Ike Skelton

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I wish to recognize the outstanding achievements of Daniel J. ``Duke'' McVey, of Jefferson City, Missouri. McVey, who has been president of the Missouri AFL-CIO since 1982, will retire at the end of the year. Duke McVey has been a truly outstanding civic leader for the AFL-CIO and for the State of Missouri. McVey has been a Member of Pipefitters Local 562, St. Louis, Missouri, since 1954. In 1978, he was elected Secretary-Treasury of the Missouri State Labor Council for the AFL-CIO, a position he served until 1982. McVey was then elected President of the Missouri AFL-CIO in 1982. In the 17 years he has headed the Missouri AFL-CIO, he has raised the level of involvement by unions in governmental affairs. In addition to his service in the AFL-CIO, McVey has been a leader in his community by serving on various councils and committees. He currently serves on the Missouri Training and Employment Council, and has been a member of Trustees of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri since 1992. McVey serves on the Missouri Business Council, the Missouri Task Force on Workers Compensation, the Commission on Management and Productivity, and the Missouri State Council on Vocational Education. Since 1994, McVey has served on Missourians for Equal Justice, the Governor's partnership on the Transition from School to Work, and Goals 2000 State Panel. McVey served as the Literacy Investment for Tomorrow (LIFT) Board President in 1995, and he is a member of the Missouri Global Partnership, the Children's Trust Fund, and the Commission on the Future of the South. Duke McVey has been an extraordinary leader for labor, for his community, and for his State. I know the House will join me in paying tribute to this outstanding leader and wishing him and his family--his wife Arlene, and his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren-- all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity to recognize Mr. and Mrs. Joe Scallorns, of California, MO. Over the years, Fran and Joe have worked for the betterment of their community and of the State of Missouri. They have contributed countless hours to improve the lives of many Missourians and they have dedicated themselves to public service. Recently, Fran and Joe donated the money for the construction of a new recreational center at Missouri Girls Town. It was named in honor of the Scallorns and their selfless contribution to the institution and the young ladies who reside therein. On October 2, 1999, the Scallorns Recreational Center was dedicated and Joe addressed those in attendance. His speech is set forth as follows: We are here today for a dedication of this wonderful structure. Fran and I are a little embarrassed about the fact that it bears our name. Most people don't see their name cast in bronze or in stained glass. In most cases when a building is named it is for someone deceased. On those occasions, friends gather and say some nice things about the ``dearly departed''. On those other occasions in which the persons are still living, they are invited to make a few remarks. I can't tell you how happy I am to be here before you today. We are here as a result of our lead gift for this recreation center. That was possible because we are living the American dream. From a very modest beginning of our marriage, we have worked hard, been lucky, and have enjoyed the encouragement and support of family and friends, many of whom are here today. We were fortunate enough to own our own business, sell it, and retire early. We do live in the greatest nation on Earth that is truly good and provides many opportunities. Fran and I are so pleased to be a part of this great effort. We have been inspired and encouraged by the leadership of the Marshes, Ann K., the McClains, Isabelle Bram, and others in sharing their time and resources with the needs of the girls here. We are pleased and proud to be able to do this and hope that this might influence and encourage others to support Girlstown as much as they can. We are particularly pleased that our gift was for the recreation center. Sports play such an important part in all our lives, but especially in the development of young people. Not only is this the largest structure on the campus, beautifully designed, and well built although it is all those things; but it is perhaps an apt symbol of what we try to teach all our children--those at home and those here. Sports teach us that we get along better in life if we learn to play by the rules. Wherever we are in our society, we learn that there are certain expectations of behavior. There are rules in the workplace, rules of the road and rules of personal demeanor and behavior. The sooner we learn to take responsibility for our actions by respecting and abiding by those rules, the better we are able to get along. Sports, whether recreational or competitive, teach us to do our best. Coaches in any sport certainly know the fundamentals of the game they are playing, but what makes a great coach is having the ability to motivate others to do their very best. If these young ladies can learn to motivate themselves to improve at whatever they are doing--to strive to do their best at every endeavour, that may be the best tool for the building of character. Those that spend their lives looking for happiness seldom find it. If they spend their lives pursuing excellence, they can lead productive and rewarding lives. The other great lesson that sports will teach us is teamwork. Once we learn to depend on others and let them depend on us, then achievements multiply. There are very few efforts that don't improve geometrically as we approach them as a team. The results of teamwork are always greater than the sum of the individual efforts of those involved. It is through working and giving together, to the best of our abilities, that we are able to build this campus, continue to improve it, and continue to add to it. A group of girls once gathered for their annual hike in the woods. Taking off at sunrise, the group commenced a fifteen mile trek through some of the most scenic grounds in the country. About midmorning, the girls came across an abandoned section of railroad track. Each in turn, tried to walk the narrow rails, but after only a few unsteady steps each lost her balance and fell off. Two of the girls, after watching one after the other fall off the iron rail, offered a bet to the rest of the group. The two bet that they could both walk the entire length of the railroad track without falling off even once. The others laughed and said ``no way'', Challenged to make good on their boast, the two girls jumped up on the opposite rails, simply reached out and held hands to balance each other and steadily walked the entire section of the track with no difficulty. How easy it was, simply by working together as a team. When people help each other, freely and voluntarily, there is a spirit of teamwork that can conquer a multitude of problems. When we don't cooperate, the whole system can fall apart. So remember: play by the rules, do your best, reach out-- and never quit holding hands.