Adam Smith

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1224, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that amendment No. 113, printed in part A of House Report 117-405, be modified in the form I have placed at the desk.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Hayes) for purposes to speak on the amendments en bloc.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone).

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes. This amendment has to do with the retirement of nine littoral combat ships. The Department of the Navy, the Department of Defense, wants to retire those nine ships. An amendment was added in our committee that does not allow them to retire five of those ships. My amendment would strip that and would allow the Department of the Navy to retire the ships they want to retire. We just heard a lengthy speech about the wisdom of our various service Secretaries and how they know what they need. Well, the service Secretary and the Department of Defense know that they no longer need these nine littoral combat ships. We should not be blocking their effort to save money and retire them. The biggest reason we have a problem with this is these ships are not that old. But they have also not turned out to perform the way they were expected. In particular, they were supposed to have antisubmarine capability, and they were supposed to have demining capability. They have neither of those. They have also turned out to have significant maintenance problems and costs associated with simply operating them. The Navy has determined that it is better to invest in newer, more modern, more capable platforms, and we are blocking their ability to do that. The littoral combat ship has not lived up to its expectations. Now, let me be clear, it is an extraordinarily difficult time to figure out how you build the right systems. But throwing good money after bad doesn't make sense, and that is the primary argument for not allowing the Navy to do this. ``Well, they just built them,'' almost whether they work or not, ``why would we retire them after 3 or 4 years?'' Because they are not working as expected, and they are not cost-effective. Mr. Speaker, I urge that we adopt this amendment to allow the Department of Defense to do what they want to do: retire these ships and build a better, stronger, more capable Navy. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Golden).

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1224, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for offering this amendment. I think it is incredibly important. Mr. Garamendi outlined it quite well. There was a process to go through at DOD to determine what the budget should be. Once that process is done, we should respect that process, not allow everybody in the institution to say, ``Well, I would like to have more money.'' I can assure you that there would be unfunded requirements in every single aspect of government. You have to make choices. That is what DOD does. That is what the budgeting process does. What the unfunded requirements list does is it simply perpetuates the notion that you can never spend enough money. I submit that that attitude toward the defense budget--that whatever it is, it has to be higher--has a lot to do with all the inefficiencies, the lack of an audit, the number of programs that have gone overbudget and have underperformed, the number of programs that have never worked out the way we envisioned them. If there was fiscal discipline in place, we would get a better result. Allowing people to always ask for more, no matter what, undermines fiscal discipline. I also submit it undermines the effectiveness of the Department of Defense. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this amendment.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Auchincloss).

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I too urge adoption of the en bloc amendments and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Strickland).

