Adam Smith

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Seattle Mariners' broadcaster Dave Niehaus for his devotion to baseball and the Pacific Northwest region. Dave passed away on November 10, 2010 at the age of 75. Baseball fans from Washington State to Washington, DC are mourning the loss of the voice of the Mariners. Mr. Niehaus connected fans to the program from the Mariners' inaugural pitch in 1977 to the conclusion of the 2010 season. His voice represented the franchise, and kept the Pacific Northwest following the team through the good days of Mariners baseball as well as the less memorable. Arguably, the seminal moment in Dave Niehaus' announcing career came on the winning hit by Edgar Martinez in the decisive fifth game of 1995 American League Division Series, also known as ``the double.'' The double scored both Joey Cora and Ken Griffey, Jr. to give the Mariners a 6-5 victory over the New York Yankees, and propelled them to the American League Championship Series for the first time in franchise history. In that moment, Mr. Niehaus announced: ``Right now, the Mariners looking for the tie. They would take a fly ball, they would love a base hit into the gap and they could win it with Junior's speed. The stretch . . . and the 0-1 pitch on the way to Edgar Martinez swung on and lined down the left field line for a base hit! Here comes Joey, here is Junior to third base, they're going to wave him in! The throw to the plate will be . . . late! The Mariners are going to play for the American League Championship! I don't believe it! It just continues! My, oh my!'' Dave Niehaus' interest in broadcasting began at the University of Indiana, where he graduated in 1957. He then entered the military and started his broadcasting career with the Armed Forces Network in Los Angeles and New York City. After serving in the military, he settled in Los Angeles and became a broadcaster for the California Angels and the University of California, Los Angeles football and basketball teams. It was in 1977, when the Mariners started their first Major League Baseball season, that Dave Niehaus became the Mariners' play-by-play announcer. Mr. Niehaus called his 5,000th Mariners broadcast on May 7 of this year. Of the many honors that Dave Niehaus was awarded during his career, three best characterize his untiring enthusiasm and genuine love for Mariners baseball. Mr. Niehaus received national acclaim when the National Baseball Hall of Fame awarded him the Ford C. Frick Award in 2008. Mr. Niehaus believed the One World Award from the Washington Council of the Blind he received in 2004 was the most meaningful, as he was able to draw more baseball lovers into the drama of the game. He also was named one of the Seattle Times' Top 10 Most Influential People of the Century. In 1999, Mariners fans, as a testament of their affection, chose Mr. Niehaus to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the inaugural game at Safeco Field, an honor that brought him to tears. Mr. Niehaus will be remembered by his wife Marilyn, his children Andy, Matt and Greta, his six grandchildren Zach, Steven, Madeline, Alexa, Audrey and Spencer, and the greater Mariners community.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Megan Johnson of Federal Way, Washington for winning the 2010 Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Every year, Prudential Financial, Inc. chooses two people from each State and the District of Columbia as winners of the Spirit of Community Award. Megan Johnson was chosen for her outstanding community service. As a state honoree, Megan will receive a $1,000 cash award and a trip to Washington, DC. A senior at Highline CHOICE Academy in Burien, Megan was Washington State's top high school volunteer and one of ten national honorees. She initiated philanthropic programs for hospitalized children, the homeless, and substance-addicted babies. Her goal is to provide the underserved with the necessary resources to improve their situations. At the age of 10, Megan Johnson established a non-profit organization named ``Megan's Mission,'' making blankets for the homeless and soliciting donations to buy the homeless scarves, hats, and other warm clothing during the winter. In the following years, Megan joined ranks with community groups, schools, churches, and prisoners from Monroe Correctional Complex to make blankets for infants born of addicted mothers and collect DVDs for children's hospitals. Megan has aided four homeless families in finding a home; a remarkable feat for such a young woman. Currently, Megan raises money for Shriners Hospital for Children by writing and illustrating children's books, selling hot cider during Christmas, selling jewelry, and soliciting donations from corporations. In addition to being invited to speak at the Prudential Spirit of Community Service Awards in South Korea, Megan has also been asked to be a National Patient Ambassador for Shriners Children Hospital. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Megan Johnson for her selfless commitment to others and her dedication to help her community.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, this evening, Wednesday, September 29, 2010, I recorded an incorrect vote on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3421, the Medical Debt Relief Act of 2010. I intended to vote ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 557.