Robert Wittman

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, of Montross, Virginia on their 170th anniversary. The church was founded in 1848 when land was deeded from Joseph and Susan Lyell, and its name honors Bishop James O. Andrew who helped found the Southern branch of Methodism in the 1840's. Originally located under a grove of oak trees, Andrew Chapel has been served by more than 58 clergy and is currently led by Rev. Kevin F. Elmore. Through the years, the congregation has seen many changes in facilities and programs, yet Andrew Chapel continues to leave an invaluable impact on the Montross community. Currently, Andrew Chapel has a congregation of over 100 members who show unwavering commitment to loving their neighbors in a Christ-like manner. They facilitate free health clinics, deliver ``meals on wheels'' every month, help supply the local food pantry, donate gifts during the holidays to local families in need, and support scholarships to high school graduates pursuing higher education opportunities. Their vision statement, ``Hope and grace for all God's children through Christ,'' is a fitting anthem that embodies all their efforts in bringing glory to God. Mr. Speaker, I pray for Christ's guidance as the congregation comes together in this time of celebration and reflection. May God continue to bless Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church as they spread the good news of the Gospel and live out Christ's love in our community.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the service of Mr. Robert Hevey who passed away Monday, September 24, 2018. Robert Hevey honored his country with a long career of service, first as a United States Marine, and then for over 30 years as an electronic technician for the federal government. His life was an example of commitment, love and service from which all of us would be wise to learn. Robert was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on May 10, 1930. One of six children, Robert enlisted with the Marine Corps when he was 17 years old in 1947, requiring his parents' approval. He served with the 1st Marine Corps Division, 1st Weapon Battalion as 81mm Mortar Platoon Squad Leader. Stationed at numerous locations from Guam to Quantico, Virginia, Robert served in the Marine Corps for four years before being honorably discharged in 1951. In 1953, he married Miriam Freedman, who preceded him in death in February 2012, and they raised four daughters together: Karen, Carol, Beverly, and Andrea. He went on to have eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, Robert was a model for all of us not only in his work, but in his personal life. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Mr. Hevey and in thanking the Hevey family for their incredible sacrifices, devotion, and service to our nation; words cannot express our gratitude. On behalf of America's First District, we say thank you.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solemn remembrance of the life of Captain Sidney Edwin ``Ed'' Veazey, a retired Navy veteran, husband, father, and grandfather from King George, Virginia. Ed Veazey admirably served in the U.S. Navy and will be remembered for his selfless devotion to his community. Captain Veazey was born in September 1937 in Wilmington, North Carolina and after receiving his early education there and at Andover Academy, Massachusetts; he studied engineering at the United States Naval Academy and earned a PhD from Duke University in physics. Captain Veazey excelled aboard submarines for seven years during the Cold War and converted to submarine engineering duty. As an engineering duty officer, he served at the Naval Ship Engineering Center, Chief of Naval Development, Naval Intelligence Center, Naval Surface Warfare Center, and United States Naval Academy. Captain Veazey retired after 24 years of honorable service. Following naval service, he worked within industry supporting the Navy, and as an entrepreneur and developer. He held 19 patents. A vibrant member of the civic community, he served as President of the King George Chamber of Commerce, founding member of the County Historical Society, and members of the Lions Club and Military Officers Association of America. Ed Veazey is survived by his wife Joy; sons Ted and Warren; daughters Karen and Ginger; daughters-in-law Kristin and Jenna; sons-in-law Joseph and Wes; and ten grandchildren. I extend my deepest condolences to his family members and anyone who had the privilege of knowing this fine gentleman. He was a very loved man whose service both to his community and our Nation, will be dearly missed. Mr. Speaker, I implore you and my colleagues to join me as we honor the memory of Captain Ed Veazey.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the service of Mr. Michael E. Lufsey and his long and honorable government contract career. Mr. Lufsey has honored his country with over 40 years of service in graphic support and design, demonstrating not only skill at his craft, but devotion to our nation. Before his career in government contracting, ``Mike'' graduated from Douglas Freeman High School in 1968 in Henrico, Virginia. Two years later, he served with the United States Coast Guard for a brief, two- month stint before receiving a medical discharge. In June 1977, Mr. Lufsey provided government contractor services with Magnavox Government and Industrial Corporation as a technical illustrator. With Magnavox, he assisted with computer graphic support to Department of Defense clients, developing military technical training manuals. In November 1992, Mike transitioned to TAD Technical Services, working as a Graphic Artist and providing graphic support for technology companies like IBM and JAYCOR. By August of 1993, Mr. Lufsey was the Senior Graphic Artist and Illustrator at Coleman Research Corporation where he provided graphic support for the Department of Energy on training presentations, briefings, and Department plans. In September 1997, Mr. Lufsey became a Principle Designer with Anteon Corporation (later General Dynamics). In this capacity, he performed briefing support services and magazine development for three Navy Flag Officers. He also produced large scale posters which were placed onboard the USS Ramage for tours conducted at the Army/Navy game in December 2008. For the past 21 years, Mr. Lufsey has served a contract with ECS (formerly Paradigm) and has continued to support the mission of the Missile Defense Agency and Aegis Missile Defense as a graphic designer. Throughout his prestigious career, Mr. Lufsey has received acclamations from satisfied clients and grateful organizations including letters of appreciation from four Rear Admirals, commendations from the Scientific Advisory Board, and the Theater Surface Combatants Unit Award for Excellence. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing Mr. Michael Lufsey's lifetime of accomplishment and dedication. An admirable illustration of leadership and service, and an outstanding member of our community, may God bless Mr. Lufsey and his family as he continues to be an example of service and commitment. On behalf of America's First District, we say thank you.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the service of Mr. Robert Jenkins who passed away Monday, September 24, 2018. Robert Jenkins honored his country with a long career of service, first as a United States Marine, and then for over 30 years as an electronic technician for the federal government. His life was an example of commitment, love and service from which all of us would be wise to learn. Robert was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on May 10, 1930. One of six children, Robert enlisted with the Marine Corps when he was 17 years old in 1947, requiring his parents' approval. He served with the 1st Marine Corps Division, 1st Weapon Battalion as 81mm Mortar Platoon Squad Leader. Stationed at numerous locations from Guam to Quantico, Virginia, Robert served in the Marine Corps for four years before being honorably discharged in 1951. In 1953, he married Miriam Freedman, who preceded him in death in February 2012, and they raised four daughters together: Karen, Carol, Beverly, and Andrea. He went on to have eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, Robert was a model for all of us not only in his work, but in his personal life. