Robert Wittman

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, during my time in Congress I'm grateful and have been fortunate to be supported by great staff. You know that while it's our name on the door and the ballot, behind the scene our staff labor tirelessly to support and serve our constituents. Today, I want to say thank you, congratulations and offer my best to one of my departing staff. Jamie Jones Miller will be continuing her service to the nation by joining the Administration at the Pentagon as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for House Affairs. Jamie has worked in my office and for the constituents of Virginia's First District for 9 years. As my Chief of Staff she's run my congressional operations for three and a half years, has been my top adviser through numerous important efforts, and has labored tirelessly to serve the Commonwealth and the nation. Jamie has dedicated her career to public service. I take great pride in her devotion to ensuring our nation's military is strong and that our service members are equipped to protect and defend the homeland. I am confident she will use her passion, skills and abilities to continue to support our men and women in uniform. I wish Jamie and Tim the best. I thank her for her service, leadership, and commitment to our great nation.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2810, the FY18 National Defense Authorization Act, but I continue to be surprised at some of the national security pundits who believe that a diminished force structure will improve our national security. Some have questioned whether we should fully fund national defense. Some have even questioned whether we should continue to expand our armed services to meet the strategic challenges posed by a rising China and Russia, by an unpredictable North Korea, and a belligerent Iran. Mr. Chairman, our time is up. The time of action is now. The focus of our Nation is upon us to provide for our national security. I am pleased that we appear to have turned the tide in properly resourcing the requirements of our armed services; and I am pleased that we are authorizing the funding to match our strategy and providing what our combatant commanders need to win any future conflicts; and I am pleased that we have acknowledged the importance of our servicemembers and the hardships that they endure so that we can enjoy our free and democratic society. In reference to the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, I believe that we have reversed a trend toward a diminishing Navy and are tracking toward a strengthened 355-ship fleet. The bill expands on the eight ships requested by the administration and adds an additional five ships. The bill also recommends additional advance procurement for aircraft carriers and attack submarines, while fully funding the Columbia class ballistic missile submarine and the B-21 raider bomber programs. As to aircraft, the bill recommends an expansion of KC-46As, C-130Js, E-2Ds, and P-8s. Finally, the bill delivers the right authorities that will save the Department of Defense billions--yes, billions--of dollars. Additionally, I want to recognize Ranking Member Joe Courtney. He has done extraordinary work and has been a true partner in this journey and continues to work in a collaborative, bipartisan basis, to deliver the best for our national security. I continue to be impressed with the results that can be achieved when a subcommittee and the full committee focuses on a common goal and works to achieve bipartisan results. I urge my colleagues to support the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Sergeant First Class Demarck Wimberly on his retirement from the United States Army after 20 years of faithful service to our country. An esteemed and respected member of the U.S. Army, Sergeant First Class Wimberly most recently served as a senior operations Non-commissioned officer and trainer for the Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organization. In this capacity, he was instrumental in the training and preparation of hundreds of personnel from across the Armed Forces as they prepared to deploy to some of the most dangerous places in the world. SFC Wimberly's distinguished career began with the 4th Squadron 7th Cavalry Regiment, Camp Garry Owen South Korea. Sergeant First Class Demarck Wimberly's duty stations include, Fort Riley Kansas, Fort Hood Texas, Fort Richardson Alaska, Fort Bliss Texas, Fort Carson Colorado, Fort Campbell Kentucky, and finally the Pentagon where he was inducted into The Order of Saint Maurice. During these many duty stations, Sergeant First Class Demarck Wimberly deployed with 2nd Battalion 8th Infantry Regiment (4th Infantry Division) from Fort Hood Texas for the invasion of Iraq in 2003 where he received the Soldier's Medal for heroism, he also deployed with the 172nd Stryker Brigade in 2005 from Fort Richardson Alaska and to Djibouti Africa in 2013 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. SFC Wimberly's awards and decorations include the Soldier's Medal for heroism, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation medal (6th