Robert Wittman

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Brigadier General Wayne A. Wright for his 34 years of service to our nation and to congratulate him on his announced retirement. Brigadier General Wayne A. Wright retires as the Chief of Staff/Air Component Commander, Virginia Air National Guard, responsible for the command and control of 1,230 Virginia Air National Guard members, representing five organizations. Provided to the Governor and Adjutant General of Virginia, Air Guard military forces protect and defend the Commonwealth, and when activated to federal military duty, provide those same forces to the President of the United States. General Wright entered the United States Air Force and received his commission in 1981 after graduating from the University of South Carolina. He transitioned from active duty to the Georgia Air National Guard in 1992. General Wright has held various leadership and command positions at the squadron, group, wing and major command levels. His assignments involved operations and formal training of United States Air Force and allied Command and Control personnel. He also worked in the developmental and operational testing arena. General Wright is a Master Air Battle Manager with qualifications in six ground-based Command and Control systems including joint and allied systems. General Wright has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Force Commendation Medal (with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Service Star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short Tour, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Long Tour, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon (with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), and the Air Force Training Ribbon. Brigadier General Wright has excelled throughout his distinguished career and I am honored to pay tribute to this Airman. I thank Wayne's wife, Jeanette, and their daughter, Jessica and Son in-law, Jeremy along with their children, Noah and Haley as well as their son Justin and his wife Caitlin and also Kelly and Dawson for the many years they have supported Wayne while he served his country. I wish Wayne and Jeanette Godspeed, and continued happiness as they start a new chapter in their lives.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Brigadier General Wayne A. Wright for his 34 years of service to our nation and to congratulate him on his announced retirement. Brigadier General Wayne A. Wright retires as the Chief of Staff/Air Component Commander, Virginia Air National Guard, responsible for the command and control of 1,230 Virginia Air National Guard members, representing five organizations. Provided to the Governor and Adjutant General of Virginia, Air Guard military forces protect and defend the Commonwealth, and when activated to federal military duty, provide those same forces to the President of the United States. General Wright entered the United States Air Force and received his commission in 1981 after graduating from the University of South Carolina. He transitioned from active duty to the Georgia Air National Guard in 1992. General Wright has held various leadership and command positions at the squadron, group, wing and major command levels. His assignments involved operations and formal training of United States Air Force and allied Command and Control personnel. He also worked in the developmental and operational testing arena. General Wright is a Master Air Battle Manager with qualifications in six ground-based Command and Control systems including joint and allied systems. General Wright has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Force Commendation Medal (with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Service Star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short Tour, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Long Tour, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon (with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), and the Air Force Training Ribbon. Brigadier General Wright has excelled throughout his distinguished career and I am honored to pay tribute to this Airman. I thank Wayne's wife, Jeanette, and their daughter, Jessica and son in-law, Jeremy along with their children, Noah and Haley as well as their son Justin and his wife Caitlin for the many years they have supported Wayne while he served his country. I wish Wayne and Jeanette Godspeed, and continued happiness as they start a new chapter in their lives.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, when a crisis arises and American lives and interests are at risk, the first question decisionmakers ask is: Where are the carriers? An 11 aircraft carrier fleet is central to U.S. defense and diplomatic policy. A robust fleet of carriers makes Ronald Reagan's timeless adage of ``peace through strength'' possible. Recently, the USS Theodore Roosevelt responded to Iran's seizure of a cargo ship, and its actions helped to keep the vital shipping lanes in the Middle East safe and open. The Roosevelt continues to sail in the gulf, and its courageous crew is currently conducting operations against ISIS. The USS Roosevelt provides a perfect example of the crucial role aircraft carriers play in the defense and in the prosperity of our Nation. To reduce our aircraft carrier fleet puts our ability to defend our Nation and our critical interest around the globe at risk. