Robert Wittman

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Col. Wes Fox. Col. Fox enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1950 at the start of the Korean War to begin his 43-year career. Wes served 16 years as a noncommissioned officer before commissioning as a second lieutenant and retiring as a colonel. Col. Fox valiantly served the nation and became a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam. He led his men through heavy fire, even picking up the weapon of a Marine killed in action, to continue fighting the enemy. Col. Fox sustained severe injuries from shrapnel, continued to lead his Marines, and called in air support. After the battle was over, Fox refused medical treatment, set up and supervised a defensive perimeter, and remained until all the Marines were evacuated. According to his Medal of Honor citation, ``his indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger inspired his Marines to such aggressive actions that they overcame all enemy resistance and destroyed a large bunker complex.'' Col. Fox retired from the Marines in 1993 with decorations including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After retirement, Col Fox served as the Deputy Commandant of First Battalion in the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech. Col. Fox authored two books: ``Marine Rifleman: Forty-Three Years in the Corps (Memories of War)'' and ``Six Essential Elements of Leadership: Marine Corps Wisdom from a Medal of Honor Recipient.'' I am honored to have known Wes and to have served as a witness to the countless lives he touched through his selfless service and leadership. He is survived by his wife, Dottie; three daughters; four brothers; four sisters; and nine grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me and countless others as we recognize the many contributions of Colonel Wesley L. Fox.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Col. Wes Fox. Col. Fox enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1950 at the start of the Korean War to begin his 43-year career. Wes served 16 years as a noncommissioned officer before commissioning as a second lieutenant and retiring as a colonel. Col. Fox valiantly served the nation and became a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam. He led his men through heavy fire, even picking up the weapon of a Marine killed in action, to continue fighting the enemy. Col. Fox sustained severe injuries from shrapnel, continued to lead his Marines, and called in air support. After the battle was over, Fox refused medical treatment, set up an supervised a defensive perimeter, and remained until all the Marines were evacuated. According to his Medal of Honor citation, ``his indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger inspired his Marines to such aggressive actions that they overcame all enemy resistance and destroyed a large bunker complex.'' Col. Fox retired from the Marines in 1993 with decorations including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After retirement, Col. Fox served as the Deputy Commandant of First Battalion in the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech. Col. Fox authored two books: ``Marine Rifleman: Forty-Three Years in the Corps (Memories of War)'' and ``Six Essential Elements of Leadership: Marine Corps Wisdom from a Medal of Honor Recipient.'' I am honored to have known Wes and to have served as a witness to the countless lives he touched through his selfless service and leadership. He is survived by his wife, Dottie; three daughters; four brothers; four sisters; and nine grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me and countless others as we recognize the many contributions of Colonel Wesley L. Fox.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Mason family on their service to the Circuit Court of King George County, Virginia. For the past 100 years, a Mason has served as the Circuit Court Clerk. Charles ``Vic'' Mason is the current Clerk and the third generation to hold the position. In addition to serving as Clerk, Vic is the co-founder of the non- profit, Some Gave All Foundation, which honors members of the military that have lost their lives protecting our freedom. Vic and his wife, Christine, lost their son, Nicholas, while he was serving in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in thanking the Masons for their continued service to King George County.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize those men and women who continue to serve this great Nation with honor--men such as Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Jake Ferrari, United States Navy. For the past year, LCDR Ferrari, affectionately known in my office as ``Snake,'' served on my staff as a Congressional Defense Fellow. A 2004 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, LCDR Ferrari is a proud Surface Warfare Officer who served onboard USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), USS Tarawa (LHA-1), USS Milius (DDG 69), and USS Cape St. George (CG 71). During his assignment in my office, LCDR Ferrari provided senior- level input for defense, veterans, foreign affairs and intelligence matters. Additionally, he executed his work as a liaison to the constituents of Virginia's First Congressional District with distinction. Furthermore, LCDR Ferrari