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I think we need to get to a reasonable defense budget. Full disclosure: I don't support the effort to cut $100 billion from the defense budget. I think we have clearly articulated needs. But I think the President and the Department of Defense, when they put forward this budget, took that into account. One of the things I have always been worried about on the Armed Services Committee is if we just give them more and more money, they won't spend it as well as they should. They will not have the fiscal discipline to go in there and make sure that the money is being spent wisely, which I have said many, many times is as important and, in many cases, more important than how much is spent. Over the course of the last 20 years, we have not had a good record. Many programs have gone over budget and underperformed. We are getting better, but I think we need to live within our means. The President put forward his budget. We ought to respect that budget and support it. It is more than enough to defend the country. If we go back to the President's number, it is $813 billion, which is a significant 4 percent increase over last year's budget. It is not like we aren't spending money if we stick to the President's budget. I think that number should work, and I think that is the number we should stick to. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for offering that amendment and making the arguments she has.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Dr. Kevin McCarthy on his retirement from Renton Technical College. He has served many years as an educator and as a leader in our community. Kevin has continually demonstrated his commitment to education. He brought his talents to the Pacific Northwest where he served as vice president of instruction at the Lake Washington Institute of Technology, dean of the Health Sciences, Education & Wellness Institute at Bellevue College, and associate vice president of instruction at Blue Mountain Community College prior to joining Renton Technical College. Kevin is well known throughout the community as the president of Renton Technical College. He has served as a strong and passionate leader in this role since 2015. Kevin has always emphasized the importance of inclusion and prioritized equitable access to education during his time as president. His focus on equity goes beyond the classroom. Kevin serves the community as part of the Puget Sound Coalition for College & Career Readiness and as a member of the Renton Mayor's Inclusion Task Force. Madam Speaker, I sincerely thank and commend Dr. Kevin McCarthy for the tireless work he's done to educate and support learners in the Puget Sound region. I congratulate him and wish him a happy retirement.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Pell Grant Program. In 1972, Congress amended the Higher Education Act by creating the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant, to provide direct financial aid to low-income students so they would have the same access to higher education and opportunity for success as their higher income peers. This program was later named the Pell Grant for its original sponsor, Sen. Claiborne Pell, Democrat from Rhode Island. The original bill was signed into law by Republican President Richard Nixon, and the program has maintained this original bipartisan support over the last 50 years. To date, more than 80 million students have received a Pell Grant to go to college since the program's creation. Currently, nearly 7 million students are going to college with Pell Grants, or about 40 percent of undergraduate students. In my congressional district, 4,626 students are receiving $17,586,937 to pursue their higher education goals at our local colleges. The federal investment in Pell Grants is targeted to students with demonstrated financial need, with most families at incomes of $40,000 or less, and the investment pays off by increasing college completion, and economic mobility. Madam Speaker, as we approach the 50-year mark on the Pell Grant program, I look forward to Congress continuing the bipartisan support for low-income student access to college through the Pell Grant for another 50 years. I urge my colleagues to support the bipartisan resolution declaring June 23, 2022, National Pell Grant Day this year, and in the future.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate James Rasmussen on his retirement. James has served as a strong community leader working on environmental, habitat, and community issues along the Duwamish River. My staff and I have had the pleasure of working with James for several years. He has played an important role serving his community as part of the Duwamish Tribe and the Duwamish River Community Coalition. James has been an extremely effective advocate for the cleanup of the Duwamish River. He has also been a fierce supporter of the river's nearby communities and has served as a tireless and committed advocate for decades in our region. His efforts and dedication have been invaluable in support of the protection of the Duwamish River. His work will help to ensure that the river is restored for future generations. Madam Speaker, I sincerely thank and commend James Rasmussen for spending his career focused on the protection and cleanup of the Duwamish River. I congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Efrem Fesaha for his many years of service as a dedicated community member and small business owner. Having first founded Boon Boona Coffee in 2012, Efrem has grown his business to now include multiple locations that employ more than 20 people, This year, Efrem was awarded the 2022 Small Businessperson of the Year by both the SBA of Washington State and of the Pacific Northwest Region due to his outstanding work navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic while fostering inclusive and welcoming spaces at his shops. He is one of ten finalists for SBA's National Small Businessperson of the Year. Efrem founded Boon Boona Coffee after visiting his family in Eritrea and drawing inspiration from East African coffee. He has dedicated his business to bringing the rich culture of East African Coffee to the Seattle area. Not only has Efrem greatly contributed to the culture of Washington's 9th district, he has also set out to create a positive impact globally, sourcing fresh coffee beans from African producers and women-owned growers. The SBA's recognition of Efrem's achievements is well-deserved and speaks to his strong character, work ethic, and understanding of the importance of creating welcoming environments for community members to gather. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege and honor to recognize Efrem Fesaha for his outstanding career achievements and for his contributions to our community.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, as the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I would like to recognize an outstanding public servant, Mr. Ralph White, who has dedicated his career to providing bidders for government contracts with an expeditious means to seek accountability, and to maintaining a high rate of effectiveness in the bid protest process. Mr. White will retire on May 29, 2022, after a distinguished, 39-year career in public service, including serving 33 years at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), where he is currently a Managing Associate General Counsel for the Procurement Law division. As a Senate staffer during the beginning of his career, Mr. White was instrumental in the drafting of the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984, which established the authority for GAO's bid protest function, under which hundreds of bid protests are filed each year. Mr. White joined GAO in 1989 as a writing attorney/hearing officer in the Procurement Law division and was promoted in 2010 to lead a team of attorneys as an Assistant General Counsel. Since becoming a Managing Associate General Counsel, responsible for GAO's bid protest decision- making authority, Mr. White has successfully led GAO's Procurement Law division to resolve numerous large and complicated bid protests with a consistently high effectiveness rate and has been recognized by the government contracting community as a preeminent legal expert and trusted mentor. Mr. White is regularly sought out to speak and provide insights into the bid protest process throughout the government, academia, and industry. Throughout his tenure, Mr. White has managed the resolution of protests related to nearly every aspect of federal procurement spending. His exceptional professionalism, integrity, and dedication have been recognized by numerous awards throughout his GAO career, including GAO's Distinguished Service award in 2013 and the General Counsel's Award in March 2010 for outstanding leadership. Under Mr. White's leadership, the GAO bid protest process has increased public confidence in the transparency, accountability, and functionality of the U.S. federal acquisition system. We thank him for his commitment and service to the Nation.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Bill Burton for his many years of service as a community advocate and for his role as the Area Director for the Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club. A Rainier Vista native, Bill is an experienced and accomplished community leader. He has served as the Area Director of the Boys & Girls Club since 1980, working tirelessly throughout his life to empower local youth. As Area Director, Bill was a driving force behind fundraising efforts that galvanized the Rainer Vista Boys & Girls Club. He turned what was once an underdeveloped club into a thriving community center that provides Rainier Vista children a safe place to grow and learn. Today, the Rainier Vista Club serves over 100 of the neighborhood's youth through programs and mentorship to create positive change in their community. These achievements would not have been possible without Bill's passion and dedication for giving young people opportunities to become outstanding members of their community. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege and honor to recognize Bill for his outstanding achievements and contributions to our community throughout his career.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, I missed a vote on H. Con. Res. 70. I would have voted ``YES'' on roll call vote No. 61 (on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 70, as amended).

