Ike Skelton

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to congratulate the Anson family and my friends at Anson Implement, Co., of Higginsville, Missouri, who recently celebrated the company's 100th anniversary as a John Deere dealership. The Anson family has contributed to the betterment of Lafayette County, MO, since they migrated from Kentucky and Tennessee in the 1830s. Born Moses Anson and later named ``Mode'', the great grandfather of current co-owner Joe Anson cherished all aspects of farming. Mode recognized the need for a country store that would benefit those who worked on farms and other businesses in rural Missouri. In 1897, he opened a lumber, hardware, and building materials business in Aullville, MO, to assist these individuals. Four years later, in 1901, the Anson family, still committed to farming, opened a John Deere dealership that moved to Higginsville, MO, in 1917. Through the years, Anson Implement, Co., has become an important part of the history of Higginsville. Established by Mode Anson, the implement dealership eventually passed into the hands of his son, Leslie Anson, then to his son, M.L. Anson. Both Leslie and M.L. worked in and learned the family business from a young age. In 1979, current co-owner Joe Anson began operating the implement company after attending Westminster College and working for six years at the Kansas City John Deere branch. Indeed, through their commitments to farming, to their community, and to their country, four generations of Ansons have positively impacted the lives of many rural Missourians. As the residents of Lafayette County share in Anson Implement's 100th anniversary, I am certain that all Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to this establishment and to the Anson family, Mary Lou Anson, Joe Anson, Jill Sutherland, Jan Weycker, and Jenny Gockel.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the House of the death of James L. Smith of Marshall, Missouri. James Smith was born on March 28, 1917, in Marshall, Missouri, a son of George and Louise Ross Smith. He attended Missouri Valley College and was an Air Force veteran of World War II. I had the opportunity to serve in the Missouri General Assembly with Jim, who served as a State Representative from 1974 to 1984. In addition, Jim and his wife, Mildred, owned and operated the Valley Drive-In in Marshall for 22 years. He was also a sales representative for the Heynen Monument Company for 30 years. Jim was a member of the First Christian Church, where he served on the church board and as a deacon. Mr. Speaker, Jim was a valuable leader of his community and a long time friend of mine. He was a role model for younger people interested in public service. I know the Members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to his family: his wife, Mildred; his two children, Jamie and Clyde; and his three granddaughters.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that Sergeant John ``Jack'' Brubeck, of Lexington, MO, was recently honored by the Lexington Police Department for his 20 years of outstanding service. Sergeant Brubeck has dutifully served the Lexington community for 20 years. He has worked under several police chiefs and has received numerous accolades during the last two decades. Sergeant Brubeck has been given a commendation medal for building evidence, a felony commendation medal, and a time in service commendation. Sergeant Brubeck was also recognized for his dedicated investigative work on two felony cases which resulted in the charging of a suspect. Mr. Speaker Sergeant Brubeck has dedicated 20 years to the police force, serving with honor and distinction. As he continues to protect and serve the citizens of Lexington, I am certain that the Members of the House will join me in wishing him all the best.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I find myself somewhere between shock and disbelief this afternoon. And yet as I sat in this Chamber listening to our colleagues reflect upon our friend Julian Dixon, I sat in amazement that even out of the grief and sadness of this moment, such warm and eloquent words could be spoken of someone's life, and I realized that any words I speak would not measure up. I knew him. He was a colleague. I was on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence with Julian Dixon. I worked with him. He was as bright as a tack. Patient. I will repeat that. He was patient. The polestar of his work on that committee as I witnessed it was that of American security. But more than his work on that committee, I witnessed him in leadership positions in this House. He was a true role model. He was someone who gave advice freely and, more than anything, served as a friend. That is how I will remember Julian Dixon, as a friend. I express my sympathy to his wife Bettye, to his family, to his colleagues from his State, and to those who knew him well. He was not only a gentleman, he was a gentle man. We shall long remember him.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to congratulate Mayor Tom Hayes and the residents of Lexington, Missouri, for recently being honored by the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Each year, the Missouri Department of Economic Development acknowledges community leaders and cities throughout the Show-Me State for their efforts in bolstering local community development. The Department's Missouri Community Betterment program, which is the oldest, continuous state-sponsored community improvement project in the nation, is designed to encourage communities to strengthen development ventures and create more jobs for Missourians. In 2000, a number of Missouri's towns were honored at the 37th Annual Missouri Community Betterment Conference. One of the municipalities to receive statewide acclaim is my hometown of Lexington, Missouri, which received the 2nd place state award in its city category, the 2nd place state award in its category for Youth Leadership, and the coveted designation of ``All Missouri Certified City''. Mr. Speaker, I am proud that the people of Lexington under the leadership of Mayor Tom Hayes have worked to improve economic development and ensure employment for those individuals who reside in Lexington and the surrounding area. I am certain that my colleagues in the House of Representatives will join me in honoring these fine Americans for receiving these well-deserved awards.