provided exceptional support to me as a staff liaison to the House Armed Services Committee in my role as the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Chairman. The year 2017 proved to be a pivotal time for the Navy's surface community, highlighted by the tragic collisions of the USS Fitzgerald and USS McCain. In response, LCDR Ferrari dutifully provided me with guidance on what the Navy's path forward should be in critical areas such as training, readiness, and manning. His recent experience in the surface community was invaluable to my work in Congress. As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus, the Co- Chair of the Navy-Marine Corps Caucus, and the Chairman of the United States Naval Academy's Board of Visitors, I relied on LCDR Ferrari to organize quarterly events with government, military, and private sector leaders. These events allowed key decisionmakers to work together for the advancement of our future Naval Officers as well as the construction and repair of the ships on which they will serve. LCDR Ferrari also directly contributed to my goal of providing excellent constituent service to the people of the First District. He was responsible for bringing numerous constituent inquiries to a successful conclusion, and he leveraged his personal and operational experience in the Navy to respond to the most challenging inquiries. In addition to his efforts locally, LCDR Ferrari took on projects with regional, state, and national implications, demonstrating his ability to view a challenge from many angles and develop innovative solutions. Specifically, LCDR Ferrari served as my direct liaison to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the aftermath of the damage caused by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. His diligent communication and coordination with FEMA benefitted many of my constituents with family residing in Puerto Rico. LCDR Ferrari's work ethic, duty to mission, and commitment to servant leadership is without equal. I believe that his personal drive to achieve excellence in his work has and will set a very high standard for his peers. I would also like to thank LCDR Ferrari for the service and sacrifice he has made, and continues to make, both for our Nation and our great Navy. His keen sense of honor, impeccable integrity, boundless work ethic, and loyal devotion to duty earned him the respect and admiration of my staff and the First District of Virginia. I have no doubt that LCDR Ferrari will continue to serve the Navy honorably and with distinction. I wish Jake, his wife Laura, and their children Lilly, Jack, Lucy, and Eleanor the best of luck as they continue their journey together as a Navy family. It was an honor and a pleasure having him serve on my staff We all can sleep soundly at night knowing that members of our all-volunteer force like Jake stand ready to defend our country and take the fight to our enemies; far away from their families and the comforts of the United States of America. I thank LCDR Jake Ferrari for doing a fantastic job. Best of luck to him and may God bless him, his family, and all the Sailors he is charged with leading.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mulberry Baptist Church, of Emmerton, Virginia, on their 150th anniversary. The church was organized in 1868 when David Veney led a group of African-American worshippers to secure letters of proper dismissal and leave Jerusalem Baptist Church to organize a church. David Veney went on to become the first pastor and donated an acre of land for the first building. Mulberry Baptist has been led by 12 pastors in its 150 year history. Through the years, Mulberry has provided a quality Christian foundation for young people who moved from Richmond County upon completing their public school education. Currently, Mulberry has a congregation of approximately 275 members consisting of craftsmen, entrepreneurs, civil servants, doctors, ministers, and educators with weekly worship. Mr. Speaker, I pray for Christ's guidance as the congregation comes together in His name and fellowship. May God always bless Mulberry Baptist Church as they continue to spread Christ's word and remain a light within the community.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018. This bill fully funds our Armed Forces, increases troop end-strength, and sets in earnest the modernization of our military and ensures that our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are properly compensated for the sacrifices they make for a grateful nation on a daily basis. In my role as the Seapower and Projection Forces chairman, I vowed months ago to set the conditions for the Navy to grow to 355 ships, in accordance with the Navy's own force structure assessment. I am proud to say that this bill sends the signal to our Navy, the industrial base, and our adversaries that a 355-ship Navy is not just a theoretical idea, but rather an achievable reality. The bill expands on the eight ships requested by the administration by adding an additional five ships. The bill also recommends additional advanced procurement for the Virginia-class attack submarines, while fully funding the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program. As to aircraft, the bill fully funds the B-21 Raider bomber program, a critical component of the future nuclear triad. This bill