that are best suited to helping America's youth. Missouri 4-H programs are coordinated by University Outreach and Extension, which is a partnership of the University of Missouri, Lincoln University, the United States Department of Agriculture, and county governments. 4-H is often associated with rural communities, but today more than 1000 Missouri 4-H clubs serve as many young people from suburban and urban areas as from farms and small towns. Although 4-H has changed over the years to meet the changing needs of Missouri families, clubs continue to live up to the 4-H motto: to make the best better. Group focused and family oriented, 4-H promotes positive physical, mental, and emotional growth through programs that help young people build self-confidence and acquire essential life skills. Today's 4-H features programs covering traditional topics such as cooking and agriculture as well as classes about the environment, workforce preparation, leadership and teamwork, and community involvement. Missouri 4-H programs are intended for youth of all income levels, abilities, and ethnic backgrounds. With the upcoming centennial celebrations, it is an especially good time for anyone who is interested in joining or volunteering for 4-H to get involved. I know the Members of the House will join me in congratulating the National 4- H Program on reaching this outstanding milestone.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I want to express condolences to the families of the four Canadian soldiers who were killed and the eight soldiers who were injured during training exercises in Afghanistan. News reports say that these are the first Canadians to be killed in a combat zone in half a century. Canada is a valued member of our coalition in the fight against terrorism and has been a valued friend of the United States for decades. I fear we do not express our gratitude enough to the Canadian people for their support and their friendship. In the face of this tragedy, it is important to thank Canada for its commitment to the fight against terrorism. Our men and women in uniform, U.S. forces, as well as members of our coalition forces, take risks every day in support of our freedoms. Unfortunately, some of our best and brightest young people lose their lives in this cause. Canadian forces are fighting alongside U.S. and European troops, seeking to hunt down remnants of Osama bin Laden's terrorist organization. We extend our condolences to our Canadian allies.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to congratulate and pay tribute to the city of Stover, Missouri, which will celebrate its 100th Birthday on November 13, 2003. Stover, Missouri, was incorporated on November 13, 1903, as Newstover, after being settled by pioneer citizens, including those of the Lutheran, Methodist and Baptist faiths. These settlers came to the area, now known as Stover, because of the establishment of a railroad. After Stover was established, numerous businesses were started and many have thrived. Fajen Lumber Company was established in 1905, Farmers Bank in the same year, the Morgan County Press began in 1911 and the Stover Milling Company started in 1917. All of these business are still in operation and many are being run by the same family that founded them. Today there are 63 businesses licensed in the city of Stover. The city government and citizens are planning various activities to commemorate this milestone. The Centennial Fair will be held June 19- 21, 2003, the city is publishing a commemorative centennial book to highlight the city's history, and on November 13, 2003, the United States Postal Service will celebrate with a special cancellation at the Stover Post Office. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my congratulations to the citizens of Stover, Missouri, for this outstanding accomplishment. I know all Members of Congress will join me in paying tribute to a great American city.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I introduced the Defense Budget Restoration Act. At a time when the United States is at war, I am sorry to say that this bill is necessary. To use a common phrase in relation to pressing military needs--``The Emperor has no clothes.'' Let me explain: In the wake of the ruthless terrorist attacks that killed thousands of innocent civilians on September 11, the United States has undertake a global war on terrorism. This war requires the use of U.S. military capabilities on a major scale in multiple theaters of operation simultaneously. President Bush and Secretary Rumsfeld have repeatedly told the American people that this war will not be resolved quickly and will likely continue for a period of years. Already military operational tempo has increased, creating greater military spending and straining the ability of U.S. forces to meet all the demands placed on them. Because of this situation, the Armed Services Committee has been questioning the service chiefs and the commanders-in-chief of the combatant commands about their current and future military needs. Several of them have testified that they need more manpower and other military capabilities to do the jobs they've been asked to do-- including winning the war on terrorism. Our warfighters need more weapons systems, support equipment, facilities and other resources to fight the battles of this war now and in the future. The President has requested a $48 billion funding increase in Fiscal Year 2003 for the Department of Defense. $10 billion of this increase is a so called reserve fund unallocated to any specific programs. Mr. Speaker, I say that the emperor has no clothes because the Armed Forces have testified that they are facing critical shortfalls NOW that could be filled with