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Mr. Jenkins and in thanking the Jenkins family their incredible sacrifices, devotion, and service to our nation; words cannot express our gratitude. On behalf of America's First District, we say thank you.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support my resolution, H. Res. 1088, a resolution recognizing this Saturday, September 29, as National Urban Wildlife Refuge Day. Across the country, urban wildlife refuges are places for families to gather and enjoy the outdoors. Urban refuges are places where communities can come together to preserve nature, and places to inspire the next generation of hunters and anglers. I encourage all generations, whether old or young, to go visit one of the 101 national urban wildlife refuges throughout the United States. I thank Representative Hakeem Jeffries for partnering with me on this legislation to help further emphasize the value of our Nation's urban wildlife refuges.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commendation of ACI Solutions on their recognition as a 2018 Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise by the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council. ACI Solutions is a managed IT services provider and network security firm with a US headquarters based in Arlington, Virginia. The Top 100 MBE awards recognize the accomplishments of minority entrepreneurs in the Capital Region that energize the region's economy through innovation and commitment. I am pleased to congratulate ACI Solutions CEO Nasra Abdi and her team on their receipt of this award and applaud them in their efforts as leaders in cyber security services, business IT support, managed services and unified communications. This award demonstrates ACI Solutions' dedication to excellence in IT services, and also recognizes the efforts of the ACI team in pursuing the American dream. They have worked hard, overcome obstacles and stand today as fixtures in the Capital Area for making important contributions to commerce and serving their clients well. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing ACI Solutions' dedicated efforts as a Minority Business Enterprise, and their excellence in their field. An admirable example of leadership and devotion, and an outstanding cornerstone of our community, I commend ACI Solutions on their accomplishments and wish them further success as they continue to serve our area. On behalf of America's First District, we say congratulations.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Audrey L. Ball, recipient of the Community Builder's Award presented by Westmoreland Masonic Lodge No. 212 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Audrey, a native of Westmoreland County, is a graduate of the local public schools and of Howard University where she majored in chemistry. She has been employed by Riverside Tappahannock Hospital for more than twenty years and is a registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer. Audrey is married to Warren Ball and is the mother of five children. Aside from her healthcare work and family commitments, Audrey is highly active in the community. She has been a member of Potomac Baptist Church for more than fifty years where she has served as a children's church teacher and former president of the nursing ministry. Audrey is also a member of the Westmoreland County Volunteer Rescue Squad and has served as an emergency medical technician and as an advisor to members of the junior volunteer rescue squad. Audrey, as a loving and dedicated mother, has also served in numerous civic organizations including as a committee member for Boy Scout Troop No. 252 and as a den mother and treasurer for Cub Scout Pack No. 207. She has also been a parent advisor for the Future Problem Solvers of Westmoreland County and the James Farmer Scholars. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing Audrey L. Ball for receiving the Community Builder's Award from Westmoreland Masonic Lodge No. 212 in honor of her work in supporting the community. I also ask that you join me in recognizing Westmoreland Masonic Lodge No. 212 for its efforts in honoring this important member of the community.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Brenda Sudduth Lewis, recipient of the Community Builder's Award presented by Westmoreland Masonic Lodge No. 212 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Brenda, a native of Westmoreland County, is a graduate of the local public schools and of Rappahannock Community College where she excelled as a nursing student. After graduation and after receiving her license, Brenda was employed for many years by Medical Facilities of America in Warsaw, Virginia providing high-quality patient-focused geriatric nursing care to members of the community. Later, Brenda started work at Haynesville Correctional Center in Haynesville, Virginia. In her new position, Brenda transitioned to forensic nursing and has always provided the highest-quality services to those in her care and is a respected expert on the provision of medical care in a correctional setting. Aside from her healthcare work and family commitments involving two children, Brenda is highly active in the community. She has volunteered her medical expertise and experience in service to the community as a member of the Callao Volunteer Rescue Squad in Callao, Virginia and as a supporter of the Callao Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing Brenda Sudduth Lewis for receiving the Community Builder's Award from Westmoreland Masonic Lodge No. 212 in honor of her work to advance the community. I also ask that you join me in recognizing Westmoreland Masonic Lodge No. 212 for its efforts in honoring this important member of the community.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mrs. Virginia Ann Sanders, a remarkable volunteer, public servant, and outspoken advocate of those less fortunate both in our community and around the world. For her incredible service to the causes to which she has given so much of herself, Ann has been awarded title of Kentucky Colonel in 2001, the Silver and Gold President's Volunteer Service Awards in 2012 and 2011, respectively, and the President's Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Service Award in 2017, far exceeding the 4,000-hour requirement of service hours. A small number of the organizations and individuals she has donated her crafting or clowning skills, her time, or her resources to are: Clowns of America International; Kolonial Klowns of Williamsburg, Alley No. 357; Rainy Day Kids, LLC.; the Humane Society; the Salvation Army; Sgt. Santa, Inc.; Camp Sunlight for children with Xeroderma Pigmentosum; Operation Christmas Child; the Special Olympics at the University of Richmond; American Red Cross; the children of Haiti; Samaritan's Purse; numerous fundraiser walks; Stonehouse Preschool; and Menokin Baptist, Church of the Good Shepherd, Jamieson Memorial United Methodist, and Buffalo Baptist Church. Ann is also a breast cancer survivor. With a career spanning 30 years, Ann has also worked for the Department of Defense at Dahlgren and Fort Lee as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service in Richmond. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the work of Ann Sanders; words cannot capture the amount of time, energy, and emotion Ann has devoted to volunteer efforts throughout her life as well as in service to our country throughout her career. The greatest way to express the overwhelming gratitude of our community is simply, ``thank you.''