also recommends an expansion of KC-46A aerial refuelers, C- 130J airlift, and P-8 submarine aircraft. Finally, the bill delivers expanded authorities that will save the taxpayers billions of dollars. Now, some of our colleagues have suggested that our defense budget is excessive and that additional moneys should be provided towards other efforts. Mr. Speaker, this thought is not only misguided, but it is dangerous. We have a constitutional responsibility to provide for the common defense of our Nation. We will not shrink from that responsibility, and I hope none of my colleagues undermine the efforts to deliver the $634 billion base moneys that are required for our national security. Finally, I want to recognize Ranking Member Joe Courtney. He has been and continues to be a true partner in ensuring the Seapower and Projection Forces of our Nation are properly resourced. I do not think that we would be anywhere close to delivering the 355-ship Navy or providing for our Air Force's deep-strike capability without his steadfast resolve and sincere efforts to realize bipartisan solutions. Mr. Speaker, I also want to reflect that with the chairman and the ranking member and their leadership, and 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 honor Mr. Robert Skewes upon his retirement from 48\1/2\ years of honorable service to the United States Coast Guard, and this great nation. Mr. Skewes has served as the Chief, Office of Work-Life, within the Coast Guard's Health, Safety, and Work-Life Directorate, under the direction of the Assistant Commandant of Human Resources. In this role he established work-life policy and interpreted program standards for Coast Guard-wide implementation of a myriad of individual and family support services. These services included health promotion, food services, employee assistance, critical incident stress management, transition relocation assistance, personal financial management, adoption reimbursement, child and elder care, special needs for family members, family advocacy, addiction and substance abuse prevention, and sexual assault prevention including response. Mr. Skewes is a 1973 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy. He began his Coast Guard career as an Engineering Officer and Damage Control Assistant aboard the USCG Cutter Hamilton in Boston, Massachusetts. Following a tour at the Coast Guard Headquarters Office of Research and Development, and postgraduate training at the University of Michigan, he was assigned to the Third Coast Guard District Merchant Marine Technical Branch at Governor's Island, New York, where he reviewed commercial vessel plans and specifications. In 1983, he was assigned to the Marine Inspection Office in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he served as a Marine Inspector and Investigator, Administrative Officer, and Training Officer. From 1987 to 1990, Mr. Skewes was an instructor and Assistant Chief, Marine Safety Schools, at the Reserve Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia, where he was instrumental in the development and review of all marine safety program resident training. He served as the Executive Officer of the Marine Safety Office in Providence, RI, from 1990 to 1993, and as the Commanding Officer of the Marine Safety Office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from 1993 to 1995. From 1995 to 1999, as the Chief of the Office of Operating and Environmental Standards at Coast Guard Headquarters, Mr. Skewes was responsible for coordinating the development of international and domestic standards for personnel, vessels, facilities, hazardous materials, and environmental issues, and the activities of five industry Federal Advisory Committees. From 1999 to 2003, he served as the Chief, Office of Work-Life, the same position he currently holds. In July 2003, Mr. Skewes retired as a Captain following a 30-year career in the Coast Guard. From July 2003 to June 2007, he served as the Chief, Shore Safety Division within the Office of Safety and Environmental Health, at Coast Guard Headquarters, where he managed programs that focused on the safety concerns of personnel and their dependents that work and live at Coast Guard shore facilities as well as related safety concerns of personnel assigned to afloat units and aviation facilities. In this capacity, he provided oversight for a myriad of programs including risk management, emergency preparedness and response (including occupant emergency plans), traffic safety (including motor vehicles, motorcycles and trailering), fire prevention and safety, recreational safety, personal risk management and systems safety. Mr. Skewes has a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and a Masters Degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, from the University of Michigan. He also has a Bachelor's Degree in Ocean Science from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Frederick Spencer Crittenden, a resident of Virginia's First District, who passed away on September 27, 2017. Fred was a graduate of Syringa High School and Randolph-Macon College, where he is a distinguished alumnus. He played minor league baseball for the Orlando Senators before being drafted into the United States Air Force to serve this great nation. After his service, Fred was a player, coach, and manager of the Deltaville ``Deltas'' baseball team. He started the Middlesex Baseball League for boys serving as the organizations first president. Fred and his father ran T.H. Crittenden & Son, Riverdale Farm where they raised hogs, cattle, vegetables, and grain. He went on to start a purebred Duroc Swine herd and found the Virginia Purebred Livestock International promoting the swine industry in Virginia and globally. Fred was inducted into the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame. Fred made an impact on the community serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Deltaville Civic Association, Middlesex County School Board, Middlesex County Board of Supervisors, Middlesex County Social Security Services board, and the Airport Committee. Fred is survived by his wife, Jane; daughter, Susan; sons, Thomas and Gerald; eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Fred's life and his service to Virginia.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Cedell Brooks, a citizen of King George County and Virginia's First District, on his retirement from the King George County Board of Supervisors. Mr. Brooks has served his community well for decades. Mr. Brooks began his career in public service as the youngest African American to be elected to a County Board of Supervisors in the Commonwealth. Mr. Brooks leadership and service continued throughout his career on the Board with many important community projects including: the establishment of Shiloh Park recreational facility, relocation of a landfill to Sealston, construction of Fire and Rescue Company #I in Courthouse and Company #3 in Fairview Beach, in addition to overseeing the establishment of Sealston Elementary School, King George Elementary School, and King George High School. Mr. Brooks also helped the County Fire and Rescue Department transition to a full-time force to better serve the community. During his tenure, Mr. Brooks served as the Chairman of the King George County Board of Supervisors five times, and as a member of the King George County's Social Services' Board for 20 years. I would like to thank Mr. Brooks for his many contributions throughout his 26 year career. I wish him, his wife Carolyn, and daughter Cayla, the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the sad news that Colonel Jim Brown, a resident of Fredericksburg, Virginia passed away on August 30, 2017. Col. Brown graduated from Annandale High School in 1956 and went on to graduate from Virginia Tech with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1960. Col. Brown served 30 years in the Army Reserves, retiring in 1991. Col. Brown dedicated his career to public service, spending much of his career working with electric power systems ensuring power supply adequacy and reliability, in addition to restoring systems after storms and earthquakes. Jim served as the Department of Virginia President of the Reserve Officers Association, Region IV Commander as well as Department of Virginia Commander of the Military Order of the World Wars. I have had the pleasure of working with Jim on the Fredericksburg Veterans Council for the past 8 years. Jim is survived by his wife, June; children, James and Julie; and three grandchildren, Joshua, Victoria, and Michael. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me and countless others as we recognize the many contributions of Colonel Jim Brown.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the passing of Mr. Joe Curry. Mr. Curry passed peacefully at his home in Lancaster County recently at the age of 84. He is survived by his two sons and three daughters. Mr. Curry was a well-respected figure in the community. Born in the Depression, Mr. Curry experienced many things in life. He served as a Marine during the Korean War, started and ran a thriving crab steaming business, and later Curry Pottery, to which many in the community including myself, would stop by to say hello and seek his counsel on local issues. Mr. Curry was known as a great community leader, whether it was serving on the Northern Neck Planning District Commission, the Bay Aging Board or the Lancaster County Economic Development Authority. However, Mr. Curry's figure as a community leader went well beyond the various Boards and Commissions he served on. His true passion was helping the needy, and one of his favorite charities was the Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Curry was recognized for his charitable work in the Commonwealth, receiving numerous awards from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Kiwanis Club, and Rotary International. With that said, Joe Curry will be remembered most for his gracious heart and tireless work towards racial reconciliation. I am grateful to have known Mr. Curry and thankful for his words of wisdom and support over the years. Mr. Curry will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Virginia and the Nation sends its greatest gratitude for his service in the U.S. Marine Corps and in his community.