funds from this $10 billion reserve. In this bill, I ask the Congress to take advantage of the flexibility offered by the House Budget Resolution to meet these shortfalls. Section 201 of that resolution requires chairman of the Budget Committee to increase funding to the Department of Defense to prosecute the war on terrorism if the Committees on Armed Services or Appropriations reports a bill or joint resolution providing that funding. My bill would do just that. The armed services have shown that additional funding is necessary through lists of their urgent unfunded priorities and through testimony to the Congress. Let me explain how the $10 billion should be used to meet these needs. Fully one-half of the $10 billion would be used for procurement for all four services. You will notice, Mr. Speaker, that I have not included funding for specific programs; that detail is appropriately provided through deliberation in the Armed Services Committee. Yet $3.4 billion would be allocated for the Navy--hopefully to begin to address the shortfalls in shipbuilding that have been continually cited by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations, and the combatant commanders who rely on maritime capabilities. These procurement shortfalls mean not only that the emperor is without clothes now, he'll remain naked for a long time to come. Beyond procurement, this bill would provide close to $2 billion for research and development throughout the services. Money must be spent now to ensure that our military has what it needs to continue the war on terrorism into the future. This bill would also restore military construction levels to where they were in Fiscal Year 2002. Construction funding ensures the health of our military bases and the quality of life of all those who serve. We cannot expect to win this global war without effective support facilities for our warfighters and their families. This bill would also fund operations and maintenance requirements for special operations forces who have proved so critical in the current war. It funds Army depot maintenance as well in order to keep our war effort moving efficiently. Finally, this bill would put significant additional resources toward our most critical military asset--the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who defend our nation every day. First, it matches the pay raises of 4.6 percent Congress approved for them last year and provides targeted pay increases for experienced service members we need to retain for this war. Second, it provides greatly needed end-strength increases for the services in the active duty, the reserves, and the National Guard components. The service chiefs have told us they need more people to fight this war--we should give them what they need. Getting enough quality people to service is the best way to ensure that the emperor gets his new clothes. Mr. Speaker, this reserve funds is designated to meet the needs of the global war on terrorism. We know what those needs are and we should act quickly to fulfill them. That's how we get the emperor some new clothes. And that's the best way of ensuring the continued success of the war on terrorism and the long-term health of our military. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this important legislation.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, March 15, a Change of Command was held on the USS Harry S. Truman, an aircraft carrier whose home port is Norfolk, VA. Captain Michael Groothousen succeeded Captain David Logsdon as the Commanding Officer of that ship. Captain Logsdon will continue his outstanding military career as a professor of Military Science at the University of South Carolina. The principal address was delivered by RADM David Architzel. The talk was a great reminder of American Naval strength. It is set forth as follows: Congressmen Skelton and Schrock, Admiral Malone, Captains Logsdon and Groothousen and your families, distinguished guests and most importantly, men and women of USS Harry S. Truman. Good morning to all of you, what a great personal and professional honor it is for me to address the crew of this great ship. I accepted the invitation to speak here today with some trepidation and anxiety. After all, our distinguished guests include Congressmen and the Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (AIRLANT) and others who are far more eloquent speakers than I. Captain Logsdon was persistent in his efforts to convince me to speak, and as a fellow S-3 aviator, of course, I accepted. Let me begin by saying that the Change of Command ceremony is one that is steeped in Naval tradition. The crew has been assembled and in just a few short minutes they will witness as all the responsibility and authority of Command at Sea passes from Captain Logsdon to Captain Groothousen. Today is a day of mixed emotions for Logs, CAPT Logsdon. This is the assignment that he has worked his entire career to achieve; an assignment that many seek, but few ever attain. While he has done a wonderful job and has so many great memories of his time at the helm, nothing can stop the clock. I'm reminded of the Chow Call that I used to have to give many years ago at the Naval Academy: it ends with the one minute call and the words; Tide time and Formation wait for no man!'' Logs must now go ashore and he will be leaving this ship, just as Captain Otterbein had to leave it 2 and a half years ago, in the hands of another eager and talented officer, Captain Mike Groothousen. This Change of Command provides the opportunity to reflect upon the accomplishments of the command and crew of Harry S. Truman. It also gives us a chance to talk about what lies ahead. The United States is and always will be a Maritime nation. Since