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. David Michael King of Spotsylvania who passed away July 27, 2018. We should always recognize those who acted in the defense of our great Nation, Mr. King was a proud Vietnam veteran who loved God, his family, and his country above all else is no exception. Serving during the tumultuous years of the conflict in Vietnam, Mr. King represented the values that serve as hallmarks of the Vietnam generation: selfless service and sheer love of country. Only 19 years old when joining the armed forces, Mr. King spent the years 1969 to 70 patrolling the jungles of South Vietnam with the Army's 20th Engineer Brigade. Coming in contact with Agent Orange throughout his time in Vietnam did not slow Mr. King down even after completing his Army service. Returning home, he continued to serve his community as a land surveyor for 39 years. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me today in honoring the life of David Michael King, one that represents what makes our Nation stand out from the rest of the world, namely, dedication to community, love of country, and putting oneself last when it comes to the needs of others.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Lieutenant Commander Ryan Chamberlain on his separation from the United States Navy after 12 years of faithful service to our country. An esteemed and respected member of the U.S. Navy, Lieutenant Commander Chamberlain most recently served as a Liaison in the Navy's U.S. House of Representatives Liaison Office. In this capacity, he oversaw and led many Congressional and staff delegations to naval installations throughout the United States and around the world. These trips helped members and their staffs achieve a greater understanding of the issues facing our Navy and its Sailors. LCDR Chamberlain attended Southern Illinois University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Aviation Management and was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in 2006. He would later go on to earn his ``wings of gold'' and qualify as a Naval Aviator in 2008. LCDR Chamberlain deployed on both the USS Nimitz and USS John C. Stennis in support of operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. He has accumulated more than 1,400 flight hours and 300 carrier arrested landings in the F/A-18E Super Hornet. Prior to joining us here on the Hill, LCDR Chamberlain served as a Blue Angel from 2012 to 2016. An estimated 11 million spectators view the Navy's Flight Demonstration squadron during air shows each year. Additionally, the Blue Angels visit more than 50,000 people per show season at schools and hospitals across the country. LCDR Chamberlain's awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal--Strike Flight (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and other personal, campaign, and service ribbons. As LCDR Chamberlain 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 Navy. 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 in recognition of the 20th Anniversary of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3886 of Spotsylvania, a brave group of men and women who every day put their service to the community above self. Additionally, I would like to recognize that this year is the 100th anniversary of the IAFF: celebrating a century of progress through unity. IAFF Local 3886 is made up of over 125 full-time members who help to keep and protect the citizens of Spotsylvania County, Virginia. To accomplish this incredible task, Local 3886 operates 24/7 out of six fire stations throughout the county and 13/5 at an additional four. With advanced life support and specialty equipment, the men and women of this proud organization provide a service for which mere thanks is never enough. As professional firefighters, they are true to the name; professionalism, dependability, and distinction underlies the entirety of their work. The IAFF as a whole provides firefighters for many different operations, including to help protect the men and women of our armed forces. The services of the IAFF extend to firefighting crews for military bases throughout the country and around the world. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of the IAFF and IAFF Local 3886. Words alone cannot express our gratitude. May God bless the operations of the IAFF and Local 3886, and I look forward to seeing their excellence for many years into the future.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of community leader Mr. Artie M. Ransone of Lively, Virginia. Mr. Ransone has worked tirelessly in our area as an avid volunteer, a small business owner, a model of generosity, and a proud supporter of a grateful community. In service to Lancaster County, Artie has worked as Secretary of the County Electoral Board, has served as a member on the County Economic Development Committee, has spent ten years as a member of the Lancaster Jaycees, and has spent nineteen years as a volunteer firefighter. Additionally, he has been a long-time member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Lancaster County Lodge No. 2527, where he has served four terms as Governor, and five years as Administrator. Not only has he been an active leader in his local lodge, Artie has also served as District 3 President, President of the Virginia Moose Association, and has been appointed as the Deputy Supreme Governor of Moose International. Artie characterizes the principles of the Loyal Order of Moose: caring for others, building communities, and celebrating life. For his distinguished service to the community, Artie has been awarded the Administrator's Leadership Award of Excellence, the Governor's Award of Excellence, and multiple Shining Star and Premier Lodge Awards. On September 22, 2018, Artie will be honored once again as he is recognized as a Pilgrim of the Order, one of the highest honors of the Order. He will join an elite group of only 170 Pilgrims out of over 30,000 members in the Commonwealth. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in thanking and honoring once again Mr. Artie M. Ransone for his building, celebrating, and caring for our community, and for his immeasurable service to Lancaster County.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. William Carson ``Bill'' Prout on the occasion of his retirement from Green Top Sporting Goods, an iconic small business in the heart of Virginia's First District. Bill has dedicated twenty-two years to Green Top, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service and excellence in our community. Prior to joining Green Top, Bill served our country as a Sergeant in the United States Army. During his tours of duty, Bill served in Abera, Ethiopia, and Udorn, Thailand before volunteering for service in Vietnam where he served with the Army Security Agency. After his time in the Army, Bill worked at Cherry, Bekaert & Holland for twenty-five years, demonstrating his dedication and determination as a leader. Once at Green Top Sporting Goods, Bill rose through the ranks to become President and CEO, leading through change and example. He oversaw the company's move to their current 67,000 square foot location and their expansion from around 50 employees to over 120. Under Bill's guidance, Green Top has solidified itself as a shining example of small business excellence. Bill has been married to his wife, Patty, for forty-seven years and has two children, Billy and Corey, and four grandchildren, Andrew, Mattie, Sloan, and Teddy. In his well-deserved retirement, Bill is looking forward to spending time with his family and visiting Virginia Beach, as well as staying active with the Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Richmond where he has attended for twenty-six years. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the lifetime of accomplishments of Mr. William Carson ``Bill'' Prout, a true servant, leader, and outstanding member of our community. May God bless Bill and his family as they enter this new phase of life, and on behalf of America's First District, I say thank you.