award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (5th Award) as well as numerous unit awards and service medals. Through his distinguished service, SFC Wimberly has also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and Expert Infantryman badge. SFC Wimberly has also received the Order of Saint Maurice for his significant and long- lasting contributions to the infantry community. As SFC Demarck Wimberly embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that he may recall, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, the outstanding contributions he has made to the United States Army. I would like to send him my best wishes for continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Mr. Don Masch after nearly 23 years of service with ATK and Vista Outdoor, Inc. Don was born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1966. After high school, he attended the University of Connecticut and graduated in 1970 with a degree in Political Science. As a Distinguished Military Graduate, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Don served in a variety of command and staff positions in the United States and overseas, including assignments to Syria, Lebanon, Germany and Israel. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs from the United States Naval Postgraduate School, and is a graduate of the Defense Language Institute and Army Command and General Staff College. In the Pentagon, he served on the Army Staff and in the Secretary of the Army's Office of Legislative Liaison, retiring in 1993 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Don Masch began his career in industry in February of 1993, initially with Short Brothers USA, joining ATK in 1994 as part of the corporation's government relations team. There he became a trusted lobbyist and advocate on a wide range of defense and aerospace policies and programs. He quickly earned a reputation as a reliable and effective spokesman in Washington, D.C., helping to establish ATK on Capitol Hill. His fact-based approach to issues and commitment to integrity made him indispensable to ATK and the people in Washington with whom he worked. In addition to his role as head of Congressional Relations at ATK, Don served as the head of the Ethics Panel at the Association of Government Relations Professionals, President of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association, and in other association positions. He also was a guest speaker at numerous seminars and panels, including NDIA and Georgetown Law School. When ATK acquired Orbital Sciences in 2015, he played a key role in the transition of both the OrbitalATK and the newly formed Vista Outdoor Government Relations teams, becoming Vista's Vice President for Government and Industry Relations. As head of Vista's federal affairs, Don has proven to be an effective advocate on conservation, sportsmen's issues and 2nd Amendment rights. He is well respected for both his knowledge and his consummate professionalism, with a warm sense of humor and strong work ethic. As Don and his wife Karen head off to future endeavors and more time with their sons Don and Brian and five grandchildren, I congratulate him on his retirement and thank him for his diligent service to the country and to the defense and outdoor industries.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 4 Fredericksburg, Virginia area high school seniors who plan to enlist in the United States Coast Guard after graduation. These students have excelled in their academic and extracurricular activities, and I offer my sincere congratulations upon their high school graduation. I commend these student leaders for their selflessness and courageous decision to serve their country as members of the United States Coast Guard: Cronin, Erik; Cronin, Matthew; Foley, Dillon; Michaud, Joshua. These students will be honored by the Greater Fredericksburg Chapter of Our Community Salutes at their 5th Annual Military Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these young men and their families for their dedication to serving this great Nation. We owe them and the many Americans who have served and will serve a debt of gratitude.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 93 Fredericksburg, Virginia area high school seniors who plan to enlist in the United States Marine Corps after graduation. These students have excelled in their academic and extracurricular activities, and I offer my sincere congratulations upon their high school graduation. I commend these student leaders for their selflessness and courageous decision to serve their country as members of the United States Marine Corps. Allander, Grace; Baez, Christopher; Bills, Scott; Blake, Elliot; Breland, William; Bridges, Brandon; Brown, Jalil; Buckles, Aaron; Campbell, Kailayjja; Carhuancho, Andy; Clemente, Timothy; Cook, Thomas; Conteh, Ibrahim; Corbett, David; Creed, Barton; Devin, Timothy; Dishman, John; Dobson, Hunter; Dolinger, Melinda; Doonis, Michael; Eclipse, Ernest; Fejar, Joshua; Felleta, Joseph; Figaro, Cynthia; Fejfar, Joshua; Fellinger, Noah; Garciabracamonte, Giancarlo; Garnett, Benjamin; Hall, Cameron; Hardy, Carter; Hawkins, Nathan; Hernandez