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. I think the gentleman hit it right on the head when he used the phrase ``some measure of sanity.'' This, of course, is the very best in a very difficult world. But I wholeheartedly support this resolution and I compliment the gentleman on his comments. I thank the ranking member and the chairman for bringing this resolution to the floor. I certainly hope that it will pass, not only pass but do so unanimously.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and say farewell to an outstanding Naval Officer, Captain Thomas G. Otterbein, as he prepares to retire upon completion of 29 years of distinguished service. It is a privilege for me to honor his many outstanding achievements and commend him for his devotion to the Navy and our great Nation. A native of Bad Axe, Michigan, Captain Otterbein is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Class of 1970. After receiving his commission, he completed flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1973. His first operational tour was with Fighter Squadron 111 flying the F-4 Phantom II, where he made deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and Western Pacific Ocean aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42) and USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) respectively. Upon completion of F-14 Tomcat training, his next sea tour was with Fighter Squadron 51, where he made an around the world cruise aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). In recognition of his superior aeronautical skills and leadership abilities, Captain Otterbein was selected for F/A-18 Hornet training and subsequently became the Executive Officer of Fighter Squadrons 161 aboard USS Midway (CV-41). Following that tour, he was the Executive Officer of Fighter Squadron 195 and had command of that squadron for eighteen months. Captain Otterbein successfully completed Nuclear Power Training and was soon back in the fleet, serving as Executive Officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). He subsequently assumed command of USS Nashville (LPD-13) and led the ship through Operations Support/Uphold Democracy in Haiti, earning the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Battle Efficiency ``E'' Award. The crowning achievement of his career came when he reported as Commanding Officer, USS Harry S Truman (CVN- 75), leading the crew of our newest aircraft carrier through her sea trials and initial training operations. Captain Otterbein completed shore assignments at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 4, where he was the Operations Officer and Operational Test Director, and as the Executive Officer and acting Commanding Officer of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun). He has also had tours on the staff of Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet as the Safety Officer and as the senior aviation representative on the Chief of Naval Operations' Strategic Studies Group. Captain Otterbein has been a dynamic and truly outstanding Naval Officer who has been a great mentor and a charismatic leader. He is a passionate advocate of the Sea Services and has devoted himself to caring for our Sailors in the Fleet and their families. His contributions and accomplishments will have long term benefits for both the Navy and the country he so proudly honors with his uniform. As Captain Otterbein prepares for quieter times with his wife Catherine Mary, I am certain that my colleagues will join me in thanking him for his many years of Naval service.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I wish to recognize the outstanding achievements of Dr. Earl F. Skelton, who recently retired from the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) after 32 years. Dr. Skelton has made tremendous contributions to science through his research and teaching. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1962 and received his Ph.D. in Physics in 1967 from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. A leader in scientific research, Dr. Skelton has served in many research positions. From 1961-1962, he served as Research Physicist at Benet Weapons Laboratory. In 1967, Dr. Skelton served as Research Associate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and as a National Research Council Postdoctoral Associate at NRL. He was a Research Physicist at NRL from 1968-1976. In 1978, Dr. Skelton worked in the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, as Liaison Scientist for the Office of Naval Research. After returning to the United States, Dr. Skelton served as an Associate Member with the Laboratory for High Pressure Science at the University of Maryland from 1977 to 1980. The following year, he was a Visiting Scholar in the Stanford University Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory. Additionally, Dr. Skelton was a Research Affiliate from 1982 through 1986 for the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics. Dr. Skelton served as the Supervisory Research Physicist at the Naval Research Laboratory from 1976 until his recent retirement in September 1999. In addition to his many research positions, Dr. Skelton also worked in a variety of academic positions at several accredited institutions. From 1968 through 1973, Dr. Skelton lectured in Physics for Prince George's Community College. He also served as an Associate Professional Lecturer at George Washington University for five years. From 1975 to 1980, Dr. Skelton was a Graduate School Lecturer at the University of Maryland. Since 1972, Dr. Skelton has been a National Research Council Postdoctoral Advisor at NRL. He has also been a Professorial