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the service of both United States Air Force Major Donald Emerson ``Don'' Shay, Jr., of the 14th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, and his mother, Mrs. Sara Frances Shay. This October marks forty-eight years since Maj. Shay went missing over southern Laos in the service of his country. After her son was reported as MIA, Mrs. Shay dedicated herself to reunite all those missing in Southeast Asia with their families for forty-five years. Before his service in the United States Air Force, Don was raised in Linthicum, Maryland, and graduated the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1967. On October 8, 1970, then Captain Shay and Cpt. William A. Ott were shot down during a reconnaissance mission over Laos in an RF4C Phantom. Their plane was not located and both men were listed Missing in Action. Upon the release of 591 American prisoners of war in 1973, neither Cpts. Shay nor Ott were among those coming home. Cpt. Shay was promoted to the rank of Major after he was reported MIA; he is among eighteen members of the USAFA class of 1967 who lost their lives in or are still MIA from Vietnam. Following the report that Don was missing, Mrs. Shay began volunteering her time and efforts towards locating her son. Soon, her dedication grew to all service members who were MIA/POW in Vietnam. She went on to serve on the board of the National League of Families of American Prisoners Missing in Southeast Asia, the board of the Linthicum Veteran's Memorial, and has worked with countless families and veterans of the war in the intervening decades. For her tireless work, she has been recognized by Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Obama. Mrs. Shay will be celebrating her 100th birthday this December. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in thanking Major Donald Emerson Shay, Jr., and Mrs. Sara Frances Shay for their incredible sacrifices, devotion, and service to our nation; words cannot express our gratitude.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Ted Stark on his retirement from federal service. Ted served forty years as a member of our Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. I commend Ted on his longevity of service to our great nation and the enforcement of the rule of law. From his service in the Immigration and Naturalization Service to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he played a pivotal role in helping teach the next generation of federal agents. His passion and leadership will leave a long-lasting legacy amongst his coworkers. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in wishing continued success to Ted as he continues his service as a liaison official between ICE and the CIA.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Hans Mumm for his government service and significant contributions to the U.S. Military's Information Operations. Dr. Mumm is currently a futures researcher for the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. In this position, he uses his UAV and robotics expertise to design policy for advanced technologies and studies the consequences of its future uses. This September, Dr. Mumm will be celebrating his 40th birthday. Dr. Mumm began his military career as an enlisted service member. He gained notoriety for his leadership role in ``Operation Iraqi Freedom'' as the officer in charge of the ``Iraqi Regime Playing Cards; CENTCOM's Top 55 Most Wanted List.'' The Defense Intelligence Agency praised this Information Operations mission as one of the most successful campaigns in the agency's history. Dr. Mumm was recognized as one of the ``Ten Outstanding Young Americans'' and awarded the National Defense PAC ``American Patriot Ingenuity Award'' for his service during ``Operation Iraqi Freedom''. After serving in the enlisted ranks and subsequently as a U.S. Army Captain, Dr. Mumm was medically discharged in 2010, becoming a Wounded Warrior. Following the completion of his active service duties, Dr. Mumm has continued to achieve remarkable feats. In June of 2014, Dr. Mumm was awarded the Exceptional Performance Award from the CIA for his work as a branch chief. In this capacity, he oversaw the development of the Continuous Monitoring Branch (CMB) and transformed this technology into an integral part of the CIA's cyber security framework. Over the course of his career, Dr. Mumm has earned twenty-three personal military ribbons and combat medals. He is also the author of two international bestselling books detailing the leadership challenges and opportunities in the fields of technical investigation and military intelligence. In addition to his current job at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, Dr. Mumm serves as an adjunct professor for the California University of Pennsylvania (CALU) and the American Military University (AMU). Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing Dr. Hans Mumm for his acts of patriotism that have greatly benefitted our country as he celebrates his 40th birthday.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the King William County Ruritan Club for their acts of fellowship, goodwill, and service which have greatly improved their community. The club will be celebrating their 80th anniversary in September. As one of the oldest Ruritan clubs in the country, this chapter has worked relentlessly to respond to the needs of their community and our nation. From preparing members for service in World War II to recent efforts supporting the DARE education program and Project Lifesaver corporation, the King William Ruritan Club has stayed active in meeting the needs of their local community and the nation. The King William Ruritan Club has also continued to serve and support the King William Emergency Ministries, ensuring that their fellow citizens who are struggling financially continue to have the utilities they and their families need. Having donated well over $400,000 back to King William, VA throughout their history, the King William Ruritan Club has played an indispensable leadership role in the promotion of philanthropic activities. In addition to volunteer services, the club hosts events that bring the community together such as their annual ``Fish Fry'' fundraiser. This tradition started in the 1940s and is sponsored by local businesses. Guests enjoy local seafood while contributing to a great cause. Throughout the year they host town meetings where citizens can interact with law enforcement resulting in a safer and stronger community. The King William County Ruritan Club promotes values such as civility and charitableness which are vital to the health of our great democracy. Their goal is simple yet far-reaching: To make King William a better place to live and work. They continue to accomplish this mission as they approach their 80th year and I thank them for their service. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the many accomplishments of the King William County Ruritan Club as they celebrate their 80th Anniversary.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Edward Colston ``Coley'' Newton V, a Master Sergeant in the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions of the United States Army. Sgt. Newton, aged 47, passed away on July 11th in Lyells, Virginia, after an extended battle with melanoma. Before his service in the United States Army, Coley was raised in Westmoreland County in the Tidewater area of Virginia. He attended the Blue Ridge School in Charlottesville, as well as Ferrum College in Virginia. During his time at Ferrum, Coley was elected to the All-Prep football teams for his exemplary offensive and defensive line skills. After college, Coley joined the United States Army as a private. He rose through the ranks to become Master Sergeant, graduated from Ranger School, and earned his Master Parachutist Badge with the Airborne. Holding several leadership positions throughout his military career, Sgt. Newton was deployed sixteen times to Iraq and Afghanistan as a member of the Asymmetric Warfare Group and a contracted Operational Advisor. In May of this year, Coley was awarded the Sons of the American Revolution Heroism Award for his distinguished military service by the local Northern Neck Chapter of the SAR. Coley was an avid outdoorsman, a master marksman, and an able fisherman. He was well known for his hunting prowess as well as his angling abilities. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and recognizing Master Sergeant Newton for his life of service to our Commonwealth, nation, and the United States Army.