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, last week, Americans paused to give thanks and to honor the veterans who have served our nation in times of war and in time of peace. The dedication of our women and men in uniform makes our nation strong and keeps us free. I have made it my personal mission in Congress to ensure that our citizens and our government neither forget nor ignore the debt we owe to those who serve the United States so nobly. In wartime, the very best young people our country produces are asked to risk and possibly lose their lives in order to advance our national interests. In peacetime, serving as an airman, sailor, soldier, or marine also requires a great deal of hard work and sacrifice. Whether in war on in peace, those sacrifices are particularly difficult for the service members' families. Just before Veterans Day, I received a copy of an article by Denny Bannister of the Missouri Farm Bureau entitled ``Scars on Their Souls.'' I would like to submit this article and ask that it be printed in the Congressional Record along with my remarks. Denny's words explain so well what it means to serve our country and why we owe our veterans so much. His sentiments should help us remember that we need to honor our men and women in uniform not just on Veterans Day, but every day of the year. Scars on Their Souls Like many veterans, I belong to the American Foreign Legion post in my hometown. Most American Legion posts are similar-- we have fish fries on Friday nights, Bingo on Wednesdays, barbecues in the summer, country music on the jukebox, and there's a faint odor of stale beer, cigarettes and popcorn in the hospitality room. When Legionnaires remove their trinket-covered American Legion caps, there's a lot of gray hair to be seen--if there's any hair to be seen at all. America's wartime veterans are aging rapidly. We are playing taps far too much these days for our comrades from World War II. This year commemorates the beginning of the Korean War 50 years ago. Like our World War II veterans, Korean War vets are decreasing in numbers, and now the Vietnam era vets are beginning to retire. We know we are next. Give most vets half-a-chance and they will share their military experiences with other vets. Give some vets half-a- chance and they will share their military experiences with everyone. But there are a few vets who don't share their military experiences with anyone. Some of them sit quietly in a corner or at the end of the bar, not really talking to anyone. Others might mingle and socialize--until the subject turns to war memories. Then they quietly withdraw. One of my dearest friends served in Vietnam. I served during the war, but he served in the war--there is a big difference. I have a lot of good memories about my military experiences, memories I like to remember. He has a lot of memories about his military experiences he would like to forget. As close as we are, he has never shared them with me. Everyone who fought for their country in every war was wounded in some way or the other--physically, spiritually or emotionally. Some wounds are much more serious than others, and they don't always come from bullets. I have seen the scars from the entry wounds on my friend's abdomen and the scars from exit wounds on his back. As painful as these wounds must have been, the most painful wounds he suffered in Vietnam left scars on his soul. Try as he might, he cannot drink them away. Legion posts are not elegant country clubs where prospects need pull, position and power to become members. Wealth is not an eligibility requirement. But for many of our veterans, the price for membership was terribly high. Regardless of which era they come from, which war they served during or in, or which uniform they wore, our veterans deserve our heartfelt thanks--not only on Veterans Day, but every day we enjoy the freedoms they were willing to fight for. God bless them all.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I inform the House of Representatives of the passing of The Honorable C. Forrest ``Red'' Whaley of Jefferson City, Missouri. He was the former mayor of our state's capital. Red Whaley was born August 19, 1909, in Callaway County, Missouri. He was a life long resident of Central Missouri and a graduate of Fulton High School and Westminster College. A registered pharmacist for over 66 years, Mr. Whaley moved to Jefferson City in 1933 where he worked at Tanner Drug Store for ten years. In 1943, he purchased East End Drug Store, an he later opened Whaley's Medical Center Pharmacy in 1974. Mr. Whaley served as mayor of Jefferson City, Missouri, from 1959 until 1963. He was a member of the Jefferson City Park Board, and he was very active on several civic committees, including efforts to ensure passage of important school bond and industrial bond issues. Mr. Whaley knew the importance of a strong infrastructure in Jefferson City and worked tirelessly in that regard. He worked on the committee to dedicate the new bridge over the Missouri River, and he served as the chairman of the committee that passed a much needed sewer bond issue in our state's capital. In 1990, the Missouri Highway Department honored Mr. Whaley for his community service and commitment to improve Jefferson City's infrastructure by naming the portion of U.S. Highway 54 that runs through our state's capital the C.F. ``Red'' Whaley Expressway. Mr. Whaley was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and a deacon. He was a past president of the Jefferson City Lions Club and the 1995 president of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the original board of directors at Jefferson Bank. Mr. Whaley was also honored by the Jefferson City Rotary Club as the first non-Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow and received the William Quigg Distinguished Service Award from the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce. 