Theodore Roosevelt and the Great White Fleet sailed from Hampton Roads, the U.S. Navy has been an instrument of national policy and diplomacy, and her ships have been the centerpiece of our national defense. When one considers the striking power, mobility and agility of our deploying Carrier Battle Groups, built around carriers such as Harry S. Truman, it is evident that our nation's defense is the strongest it's ever been. ``I've been in the Navy, now, for some 28 years and can honestly say that today's Navy and her Sailors and Marines are the finest I've ever seen. You've earned the right to stand proud. Each deploying ship, squadron, and unit has the full support and backing of the American people, never before in American history has our nation been so completely unified and resolute in purpose. CNO's guidance for 2002 is to ``Fight and Win''. He recently reflected on how the readiness, flexibility, power, precision and persistence of our naval forces are dealing decisive blows in the war on terrorism. The Navy is performing brilliantly and he is, as I am, very proud of each and every Sailor and Marine standing the watch. Sustainment of this level of performance presents many challenges to our Commanding Officers. With respect to those challenges, the President, in his address to Congress on the 20th of September of last year, directed the military to ``be ready!'' and told Congress and the American people that the military's ``time will come and they will make us proud!'' Well . . . our time has come, the Enterprise, Theodore Roosevelt, Stennis, and Kitty Hawk Battle Groups have triumphed, and the JFK and Vinson Battle Groups have stepped in and filled their shoes. Whether you're on the tip of the spear, preparing to be there, or supporting those who are, We have a mission and one clear objective . . . to win the war on terrorism and we will. The Enterprise and Theodore Roosevelt Battle Groups led the way from right here in Hampton Roads and have carried on the fight for all of us here at home. In the not too distant future, it will be Truman's turn to take her place on station to cheers of ``Give 'em Hell Harry!'' When that time comes, I known you will be ready. This carrier and her embarked Air Wing brings with it elements that cannot be matched by any other force. You will be challenged and you must remain flexible--the flexibility of Naval aviation was evident early in Operation Enduring Freedom. After the first two weeks of the war, the fixed targets were all but destroyed, leaving over 80% of the targets unknown to the aircrews prior to launch requiring them to quickly adapt mission plans enroute in order to perform time critical strikes. Mission accomplishment required the Presence, Power and Precision that only carrier aviation can provide. Persistence is another factor. On station 24/7, available on call when needed, the forward deployed carrier, with the latest in technology, stands ready, delivering precision guided ordnance to over 90% of her targets as opposed to the 10% rate used in Operation Desert Storm. This is a campaign where we measure targets per aircraft not aircraft per target. It is not about numbers of tons of bombs but about making every bomb count. Carrier Aviation continues to excel. Commander, Carrier Air Wing 8, who returned in November aboard USS Enterprise, recently attributed training and preparation with the success his Air Wing experienced while deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom. He also noted that this training was essential for naval aviation to remain agile an adaptable. Our operations require stalwart dedication from the entire Battle Group, not just the fighter/attack aircraft and crews. For example, the organic tanker capability of the S-3 Viking, which CAPT Logsdon and I are remotely familiar with, is more valuable than ever to the Air Wing and Battle Group Commanders and continues to be essential to mission accomplishment in Operation Enduring Freedom. Logs, you would be interested to note that Viking squadrons deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom have flown about 4,000 hours and have passed over 5.5 million pounds of fuel . . . which contrasts significantly with the total of 2,400 hours and 2.5 million pounds for a typical peacetime deployment. Many of the current flight schedules have been requiring 7 of 8 Vikings airborne at a time and they are enjoying the highest aircraft utilization rate in the Air wing. Now let me focus on some of the wonderful things that Captain Logsdon and his crew have accomplished during his time in Command. People talk about the character of a ship and I believe it starts with its namesake, but it doesn't end there. The character of a ship transcends through the leadership and most importantly is represented by the men and women who comprise the crew. As one leader relieves another, . . . as crew members come and go . . . the character stays, the pride, the energy the enthusiasm that makes the ship great comprise the character that embodies the ship. All you have to do is walk aboard this great ship and you can feel it. This ship has character and that character is here to stay. President Truman's favorite expression was: ``Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.'' This principal applies well to what you do aboard this great ship and in fact gives our Navy a guiding principle, during this time of great challenge for our Navy and our nation. * Truman ensured that our peacetime military was essential to our way of life in the future. * In speaking of the need for a strong military he said, ``We must be prepared to pay the price of peace or assuredly we shall pay the price of war.'' I wonder what President Truman would think if he