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I support the passage of H.R. 2071, the Intelligence Authorization for Fiscal Year 2010. This important legislation addresses many critical issues for our intelligence community and provides essential resources for the men and women of the intelligence community to do the hard work to combat our ever emerging threats. It provides necessary guidance and oversight, especially in key areas of notification and accountability to Congress. I am also very pleased about the improvements made in several key areas of importance to our national security including counterterrorism, acquisition reform, cybersecurity, and satellites. H.R. 2071 advances our counterterrorism work by strengthening the ability of the National Counterterrorism Center to share information with State and local law enforcement officials without the risk of that information being exposed. The bill also ensures that Congress continues to receive reporting on intelligence concerning terrorist financial assets. Mirroring the crucial cost control work my colleagues and I implemented in the House Armed Services Committee, this measure includes a number of provisions that bring our Intelligence community acquisition procedures closer in line with recently enacted Department of Defense acquisition reforms. These represent signifilant reforms to the way the intelligence community conducts acquisitions. Among other things, the provisions would create a notification system similar to the Department of Defense's ``Nunn-McCurdy'' system, which requires the community to report to Congress and restructure programs when costs for major systems grow beyond established thresholds. The bill also makes important strides toward securing our cyber resources. The Intelligence community needs the ability to stop threats posed by hackers, cyber-criminals, and hostile governments. Our Intelligence community must be able to respond to these cyber threats quickly and with our best technologies. H.R. 2071 increases resources for critical cybersecurity programs to protect vulnerable infrastructure and requires reporting on the effectiveness of current cyber-threat information sharing and distribution. Finally, this bill makes important investments to maintain current satellite manufacturing capabilities and encourages the Intelligence community to continue to work with the commercial imagery industry. The Fiscal Year 2010 Intelligence Authorization Act advances a number of issues critical to protecting our national security and will improve the ability of our intelligence community to do the hard work to keep our nation safe. As the first Intelligence Authorization bill in six years, this legislation makes essential reforms and provides vital tools that apply not just to Fiscal Year 2010 but continue for years to come.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Auburn, Washington's Little League Baseball team, the Auburn All-Stars, for their performance in the Little League World Series. The 646th Little League World Series began August 20, 2010 and the Auburn All-Stars advanced to within one game of the United States Championships. The tournament hosts 16 national teams comprised of our country's top young baseball players. The Auburn All-Stars achieved a great accomplishment by reaching the Little League World Series, and even more so for coming so close to advancing to the United States Championships. Mayor Peter Lewis of Auburn has recognized the team's success in the 2010 tournament. Mayor Lewis has also praised the Auburn All-Stars for bringing the Auburn community together. During the tournament, the Auburn Avenue Theater opened its doors to the public and showed the game free of charge. Many other local businesses supported the team in several ways such as contributing to the players' travel and other expenses. It is clear that the entire community embraced their team through immense pride. Together, the Auburn All-Stars advanced further than any other team from Washington State since 1982. They should be extremely proud of what they have accomplished through each team member's hard work and dedication. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating the Auburn Little League Baseball team and their outstanding success in the Little League World Series.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Seattle Storm for their incredible season and their victory in the Women's National Basketball Association Championship. The Seattle Storm joined the WNBA in 2000 and has since been a remarkable team, a source of immense pride for the State of Washington. Their 2010 championship was their second, and the first under Coach Brian Agler. They were consistently the WNBA's best team, ending the regular season with a 28-6 record. The team's success continued into the post-season, where they went undefeated and became the first team in WNBA history to go 7-0 in the playoffs. By the end of their impressive run, the Storm had not been defeated at home. The women of Seattle Storm play the game with great dedication and sportsmanship, and act as role models for our community's girls and boys. The team is also one of three WNBA teams that is not owned as a companion or ``sister team'' to an NBA team. Rather, they are independent and reflect the value of local-owned organizations. Their championship was earned with hard work and commitment. Team members include Svetlana Abrosimova, Sue Bird, Abby Bishop, Swin Cash, Lauren Jackson, Allison Lacey, Camille Little, Ashley Robinson, Jana Vesela, Le'coe Willingham, and Tanisha Right. The enthusiastic and loyal Washington fans have also aided to the team's success and over 5,000 fans came to celebrate the championship at the Key Arena. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives please join me in congratulating the Seattle Storm for their undefeated playoff run and their 2nd WNBA Championship.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Navy Reserve Captain Steven M. Carley, who retired after 39 years of service in August 2010. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Captain Carley for his commitment to our Nation. Captain Carley enlisted in the Navy Reserve in 1968 and began his career at Sand Point Naval Air Station in Seattle, WA. After 13 years of enlisted service working in intelligence, Captain Carley was commissioned in November 1984 and became an Intelligence Officer in the Navy Reserve. Over the course of his career, he was assigned to multiple units where he served in a range of roles from Intelligence Analyst to Executive Officer. Additionally, Captain Carley participated in five major joint exercises in Korea as well as annual overseas training in Germany and Japan. Captain Carley's achievements are remarkable and plenty. His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Captain Carley currently resides in Olympia, WA where he serves his community through various community service projects and his position with the Washington State Department of Ecology, where he manages the water pollution control grant program. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Captain Steven M. Carley on his many remarkable achievements, his venerable service to his country, and his retirement after 39 years with the United States Navy Reserve.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division for their service and recognize their achievements after returning home from a 12-month deployment in Afghanistan. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the men and women of this Stryker Brigade and thank them for their service. After 2 years of training in preparation to deploy to Iraq, the 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division received a change in orders and was directed to deploy as the first Stryker brigade in Afghanistan. The brigade began its operations in Kandahar Province, where they quickly encountered a determined enemy. Over the course of their year in Afghanistan, the brigade went on to lead the assault on Marjah, fight against the Taliban in Arghandab River Valley, help secure President Karzai in Daykundi, and secure highways and lines of communications, all while fighting enemy combatants. Under the leadership of Colonel Harry D. Tunnell, the soldiers performed their duty with honor and courage. While the brigade performed admirably in challenging circumstances, the deployment did not come without sacrifice. Thirty-seven members of the brigade died in combat operations with another 239 wounded over the course of the deployment. Their sacrifice in defense of our nation, and in an effort to establish a more stable Afghanistan, should be acknowledged and their sacrifice will not be forgotten. After 12 months in Afghanistan, the brigade began redeploying in June 2010 and held their homecoming ceremony on July 22, 2010 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. During the ceremony, the brigade was also formally reflagged as the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. Though the brigade may have a new designation, the service and sacrifice during their deployment as the 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division will not be forgotten. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the men and women of this brigade, who have displayed venerable service to their country.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Tacoma artist Lisa Kinoshita for being awarded the 2010 Foundation of Art Award by the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation. This impressive achievement speaks to her individual talents, as well as those of the entire art community in the greater Tacoma, Washington region. The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation has long fostered the arts as a necessary component to a vibrant and successful community. The foundation established the annual Foundation of Art Award to honor professional artists living and creating in Pierce County. The award honors artists' talents and recognizes the community's creative culture. In addition to being recognized for her work by the Community Foundation, Lisa Kinoshita's art has also been the focus in many widely read publications, including Seattle Magazine, Elle Magazine, and the New York Times. She founded Mineral, an art gallery and studio in Tacoma, which features many works that blend art and fashion through jewelry, visual art, photography, and mixed media. In addition to the Foundation of Art Award, the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation will commission an original piece of art by Lisa Kinoshita, which will be unveiled in the autumn of 2010. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Lisa Kinoshita on this impressive achievement, and celebrate her talent, creativity, community involvement, and contribution to the arts and culture of the Tacoma community and Washington State.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Northwest Physicians Network for receiving the Health Care Champions 2010 Business Award for providing excellent health care and treatment for patients. In 1995, a group of physicians came together under the common goal of providing better and more coordinated health care for their community. With this goal in mind, they created the Northwest Physicians Network. Since its founding, the network has since grown to include over 500 independent physicians and numerous practices rooted in communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. The network strives to offer the best health care possible, starting with building lasting physician-patient relationships. On May 25, 2010, the Health Care Champions program, a partnership between the Business Examiner and the Pierce County Medical Society, presented the Northwest Physicians Network with the 2010 Business Award. The Health Care Champions recognize the Northwest Physicians Network's Fit Futures Employee Wellness Program and the organization's dedication, exceptional service, and professionalism in medical practice. The award was presented at the Pierce County Health Care Champions annual awards ceremony held at the Tacoma Museum of Glass in downtown Tacoma, Washington. Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Northwest Physicians Network on receiving the Pierce County Health Care Champions 2010 Business Award and the outstanding work of the entire Northwest Physicians Network staff.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kim Ebert-Colella for promoting peace and understanding in her local and global communities. On the evening of May 22, Ms. Ebert-Colella received the 2010 Greater Tacoma Peace Prize at Pacific Lutheran University for her life long commitment toward peace and the wellbeing of others. The Tacoma News Tribune has called Ms. Ebert-Colella a ``walking, working proof of what kindness can mean.'' Following the Catholic teachings of social justice, Ms. Ebert-Colella joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps after graduating from the College of St. Benedict. Over the next few years, she served in the L'Arche communities working with developmentally disabled people. When she turned 30, Ms. Ebert-Colella decided to volunteer at the L'Arche home in Calcutta where she worked directly under Mother Teresa. After her return to the United States, she worked as a youth minister at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Gig Harbor, married Niko Colella, and had their son, Sam Colella, who attends Bryant Montessori School. Ms. Ebert-Colella followed her son to Bryant Montessori where she is a volunteer adviser for the school's Peace Committee, which encourages philanthropy and awareness of indigent areas of the world, and provides students a chance to work toward peace in their daily lives while they revitalize their local communities. Under Ms. Ebert-Colella's leadership, students from Bryant Montessori School choose an annual theme to implement projects dedicated to peace. For example, during the 2009-2010 school year, students decided to focus on water. Under Ebert-Colella's oversight, students raised money to buy four rain barrels to collect water to use on the school's garden. They also have a goal of raising $6,000 to give a clean water system to Las Maratos, a small town in Bolivia. Ms. Ebert-Colella motivates students to complete philanthropic projects and fundraisers, which have since become known as peace projects. Through these peace projects, Ms. Ebert-Colella emphasizes the importance of working toward peace while living peacefully in one's everyday life. The Peace Committee also instituted a kindness campaign at the Bryant Montessori School in which the students report and recognize other students for doing kind and selfless acts. Ms. Ebert-Colella has led several other philanthropic projects such as designating the school as an international peace site and organizing a Disco for Peace dance, which raised over $9,000 to build a school in Pakistan. The Greater Tacoma Peace Prize was created as a gift the from the Norwegian-American community to the people of the region in 2005 on the 100th year anniversary of Norway's peaceful separation from Sweden. The prize is award to an individual, group, or organization each year to recognize, honor, and encourage peace building, education, and awareness in the Tacoma community and beyond. Ms. Ebert-Colella has made an impression on several people in the region by working for good and touching the lives of numerous families and individuals. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives please join me in congratulating Kim Ebert-Colella and her outstanding work to promote peaceful understandings throughout the Tacoma community and throughout the world.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of Federal Way, Washington for being selected to host the 2012 U.S. Olympic Diving Trials. It was recently announced that the USA Diving and the United States Olympic Committee selected Federal Way to hold the 2012 U.S. Olympic Diving Trials. This prestigious event will be made possible through the partnership with the Seattle Sports Commission, the City of Federal Way, and King County Parks and Recreation with USA Diving and the United States Olympic Committee. Federal Way also hosted the diving trials in 2000, in advance of the Summer Olympic Games held in Sydney, Australia. The 2012 U.S. Olympic Diving Trials will highlight our country's 100 best divers as they compete to advance to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England. Taking place from June 18 to 24, 2012, the trials will be broadcast by NBC from the Weyerhaeuser King County Athletic Center, a world-class facility that was first constructed for the swimming and diving events of the 1990 Goodwill Games and hosts more than 50 competitions annually. In addition to bringing many of our nation's top athletes together in preparation for the 2012 Summer Games, the Diving Trials are also expected to bring increased tourism to the region and will spotlight the City of Federal Way and the greater Puget Sound Region. In total, USA Diving expects the U.S. Olympic Diving Trials to have an economic impact of $3.5 million on the Federal Way area. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the City of Federal Way, Washington on this impressive opportunity, and to wish our athletes the best as they prepare for this competition.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Pierce County Library System Executive Director Neel Parikh, who the American Library Association has named the recipient of the 2010 Sullivan Award. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Ms. Parikh. The American Library Association's Sullivan Award for Public Library Administrators Supporting Services to Children is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates an extraordinary capacity to support and enrich children through public library services. The Award highlights individuals who demonstrate exceptional understanding and support of public library service for children and produce the best projects and partnerships that help public libraries provide for young learners. It is a privilege to commend Neel Parikh, Executive Director of the Pierce County Library System, as the recipient of the 2010 Sullivan Award. Ms. Parikh originally studied to become a South Asia specialist, while simultaneously working as a children's librarian at the Berkeley Public Library in Berkeley, California. However, after finding her true passion with the public library, Ms. Parikh changed her educational focus to library science and has since been serving as a librarian and administrator in Pierce County. Ms. Parikh has become a leader in providing early learning, training, and support for families, childcare providers, and library staff both locally and across the state. While Parikh believes that early learning is a critical service for all public libraries, she maintains that teen services are equally important. She supported Pierce County Library System in becoming one of the first Libraries of Promise, which seeks to encourage people to build the character and competence of children by providing them access to additional educational outlets. Ms. Parikh's leadership as a strong community collaborator is a testament to her success for advancing early learning forward throughout Pierce County. She has collaborated with social service organizations, schools, and community leaders to build services for young learners. Ms. Parikh is a founding member and chair of the Early Learning Public Library Partnership, a consortium created with the vision that public libraries are full, essential partners in the early learning movement in Washington State. The consortium puts public libraries at the table with other early learning organizations. Under her leadership, the partnership has grown to include 27 public libraries across the state. In addition to her library responsibilities, Ms. Parikh has been active in the Association for Library Service to Children, served on the Public Library Association Board of Directors, and held a seat on the Executive Committee of the Washington Library Association. Parikh is the seventh winner of this award, provided by former American Library Association President Peggy Sullivan. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Neel Parikh on this impressive achievement, and celebrate her commitment to furthering children's education through positive library experiences.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Air Force Reservist Adam Torem, whom the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce has honored as the 2010 Howard 0. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Mr. Torem for this commendable recognition. Madam Speaker, the Air Force Reserves of the United States Armed Forces have long played an important role in the defense of our country. Originally conceived as a standby force for emergencies, the U.S. Air Force Reserves has been a Major Command of the United States Air Force since 1997. The 67,000-member force has evolved into the Air Force's Wingman, performing the same missions as the Air Force and working side-by-side on the same equipment. Currently, thousands of reservists are risking their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, and their service should be acknowledged with gratitude and immense respect. In many instances, Air Force Reservists maintain full-time professional positions while serving their country as active citizen-soldiers. It is laudable when reservists' contribute to their communities further through additional volunteerism and public service. Unfortunately, reservists' contributions to their communities are often overlooked. Adam Torem, a U.S. Air Force reservist from University Place, Washington, has successfully balanced his career, his commitment to the Air Force Reserves, and considerable community service. His admirable community involvements have included mentoring young people at his synagogue and coaching young, future engineers in the FIRST LEGO League Challenge. In addition to his work in shaping future generations, Mr. Torem advocates for service men and women in his community. As a former Chair to the Washington State Bar Association's Legal Assistance to Military Personnel Section, Mr. Torem volunteers for programs that provide free legal advice and counseling on housing and other issues to other members of the Reserve and National Guard. Mr. Torem also uses his experience as an attorney to assist in state legislation, advocating for Washington State's active duty service members. When not on military duty, Mr. Torem serves as an Administrative Law Judge for the Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission. The 2010 Howard 0. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year award was presented in partnership by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce's Military Affairs Committee and the Kiwanis Club of Tacoma. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Adam Torem on his many remarkable achievements, his venerable service to his country and community, and the recognition of his many efforts as the 2010 Howard 0. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen for his contribution to the growth of international trade in Washington State. Brad Owen has served as Washington State's 15th Lieutenant Governor, first elected to the position in 1996. Since taking office, Lieutenant Governor Owen has been a leader on trade, conducting many foreign trade missions and advocating for stronger economic and international ties for Washington State. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce presented Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen with the 2010 George Francis Train International Business Commemorative Award on June 2, 2010. Given at the annual Tacoma Globe Awards Dinner, hosted by the World Trade Center Tacoma, this award is presented annually to honor businesses' and individuals' contributions to the region's strong international economy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen on this impressive achievement, and celebrate his many contributions to growth of international trade in Washington State.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Pearl Harbor survivor and influential community member, Ardill Wright, Jr., for his life of service to his community and country. Mr. Wright enlisted in the U.S. Navy in Wichita Falls, Texas on February 14, 1940. On the morning of December 7, 1941, while stationed in Hawaii, Ardill Wright's peaceful morning was suddenly disrupted by the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. While on the deck of the USS Raleigh, Mr. Wright narrowly survived a Japanese attack on his ship. Overcoming the chaos and disaster of that morning, Mr. Wright valiantly and courageously saved several of his fellow service members, most notably rescuing multiple sailors trapped in the USS Utah by cutting a hole in the ship's keel. Following the attack, Mr. Wright resumed his service aboard the Raleigh until the conclusion of World War II. Following his discharge from the Navy in 1946, Mr. Wright moved to Washington State and became a member of the American Legion, Kent Post 15. Consistent with the American Legion's objectives to benefit and serve the community through the organization of local programs for veterans and their families, Mr. Wright co-founded the highly successful Kent American Legion baseball program in 1961. Additionally, Mr. Wright contributed to the Kent community by serving as team manager well into the 1990s, and ran concessions at Kent Memorial Park until 2004. In honor of his tireless service to his community, the main diamond at Kent Memorial Park was renamed Art Wright Field in 2003. Additionally, that same year, Mr. Wright was presented with the Kent Kiwanis Citizen of the Year award. Ardill Wright, Jr. passed away on May 25, 2010, in his Kent home. Mr. Wright is survived by his three sons: Joe, Ardill III, and Shannon, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His life profoundly reflected selfless commitment to others, and his admirable citizenship and character continue to live on in the Kent community today. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ardill Wright, Jr., for his selfless commitment to others, his military service and heroism, and his dedication to his community and country.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Nisqually Land Trust and their exceptional efforts to address the Northwest's continuously challenging coastal issues. The Coastal America Partnership awarded the Nisqually Land Trust and its Red Salmon Restoration Team partners with the 13th Annual 2010 Coastal America Spirit Award. This national award was given in recognition of the Red Salmon Restoration Team's restoration of salmon and migratory bird habitat located in the Land Trust's Red Salmon Creek Management Unit in the Nisqually River Delta. In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nisqually Tribe, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Veterans Conservation Corps, Nisqually Stream Stewards, Pierce County Stream Team, Intel Corporation, and various school groups, the Nisqually Land Trust has provided superior leadership in protecting, preserving, and restoring the region's coastal resources and ecosystems. Established in 1992, the Coastal America Partnership is a coalition of Federal agencies, State and local governments, and private organizations that work to protect, preserve, and restore the nation's coasts. Coastal America regional teams have initiated more than 700 restoration protection projects in 26 states, restoring thousands of acres of wetlands and protecting critical habitats. Continuing the tradition of preserving the region's coasts and wetlands, the Nisqually Land Trust manages and protects over 2700 acres of land and habitat within the Nisqually Watershed. In addition, the Land Trust and its partners have been successful in permanently protecting 71 percent of the river's salmon-producing shoreline. As these efforts have helped to ensure the continued health and sustainable population of the Pacific Northwest Native Wild Salmon, it is clear why Coastal America selected this effort for its Spirit Award. Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Nisqually Land Trust on its excellent work to protect and manage the critical wildlife and habitat areas of the Nisqually River Delta.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, on Monday, July 26, 2010, I was unable to be present for recorded votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 467 (on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1320, as amended), ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 468 (on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1504, as amended), and ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 469 (on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3101, as amended).