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 Mayor Red Whaley. His dedication to the people of Jefferson City truly make him a role model for young Americans.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that a long and exceptionally distinguished career in the field of medicine is coming to an end. Dr. A.J. Campbell, Jr., of Sedalia, MO, will retire from his medical practice on December 20, 2000. Dr. Campbell has been a popular and highly respected physician in Central Missouri for over 40 years. A graduate of Missouri University and the University of Pennsylvania, A.J. specialized in family practice, a field of medicine championed by his father, who treated ailing Missourians for over 50 years and often checked on his patients at home. A.J. learned well from his father's example and has worked closely to establish a wonderful rapport with his patients and with the community of Sedalia. Dr. Campbell has cared for his own patients on a personal level, but he has tirelessly worked on behalf of all American people regarding the importance of thoughtful patients' rights legislation. From 1997 to 1998, A.J. served as the president of the Missouri Medical Association, just as the current political discussions regarding managed health care and health maintenance organizations intensified. During his tenure as president of the Association, Dr. Campbell worked hard to ensure the Missouri General Assembly approved a Patients Protection Plan that is now considered a model for the United States. On December 20, A.J. will retire from his medical practice, but he has indicated that he will continue caring for Sedalians by volunteering his time at the local free clinic. He also plans to undertake missionary trips that benefit those who are most in need and participate in a physician exchange program, filling in when needed for doctors throughout the nation. Mr. Speaker, Dr. A.J. Campbell, Jr., is a civic leader who cherishes the people of Sedalia and the United States of America. His work in medicine and his community involvement make him a role model for young people everywhere. As A.J. prepares for a new life with his lovely wife, Janet, I am certain that all Members of Congress will join me in commending his selfless dedication to Sedalia and to the overall field of medicine.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that my colleague, Ms. Lee and I rise in recognition of one of our greatest statesmen, Congressman Ronald V. Dellums, and in celebration of the dedication of the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland, California. The Dellums Federal Building is considered the ``Gateway to the East Bay'' and has enhanced the Oakland city skyline. The distinct twin towers of this $200 million project has played a pivotal role in the revitalization of the downtown area. Additionally, this building was built by a local and diverse workforce. Mr. Dellums was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970, serving until his retirement in 1998, Mr. Dellums was a distinguished and respected leader in the Congress and throughout the world and remains a tireless leader on behalf of peace and justice. His diverse accomplishments include his leadership and vision as the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Chair of the House Armed Services and District of Columbia Committees; his challenge against the Vietnam War; his belief and advocacy of ``Coalition Politics'' as a way to truly evoke change in the political arena; his leadership and vision laid to the foundation for base conversion and ultimately the job creation and business development of these former military installations; his legislation to expand the Port of Oakland and estuary dredging; his tireless commitment to youth; and his National Heath Service Act, which has long been considered the most comprehensive and progressive health care proposal since it was first introduced in 1977. The true leadership of Mr. Dellums, and quite possibly the most rewarding moment in his career, was his vision to have the U.S. end its support of the racist apartheid regime of South Africa. Mr. Dellums was among the first in Congress to lead the international Anti-Apartheid movement. For years, until Nelson Mandela was released from prison, he faithfully introduced a bill and lobbied his colleagues for support of having Congress impose sanctions against the South African government. Since his retirement from Congress, Mr. Dellums has served as the President of Healthcare International Management Company focusing on global health issues, most notably the AIDS pandemic. He serves as the Chair of President Clinton's Advisory Committee on HIV/AIDS. He has also recently written his memoirs, ``Lying Down with the Lions: A Public Life from the Streets of Oakland to the Halls of Power.'' It is with great pride that we offer recognition of some of the monumental contributions made by Ron Dellums to better our community, country and world. There is no other leader more deserving of having a Federal building named in his or her honor. Thank you Ron.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the House of the death of my good friend Governor Mel Carnahan, of Rolla, Missouri. Governor Carnahan, 66, the fifty-first Governor of the State of Missouri, his son Roger Andrew ``Randy'' Carnahan, and a long-time advisor, Chris Sifford, died in an airplane crash on October 16, 2000, in rural Jefferson County. Born in the small Ozark town of Birch Tree, Missouri, in 1934, Governor Carnahan lived his early years in Shannon and Carter Counties. He was the son of rural schoolteachers, and he carried on a longstanding family commitment to education during his distinguished career of public service. His father, the late A.S.J. Carnahan, a contemporary of President Harry Truman, served in the United States Congress for 14 years before being named by President Kennedy as the first U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone. His mother, the late Mary Carnahan, was an inspiration to hundreds of school children during her many years as a high school English teacher. Governor Carnahan began his lifelong commitment