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I wish to honor the achievements of Jeremiah ``JJ'' Gertler, Specialist in Military Aviation, Congressional Research Service, on the occasion of his retirement from the Service on February 28, 2022. JJ Gertler served Congress with distinction for more than 22 years at the Library of Congress as a Specialist in Military Aviation for the Congressional Research Service, as a professional staff member of the House Armed Services Committee, and as a Defense Legislative Assistant for then-Senator Chuck Robb of Virginia. He earned a bachelor's degree from Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts, a master's degree in international security policy from the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., as well as graduating with distinction from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. JJ is recognized throughout Congress, the military Services, the defense community, and the military aviation community as an expert in U.S. military aviation programs, capabilities, and strategy. He authored numerous reports and products pertaining to important military aircraft programs across the military services, ranging from the F-35 fighter to the Marine Corps Osprey to privatized adversary air combat training. He also is an expert in the strategic use of military aviation, writing extensively on no-fly zones, possible air strikes in numerous conflicts, and on the strategic implications of the Air Force's long-term budget priorities. He excelled at consultative work for Members of Congress and staffers, developing and maintaining long- term relationships with offices and committees of jurisdiction. JJ also exercised true leadership at CRS. He was chosen, based on his outstanding skills as an analyst and public speaker, to moderate numerous high-profile panels organized by the Service, most notably the plenary session for the 2019 New Members' Seminar in Williamsburg, Virginia. His skills at presentation are well noted by both members and peers, and a House Armed Services subcommittee chairman once told him, ``I have been here 10 years, and I have never heard a better presentation.'' He created the first podcast for CRS aimed at Congressional clients, served a year in a rotation as a Senior Advisor to the Director of CRS, and piloted multiple new written CRS products during his tenure. During his tenure as a professional staff member on the House Armed Services Committee from 2000 through 2004, Mr. Gertler oversaw the defense procurement and missile defense budgets, including all classified programs, during the Fiscal Year 2000 through 2005 budgets. Prior to serving on the committee, he was a defense legislative assistant from 1990 to 1995 for Senator Robb who was simultaneously serving on the Armed Services, Foreign Relations, and Intelligence committees. JJ Gertler, in addition to his tremendous work and professionalism, is notable for his love of automobiles and his sense of humor. While working on Senator Robb's staff, JJ's sports car team finished third in the country. He plans to retire to the Maryland shore and continue those pursuits. On behalf of the House Armed Services Committee and all those who JJ has worked with during his 22 years on Capitol Hill, we thank him for his public service and wish him well.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of Colonel (Ret.) William T. Johnson, a retired U.S. Army officer and member of the Armed Services Committee's professional staff. The work of this legislative body is supported by staff who work determinedly on behalf of the American public. These public servants provide valuable policy advice to Members of Congress, assist in crafting legislation and facilitating Congress' oversight responsibilities, among many important duties. While the work of all congressional staff should be recognized, I want to take a moment to single out COL Johnson for going above and beyond his professional responsibilities. COL Johnson has served for many years on the Armed Services Committee as an expert on Afghanistan policy. This past year, COL Johnson provided invaluable advice to Members of Congress both on and off the Armed Service Committee, staffed critical hearings and briefings, drafted essential, late-breaking updates to the Department's authorities for the scope of its work in Afghanistan. As events unfolded in Afghanistan, offices across Capitol Hill received countless requests for assistance from Americans, Afghan partners, and members of the international community seeking safe passage out of Afghanistan. Many of those seeking assistance approached the Committee and COL Johnson took great initiative. He not only navigated the formal Defense and State Department process but also leveraged his own informal networks, based on his prior military service and time serving in Afghanistan. COL Johnson made connections that helped vulnerable individuals navigate their way safely to the United States. His tireless efforts and hours of work saved countless lives. The Armed Services Committee and Member offices received many testimonials in the form of pictures, emails, and text messages confirming that individuals COL Johnson assisted had made it to safety. Without the tireless work of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, the State Department, and public servants like COL Johnson, such messages of gratitude would not have been possible. This was a tremendous accomplishment. Speaking for myself, other Members of Congress, the American people, Afghans, and other partners, I thank him for his service and efforts.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 838, I call up the bill (S. 1605) to designate the National Pulse Memorial located at 1912 South Orange Avenue in Orlando, Florida, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I want to start by thanking the staff for the outstanding job that they do. As I have always said, Members have constituents coming at us on a variety of different issues. We come up with ideas and say we ought to do this. And from that, that idea actually has to be written down and has to get approval. It is the staff that does all that tireless work to make sure that we get the final product that is in front of us. I really, really want to thank the staff. I want to emphasize the fact that our staff on the Armed Services Committee is a bipartisan staff. It is the only committee in Congress that does that. Whether we are in charge or the Republicans are in charge, the staff is bipartisan, and I think that is incredibly important in getting the work done in the way that we do, working together to produce this product. This is a product every single Member of this body can be proud of, and it is a product I think every single Member of this body should vote for. Madam Speaker, I urge passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.