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of this conference report and the items included in it. I want to thank Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership in pushing this across the finish line. In my subcommittee, we authorized an additional three battle force ships, including the next Ford-class aircraft carrier. We have also kept an eye on the future and prioritized funding for the B-21 Raider bomber program and the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, programs that are essential for our national security and comprise two parts of our Nation's nuclear triad. While we still have work to do, I think that this conference report does a good job of continuing to build off of last year's progress. Some have questioned whether a Member of Congress can be both a fiscal hawk and a defense hawk. I am convinced that a Member can be both. For example, we have also authorized long-term contracts for ships, aircraft, and weapons. With these contracts, in addition to the accelerated procurement of the next Ford-class aircraft carrier, we understand the Navy can save almost $3 billion. These savings are significant. While I am proud that this may be the first time in more than two decades that an NDAA will be enacted before the start of the fiscal year, we still have work to do to secure funding for this bill. Specifically, I believe there is no more debilitating action that Congress can perform than delaying an accompanying Defense Appropriations bill. The House has passed ours, but we need our colleagues in the Senate to do the same during their time in D.C. in August. If we lose this rare opportunity to pass a Defense Appropriations bill before the end of the fiscal year, we will once again be holding our military hostage for other domestic priorities. I was thrilled to see Speaker Ryan continue to lead on this issue when he indicated yesterday: ``We really just want to get the military funded on time, on budget, on schedule this year, and that's the primary concern.'' We need to get back to basics, perform our constitutional duty, and let our servicemembers know that we have their backs while they are serving on the front lines, that we are dedicated to their service, and that we will take care of their families until they return. Let's pass this defense authorization bill and turn to getting the Defense Appropriations bill done on time.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for outlining very in-depth the impact that Russia has on the United States, the responses that are needed to be strong against Russian aggression, against the things that they are trying to do to destabilize this Nation. I appreciate the gentleman's leadership there in pointing that out and calling everyone to task to make sure that we, as a Nation, are acting to make sure we are doing the right things, to make sure, too, we point out past instances where there have been inconsistencies in how this issue has been addressed with previous administrations. I deeply appreciate that. I think it is an important part of our discussion here today about what we have to do to counter those threats, the obligation this Nation has to counter those threats. The gentleman has laid it out very plainly, very succinctly, and very clearly for what the obligation of this Nation is, and calling upon our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to be as committed to countering Russia as we are on this side of the aisle. So I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I want to also point out that it is not just the strategic impact that continuing resolutions and lack of on-time appropriations bills has on our Nation strategically. We pointed those out, the threats that are there, but also the impact that it has at the individual level; the impact that it has on sailors, on soldiers, marines, and airmen. We saw this past year in two ship collisions where 17 sailors died on board the USS Fitzgerald and the USS McCain. And we see that there was a contributory factor for the lack of training on those ships, the issues of material readiness on those ships that goes back to continuing resolutions and not adopting appropriations bills on time. The uncertainty that comes with that and the lack of resources dedicated for proper training, for proper maintenance, did have a contributory effect there. It didn't create the sole impact necessary for those unfortunate incidents to occur, but it did contribute to those incidents. In avoiding continuing resolutions, we can send a clear message to our men and women in the military, to their families, that this Nation is committed to their wellbeing; that this Nation is committed to them getting the mission done; that this Nation is committed to giving them the best; to give them the tools that they need to succeed; to give them the ability, when called upon, to fight to victory and come home safe. We, as a Nation, owe them nothing less. And when we have continuing resolutions, or lack of adopting appropriations bills on time, we are not sending the message to them and their families that we are committed to reducing their risk. That is key for us to make sure that we get that done. And it is also a commitment that we have to taxpayers to assure them that we will spend money efficiently and effectively to defend this Nation. Continuing resolutions are not effective or efficient ways to spend money. Not getting appropriations bills done on time do not allow long- term planning. And let me tell you, our adversaries long-term plan. And they look at our lack of long-term commitment here as a vulnerability. And, indeed, it is. It is a vulnerability not only for our Nation, but it is a vulnerability that we see manifested in the risks that our sailors, soldiers, and marines face, and, ultimately, those who gave their lives in avoidable accidents on board those ships. It is not just ships, Mr. Speaker. It is also aircraft. We have seen an inordinate number of aircraft crashes this year and last year that are associated with lack of maintenance on those aircraft, in some instances, tangentially associated with training. Those things are preventable. They are preventable if we adopt appropriations bills on time for our Nation's defense, and avoid continuing resolutions. We must make sure that we get that job done on time. And I can tell you that it is not just Members that see it that way, but it is also the Speaker. In fact, Paul Ryan was quoted just yesterday saying: ``We really just want to get the military funded on time, on budget, on schedule this year and that's the primary concern.'' He pointed that out because that is the primary concern for what we are facing with getting appropriations bills done on time. That is the primary consideration in getting the National Defense Authorization Act conference report out of the House tomorrow so that it can get over to the Senate so that they can get it done on time. If this gets done this year, Mr. Speaker, it will be the soonest it has been done in almost 30 years. Why is this year the exception? This should be the rule. We should be getting these things done early, getting it done in time so that we can get an appropriations bill done prior to the end of the fiscal year. Those are obligations that this Nation has to make sure that we get that done on time. The NDAA has some very important elements in it this year that are critical to our Nation's military readiness, critical to our getting the job done for our men and women in the military, and critical to making sure that we can counter the threats that we know are there from our adversaries. It accelerates U.S. efforts to field conventional prompt strike capability before fiscal year `22. Those things are critical. That strike capability is the deterrence for our members of the military. Those things absolutely must happen, and this bill lets us get that done. It also focuses on rebuilding the nuclear deterrence of our Nation. Nuclear deterrence is the way we keep our adversaries at bay; and when they look at us and don't see a commitment there that is expressed in getting appropriations bills done on time and having ourselves in these continuing resolutions debacles year after year