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize William J. ``Bill'' Howell for 30 years of distinguished public service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Mr. Howell served in the Virginia General Assembly since 1988, and presided over the chamber as Speaker of the House of Delegates since 2003. During his tenure, Speaker Howell championed the issues important to his constituents of Stafford and Fredericksburg and on behalf of all Virginians. As the second longest serving Speaker in the House of Delegates, Mr. Howell embodied the characteristics of a true Virginia Statesmen. Among other issues, Mr. Howell will be remembered for reforming the Virginia Retirement System and leading the first transportation funding overhaul in 27 years. Speaker Howell recognized the importance of the Chesapeake Bay and was a strong advocate for historical preservation and conservation efforts. Under Speaker Howell, Virginia's Rainy Day Fund is on track to exceed $1 billion by the end of the next budget cycle. In 2013, Speaker Howell was named ``Legislator of the Year'' by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and one of Governing Magazine's 2013 Public Officials of the Year. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Speaker Bill Howell on his dedication to serving the Commonwealth of Virginia and wishing him best wishes in his future endeavors.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department and their efforts in the community in hosting the Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department Carnival. This year marks the 82 year anniversary of what some Virginians recognize as the longest continually operating summer carnival in the state. For generations, the Carnival has represented the premier event of the summer in the Northern Neck for children of all ages. Whether it is riding ``Big Eli'' or enjoying some of the famous hot dogs, this community jewel provides for many throughout the Northern Neck a chance to come together and celebrate time with family and friends. I want to thank the Kilmarnock Fire Department for their tireless work in keeping this event running since 1935. I also, would like to thank the over 200 volunteers it takes each night to run the Carnival.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dr. Arnett Rogiers on his retirement from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs after 15 years of faithful service to our country in addition to his 20 years of honorable service in the United States Marine Corps. An esteemed and respected member of the Federal Civil Service, Dr. Rogiers most recently served as a supervisory procurement resource specialist and program analyst. In this capacity, he oversaw and led a select team responsible for refining requirements for multi- million dollar contracting actions within the Strategic Acquisition Center for the Department of Veterans Affairs. His efforts have helped thousands of disabled veterans through assisting in awarding contracts that directly benefitted their medical care and well-being. Dr. Rogiers' distinguished career began when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1974. He began his Marine career as an engineer equipment operator, transitioned to become a military policeman, was also a Marine recruiter, and eventually served as a Utilities Construction Chief. He has served in California, Hawaii, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina and overseas in the Middle East during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He retired as a Gunnery Sergeant after 20 years in 1994. Dr. Rogiers continued his selfless devotion to serving his country as a Federal civil servant first with the U.S. Marshals Service filling the role of a contract specialist and contract officer. He then worked for the U.S. Army Contracting Agency as a senior contract specialist, and taking a promotion in the Federal Communications Commission, he ably served as the Chief of Contracts and Purchasing. Most recently, Dr. Rogiers has tirelessly devoted his energies for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a supervisory procurement resource specialist and program analyst for the Strategic Acquisition Center in Fredericksburg, Virginia. In his spare time, he has attained three Master's Degrees, in Public Administration, Religion, and Divinity and also a Doctorate of Pastoral Leadership. His intent is to lead a congregation in Florida as he and his wife move to the Sunshine State. As Dr. Rogiers 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 recently made to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. 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 and congratulate Captain Todd Flannery on his retirement from the United States Navy after 28 years of faithful service to our country. An esteemed and respected member of the U.S. Navy, Captain Flannery most recently served as the Director of the Navy's U.S. House of Representatives Liaison Office. In this capacity, he oversaw and led countless congressional and staff delegations to naval installations throughout the United States and the world. These trips helped members and their staffs achieve a greater understanding of the issues facing our Navy and its sailors from all over the world. CAPT Flannery's distinguished career began at the United States Naval Academy where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science. He would later go on to earn his ``wings of gold'' and qualify as a Naval Aviator in 1990. CAPT Flannery accumulated 2,770 flight hours in the SH-3H, SH-60F, HH-60H, MH-60S, and the MH-53E. He commanded the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment, Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron FIFTEEN, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron FIFTEEN, and Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic. On shore duty, CAPT Flannery completed high-profile jobs within the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's office, Flag Aide to the Director of Air Warfare, and as a community detailer at the Navy's Personnel Command. CAPT Flannery's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (with individual action), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards including one Combat Distinguishing Device), Army Commendation Medal and other personal, campaign, and service ribbons. As CAPT Flannery 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 include in the Record the following statement on behalf of my constituent, Mr. Steve Chill, on the Marine Corps Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle. Blowing the Whistle on a Whistleblower: The Real MRAP Story (By Steve Chill) There is a perception that the Marine Corps was negligent in providing armored vehicle support for the warfighters in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). This purported negligence was centered on the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle effort, but negligence accusations extended to other equipment. These perceptions about Marine Corps negligence surrounding the MRAP efforts reflect ignorance of the facts. The negligence story was largely fabricated by a whistleblower and drew the interest of the press. The perceptions were also drawn from a DODIG report, the conclusions of which are based on incomplete information, and a Marine Corps that failed to adequately explain the truth with supporting evidence. The study ``Blowing the Whistle on a Whistleblower: The Real MRAP Story'' is a refutation of previous works dealing with the aforementioned MRAP accusations. This study explains what occurred and provides the evidence necessary (including hundreds of emails) to disprove the allegations of negligence. The author was in a unique position to observe the events incorrectly described. This study corrects the record about the Marine Corps' fabricated negligence. It also provides a means to understand the real lessons on support to operations in Iraq. There are two series of events associated with MRAP: the Marine Corps effort providing armored vehicles and the portrayal of this effort. Providing armored vehicles: The term ``Hejlik UUNS'' will be used for the Feb 2005 I MEF MRAP Urgent Universal Needs Statement (UUNS). ``An UUNS is an immediate request from units that are deployed to or are awaiting imminent deployment to a combat theater. The UUNS is a request for a capability that, if not filled, places the accomplishment of the unit's mission in jeopardy or unduly increases the risk of casualties'' (MARADMIN 045/06). The Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) decided to provide m1114 (armored HMMWVs or Humvees) as the material solution covering the Hejlik UUNS. The Executives of the Marine Corps were involved in this decision. The Hejlik UUNS was reduced to an UNS (Universal Needs Statement-not Urgent), removing it from further executive consideration and from the itinerary of the dozens of flag officer commands that were responsible for it. No Marine Corps command continued pursuing the UUNS. There was an absence of action (due to an absence of demand) between the removal of MRAP from consideration in August of 2005 until May of 2006 when I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) (in Iraq) submitted a brand new UUNS for 185 armored vehicles. A subsequent submission for 1000 MRAP brought the total requirement to 1,185 which the Marine Corps pursued in the DOD and in Congress. The portrayal: Franz Gayl, a whistleblower, created his first whistleblower brief in March of 2007. It was not MRAP focused and only one slide (of 31 slides) focused on MRAP. Gayl, despite scant firsthand knowledge about MRAP needs, became the ``MRAP whistleblower''. Gayl published his study in Jan 2008 prompting the DOD Inspector General (DODIG) to investigate MRAP. Both the study and the DODIG report were flawed. Senator Biden, in conjunction with Gayl, established the ``Marine Corps negligence'' story in the mainstream press. The simple facts concerning the MRAP need are enough to dispel the MRAP negligence falsehoods. A summary of the facts is as follows: Marine forces in combat drive the initiation of urgent new capabilities by submitting UUNS. These forces may be regarded as ``the customer'' that drives the rest of the support system. If the customer does not want it, it is not deployed. If deployed Marines do not ask, they do not receive. Over the period of decades before the 2005 Hejlik UUNS, several mid-level Marines noted the effectiveness of MRAP- type vehicles and wrote several articles/papers about them. They did not convince their leadership to take action, nor did they aggressively pursue MRAP-type vehicle purchases. The rest of the combat development community did not develop a need for MRAPs. Other Services, the Joint community, the DOD, and other civilian organizations that are not Marine Combat Developers could have developed MRAP-type vehicle needs and did not. In February 2005, BGen Hejlik (I MEF) submitted an UUNS for 1,169 MRAPs. That UUNS was received by most major support