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, on Monday, July 19, 2010, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 450, on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1219, had I been present for the last vote of the series.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, I was unable to be present for recorded votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 337 (on passage of H.R. 1061, as amended), and ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 338 (on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 518, as amended).

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2011. I want to first thank the chairman of the committee, Mr. Skelton, for his outstanding leadership of this committee. He has once again put together a bill that reflects the priorities that should be in place for national defense: first and foremost, support our troops. I know nobody on that committee cares more about that issue than Mr. Skelton. He has once again made sure that this bill reflects that. It gives them a higher pay raise than was recommended by the Department of Defense and, across the board, makes sure that our troops and our families get the support they need to continue to do the amazing job that they are doing of defending this country. It is a great privilege to serve on this committee with Mr. Skelton and with Mr. McKeon and to have the responsibility for supporting our troops who have served us so well. I thank him for his great leadership and for this bill. On the Air and Land Subcommittee, I want to thank Mr. Bartlett, the ranking member on the committee. We have truly worked together in a very bipartisan fashion on this bill. That's one of the great things about being on the Armed Services Committee. We have a lot that we disagree on on a partisan basis in this body, but on the Armed Services Committee we work in a bipartisan way to make sure that we have a defense bill that protects our national security and supports our troops. And Mr. Bartlett certainly upholds that standard, and it's been a great pleasure working with him. On our subcommittee, our top priority is to support our soldiers and airmen in the fight they are now fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. We want to make sure that they have the equipment they need to fulfill the mission that we have asked them to do. Towards that end, we have $3.9 billion in the bill to upgrade and improve our helicopters, which are so critical to the mission that they are fighting; $3.4 billion to fully fund the MRAP, the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles that have done such an amazing job at improving the survivability of our troops when hit by IEDs; $3.4 billion for the JIEDDO account, which continues to find more and better ways to protect our troops from improvised explosive devices; $3.7 billion to fund intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, which is critical to make sure that our troops get the information they need when they need it to be in the best position to protect themselves on the battlefield; a billion dollars for new Strykers, a vehicle that has been critical for our combat infantry brigades and their ability to be maneuverable enough to survive in the fight. We are making sure in this bill that our troops in the field get the equipment they need to fulfill the mission we have asked them to do. We also set aside an additional $700 million in this bill for the Army and Air Force Guard and Reserve equipment accounts. As we all know, Guard and Reserve members have been asked to do far more than they ever have in the history of this country. They are stressed and strained, and their equipment is being used at a far greater pace than anyone anticipated. We want to make sure that they have the funds available to replenish that equipment and make sure that they get the training they need so that they are able to do the job here in the U.S. we ask them to do, and also the job that we ask them to do in Afghanistan and Iraq. We are also concerned in this bill and continue to be concerned about our procurement and acquisition process. We passed acquisition reform again under Chairman Skelton's great leadership, but we have a fair number of programs, certainly the Joint Strike Fighter, future combat systems that have not delivered on time and on budget. We have to make sure that we get every penny that we spend, and it is spent efficiently and effectively. We need to continue to work to make sure the programs that we procure meet that standard. That is why I, too, along with Mr. McKeon, am strongly supportive of the second engine program. And it has been our committee's position for a long time to support that program. We believe that it is an efficient use of taxpayer dollars. So I thank you, Mr. Chairman, again for your great leadership. I believe this bill gives us a very strong national security.