after year, they look at it as a vulnerability. It also allows us to improve our missile defense. An aging missile defense, one that in comparison to upgrades by our adversaries, put us in a terrible strategic position. Also enhancing our space warfighting. The disparity that we have in space operations with our adversaries is mind-boggling. The only way that we close that delta is to make the commitment and put the resources in place on time. Mr. Speaker, I want to put in perspective where we are today and the waste that occurs with a continuing resolution. I will conclude my remarks with the comments of Secretary Richard Spencer that he outlined on our behavior that this body has put in place since 2011. He actually came before the House Armed Services Committee and said this, he said: We have put $4 billion in a trash can, poured lighter fluid on it, and burned it. $4 billion is enough to buy a squadron of F-35s, two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, 3,000 Harpoon missiles. It is enough money to buy us additional capacity that we need today in order to counter the threats that we find ourselves facing around the world. Instead, it's lost because of inefficacy in the ways of the continuing resolution. Mr. Speaker, this is an entirely avoidable situation, one that Congress year after year after year finds itself in a position to address, yet chooses not to. It is not just a single continuing resolution. Last year we found ourselves in a situation of having four continuing resolutions that took us 6 months into the budget year and then finally coming up with an appropriations bill that finished the year with 6 months of funding that was supposed to take place over 12 months. So, Mr. Speaker, not only did you miss out on the certainty with the first 6 months of funding that was done by continuing resolutions, but now you take 12 months' worth of money and try to pack it into 6 months, and we wonder why there is inefficiency there. We wonder why money is pushed out the door in ways that waste money. The Secretary of the Navy pointed it out and showed us the ills of our ways, and what we can do to avoid this, what we can do to make sure that resources will get to the right place, get there on time, can be efficiently deployed where there is certainty in what our military needs to plan for the long-term needs that this Nation has left unaddressed, for the long-term needs of rebuilding readiness. It hasn't happened, Mr. Speaker, and it is entirely avoidable. We have that full ability in our grasp to make sure this doesn't happen again. Again, if we were to come up with the worst way to run a business and with the worst way to run a government, it would be a continuing resolution. It is avoidable. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues that when the National Defense Authorization Act conference report comes up before this body that they vote ``yes,'' that we do that this year in the quickest timeframe we have done in nearly 30 years. And that when the Defense Appropriation bill comes before this body-- after the Senate puts together whatever they will put together--that we must get the defense of this Nation funded prior to the end of the budget year. If we do that, then the 17 billion additional dollars that we put towards helping our soldiers, our sailors, our marines to do the job we ask them to do will be there. To deter our adversaries around the world, the resources in order to accomplish that will be there. To do anything less is a disservice to this Nation. To do anything less is a disservice to the men and women who serve in our military. To do anything less is disrespectful to their commitment to our Nation, and the commitment that their families make to this Nation. We can do better. We must do better. And we have an opportunity in the weeks to come to do better. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to show the same kind of commitment for this Nation's military through no continuing resolutions and through passing appropriations bills for our defense on time. That same commitment should be shown by us as the commitment by our brave men and women in uniform. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I agree fully with the gentlewoman from Arizona, and I thank her so much for being part of this Special Order this evening. Mr. Speaker, I think there are a number of important points that the gentlewoman from Arizona brings up. And she talks about training. I think training is one of those elements that is absolutely essential for us to remember that that training doesn't happen by accident. It happens because of concerted efforts here in Congress, within the Pentagon, within the service branches, all the way down to the unit level to make sure that training takes place. But it doesn't take place when there is uncertainty about funding, because what is the first thing in a budget that gets put on hold when it pertains to our service branches? When they look at uncertainty, what is the place where they have the maximum flexibility? It is training. When you look at it, they have money that is already obligated in programs to do things like build ships, to build aircraft, but the one place where they can move money around is for training. I can tell you that that has a tremendous impact on units at the unit level, commanders trying to figure out: How am I going to make sure my units get the training? As I spoke of earlier, it is not just about tactical training; it is about training at the strategic level. How do you interact with other service branches so, if you find yourselves in a major conflict, you can work across service branches to make sure you have the proficiency to be successful on that mission, to be successful in battle? Those things are critical, and that doesn't come automatically. That comes with repeated training at the highest levels, and it comes with assurance that the resources are going to be there so our military leaders can plan for that. We want to make sure that that gets done on a timely basis. I understand, too, that there is a lot of hesitancy in folks to say: Well, if we can't reach a conclusion on spending decisions, then the best thing to do is a continuing resolution. I would argue that that is not the case. I would argue that this goes right down to the command level. It goes to our combatant commanders who have to deal with this every day. Our combatant commanders are faced with threats that are on their doorstep every day, and there is no place where this threat is more apparent on a daily basis than what our Pacific Command faces with the aggression of the Chinese, with the aggression of North Korea there in the Pacific. Admiral Harris, the previous Commander of PaCOM, I think said it extraordinarily well. He said this: ``The Pacific is the principal space where submarines are the most important warfighting capability we have. As far as Virginia-class submarines, it is the best thing we have. . . . My submarine requirement is not met in the Pacific Command, and I am just one of many combatant commanders that will tell you that. . . . '' That brings us back to the subject of submarines. Attack submarines, our ability to go undetected around the world to sense what our adversaries do and also to understand that that threat is real, we have, today, an advantage in the undersea world, but that advantage continues to wane because we are not making the progress in keeping up with building submarines in relation to retiring submarines. That, I think, is key, Mr. Speaker. I want to point to this chart on the floor. I am going to walk there. As we see from the chart, we see the U.S. fleet of attack submarines, and we see what happens when we come to 2029. We reach a low point, a low point where this Nation only has 42 attack submarines when we get to 2029. You see the chart where our adversaries go. You see where the Chinese go: a significant increase in submarines because they see the value of submarines; they see that attack submarines give them a strategic advantage in the Pacific. It is pretty simple, folks. It is a geography lesson. The Pacific is water, and in order to maintain strategic