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, I want to commend Chairman Thornberry and the members of the Armed Services Committee on a very strong mark. I want to especially thank my distinguished ranking member, Madeleine Bordallo, for working with me to address some of our most critical readiness challenges. The FY16 National Defense Authorization Act makes notable strides in restoring full spectrum readiness in helping move us away from what the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dempsey, referred to as the ``ragged edge'' of being able to execute the current Defense strategy. Specifically, this year's NDAA prohibits the Department from pursuing an additional BRAC round or any other effort aimed at locking in unwise force structure reductions during a time of accelerated transition and uncertainty, but does task the Department to conduct an assessment of where we may be overcapitalized in facilities so Congress can make informed decisions going forward. We must be strategic about our long-term decisions, such as how we treat our headquarters and civilian personnel. We need to keep those things in mind. They do important work for this Nation, and on their behalf, we owe it to them to take the time to look at how provisions in this bill could negatively affect their efforts. This year's NDAA also restores many critical shortfalls across the force. For example, for the Navy, the bill fully funds the operation and maintenance accounts for an 11th carrier and the 10th air wing, aircraft maintenance reset, and ship operations. For the Army, the bill fully funds collective training exercises resulting in 19 Combat Training Center rotations for brigade combat teams, as well as fully funding the initial entry rotary wing training program and restoring funding to meet 100 percent of the flying hour program requirement. The bill also provides the Marine Corps with additional resources to meet aviation readiness requirements to ensure adequate numbers of mission-capable aircraft. For the Air Force, the bill provides additional training resources for high-demand areas such as pilots for unmanned systems, joint terminal controllers, cyber operations, insider threats, and open source intelligence. Finally, the bill addresses several other shortfalls by resourcing many of the Department's most pressing unfunded requirements. I am proud of what we have accomplished in this year's bill and encourage all of my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer Mr. Steve Anderson my sincere congratulations on being named a recipient of the 2014 NATO Science and Technology Organization's (STO) Scientific Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions in the realm of defense data farming methodologies. This award is NATO's highest honor for those in the defense and science technology industry. There is no question that the contributions from him and the MSG-088 task group to NATO's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief will continue for years to come. Mr. Anderson is a fine example to his fellow citizens of dedication, selflessness, and commitment to the common good around the world. I thank him for his devotion to NATO preparedness, and I commend him on this special occasion. Again, congratulations on this much deserved award.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 174 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, today, too many children are falling victim to a system of adoption that lacks necessary oversight. Horrifying stories have come to light about children being ``rehomed'' into the custody of strangers through dubious or even illegal arrangements. As a child of adoption myself, I am personally invested in this issue. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Protecting Adopted Children Act today to reduce that risk and better help these children find stable, loving homes and to improve support services for adoptive parents. These support services--including counseling on potential parenting challenges, postadoption mental health services, and peer mentoring-- can play a critical role in providing a healthy environment for a child entering an adoptive home. These initiatives will also foster an ongoing dialogue between the families and adoption service agencies that should last during and beyond the adoption process. I would like to thank Representative Langevin for his leadership on this issue. We must do all we can to prevent adoptive children from being placed in dangerous situations. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the Protecting Adopted Children Act.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the passing of Mr. Kendall Franklin Rowe Sr., of Montross and Richmond. Mr. Rowe passed away peacefully on March 3, 2015. He is survived by his wife; Phyllis G. Rowe, and his children; Kendall F. Rowe Jr., Brenda Rowe Murray, Rebecca R. Graf and his grandchildren, as well as his sister Eleanor R. West. Mr. Rowe was a loving father, grandfather, and family man. Mr. Rowe was also a loyal patriot who served in the U.S. Army as well as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mr. Rowe will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the passing of Barbara Crowther Stuart Edwards. Mrs. Edwards passed away peacefully on March 5, 2015, at Westminister Canterbury in Richmond, Virginia. She is survived by her four children, Charles Edward Stuart III; Anne Ruth Stuart and Elizabeth Stuart Valentine; and The Hon. Richard Henry Stuart and their grandchildren, as well as her brother Rudolph Prosser Crowther and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Edwards was a loving mother and grandmother, who enjoyed spending time with her family. When she wasn't with her family Mrs. Edwards was either teaching or serving as a devoted member of Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church. Mrs. Edwards will be missed by members of her community, students, and family.