commands. The need was immediate and there were significant concerns about material availability and manufacturing ability. The UUNS was briefed at the Marine Corps Executive Safety Board (ESB-March 05) and the Marine Corps Executive Off-Site (EOS-May 05). Between the two briefs, the entirety of the Marine Corps Executive body was briefed and considered MRAP- type vehicles. This included the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC). CMC selected the m1114 (armored HMMWVs) with advice from his Executives and with the full knowledge of the Hejlik UUNS. The CMC decision to answer the 2005 Hejlik UUNS with m1114s effectively ended the urgent status of the 2005 Hejlik UUNS. A key point is that I MEF (Fwd) in Iraq was asking for m1114s as a solution for the Hejlik UUNS. M1114 procurement was a decision supported by the MEFs in (or going to) Iraq. Marine Executives continued to be briefed on the Hejlik UUNS through August 2005. In August of 2005 Marine Executives ended consideration of the Hejlik UUNS as the m1114 decision by CMC was implemented. Over ten other senior Marine Corps Commands with MRAP decision responsibilities also ended their considerations. These commands did not simultaneously ``lose'' or ``bury'' the request as has been falsely insinuated by Gayl and the press. The 2005 Hejlik UUNS was downgraded to an UNS which changed the status of MRAPs away from a critical need by a Commander involved in operations to save lives. The reduction to an UNS placed MRAP in the regular combat development process with other trucks where it continued to be considered by Systems Command as a potential vehicle solution for future needs. Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) reflected this reduction in its UUNS tracker and reflected the 2005 Hejlik UUNS as complete. The reduction to a regular UNS shows that the need was no longer required by the forces in Iraq to prevent undue increases in casualties. II MEF (2005-2006 deployment), in Iraq, did not pursue the 2005 Hejlik UUNS or any different request for MRAPs. I MEF (2006-2007 deployment), in its prioritized listings before deployment neither listed MRAP as a priority nor as a need at all. The forces in combat or going to combat simply were not requesting MRAPs during this timeframe. The entire combat development community to include the MEFs, MARFORs, Advocates and Executives regarded the Hejlik UUNS as resolved and reduced to an UNS. The DODIG would later incorrectly summarize BGen Hejlik's assertion that the UUNS was reduced as a fabrication. A separate Marine Corps I.G. of I MEF (Fwd) that concluded in May of 2006 found no documented need for MRAP. I MEF (Fwd) did nothing to indicate any existing MRAP UUNS during this I.G. once again indicating an absence of demand. I MEF had the opportunity to identify a MRAP need (new or old) to the Marine Corps I.G. and did not do so. The I.G. process allowed for review by CG I MEF (Fwd) and yet there was still no MRAP demand. This is evidence that I MEF was not pursuing MRAPs at this time. Approximately nine months after Hejlik UUNS removal from MROC consideration, I MEF (back in Iraq) submitted a new UUNS for 185 vehicles (May 2006). The name requested was not MRAP. The number requested was not 1,169 (the number requested in the Hejlik UUNS). Combat developers pressured I MEF to ask for more vehicles and to submit for joint funding. I MEF initially refused to ask for more than 185. There is no logic in Gayl's or the DODIG's contention that I MEF simultaneously wanted 1,169 MRAPs, but also did not want more than 185 MRAPs. The fact is that the Hejlik UUNS was satisfied by the provision of m1114 and was no longer an active urgent request. Eventually I MEF submitted a second request for 1000 more vehicles (July 2006), this time calling them MRAP. Starting in May 2006 the Marine Corps supporting establishment, to include MCCDC, diligently processed and worked the new request even before it was officially submitted. Congress was briefed. Marine Corps leadership, up to and including the CMC, advocated for MRAP. Testing of different MRAP-type vehicles from different companies occurred in 2006. Budget issues were worked for MRAP. The program office was created and MRAP became the Marine Corps' number 1 priority. Congress and DOD leadership were supportive of Marine efforts. A contract was awarded for 200 vehicles in Feb of 2007 with the intent of fielding capability immediately. The Marine Corps MRAP need was considered to be over 800 with expectations of a higher number required. That expectation was realized as the joint requirement in Feb 2007 grew to almost 7,000 vehicles. The MRAP program was recommended for ``high priority'' status. In May 2007 SECDEF Gates finally designated MRAP as the number one DOD priority. The Marine Corps was accused of negligence, and did not sufficiently battle these scurrilous accusations. The effort (and success) in smearing the Marine Corps is summarized below. In 2007, while the Marine Corps was in combat, Gayl was fabricating a case against the Marine Corps. He stated that it was only a case against Quantico, but those who understand the Marine Corps also understand that combat development is a Corps-wide effort. Gayl's study reflects his inadequately developed or erroneous beliefs. Most of his important points are incorrect. Others are fabricated. Despite