importance in that region, you have to control the undersea domain. The Chinese understand that. We used to understand it, until now, when we see that our attack submarine force is going down to a low of 42 submarines. We don't get back to where we need to be to get anywhere close to the Chinese until 2050. Now, what happens in the meantime when the Chinese now surpass us, have that strategic advantage? And I would argue, when the Chinese have that strategic advantage, it will embolden them. They will look at this as an opportunity to say: Wow. The United States is really not committed to a naval presence in this area of the world. We are not only going to express that naval dominance in our territorial waters, but we are going to even move out into the South China Sea, move into the Pacific, into the Indian Ocean, even the Atlantic Ocean. We look at how they are spreading their influence and presence today. It is all over the world, folks. So our signal that we are sending to them, saying, ``Hey, we are just not going to build submarines; we are going to retire them faster than we are building them,'' has an impact. And it gets exacerbated when we have continuing resolutions or we don't make the commitment necessary that comes with getting appropriations bills passed on time. This puts us at a strategic disadvantage. If you add, now, attack submarines with ballistic missile submarines--which, by the way, we are starting down the road to build the replacement for our Ohio-class submarines that are the most important part of the nuclear triad, I believe, for this Nation--the delta gets even bigger, because it is going to be all we can do to build the replacement submarines for the Ohio-class. But what is happening is that the Chinese are building even more ballistic missile submarines. So if you add attack submarines and ballistic missile submarines, you have a number somewhere around 70 total submarines in 2020 that the Chinese will have. They, potentially, are building at a rate of five to six additional submarines each year, combined attack submarines and ballistic missile submarines, which would put them in the realm, by the time we get down in 2028, well above 100 total submarines, where we are going to be struggling with our reduction in submarines at 42 and just beginning to build the new ballistic missile submarine, and in an area where you hear from Admiral Harris the most requested asset in the United States military is the attack submarine. It is where we have dominance. It is where we are yielding dominance with just the Chinese. That doesn't even include the Russians, who have developed a very advanced ballistic missile submarine, the Severodvinsk class, that is an extraordinarily capable submarine. If we don't have attack submarines to keep up with their submarines, a nation that has a large stockpile in inventory of nuclear weapons that are deployed on submarines, then the question becomes: If you combine that with the Chinese, where does it leave this Nation? It leaves us with a strategic capability that is lacking in relation to our adversaries. And, folks, if you look at times in the history of the world where there have been conflicts between major powers, those conflicts have been a result of a major imbalance between those powers. If we allow this imbalance to continue because Congress goes down the road of continuing resolutions, which continues to erode the ability for us to deploy dollars to do things like build submarines, if we don't get past the sequester, which puts artificial reductions in our defense budget while, at the same time, our adversaries are increasing their efforts, we will find ourselves in that situation in the not too distant future where we say: How did we get here? How did we find ourselves in this strategic position where our adversaries now don't have to do a whole lot to surpass us, where we embolden our adversaries, where we put ourselves in the position where are adversaries say: It won't take much for us to take on the United States and do that successfully? That, I think, is the key of what we have to address. Mr. Speaker, I want to yield to my colleague from Pennsylvania for his perspective, because I think he has a very unique perspective not just on major powers, but specifically on where Russia plays in this. We talked about China, but I want to yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania to get his perspective on how this major power imbalance affects the United States' security, affects our strategic ability to deter our adversaries, and I would like to recognize his perspective. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Rothfus).

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Arizona, and I would like to ask that she maybe elaborate a little bit more. I think the gentlewoman brings up a great point about the impact on the Air Force, with Luke Air Force Base being there in her district, and the impact on airmen, the impact on the job that they do. I would love to have her share a little bit more about the conversations that I know she has had a lot with members of the military back in her district, but especially there at Luke Air Force Base, maybe elaborate a little bit more on the specific impacts that they deal with on a daily basis there at Luke Air Force Base.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the body and my colleagues for joining me today in highlighting the negative impact that continuing resolutions have on our Nation's military, on our national security, and on how this Nation addresses the challenges in our military. In fact, Mr. Speaker, I would argue that, if you were to come up with a way not to run a government, if you were to come up with a way not to run a business, you would come up with a continuing resolution. We know how problematic those continuing resolutions are for this Nation. They damage our military readiness. They damage us being able to make long-term decisions. They put our sailors, our marines, our soldiers, and our airmen at risk. This is not the way for this Nation to do business. Yet, year after year after year, we find ourselves without appropriations bills being done on time. We find ourselves facing government shutdowns. We find ourselves passing continuing resolutions in order to continue government operations. This is not the way for us to conduct this Nation's business. It is not what our military needs. It is not what we must do to make sure there is certainty in the future for what this Nation must do under Article I, Section 8 of our Constitution. I have been asked by a number of folks why we need to spend these dollars on our Nation's military, especially to you, Rob Wittman, because you are a fiscal hawk. Tell us why the spending is necessary. Well, I can say this: We have been through, now, almost 8 years of the continuing resolution facade that is brought to us under the guise of sequestration. The Budget Control Act of 2011 was supposed to be the avenue to make the tough decisions on spending in this body. Yet, that didn't happen. And here we are, facing these automatic budgets cuts every year for our Nation's military. Instead of making those tough decisions or setting the sequester aside, we find ourselves in a situation where, each year, it is another continuing resolution. I would argue that this is absolutely avoidable. It is avoidable by this body making decisions on time to get appropriations bills passed out of the House, get all those done prior to this body going home for August recess. I want to make sure that those things get done. I have come to the realization, too, that this body has a variety of choices. It can make the choice to properly fund our Nation's military. It can make the choice to get appropriations bills done on time. It can make the choice to avoid this. I would argue that, in order to become a more effective and efficient government, these choices have to be made. I would argue that it is actually Members of Congress who should suffer the consequences if these decisions aren't made on time. That is, if all 12 appropriations bill aren't done out of the House, I think Members should have to stay