were in the audience with you today. How much would it have meant to him to have this great symbol of military might in his Navy? Remember that this ship answered the call during Operation Southern Watch. On her last deployment: Logging 8,000 arrested landings; 84 days supporting; 869 missions flown; supporting 2,700 flight hours; the list of accomplishments for this ship during Operation Southern Watch is staggering, earning unprecedented recognition for a newly commissioned ship. I know Captain Logsdon would quickly deflect any praise for himself onto all of you. However, we all recognize that his leadership was essential to the great things Harry S. Truman has attained and his legacy will be a part of this great ship for a long time to come. Another great source of pride for Truman is your conduct as ambassadors for our nation overseas . . . you put our nation's best foot forward . . . and what a tremendous job you did as ambassadors . . . Since Captain Logsdon is a student of history and no doubt a student of Harry S. Truman, it is no coincidence that aboard his namesake vessel on your maiden deployment you made back to back port visits in Turkey and Greece . . . two of the nations center to the Truman Doctrine and I am sure that your crew now has experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Launching and recovering aircraft and projecting air power will always be the function of aircraft carriers and will continue to be the centerpiece of our Naval strategy for many years to come, this is of course your mission and our mission is always the primary focus. Our number one resource by accomplishing our mission is our people . . . every one of you here today . . . without you we cannot accomplish our mission. Do you know what the CNO's ``number one'' priority is for our Navy today? Manpower . . . our people . . . Since Admiral Clark became CNO, he has said we are in a battle for people to maintain the greatest Navy in history. Part of the reason for that is the ``type'' of people we must recruit and retain, we cannot operate aircraft carriers with just anyone, there are special traits that our people must possess. ``One of the most important things we do in our Navy is give people responsibility at very young ages. Some people, frankly, don't prosper in that environment and will not do well. Ours is a demanding profession--and we ask a lot. But the people who thrive on responsibility will always do well.'' Harry S. Truman is a leader in providing for the quality of life and quality of service . . . you are a crew that does thrive on the awesome responsibility you are entrusted with . . . and your record clearly reflects that. Faced with a lengthy availability, the strength of your leadership and the determination of your crew were clearly demonstrated. You set the standard for Aircraft Carrier availabilities you raised the bar for all the ships that will follow you, you completed your PIA millions of dollars under budget and ahead of schedule, a true testimony to the character of this great ship and you accomplished what many thought was impossible. The leadership from Norfolk Naval Shipyard was unanimous in their praise for the ``Truman Team One'' concept employed from the beginning of the maintenance availability process. In fact, the Shipyard Commander, an officer who has been involved with many outstanding aircraft carrier maintenance availabilities lauded your team in saying: ``I have never worked with a commanding officer who was more dedicated to the success of the mission. . . . His leadership and commitment were inspirational and contagious to everyone on the ship both Truman crew and Norfolk Naval Shipyard workers alike.'' The best thing of all is that because of your initiative, ingenuity and dedication . . . the ships that follow you will have an advantage, the whole carrier fleet benefits from the lessons learned from your successes. It is abundantly clear to anyone that your leadership has been essential in these many accomplishments. Captain Logsdon in addition to providing your people the tools to accomplish their mission: You have provided the leadership needed in order to ensure that the men and women of the Harry S. Truman know the value of their contribution and feel pride in themselves and their service to country. Among the records that Captain Logsdon must be most proud is to lead the CINCLANTFLT honor role for retention . . . Harry S. Truman retained almost 60% of its first term sailors and over 77% of second term Sailors . . . 3% and 10% higher than Navy averages and earned back-to-back Fleet Retention excellence Awards under his leadership. The record speaks for itself, the crew has worked hard and clearly likes being part of the Harry S. Truman team and while your leadership Captain Logsdon is key, you didn't do it alone. There is an unseen element of your leadership that no one can deny and that is of your wife Rise (Reece-uh). While you were out to sea leading sailors, she was back at home helping families, not only your two wonderful children, but supporting the entire family network of the Harry S. Truman a daunting task for anyone, a task deserving of a large salary for which she receives nothing, but I know she has your gratitude, let me add mine as well. Sometimes leaders don't recognize things outside the skin of a ship or the walls of a building. But you do. You understand what an incredible part of your crew's success depends on the families back home and it shows. Captain Logsdon, I'm sure it seems like a very short time ago that you were assuming command of this great ship. I know in my experience the time seems to just fly by, you are likely leaving here with a heavy heart, knowing that you will be saying farewell