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I will assume that there is support for my amendment. I just want to quickly address what Mr. McKeon has said on two levels. First of all, the amendment that we will be voting on later today on Don't Ask, Don't Tell specifically leaves it in the hands of the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to be the one who will chair the policy. The policy will not be changed as a result of the amendment that we are passing. It will meet, absolutely, the requirement that the Secretary of Defense and others have put out to get input from the Armed Forces. And it will not, let me repeat, will not be changed until the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify that change. They will have to certify it before we go forward. Second of all, this policy, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, this ridiculous policy that has driven people out of the military who are only too anxious to serve, has been in existence for 16 years. And I cannot speak for the gentleman from California, but I have spoken to many members of the Armed Forces during the course of that 16-year period about this policy, as I'm sure others have. So the main thing I object to is the characterization that the men and women of our Armed Forces have been left out of this debate. Nothing could be further from the truth. We've had 16 years, and a year and a half since President Obama said that he felt the policy should be changed, to have those conversations, and we're having them. And again, we will continue to have them, even after Congress pulls itself out of this policy. We're the ones who inserted ourselves into the debate by passing it in the first place 16 years ago. This will now go back to the Secretary of Defense to have precisely those conversations that Mr. McKeon wants them to have. And I'm sure that they will. I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews).

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment regarding military family leave. This committee and this body has, in the past, taken great steps to make sure that our military families, when they're deployed, they have and do qualify for the Military Family Leave Act. Unfortunately, there are some specifics of the military family--sorry, of the Family Leave Act--that leave out some of our military personnel when they are deployed because of the jobs that they have. They do not qualify for the existing Family Leave Act. What this amendment does is it makes sure that all military personnel, even if they don't qualify for the Family and Medical Leave Act, will have the ability to take at least--I'm sorry, the spouses, children and parents of our military personnel, will have the ability to take at least 2 weeks of unpaid leave when a servicemember receives a notification or order to active duty in support of a contingency operation or is deployed in connection with such an operation. One of the things that we've really struggled to deal with is the amount that we have asked of the members of the Guard and Reserve. They have been deployed far more since 9/11 than they ever were before, and that has a tremendous impact on their families. Now, the Guard and Reserve has performed an unbelievable service to this country. Every time I travel abroad, go to Iraq and Afghanistan and meet members of the Guard and Reserve who are serving over there, I come away enormously impressed with their immense dedication and the job they're doing on our behalf. They continue to do it. They continue to sign up. Recruitment and retention are at all-time highs. They are absolutely committed to serving this country. But they also need our help and support because members of the Guard and Reserve typically have families and jobs here at home, and that is disrupted every time they're called up and sent overseas. This is one small way that we can help them deal with that disruption, by making sure that their loved ones qualify for the Family Medical Leave Act. This would be unpaid leave, but it would make sure that they have the time to help support their loved one who is being deployed. I ask the body to support this amendment. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Chairman, the second engine is all about fiscal responsibility and saving the taxpayers money. The Pentagon themselves funded this program for 10 years, and they funded it because they knew that competition mattered. One thing has already been said in this debate that simply isn't true: The first engine was not competitively bid. It was the engine that Lockheed had when they won the bid. There was no competition. They didn't win that. That is why the Pentagon originally created the second engine program, to make sure that over the 30- to 40-year lifecycle of a $100 billion program, they had options. A GAO study on the competitive engine program for the F-16 from the early 1980s showed savings of almost 20 percent over the lifetime of that program. Those of us who for years have supported this second engine program, have support it precisely because we want to save the taxpayers money. The simple argument is competition works, and being penny-wise and pound-foolish doesn't. We have already spent $3 billion. To save $2 billion on the front end, we risk a $100 billion program. Please oppose this amendment.

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