to public service at the young age of 26, when he was elected municipal judge in his hometown of Rolla in 1961. Two years later, he won a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives and was elected Majority Floor Leader in his second term. Following his four years in the Missouri House, he returned to his hometown of Rolla where he built a successful law practice. In 1980, he was overwhelmingly elected State Treasurer and served in this position for four years. The Governor returned to public office in 1988, becoming Missouri's 42nd Lieutenant Governor. In a landslide victory in 1992, he won the Governor's office and Missouri voters returned him to office for a second term in 1996. Governor Carnahan was running for the United States Senate, after two remarkably successful four-year terms as Governor. Among the major accomplishments of his administration were the Outstanding Schools Act, a comprehensive package of reforms, new resources and accountability measures to improve Missouri's public schools; major tax relief for working families; welfare reform; some of the toughest anti-crime laws in the nation; and primary health care services for thousands of previously uninsured Missouri children. Governor Carnahan will forever be remembered as an advocate for children and working families. Governor Carnahan held a Bachelor's Degree in business administration from George Washington University and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia Law School in 1959 with the highest scholastic honors--Law Review and Order of the Coif. He was a United States Air Force veteran, a 33rd degree Mason, and a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Rolla. He served as Chairman of both the Southern and Democratic Governors' Association. Mr. Speaker, Mel Carnahan was a good friend and a truly great American. I know the Members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to his family: his wife of 46 years, Jean Carnahan; two sons, Russ and Tom Carnahan; one daughter, Robin Carnahan, of St. Louis; one daughter-in-law, Debra Carnahan; one brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Oma Carnahan, and two grandsons, Austin and Andrew.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Pomeroy).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds of that time to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews), a member of our committee. (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Underwood).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Pickett), a member of the Committee on Armed Services.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer), who is a member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, it was the Roman orator Cicero who once said that gratitude is the greatest of all virtues. This morning in a ceremony next to the U.S.S. Eisenhower at Norfolk, Virginia, commemorating the lives of those 17 sailors, feelings came to each of us; feelings of sympathy for the families of those injured and those deceased, admiration for the sailors who carried on and saved their ship and did so well by doing their duty, and anger, anger at those who perpetrated this deed. And yet that anger will fade into determination to cause America to seek justice. I will repeat the words of Admiral Robert Natter, as he spoke during the ceremony: ``All Americans should remember. Remember the Cole.''

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz), a member of the Committee on Armed Services.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Sisisky).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such 3 minutes. Mr. Speaker, Members speak on this floor for many reasons. We debate, we advocate, we commemorate, we celebrate. Today, though, I rise to give honor to a crew of brave Americans, the crew of the U.S.S. Cole, and to give warning. I want to honor those who gave their lives or were wounded while serving their country in a distant port, far away from home and in the cause of furthering the national security interests of our country. I also want to honor the surviving crew members, who stayed with the crippled ship and worked valiantly to recover their wounded or missing shipmates and to repair the damage to their ship. And while I say I speak to give them honor, truly it is they who honor us. They and the millions of others who wear our country's uniform, who honor America by their gift of service and dedication. I also want to extend my deepest sympathies to the families and to the friends of those who perished in this tragedy. Although I know they are saddened by their loss, they should take comfort in that their loved ones died pursuing the most noble of callings, serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. They should know that we in Congress, and indeed the people of this great Nation, are grateful for their extraordinary service and sacrifice. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give warning. Those who committed this barbarous act are already being judged beyond our capacity to review. But to those whose dark and craven hearts conceived it, hear this: While you may walk free today in a sunshine you have denied so many others, so many families, so many communities, know simply and surely that you will be held accountable. Our memory is long, our reach is no less so. This outrage cost lives, Mr. Speaker, and it left others in peril. We hear that this many men were hurt, or that many women were hurt. No, Mr. Speaker. They are all American sailors, one and all, and an injury to anyone is an insult to America. I do not doubt that such insult was the goal of the perpetrators. But they should understand that they will pay a price for this heinous act. Justice and the memory of those whose lives have been lost demand no less.

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

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), a member of the Committee on Armed Services.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie), a member of the committee. (Mr. ABERCROMBIE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha), a distinguished member of the Committee on Appropriations.