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I voted on Wednesday, March 25, in favor of H. Con. Res. 27, authored by Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price, because it is my belief that Congress has a responsibility to address our nation's fiscal crisis. This proposal is simply a visionary document and a way forward in the budgetary process so we can continue the debate about the financial challenges our country faces and return to funding the government through regular order. Like last year's proposal, the budget plan for FY 2016 calls for significant reductions in discretionary spending, reduced taxes and the full repeal of the President's costly health care reform law. It proposes a balanced budget in less than 10 years and recognizes that we can no longer ignore the trillions of dollars in mandatory spending on entitlement programs that almost completely consume our nation's budget. This year's plan also asks Members of Congress to again lead by example by cutting their own pay, benefits and office budgets in the quest to reduce our debt and put this nation on sound financial footing. Further, the proposal protects our nation's defense and security forces. I have repeatedly said that we must get serious about the national security threats that exist in this world and what is required of our forward presence and response forces. This budget gives the United States the flexibility and capabilities that are essential to the rebalance of our security posture toward the Asia Pacific, our enduring security commitments in the Middle East, and the need to respond to contingency operations around the globe. Our nation has no greater asset than the folks who have served and are currently serving our nation, both military and civilian alike. Their dedication and service to our nation is unwavering and it is important that Congress provide the best equipment, training, and compensation so these men and women can meet their duties in full. The House budget plan restores national security spending and helps our defense maintain its current strength. These are all measures that I have and will continue to support; however, it is disappointing that this proposal, just as in past budget proposals, unfairly targets only one group of Americans for additional sacrifices: the civilian federal workforce. I have serious concerns that this resolution again forces federal employees to contribute more towards their retirement, approximately six percent, which is the equivalent of a pay cut, and eliminates their defined benefit retirement plan for deficit reduction purposes. It also goes farther than previous budget plans by proposing to decrease the rate of return on the Thrift Savings Plan's Government Securities Fund (G Fund). America's First District is full of hardworking and dedicated citizens who serve the people of this nation every day, such as on the front lines of the War on Terror or in support roles for our military. Still others provide invaluable services at places such as VA hospitals, cancer and Alzheimer's research laboratories, and law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and DEA. And yet, federal civilian employees continue to see their pay cut and their benefits reduced on nearly every occasion. Federal employees have already endured a three-year pay freeze; furloughs due to sequestration; and were required to not work because of indecision and political gamesmanship that resulted in a government shutdown on October 1, 2013 lasting 16 days. In addition, employees hired since 2012 have seen required contribution increases to their retirement, bringing our federal workers' total sacrifice to date to $159 billion over ten years. It is because of these sacrifices that I supported legislation to allow furloughed workers to receive back pay for time out of work during the 2013 shutdown. In addition, I introduced the Federal Employee Combat Zone Tax Parity Act, which would extend the tax credit available to military personnel who serve in combat zones to the civilian federal employees that work alongside them. Congress charges federal employees with important duties and expects these duties to be performed with the highest caliber of expertise, but rather than being recognized for their service, these public servants see their salary and benefits continually used as a pawn in the game of politics. We continue to ask our federal civilian workforce to do more with less. According to data collected by the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, there has been a decline in federal employee job and workplace satisfaction for the fourth consecutive year. A score sheet compiled by the Partnership for Public Service shows that government-wide, federal employee job satisfaction and commitment fell 0.9 points in 2014 to a score of 56.9 out of 100. Morale among our nation's civilian federal workforce is at a historical low and these continued attacks keep the highly-skilled and experienced people we need from seeking a federal job. Enough is enough. I am fully ready and willing to enact deeper cuts to my own salary, benefits and congressional operations, which are provisions included in this year's budget, but we must stop singling out federal employees simply because Congress continually fails to address the out-of-control spending. There is no question that our nation must get its spending in order, and federal employees have been and are certainly willing to continue to do their part to help in this effort. Their daily contributions to their fellow citizens and to the cause of freedom are simply innumerable, and yet during deficit