Lecturer at George Washington University since 1979. Currently, Dr. Skelton is the Adjunct Professor of Engineering in the School of Engineering and Applied Science at George Washington University. Throughout Dr. Skelton's career, he has received many honors and awards in science. He was awarded seven Research Publication Awards from the NRL since 1977. In addition, Dr. Skelton received the U.S. Navy Technology Transfer Award and the Pure Science Award from the Society of the Sigma Xi. He was elected to the Users' Executive Committee at both the Brookhaven National Laboratory and Stanford University. In 1980, Dr. Skelton was elected Fellow by the American Physical Society. He also received the Yuri Gargaran Satellite Communication Award and Medal. Dr. Skelton authored or co-authored over 300 publications, and he has been awarded five patents for his research findings. Dr. Skelton has also organized and led a multinational team to create a new beam line at the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory. In addition to his scientific findings and teachings, Dr. Skelton has researched and written a variety of pieces regarding family genealogy and other topics. He has published 13 non-technical publications and received the Best Writing Award from the National Genealogical Society. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Earl F. Skelton, has been a significant leader in scientific research for many years. His expertise and leadership have contributed greatly to the field of science and to future scientists. Dr. Skelton is my cousin, and also a dear friend of mine. I know the House will join me in paying tribute to this outstanding scientist and wishing him and his family--his wife Francesca, his daughter Diana, and his son, Isaac--all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, October 1999 has been designated as National Cooperative Month. I rise today to call attention to the thousands of cooperatives in the United States and to the thousands of Americans who benefit from membership in a co-op. Some 40 percent of all Americans belong to a cooperative of one kind or another. Cooperatives bring people together to meet a common goal or need. There are cooperatives to provide electricity and telephone service to rural areas, cooperatives to help farmers market their goods, consumer cooperatives, and credit union cooperatives, to name but a few. In Missouri, electric co-ops serve approximately 450,000 meters, representing over 1,380,000 people. Nearly 20 small, rural telecommunications providers have received financing from a cooperative to ensure that all rural Missourians have access to reliable telephone and other telecommunications services at an affordable price. There are also more than 1 million credit union cooperative members in Missouri. Cooperatives allow people to band together and through the strength of numbers achieve what individuals could not accomplish alone. Members gain access to specific services, to marketing power, or to purchasing power. Unlike other businesses, cooperatives operate at cost and income that is not retained for cooperative operations is returned to the members. In recognition of National Cooperative Month, I congratulate our nations' cooperatives for their continued service to members in Missouri and throughout the nation.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) who helped make the year of the troops a reality, who, together with his counterpart on the other side, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer), have done monumental work for the troops in the field.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I absolutely support the bill.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Sisisky), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Military Procurement. (Mr. SISISKY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence), and I ask unanimous consent that he be permitted to control that time.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson) a freshman who is doing an outstanding job. (Mr. LARSON asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Pickett), a gentleman who is the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Military Research and Development.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, there is a popular television program entitled Jeopardy. Voting for the motion to recommit is entering into that game of Jeopardy because a motion to recommit that carries opens up the entire wonderfully written package for the troops should it go to conference. I think that we should do our best to protect the pay raises, the pay table, the new barracks, the family housing, the specialty pay, the TRICARE additions. We should do our very best to protect this bill. Mr. Speaker, it is the year of the troops. This is our tribute, the Congress of the United States' tribute to those young men and those young women who wear the American uniform and represent us so very, very proudly wherever they may be.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the amount of time that we have remaining, please.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the dedicated, hard working, and knowledgeable gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the clarification, and I join him in underscoring the intent and action of the conferees on this very important matter. I believe the record is clear on this point, and no one intends this legislation to serve as a vehicle or an attempt in any way to relitigate or reopen the Federal Facilities Compliance Act or the associated issues thereto.

Mr. SKELTON. I thank the chairman for yielding to me, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, some have raised concerns since the completion of the conference report regarding the possible impact that the Department of Energy reorganization provisions could have on the Department of Energy and environmental cleanup activities, and in particular, on the status of the existing waivers of sovereign immunity agreements between the Federal Government and the individual States. I believe that the conferees did not intend to and in fact did not take any action that would limit or supersede any existing agreement that the Department of Energy has entered into with any State, including the Federal facility compliance agreements. Is that the understanding of the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services?

