Peter Visclosky

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman's amendment seeks to block funds for our military to participate in any exercise in which China participates as well. The Chinese President confirmed last month in meetings with President Obama his navy's attendance to participate in the rim of the Pacific, known as RIMPAC, in 2014. An invitation to participate had been extended to China during then-Secretary of Defense Panetta's visit to that country in September of 2012. RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime exercise, where 28 countries and more than 40 ships and submarines work together. In 2012, not all participants were our traditional allies. Russia and India, for example, were participants. I believe the amendment is shortsighted and attempts to place an unneeded stumbling block in the path of a relationship that is tenuous. I would suggest that the Secretary would not have extended the invitation if the Department and the United States Navy did not feel that there would be a benefit to be gained by these exercises with Chinese participation. I refuse to believe, as a Member of the United States Congress, that the Department would take such a position. The United States gains maritime knowledge and renewed relationships with other navies of the world and considers participation in this exercise as crucial to their mission. RIMPAC participation has gained an ever-greater meaning with the Defense Department's rebalance to the Asia Pacific, and I do think that this amendment should not be adopted by the House. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's remarks and would agree with his assertion that we do have civilian command of the Department of Defense and the United States Navy; and, God bless the United States Navy, they follow orders. But also having dealt with the Navy for some number of years as a member of this subcommittee, I would suggest to my colleagues, if the Navy had reservations or had some concerns, we would have had a whiff of that objection and concern wafting from the Potomac to this particular building, and I have not sensed that myself. I would yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I appreciate the gentleman's comments, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Section 9114 of the bill specifies the certification required of the Secretary of Defense in order to execute the coalition support funds reimbursement to Pakistan. The Secretary of Defense must certify that Pakistan is cooperating with U.S. counterterrorism operations, not supporting terrorist activities against the U.S. or Afghanistan, taking measures to curb the export of IED materials, and preventing the proliferation of nuclear materials. As mentioned earlier this evening, the relationship with Pakistan has always been difficult. It is a gray world. But maintaining that relationship is essential. It has helped the United States make progress against terrorism. And Pakistan has allocated a significant part of their forces within their own borders to the counterterrorism mission. In June of 2012, Pakistan demonstrated its commitment to a stable and secure Afghanistan by reopening the ground lines of communications. I certainly regret that previously they had been closed. But this has eased tensions with the U.S. and improved logistical support for our troops. I do think withdrawal of assistance at this time is likely to polarize Pakistan and exacerbate significant pro- and anti-American rifts within their military and their government, generally, and I don't think we need to aggravate a very sensitive relationship that can, in the future, be more productive to the United States. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frelinghuysen).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I appreciate the gentleman's remarks, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's remarks. As he mentioned, I do appreciate the passion that the author of this amendment has brought to this. Obviously, there have been problems, and it is incumbent upon this country to make sure that this is an arm's-length and adult relationship that is, in the end, beneficial to our Nation. So I certainly appreciate his objective but am opposed to his amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I rise to claim time in opposition to the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I appreciate the gentleman for his remarks, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. As we have no further speakers, Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. VISCLOSKY. My understanding as well during subcommittee consideration is that the new START proposed--and this is a new START proposed for 2014--provide very little explanation or rationale, and that's from the Department of Defense. The committee recommendation was for a reduction because of the poor justification by the Department itself. I think I am correct in my understanding.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I yield to the gentleman.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Slovak Day Celebration. In honor of this momentous occasion, a commemorative event will take place on Sunday, July 21, 2013 at the Salvatorian Shrine in Merrillville, Indiana. The first Slovak Day Celebration took place at the Seven Dolores Shrine in Valparaiso, Indiana in 1973, when Father Joseph Viater, along with Betty and Carl Yurechko, decided that Slovak heritage and culture should be honored in Northwest Indiana with a day of celebration. Slovak Day has been a great success over the years, and the day is celebrated each year with a Slovak Catholic Mass, followed by traditional Slovak food and performances by Slovak dancers. Throughout the years, many bishops have come to celebrate this significant event, including Bishop Sokol from Slovakia, Bishop Adamec of Pennsylvania, and Bishops Andrew G. Grutka and Dale J. Melczek of the Diocese of Gary, Indiana. Additionally, over the past 40 years, many dedicated volunteers from Slovak churches throughout the region have given their time and efforts to this day. I would like to take this time to recognize the numerous hardworking committee members for their outstanding dedication to this event. They are Betty Yurechko, Lillian and John Zaborske, Agnes Chervenak, Melissa and Jason Yurechko, Ann Fedorchak, Leona Cupka, Elaine Ruzbasan, Betty Ortiz, Andy Sacek, Irene Horn Riggio, and Reverend John Kalicky. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Slovak Day Celebration. The Slovak community has played an important role in enriching the quality of life and culture of Northwest Indiana. For their commitment to preserving Slovak heritage, the committee members, church leaders, and volunteers are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration that I stand before you today to recognize Father J. Patrick Gaza, Pastor of Saints Monica and Luke and Saint Mark Catholic Churches in Gary, as he celebrates his retirement after 44 years of selfless service to the Catholic Church and the countless individuals he has ministered to throughout his life. Father Pat will be honored at a retirement reception on Sunday, July 21, 2013, at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana. Father Gaza dedicated his life to becoming a priest from the time of his studies at Saints Peter and Paul School in Merrillville. Since then, he has not faltered in his commitment to God and to serving the people of his community, especially those most in need. He completed his higher education at Our Lady of the Lake Seminary in Wawasee, Indiana, Saint Meinrad College in Saint Meinrad, Indiana, and Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. In 1968, Father Gaza was ordained a Catholic priest at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Through his experiences as an instructor of religion at Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, as well as his supervision of theological field education at the North American College in Rome, Father Gaza has contributed tremendously to the religious schooling of youth. These stand as just a few teaching experiences among his extensive contributions to the younger generation. In 1992, Father Patrick Gaza became Pastor of Saints Monica and Luke Catholic Church. With his devoted guidance, the church has thrived in the community and has expanded its community outreach efforts. In 2007, Father Pat was also assigned Pastor of Saint Mark Catholic Church in Gary. Throughout the years, Father Gaza has served in various organizations throughout Northwest Indiana and Gary, including the LaPorte County FEMA Food Program, the Gary Ten Point Coalition, the Gary Urban Enterprise Association, the Gary branch of the NAACP, Rebuilding Together, and the Catholic Youth Organization. Father Gaza's involvement with these organizations evidences his absolute commitment to minister and tirelessly work and advocate on behalf of ``the least amongst us.'' Those who are without, those who suffer physically or are challenged physiologically, and those who need spiritual guidance have always found compassion, warmth, and a generosity of spirit in Father Pat. Father J. Patrick Gaza is a gifted, Godly, and good man. For his constant and passionate devotion to his God, his church and his flock, Father is worthy of our profound respect and gratitude. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Father Patrick Gaza for his lifetime of leadership and selfless service to others. Saints Monica and Luke and Saint Mark Catholic Churches, the community of Gary, and all of Northwest Indiana have certainly been blessed by the good work of Father Gaza.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate the individuals who took their oaths of citizenship on July 4, 2013. In true patriotic fashion, on the day of our great Nation's celebration of independence, a naturalization ceremony took place, welcoming new citizens of the United States of America. This memorable occasion, coordinated by the League of Women Voters of the Calumet Area and presided over by Magistrate Judge Andrew Rodovich, was held at The Pavilion at Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana. America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the globe to the United States in search of better lives for their families. The oath ceremony is a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America. On July 4, 2013, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, took their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Chong Ran Embury, Weiping Zhong, Boyanka Radeva Odiseeva, Olena Mykhailivna Rogers, Izabela Zuzanna Mazur, Kavita Goyal, Pooja Goyal, Yoshiko Tonosaki Simpson, Nora Mardi, Margarita Figueroa De Cornejo, Syed Durvesh Mohiuddin, Eunice Childress, Rafael Navarro Gomez, Justyna Ksiazek, James Lisitsas, Yvonne Monalisa Odemba, Dragoljub Martinovic, Elizabeth Anne Robinson, Danute Jackson, Daniela Gotis, Edgardo Reyes Eliscupides, Sergio Hernandez Romo, Lynn Bouziotis, Nancy Alondra Gallardo, Jose Guadalupe Gonzalez Zambrano, Fadma Alburei, Maria Nazare Barros Bezerra, Liliana Guadalupe Brady, Norma Angelica Camarillo, Adrian Ferrer, Angel Giron, Vandana Mona Graham, Michael Ikechukwu Ibekie, Marija Klechkaroski, Maria Leanos Mota, Guillermina Lopez, Mauricio Lopez, Himelda Morua, Syeda Vajahath Muhiuddin, Antonio Ochoa, Cristina Pellegrini Rath, Amrit Pal Singh Sarai, Amela Spahic, Salvador Tinoco, Angela Arutiunovna Tonoyan- Hopkins, Huseyin Salih Usak, Ana Luisa Vargas, Genoveva Viramontes, and Jennifer Zhang. Though each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals, who became citizens of the United States of America on July 4, 2013, the day of our Nation's independence. As American citizens, they are guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I recognize the Visiting Nurse Association, VNA, of Porter County Hospice Program as the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary. In honor of this momentous occasion, the VNA Hospice is hosting a celebratory event on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso, Indiana. The VNA Hospice Program was established in 1983 with the goal of providing comfort, care, and compassion to terminally ill patients and their families in and around the communities of Porter County. The program started with only 22 patients and has quickly grown over the years, caring for 742 patients in 2012. In 1994, in order to meet the growing need for inpatient hospice care, the VNA of Porter County opened the 10-bed Mary E. Bartz Hospice Center in Valparaiso, which was the first self-supporting hospice center in Indiana. Due to the tremendous support of the community through a $2.85 million capital campaign, the Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton 20-bed hospice center was built to replace the Bartz Hospice Center in 2002. Throughout the last 30 years, the VNA Hospice Program has been able to help more than 11,000 patients live their final days with peace and dignity. The VNA of Porter County Hospice Program has been successful due to the unwavering dedication of its leadership, volunteers, and staff, including nurses, social workers, home health aides, clergy, and therapists. Northwest Indiana is not only grateful, but proud to have had the organization's support and help during the past 30 years. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating the VNA of Porter County Hospice Program on their 30th anniversary. For their remarkable leadership, commitment, and compassion shown through their service to so many in need throughout Northwest Indiana, they are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration that I congratulate Saints Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral as its congregation and church leaders join together in celebration of its 50th Anniversary. The congregation, along with Parish Priest, Very Reverend Tome Stamatov, and the Church Executive Board, including President Thomas Traycoff, Vice President Alex Kutanovski, Vice President Dejan Ristevski, Treasurer Naumce Pejoski, Financial Secretary Stojan Trajkovski, Secretary Dimce Alekovski, and Diocese Delegate Nick Nochevich, will be celebrating with a weekend of events from July 12 to July 14, 2013 at the cathedral in Crown Point, Indiana. Saints Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral was consecrated on July 14, 1963 in Gary, Indiana, when a group of immigrants from Macedonia came together with the goal of preserving Macedonian culture and religious tradition. Saints Peter and Paul is known throughout the United States and Canada as the first official Macedonian church built in North America. The founders proclaimed the mission of their new church before the Indiana Secretary of State in Indianapolis, Indiana: ``The purpose of this parish is to preach the word of God and take spiritual care of its members; to spread goodness, justice, brotherly love, and respect among its members.'' The cathedral in Gary flourished for many years, and the congregation continued to grow. Due to an increase in membership, a new cathedral and cultural center were built in Crown Point, Indiana, in 1989, and are still in existence today. The members and leaders of Saints Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral played a major role in the establishment of additional churches throughout the United States and in Canada. Their determination, focus, and commitment laid the foundation for other Macedonian churches to come to life. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating Saints Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral on its 50th Anniversary. Throughout many hardships and trials, the congregation and leaders of Saints Peter and Paul have dedicated themselves to preserving Macedonian heritage, tradition, and spiritual beliefs. Their constant dedication and commitment is worthy of the highest commendation.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness and the utmost respect that I take this time to remember a dear friend and one of Indiana's most distinguished citizens, the Honorable Rudolph Clay, former Mayor of Gary, Indiana. On Tuesday, June 4, 2013, Rudy Clay passed away at the age of 77. Known for his many years of public service and his countless efforts toward improving the lives of Northwest Indiana residents, Rudy will be missed by his family, friends, constituents, and the many people whose lives he touched. Rudolph Clay was born in Courtland, Alabama. He and his brother, David, were raised by their aunts, Daisy Washington and Mary Lucy Hunter, in Gary, Indiana, following the passing of his mother. Rudy graduated from Roosevelt High School in Gary before continuing his education at Indiana University in Bloomington, which he attended on a track scholarship. After returning to Gary, he met and fell in love with Christine Swan, whom he wed on November 30, 1957. From 1958 to 1960, Rudy began what would become a lifetime of public service by serving in the United States Army. During this time, Rudy's calling to fight injustice and to serve the public, especially those most in need, and his unwavering desire to be a catalyst for positive change, led him on his extraordinary journey. Rudolph Clay was elected to the Indiana State Senate in 1972. While in this position, the focus of his efforts included working toward improved training programs for prison inmates and the creation of a victim's compensation fund. Following his service in the Indiana General Assembly, Rudy was elected to the Lake County Council in 1978 and re-elected in 1982. During his time on the Council, Rudy's dedication to equal rights impelled him to be an outspoken leader in the fight to eliminate unfair hiring practices in Lake County government. He was elected Lake County Recorder in 1984, and three years later, he was elected to the Lake County Board of Commissioners, a capacity in which he remained for four terms. In 2005, Rudy became the first African American elected to serve as the Lake County Democratic Chairman, a position he held until 2009. In 2006, recognizing the leadership Rudy Clay would bring to the people of Gary, the Gary Precinct Organization appointed him to be the next mayor of Gary, and he was elected to the position the following year. Mayor Clay was the epitome of a public servant. His energetic dedication to serving people and his profound compassion for them, especially those most in need, was limitless. Throughout his illustrious career, Rudy received many esteemed honors for his outstanding commitment and his constant efforts to improve the quality of life for the people of Gary and throughout Northwest Indiana. While Rudy was fully committed to the improvement of Gary and Northwest Indiana, his greatest source of pride was always his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Christine, and his beloved son, Rudy Jr. Rudy also leaves behind many other dear friends and family members, as well as a saddened but grateful community whose lives have been made better by having had Mayor Clay live amongst them. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in paying tribute to my dear friend, and a true public servant, Rudolph Clay. For his tremendous contributions to the people of Gary and all of Northwest Indiana, he has earned our admiration. Rudy Clay's unselfish and lifelong devotion to civil justice and to serving those most in need will be forever remembered. His legacy serves as an inspiration to us all.