Pereira, Bryan; Hernandez Pereira, Joel; Holman, Kyle; Horton, Ryan; James, Brandon; Jesser, Joshua; Kloceck, Michael; Kroll, Brandon; Lalena, Victoria; Leon, Cameron; Lewis, Torrianno; Loncaric, Drake; Lopez, Juan; MacLeod, Jonathan; Maine, Daniel; Maine, David; Martin, Christopher; McArtor, Robert; McDonald, Sean; Mitchell, Jason; Morris, Dylan; Neil, William; Norman, Christian; Padarathsingh, Trinidad; Parker, James; Paskevicius, Jesse; Perkins, Joshua; Peters, Jacob; Peterson, Connor; Porch, Ethan; Poe, Matthew; Poitras, Tanner; Powell, Harley; Queiro, Jose; Quinteroscruz, Orlando; Ragon, Carmine; Reese, Parker; Reilly, Eric; Rice, Shane; Reuwer, Patrick; Rippetoe, Jake; Robinson, Ronald; Rodriguez, Javier; Romerobonilla, Jesus; Roush, Peter; Salgado, Erik; Sawdy, Riley; Schamel, Justin; Sinclair, Ethan; Skidmore, Jacob; Smith, Travis; Strickland, Luke; Surike, Charles; Terronesdorazi, Carlo; Villatoro, Ivette; Wagner, Zachary; Walley, David; Watson, Duncan; Watson, Joshua; Williamson, Matthew; Witt, Brennan; Yee, Jacob. These students will be honored by the Greater Fredericksburg Chapter of Our Community Salutes at their 6th Annual Military Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these young men and women and their families for their dedication to serving this great Nation. We owe them and the many Americans who have served and will serve a debt of gratitude.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 11 Fredericksburg, Virginia area high school seniors who plan to enlist in the United States Air Force after graduation. These students have excelled in their academic and extracurricular activities, and I offer my sincere congratulations upon their high school graduation. I commend these student leaders for their selflessness and courageous decision to serve their country as members of the United States Air Force: Ashford, Jasmine; Beaty, Carter; Bratcher, Constance; Burton, Meghan; Erikson, Evan; Evertz, Kayla; Hibbs, Richard; Malpica, Alexis; Mathews, Adam; Papapetrou, Alexander; Smith, Christopher. These students will be honored by the Greater Fredericksburg Chapter of Our Community Salutes at their 6th Annual Military Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these young men and women and their families for their dedication to serving this great Nation. We owe them and the many Americans who have served and will serve a debt of gratitude.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 33 Fredericksburg, Virginia area high school seniors who plan to enlist in the United States Army after graduation. These students have excelled in their academic and extracurricular activities, and I offer my sincere congratulations upon their high school graduation. I commend these student leaders for their selflessness and courageous decision to serve their country as members of the United States Army: Allison-Cook, Amanda; Bagley, Broderick; Beckham, Elijah; Barrino, Starr; Buelna Tapia, Cesar; Buffum, Jonathan; Dean, Davon; Elliott, Nicole; Harte, Brett; Jefferson, Kalie; Kelly, Joseph; Kuske, John; Lawrence, Skyler; McCallister, Mark; McHugh, Sean; McNabb, George; Moffo, Landry; Moore, Ronando; Morgan, Alexis; Phillips, Austin; Robey, Garrett; Roungrat, Jirayut; Russell, Robert; Saeed, Faisal; Scarborough, Ian; Slaughter, Darryl; Smith, Cordell; Sollowin, Michael; Tapsoba, Moussa; Van Doren, Nicole; Vacher, Andrew; Vasquez, Nicholas; Warren, Matthew. These students will be honored by the Greater Fredericksburg Chapter of Our Community Salutes at their 6th Annual Military Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these young men and women and their families for their dedication to serving this great Nation. We owe them and the many Americans who have served and will serve a debt of gratitude.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 8 Fredericksburg, Virginia area high school seniors who plan to enlist in the United States Navy after graduation. These students have excelled in their academic and extracurricular activities, and I offer my sincere congratulations upon their high school graduation. I commend these student leaders for their selflessness and courageous decision to serve their country as members of the United States Navy. Byer, Magalyna; Davis, Patrick; Deike, Iain; Phouminuh, Hongtavanah; Reynolds, Zachariah; Smith, Michael; Snyder, Walter; Thompson, Tyler. These students will be honored by the Greater Fredericksburg Chapter of Our Community Salutes at their 6th Annual Military Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these young men and women and their families for their dedication to serving this great Nation. We owe them and the many Americans who have served and will serve a debt of gratitude.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to also recognize the leaders of our Virginia tribes today. Several of those members are with us here in the gallery today to witness a long overdue action by Congress to formally recognize those Virginia tribes. Those Virginia tribal leaders have been tremendous in their resolve and in their support to make sure that we right this injustice. I want to thank them for what they have done. They have been tireless in their support for the things that they have done to make sure that we all appreciate and understand the great history with these Virginia tribes. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that those members of the tribes today, a number are getting smaller and smaller. And this is really only about making sure we are doing what is right for those tribes and making sure that they get that formal recognition because of many injustices that have happened in the past. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 984. And I believe with the passage out of the House--and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to do likewise--today will be a very proud day for our Nation in coming about and recognizing these Virginia first-contact tribes that has been long overdue. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 984) to extend Federal recognition to the Chickahominy Indian Tribe, the Chickahominy Indian Tribe--Eastern Division, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe, the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc., the Monacan Indian Nation, and the Nansemond Indian Tribe.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly).

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 984, the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2017 will extend Federal recognition to the Chickahominy Tribe, the Eastern Chickahominy Tribe, the Upper Mattaponi Tribe, the Rappahannock Tribe, the Monacan Indian Nation, and the Nansemond Indian Tribe. My district, the First Congressional District of Virginia, includes the historical tribal areas of several of these tribes. The six tribes are culturally and historically significant to the Commonwealth of Virginia and to the story of America itself. Ancestors from these tribes populated coastal Virginia when Captain John Smith settled at Jamestown in 1607. They were also the first of the American Indian tribes that entered into peace agreements, actually entered into peace agreements with the Crown of England because United States, at that time, was not formally a nation yet. So they were peace-loving even before the United States came of age. Also, the connections that these tribes have with the Nation and the settlement of the Nation are extraordinarily important. If you go back in time, you know that six of these tribes were part of the Powhatan Nation. We know famously that Pocahontas was a member of the Powhatan Nation, and also there in Werowocomoco, there on the shores of the York River, saved the life of Captain John Smith; so we can see the significant impact that these tribes have had on the Nation's history and where we are today. They are called first-contact tribes because they were the first tribes to contact the settlers as they came here to America to settle our land. In Jamestown there, the first connection they had was with these Virginia tribes. These first-contact tribes, as I have said, are intertwined with the birth of our Nation over 400 years ago, and they continue today to preserve a culture and heritage integral to Virginia and to the Nation. They are very proud of their history, and the tribal members today do much for our State in many different ways, as well as for our Nation, and are passionate about making sure that they are recognized, as other tribes are, in their critical nature to the government and Nation that we have today. It is notable that many tribal members have also served our country bravely as part of the United States military. It is unacceptable that these tribal members, who selflessly and proudly served under the American flag during our Nation's conflicts, from the Revolutionary War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, have not been officially recognized by the Federal Government. Congressional recognition is also necessary because the record requirements by the Bureau of Indian Affairs administration process unfairly penalizes these Virginia tribes. Tribal records of these tribes were destroyed during the Civil War when many eastern Virginia courthouses were destroyed. Additionally, early 20th century Virginia racial purity laws barred Native Americans from identifying as Indian on State-issued birth certificates. It is for these reasons that I am proud to have worked along with several of my Virginia colleagues in the House and the Senate to introduce this legislation that has received wide bipartisan support, including from former and current Virginia Governors who strongly supported this effort to recognize these tribes. During the 114th Congress, the Subcommittee on Indian, Insular, and Alaska Native Affairs held a hearing on Virginia tribal recognition. Most recently, the committee marked up and reported the Virginia tribal recognition as part of Chairman Bishop's Tribal Recognition Act in December. During the legislative hearing, the previous administration's Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs testified that they did not object to action by Congress to enact the bill, given Congress' authority under the Constitution to recognize