the myriad of inaccuracies, Gayl's study was perceived as credible. A further repudiation of the Gayl study may be developed in a review of the actions of the Advocates. The Marine Corps developed a system of Advocacy to support the deployed forces. The ``Advocates'' act as a type of lawyer, ensuring the deployed forces' (MARFOR and MEFs) requests (including UUNS) are handled appropriately. The cover page from Gayl's study cites his whistleblower credential as the ``GCE Advocate S&T Advisor''. Advocate responsibilities are delineated in order and directive and are also included on the cover page of every UUNS. The Advocate (including Gayl) has sole responsibility for several UUNS steps and is a contributor for many others. Gayl's critique of the Marine Corps is either a criticism of his own job performance . . . or his critique is fatally flawed (the latter is actually the case). The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps asked for a DODIG to look into the accusations in Gayl's study. The MRAP DODIG occurred over two years after the events it was investigating. Marines had rotated out of their billets and emails were deleted. The DODIG failed to uncover key evidence contradicting Gayl's claims. While the DODIG did not validate the great majority of Gayl's claims, it did not fully disprove his study. They were not as thorough as they should have been. The ``whistleblowing'' continued and on 14 May 2009 Gayl testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on the Whistleblower Protection Act. Gayl's study on MRAP was quoted for the record. Both the testimony and the study were flawed. In addition to the outright rejections, there were a series of documents proving that I MEF did not desire or pursue MRAPs beyond the provision of the m1114s. Despite having ample opportunity to manifest any sort of new MRAP requirement (or dissatisfaction with the m1114 solution) in several documents, the deployed forces and their parent commands did not once do so. This absence of requests is reflected in mandated reports. They all show an absence of any unprovided need from the Hejlik UUNS. The numerous official documents that did not identify an MRAP need reflect one thing: the absence of MRAP need. There was never any ``constant demand'' and the portrayal of a ``constant demand'' was a fabrication or outright lie. The press remains woefully ignorant of the Marine Corps combat development process yet, even today, feels comfortable criticizing portions of it. Gayl's thousands of errors were not scrutinized by the press. Gayl's accusations were sensational and received widespread coverage but the press did not believe it necessary to check Gayl's ``facts'' before reporting. The study ``Blowing the Whistle on a Whistleblower: The Real MRAP Story'' serves to contest the previous versions of events that disparaged the Corps' dealing with MRAP needs from 2005 to late 2006. The reputation of the Corps suffered as a result.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 410.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chair, I thank the distinguished gentleman for yielding, and I now look forward to entering into a discussion with Mr. Poliquin for the purpose of a colloquy.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chair, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman from Maine for working with the committee to improve the provision, while maintaining progress towards strengthening our fleet in the critical ballistic missile defense mission and capability. Your amendment helps us do just that, while ensuring that we maintain the health and critical skill workforces at our two proven vital destroyer shipbuilders, including Bath Iron Works in Maine.

Mr. WITTMAN. I yield to the gentleman from Maine.

Mr. WITTMAN. I yield to the gentleman from Maine.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Turner), my friend and colleague.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon), my friend and colleague.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment to strike a critical provision of this year's NDAA. I do share my colleague's concern for the current state of our U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker fleet. I do believe there are ways that we can address that issue, but I disagree with his proposed solution. To be clear, the National Defense Authorization Act authorizes funds for the Department of Defense. The U.S. Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security. This amendment seeks to take millions of dollars away from the Navy in the long term and shift it to the Coast Guard for their expenditures. Make no mistake about it: if this amendment passes, there is no stopping the Department of Homeland Security or any other agency from poaching enormous sums of our Defense Department budget in the future. Today it is Coast Guard icebreakers, and next year it may be the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research and survey vessels. The possibilities are endless; unfortunately, the funds are not. Mr. Chair, I would urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment to ensure that our Navy and Department of Defense funds are used only by the Navy and the Department of Defense. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

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.