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of this legislation. A good number of months ago I had the opportunity to be in Bosnia meeting and talking with the young men and young women in uniform who stand guard in that sad country doing their best and successfully doing their best to keep peace in that corner of the world. This morning, Mr. Speaker, I had breakfast with four bright young sailors who have been in the Navy only between one and two years. Both were in Bosnia when I was there. After the breakfast this morning with the young military folks, I asked myself, where, where do we find young people such as this: Dedicated, sincere, hard-working, patriotic. Well, they come from small towns and farms and cities all across our country, and they do a superb job securing the freedoms that we enjoy. There have been problems, problems with recruitment and problems even more serious with retention. The old saying is, you recruit soldiers, but you retain families, and I think that is so true. Mr. Speaker, this bill before us today is a historic landmark for the troops of America. This is the year of the troops. This is the year that the Committee on Armed Services, and I am pleased to say when the bill was reported out, it was reported out with a favorable vote of some 55-to-1. It has strong support among the committee and hopefully will have very, very strong support here on the floor. Because this year, we gave a pay increase, we reformed the pay tables which is geared towards those young men and young women who make the decision whether to stay in or get out at the 9, 10, 11, 12 year mark. We reform in a very positive manner the pension system. We build new barracks, new family housing; we help fix the problems in TRICARE; we have done a superb job, and I am so pleased about it. In procurement, we have purchased and helped bring ourselves to the point where we have maintained that scientific edge. It is with a great deal of pleasure that I support this bill in its entirety, including the Department of Energy portions thereof. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina for allowing me to speak at this point. As my colleagues know, I am the ranking member of the Committee on Armed Services. From the beginning of this year, the very first hearing, I said that this should be the year of the troops. To the credit of the Committee on Armed Services, on a very bipartisan effort, it is the year of the troops. We have had, as my colleagues know, serious recruiting problems and even more serious retention problems. I am not just talking about pilots; I am talking about young men and young women who have put several years into the military and decide to get out. The old saying is, and it is so true, ``you recruit soldiers'' or in the case maybe Marines, sailors, airmen, ``but you retain families.'' For instance, the Army has been cut some 36 percent, but the operational tempo has increased 300 percent. We are wearing the troops out. I had breakfast about a year and a half ago with some noncommissioned officers of the United States Navy, and they told me about the dispirited attitude of the young men and women who work with them, the feeling that they were not remembered. This bill is a tribute to them. This bill is one where truly we do remember them. It is our job under the Constitution to raise and maintain the military and to write the rules and regulations therefor, and we have done a magnificent job. I am very proud of it. I am very proud of the bipartisanship. I am very proud of the effort made. I especially compliment the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence), our chairman, for his outstanding efforts. This is a good bill. The Department of Energy portion that deals with nuclear weapons is under our jurisdiction. That has been a very important part of our effort. To some, it will not meet with their full approval. But I think we took a giant step forward. I am for this bill, for the troops, for the families. I might say, in addition to the pay raises, the pay raise, the pay tables, pension reform, we have done superb work for the barracks, family housing. I think it deserves great, great support. Regarding the Department of Energy effort, I think it is good. Could it be better? Sure. But legislation is a matter of compromise. So I support the bill and all of its portions. I hope this rule will be adopted overwhelmingly because this is a major step in the national security of our country.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that Ann Kutscher of Jefferson City, Missouri, has been selected to serve as Governor of the Western Missouri District of the Optimists International. Ann has selflessly served her community, and it is my pleasure to recognize a few of her many outstanding achievements. Ann Kutscher has dedicated her life to community service through a variety of organizations and positions. Ann has been a member of the Jefferson City Optimist Club since 1991 and has previously served as the President of the chapter. On August 21, 1999, she was installed District Governor. For over twenty years, Kutscher has been a devoted member on the General Federated Women's Clubs of Missouri, Inc. (GFWC). In GFWC, she has served as State President, Mississippi Valley Region President, and as member of the International Resolutions Committee and Diana's Club. Kutscher also formed the GFWC-Jefferson City New Horizon Junior Club. An active environmentalist, Ann has served on the Conservation Federation of Missouri, holding the positions of Honorary Chairman, Treasurer, and she was the first woman elected President of the board. She also served as past President of the Mid-Missouri Conservation Society, and she is on the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Committee. Ann's wide range of involvement also includes youth leadership development and church volunteerism. She has served as State Chairman for the Hugh O'Brein Youth Leadership Foundation and has been serving as the Missouri Girls Town Board President since 1986. She has also been an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson City, as Assistant Treasurer, President of the Trinity Missionary Society, and Chairperson of the Trinity Steering/Building Committee. Mr. Speaker, Ann Kutscher is a personal friend of mine, and I have had the privilege to have her on my staff for many years. She is a devoted parent and grandparent with three sons and six grandchildren. From 1973 to 1976, she was my Administrative Assistant when I served in the Missouri Senate. Since 1983, I have had the pleasure of having Ann as a Capitol Liaison in my Jefferson City district office. Ann Kutscher is a true model of dedication and achievement for her community and State. I know the Members of the House will join me in offering a heartfelt congratulations to Ann Kutscher.