tribes. At the hearing, members of the committee also expressed bipartisan support for recognizing these six first-contact Virginia tribes. Additionally, this legislation previously passed the House in both the 110th and the 111th Congress. It is clear that there is wide bipartisan support for this issue across the Commonwealth, across our Nation, and here in Congress. Federal recognition would acknowledge and protect historical and cultural identities of these tribes for the benefit of all Americans. It would affirm the government-to-government relationship between the United States and these first-contact Virginia tribes as a matter of respect out of what they did in working to make this Nation what it is today and also in helping create opportunities to enhance and protect the well-being of tribal members. This legislation will also provide certainty and finality on the gaming issue for the six Virginia tribes. H.R. 984 clearly prohibits the tribes from conducting gaming activities under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The Federal Government's failure to recognize the Virginia tribes is a serious injustice, but it is one that we here today can correct. Congress retains the authority to recognize Indian tribes, and I believe that it is right and just for us to continue to exercise that authority under the Constitution and recognize these six first-contact Virginia tribes. These first-contact tribes deserve equity and parity under the law. It is absolutely long overdue. I urge your support for H.R. 984. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of Mr. James Gregory ``Greg'' Lewis of Reedville, Virginia on March 30th, 2017. Greg is survived by his wife, Donna Garber Lewis; two daughters, Kelly Lewis Minor, of Reedville, Virginia, and Amanda Lewis Stalnaker of Tappahannock; two brothers, Evans Lewis (Faye) and Larry Lewis (Janet); two sisters, Barbara Lewis Schools and Janice Lewis Zumot, and four much-loved grandchildren, Corrie Minor, Cameron Minor, Jaxen Stalnaker and Brent Stalnaker and many nieces and nephews. Greg graduated from Rappahannock High School in 1970 and from Smithdeal Business College in Richmond. He served the Virginia Army National Guard for six years. Greg established Little River Seafood in 1983 as an oyster and crab picking facility. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Greg grew the operations into an importer and distributer of his crabmeat and products and, eventually, included value-added products as well. Greg proudly served on the Richmond County School Board for 15 years. He was a Deacon and Trustee of Bethany Baptist Church in Callao, Virginia and was a member of The Gideons International. Greg also served as a member on the Virginia Seafood Council. I had the pleasure of knowing Greg for many years and know his service to this nation and dedication to his community and church have impacted countless lives. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the life and honoring the memory of James Gregory ``Greg'' Lewis.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 90th birthday of Benjamin ``Ben'' Morris of Westmoreland County, VA. Born on May 6, 1927, Ben would attend grade school at Oak Grove School for first through eleventh grade. Upon graduating in 1945, Ben enlisted in the United States Navy to serve in World War II. By the time Ben completed boot camp in Maryland, the war had ended but the mission to evade Japan was still to take place. He journeyed to California to board a troop ship that would travel to the Marshall Islands where he would board the USS Prairie. The USS Prairie traveled the seas of the Pacific, stopping at many islands, until it reached Tokyo, Japan. Ben recalls being amazed at the destruction of the city from the bombing that had occurred. After his naval tour of 15 months, he returned to his home in Montross, VA to begin working with his father at L.A. Clark Company, producing railroad ties. In 1950, Ben and his older brother built a lumber mill. He was married that year and him and his wife would have three boys and a daughter together. In 1951, Northern Neck Lumber, Inc. opened for business in Warsaw, VA. After his brother's death, Ben continued to run the business as President until 1995 when he retired. Ben's two sons continue to run the business today. Ben served on the Board of The Bank of Montross for 34 years until it was sold. Ben is a member of St. James Episcopal Church where he has served on the Vestry several times. Ben has enjoyed the pleasures of the Northern Neck: golfing, fishing, boating, and hunting. He is proud of his three children from his first marriage who have blessed him with nine grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. Ben and his current wife of 33 years live in Montross, and her two children and five grandchildren have been part of an ever growing family. Mr. Speaker, I have had the pleasure of knowing Ben for many years and am honored to recognize him and to celebrate his 90th birthday. On behalf the millions of Americans that he has selflessly served through his military service and service to his community, I thank him and wish him the happiest of birthdays.