to this great crew. But you will quickly become energized when you get back on campus at the University of South Carolina and back in the heart of NASCAR country what a homecoming that will be . . . and what a thrill to have an impact on those young people who will become leaders for our future Navy. It will certainly be a rewarding experience. As you leave this great ship, I am sure there are many things you had hoped to accomplish, but simply ran out of time. That's hard to imagine with the success you have had here, but is still probably true. Now let me turn to the future. Groot, you will be given many resources and with that you will be expected to produce that fruit called readiness. You are embarking on the greatest professional experience and challenge of your life and I know you are up to it. You take the helm of this great warship today and will soon carry her forward to even greater heights and a place in our Nation's history books. To those of you who don't know Captain Mike Groothousen let me tell you a little about him: He is an accomplished aviator (A-7 F/ A 18), Executive Officer aboard USS George Washington, Commanding Officer aboard USS Shreveport, dedicated professional and Champion of Sailors. Captain Groothousen you will be fulfilling a dream and I know you will stay sharp, stay focused, stay safe and make us all proud. You and Tricia are in for the ride of your lifetime. All the years of training, the dedication and sacrifice required of you and your family will be worth it. Command of an aircraft carrier is like nothing else on this earth and I know you will both walk away richer for the experience. Always remember to trust in your faith, and in your shipmates. God bless you, the crew of this great ship and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule. I speak as the ranking member of the Committee on Armed Services, and I speak with those who wear the uniform of our country in mind. The vote on this resolution might well be the most important national defense vote cast this year. In my opinion, the rule that is being offered today shortchanges national defense. Let me explain. The top line that is recommended is a $48 billion increase. I think that is fine. We have needed that for some time. However, there is a $10 billion so-called reserve fund that we are not allowed to appropriate. My amendment that was offered at the Committee on Rules, and that was denied, would fix that flaw and fix that error. So what this amounts to is a $10 billion zero, a cut in the proposed figure of $48 billion down to a $38 billion increase. Under the Constitution, our duty is clear: article one, section 8 requires that the Congress of the United States raise and maintain the military. We cannot delegate that duty, as is proposed in this rule and in this resolution. We cannot give it to anyone else, the Secretary of Defense, though he is a fine man; the President, or anyone else. As Harry Truman once said, and the little sign said on his desk: ``The buck stops here.'' The buck stops on national security and national defense right with us. I cannot offer, as a result of the Committee on Rules' denial of my amendment, a pay increase that should equal the pay increase that the soldiers and those in uniform received last year. They cannot receive the military construction money that is needed. And just today, General Joe Ralston revealed in testimony and showed us in pictures the dilapidated family housing that our people live in in Europe. We need more Navy ships, ammunition, and unfunded requirements. It is our duty. It is not a political thing; it is our duty under the Constitution to vote against this rule.

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. John Young, of Jefferson City, MO, has retired as director of the Division of Air and Land Protection in the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Young joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in 1973, after receiving bachelor's and master's degrees from Eastern Kentucky University. His career with the department has been full of achievements. He was directors and deputy director of the Division of Environmental Quality. He was affiliated with the Water Pollultion Control and Land Reclamation Programs and has been a member of numerous state and national environmental committees. Mr. Young has also been a recipient of several awards. He was honored by the FBI for his criminal investigation efforts and by the Missouri Conservation Federation for his leadership in contamination cleanup at Times Beach. Mr. Speaker, John Young has dedicated nearly 30 years to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, serving with honor and distinction. I know that the Members of the House will join me in wishing him all the best in the days ahead.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to recognize the city of Marshfield, Missouri, and the generosity of Carl and Glessie Young on the grand opening of the Carl and Glessie Young Community Auditorium. During a recent visit to Webster County, I attended the grand opening of this facility, which will serve the community and the students in Marshfield for many years to come. The auditorium was made possible through a local bond issue and a generous donation from Carl and Glessie Young. This facility will be home to community and school plays, musical performances, concerts and speech and debate competitions. It will provide a teaching facility for the nearby schools. Mr. Speaker, the citizens of Marshfield can be proud of their new 21,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility. I know the Members of the House will join me in congratulating all of Marshfield on completing this fine addition to their community.