in town until it is done. I think we shouldn't get to go home on August recess until all 12 appropriations bills are done. Our men and women in the military are required to do the job on time, and it is a performance standard. They don't get to go on leave unless the mission is accomplished. It should be the same for Members of Congress. It is also about making priority decisions, Mr. Speaker. Look at what this body has to do, and we absolutely have to perform our constitutional duty. We have to get appropriations bills done to fund our military. We have to make sure we do that in context of also addressing the deficit and the debt. I would make arguments that we have seen that situation the last several years where it is a matter of priorities. It is a matter of looking at getting both things done, but doing that in a timeframe. If you look at what a homeowner might face, let's say a homeowner owns a two-story home and they find themselves in this situation. They find themselves, as they drive up the driveway, knowing that their house has termites rife through the foundation, knowing that before they got home. But as they pull up in the driveway, they find that the second floor of their home is on fire. Now, that homeowner, we know, is going to make a priority decision, like everybody else, and say: Well, what am I going to do? Am I going to put the second floor fire out, or am I going to address the termites? Well, everybody knows they are going to put the fire out on the second floor. They are going to call the fire department. They are going to do everything they can to address the significance and the priority of the situation that they face in front of them. Then they will make sure that they call the pest exterminator to come in and get rid of the termites. That is the same situation this Congress finds itself in, to make sure that we take care of the most pressing issue before us as a priority. That is funding our Nation's military, restoring readiness, stopping continuing resolutions, making decisions on appropriations on time, getting that done before the end of the fiscal year so we don't have to do a continuing resolution. But it doesn't in any way, shape, or form change the scenario that we face with the termites in the foundation. The termites in the foundation of this Nation are our deficit and our debt, and those things, too, must be done. They are also a priority, just not quite as immediate as restoring military readiness, as bringing in the fire department to put out the second floor fire. For us, the analogy to the fire department is us getting our job done on time, because there is immediacy to that. There is that requirement that we take on the lack of military readiness in this Nation, the challenges that we face. It is not coming just from this body, Mr. Speaker. It is coming from Secretary James Mattis. In January of this year, Secretary Mattis said this: As hard as the last 16 years have been, no enemy in the field has done more to harm the readiness of the U.S. military than the combined impact of the Budget Control Act's defense spending cuts and operating under continuing resolutions. Those two, added together, create the situation we find ourselves in today. Mr. Speaker, don't think that our adversaries don't look at that and chuckle a little bit and say this is an entirely avoidable situation. This is a situation that the United States has put itself in, that Congress has put itself in. Don't think that our adversaries haven't taken advantage of that. Don't think that China doesn't look at this and go: Wow, here is our chance to catch up. Here is our chance to put resources in the right places to gain on the technological front. In addition to what they steal from us, they also take advantage of this disparity in what we are not doing to rebuild this Nation's military readiness and use this opportunity not only to catch up with us but, in many areas, to surpass us. The same with Russia. While Russia's economy is much smaller, when we mark time, when we stop making progress in rebuilding our Nation's military, when we don't properly fund training, when we don't properly maintain the equipment that we have, it gives our adversaries an advantage. Don't think that Russia hasn't taken the same advantage of this situation to not only catch up and, in other areas, surpass us, even with the small economy that they have. The same with North Korea, the same with Iran, the same with anybody out there that is looking to gain an advantage over the United States. These continuing resolutions that have happened over the past 9 or 10 years have left us in that situation, where we have allowed training to atrophy. We have seen that manifest itself in military units not having the joint training opportunities that they need to have the skills necessary, so that, if we call them into action, they can go with the full scope of abilities to take on any challenge that they may face. We have an obligation as a Nation to make sure that they have the best training and the best opportunities available, to make sure that they can face their adversaries, that they can fight to victory, and that they can come home safe. We owe them nothing less than that. Continuing resolutions take resources away from that. They create uncertainty for military leaders to know: Will I have the resources to put in place the training? Will I have the simple elements of training? Will I have the fuel? Will I have the ammunition to make sure that it is a meaningful training exercise? Those things are lacking when you have a continuing resolution. The automatic budget cuts that come from sequester also add to that. When you look at our military hardware and look at the time that it needs to be maintained to make sure it is in working order, so that when our men and women in the military need it, when we ask them to go into harm's way, they have systems that work, they have systems that function at the highest level to make sure that they are successful. If we skip maintenance availabilities, if we skip the time necessary, if we delay maintenance, we place risk right there in the hands of our soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. We have seen, over the past 10 years, our force structure rapidly diminishing. We see our force structure in the Navy going from 11 carriers down to nine carriers. That is going to happen over the next 30 years because we haven't made the commitment to make sure that we are building carriers faster than we are retiring them. We also have to make sure that we are maintaining those ships. That, too, lends itself to problems--ships having to be in port longer when we do maintain them because more things have gone wrong, because we have missed maintenance opportunities. Our attack submarine force structure is going to be reduced by 20 percent over the next 10 years while, at the same time, our adversaries are building more submarines. They have submarines with greater capabilities. We are missing an opportunity there to do what we need to do as a Nation. I want to make sure that we are doing those things, and I am going to talk a little bit later on about the specifics about where just the Chinese are surpassing our capabilities there within the submarine realm. We have superiority in the undersea world, but it doesn't come automatically. It doesn't come without commitment. It doesn't come without investment. Those things absolutely have to happen, Mr. Speaker, in the years to come and, I would argue, not just the years to come, in the days to come, as we look at the National Defense Authorization Act that, hopefully, will come up tomorrow in the conference report for this body to pass, as well as an appropriations bill that will come up that, hopefully, we will get passed here. If not, we will face more continuing resolutions. Now, I know my colleagues who are here with me today express the same reservations about the impact of continuing resolutions. I am honored to have with us today the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Lesko), and I yield to the gentlewoman for her perspective on what impacts continuing resolutions have on this Nation.