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the retirement of Ms. Tracy Ciampaglio after 29 years of teaching. Tracy began teaching preschool in 1988 while in graduate school. From 1990 to 1994, Tracy taught first grade and preschool, married her husband Timothy and cared for their first child. From 1994 to 1997, Tracy ran a Parents Anonymous group that sought to teach good parenting skills to the community. During this timeframe, Tracy and Timothy welcomed their second child. From 1997 to 2006, Tracy taught preschool through first grade in four different states while Timothy was deployed with the U.S. Coast Guard. This year, Tracy will be retiring after 11 years as a sixth and seventh grade teacher at Holy Cross Academy. During Tracy's 29 years, she has taught 1,650 students. Tracy's passion for educating can be seen in the lives she has impacted. Through Tracy's classes, many students who had difficulties reading not only received help and care, but also developed a passion for reading. Tracy consistently has former students visit to thank her for how she impacted their education and lives. As the spouse of an educator and as someone who has known the Ciampaglio family for many years, I know firsthand the commitment and sacrifice that Tracy has made through her life's work of educating our Nation's youth. I admire and applaud Tracy for her lifelong commitment to her calling and for her service to this great nation.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 90th birthday of Benjamin ``Ben'' Morris of Westmoreland County, VA. Born on May 6, 1927, Ben would attend grade school at Oak Grove School for first through twelfth grade. Upon graduating in 1945, Ben enlisted in the United States Navy to serve in World War II. By the time Ben completed boot camp in Maryland, the war had ended but the mission to invade Japan was still to take place. He journeyed to California to board a troop ship that would travel to the Marshall Islands where he would board the USS Prairie. The USS Prairie traveled the seas of the Pacific, stopping at many islands, until it reached Tokyo, Japan. Ben recalls being amazed at the destruction of the city from the bombing that had occurred. After his naval tour of 15 months, he returned to his home in Montross, VA to begin working with his father at L.A. Clark Company, producing railroad ties. In 1950, Ben and his older brother built a lumber mill. That same year, Ben married his wife, Middy, with whom he would have three boys and a daughter. In 1951, Northern Neck Lumber, Inc. opened for business in Warsaw, VA. After his brother's death, Ben continued to run the business until 1995 when he retired. Ben's two sons continue to run the business today. Ben served on the Board of The Bank of Montross for 34 years until it was sold. Ben is a member of St. James Episcopal Church where he has served on the Vestry several times. Ben has enjoyed the pleasures of the Northern Neck: golfing, fishing, boating, and hunting. He is proud of his three children from his first marriage who have blessed him with nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Ben and his current wife of 33 years live in Montross, and her two children and five grandchildren have been part of an ever growing family. Mr. Speaker, I have had the pleasure of knowing Ben for many years and am honored to recognize him and to celebrate his 90th birthday. On behalf of the millions of Americans that he has selflessly served through his military service and service to his community, I thank him and wish him the happiest of birthdays.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the Northern Virginia Veterans Association's 2nd Anniversary Celebration. NOVA Veterans operates with the mission of supporting local veterans and families through coordination of services and case management until all needs are met. After coordinating resources for the veterans and their families, NOVA Veterans then completes the case by supplying information on local fitness, arts programs, and recreation resources. NOVA Veterans began supporting veterans and their families in July 2015 and have since supported more than 50 clients and have completed more than 600 hours of case management. The organization has grown to include 42 partners, affiliates, sponsors, and donors. NOVA Veterans has more than 60 individuals who support their mission on an individual level through volunteering and donations and these numbers continue to grow. NOVA Veterans' comprehensive network of proven local resources creates rapid, efficient, and effective results while also serving as a rally point where former and current military members and military support organizations can team up and serve their community. The multifaceted, inclusive, and collaborative support and care NOVA Veterans gives to our nation's veterans and their families empowers them to become involved in their communities and to improve the health and quality of their lives. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in celebrating NOVA Veterans' second anniversary and to wish them continued success in the future.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on Thursday, March 2, 2017. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 122, ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 123, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 124, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 125 and ``Yea'' on rollcall 126.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of Mrs. Nannette ``Nan'' Antonelli Craven of Richmond, VA on February 5, 2017. She is survived by her children, Tony Craven (Angela), Debbie Craven Bragg (Sidney), David Craven (Kay), and Chris Craven (Heather); twelve grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Nan was known as a welcoming person to all who met her and a fiercely loving figure to all her friends and family. She was an active member of her community, volunteering at Benedictine High School and serving as coordinator for the Night Out Against Crime at Regency Woods. She was also a longtime member of St. Paul's and St. Benedict's Church and was a current member of St. Mary's Parish. Nan's friendship, love, and sweet presence blessed all those who knew and loved her. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the passing of Marshall Edward, MD, MG, U.S. Army (Retired). MG McCabe passed peacefully at his home in Richmond, VA on January 29, 2017 at the remarkable age of 93. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Alice Keshian McCabe, and their three children, Malanie McCabe, Dr. Marshal E. McCabe and Allison McCabe O'Brien, their grandchildren, Kathryn O'Brien Holder, Gregory Boehling O'Brien, their great grandchildren, Taylor Alice Holder, Cooper Ian and Callan Edward Cox, and Baby O'Brien arriving in 2017. MG McCabe was a highly decorated Army Doctor who was first called to active duty in 1948 at the 97th General Hospital in occupied Germany. In 1953, he applied for and was tendered a Regular Army commission where he completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Walter Reed General Hospital. In 1964, he was assigned as Chief Medical Consultant in the office of the Surgeon General U.S. Army (OTSG) Washington. In 1972, he was promoted to Brigadier General and assigned as the first chief of staff of the newly established U.S. Army Health Services Command, which assumed operation control of most Army medical personnel for the Western hemisphere. In 1975, he was promoted to Major General and assumed Command of the U.S. Army Medical Command, Europe in Germany. Before he retired in 1980 after serving 35 illustrious years in the Army, MG McCabe served as Commander of the U.S. Army Health Services Command where he commanded over 49,000 personnel and over 80 direct reporting subordinate commands. MG McCabe or ``Pard'' as he was known by those close, was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who loved spending time with his family. I am grateful to have known MG McCabe and am thankful for his loyal patriotism and selfless service to his country. MG McCabe will be dearly missed by his family and friends and the Country sends its greatest gratitude for his time to the U.S. Army.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 84, a bill that would allow for General James Mattis to be considered for an appointment as the 26th Secretary of Defense of the United States. Leading up to this vote, I have heard time and time again from my colleagues that they respect General Mattis' service to our country. I have also heard that they understand him to be an intelligent, capable leader. Some have even gone so far as to say he is a military hero. I don't doubt the sincerity of my colleagues' words. In fact, I echo them. But for some of my colleagues, this praise for General Mattis is followed by what I believe is a flawed line of thinking. I have heard the argument that this vote we have before us today is not about General Mattis. My friends, today's vote is clearly about General Mattis. Make no mistake, a ``yes'' vote today will not permanently change the requirements prohibiting the appointment of anyone inside of 7 years of Active Duty service. This vote will provide a one-time-only exception for General Mattis, a man of the utmost character. The original intent of this law was to prevent an Active-Duty servicemember from retiring and then becoming Secretary of Defense within the same Presidential administration. With President-elect Trump raising his right hand in 7 days, it is clear that General Mattis does not violate the law's original intent. The fact that we are here to deliberate this issue only proves that the nomination and appointment process works. I am encouraged that we are having this debate today. But at the end of the day, we should not deny the best candidate to become the Secretary of Defense. A vote of ``no'' is a vote against General James Mattis. I urge my fellow colleagues to join me in voting in favor of an exception for an exceptional American, General James Mattis.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I missed a series of recorded votes on December 5, 2016. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YES'' on roll call vote No. 601, No. 602, and No. 603.