reduction debate over the last several years, federal employees have been asked to contribute much more than their fair share. Our federal civilian employees live a life of selfless service and they deserve our appreciation. Mr. Speaker, I voted in support of H. Con. Res. 27 because it is Congress' constitutional duty to budget and appropriate. Congress must get back to regular order. Congress does our federal employees no favors when governing by continuing resolution and through crisis management. We must bring more certainty to the annual federal appropriations process. This budget proposal is a means for Congress to further discuss our country's fiscal challenges, but I will continue to push for deficit reduction efforts in the future that focus more realistically on addressing the true drivers of our debt, rather than targeting those who serve their nation every day.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Annie Gallagher, Public Affairs Specialists with the Philadelphia Region Social Security Administration for her 23 years of service to our nation and to congratulate her on her announced retirement. Annie Gallagher, in her role as the Public Affairs Specialist at the Philadelphia Regional Office, provided assistance to a countless number of my constituents, as well as Virginians across the region and the Commonwealth. Her dedication and extraordinary commitment in providing solutions to those in need has been a credit to the Social Security Administration, which she has faithfully served for the past 13 years. Her efforts on behalf of the public have been in keeping with the highest standards of public service. I congratulate Annie on a well-deserved retirement and wish her the best as she begins the next chapter in her life.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Chief Master Sergeant Jay A. Wilson, United States Air Force for his 26 years of service to our nation and to congratulate him on his announced retirement. Chief Master Sergeant Wilson is the Mission Director in the Enterprise Operations Squadron, Enterprise Management Operations Center, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, Virginia. As the first enlisted member entrusted as a Mission Director, he leads 65 joint military, civilian and contractor teams and manages two separate 24 hour, 7 day a week operations centers that command and control a $10 billion global network. Wilson also serves as the NRO Air Force Reserve Senior Enlisted Advisor and he mentors over 65 reservists in support of the NRO. Chief Wilson began his Air Force career in May 1973 entering under the delayed enlistment program. He reported to Lackland AFB, TX for Basic Military Training in September 1973. After serving on Active Duty for nearly four years, he separated from the Air Force in June 1977. In July 1991 Chief Wilson returned to the Air Force, as a Communications/ Computer Systems Controller joining the California Air National Guard's 234th Combat Communications Squadron, Hayward Calif. Four years later, a civilian job change brought Chief Wilson to the 231st CCSQ of the Washington D.C. Air National Guard. In May 1999, the 231st CCSQ was activated under Presidential orders for deployment to Bosnia. In November 1999, Chief Wilson transferred to the Air Force Reserve as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) with the Defense Information Services Agency as a Watch Officer in the newly formed Joint Task Force for Computer Network Defense (JTF-CND). In 2002, Chief Wilson transferred to the NRO as a Watch Commander, National Reconnaissance Operations Center (NROC) and in 2010 Chief Wilson became Mission Director in the Enterprise Operations Squadron. During his service to our nation, Jay has received multiple awards and decorations including: Defense Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with two devices, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with `M' device. A model citizen-airman, Jay has actively volunteered and held positions in multiple military and veteran affiliated organizations. He served on and trained new recruits for the NRO Honor Guard. He has been an active member of the American Legion and was his local post's Sergeant at Arms and Color Guard lead. He has also served the American Legion at the District level. As a member of the American Legion's 16th District he has served as Sergeant at Arms and Honor Flight Committee Chair. He organizes and officiates for the Manassas Veteran's Day Parade. He served as the Sergeant at Arms for the Potomac Regional Veteran's Council, conducting ceremonies at Quantico. He has routinely taught flag etiquette to the eighth grade class at All Saints Catholic School. He has also been an active member and organizer in the 40 and 8 Society holding the position of the Guard de la Porte at the state and national level. Finally, he has served on the 40 and 8 Society's National Convention Planning Committee and has had the distinct honor of carrying the U.S. flag into and out of the Amphitheater during the Memorial Day Service at the National Cemetery at Arlington. Chief Master Sergeant Wilson has excelled throughout his distinguished career and I am honored to pay tribute to this Airman. I thank Chief Master Sergeant Jay Wilson, his wife, Gail, and their daughters, Genevieve and Catherine, for their service to our country. I wish them Godspeed, and continued happiness as they start a new chapter in their lives.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call for increased accountability in Congress. The American public has signaled time and time again that it is frustrated with the dysfunction in Washington. For far too long, Congress has failed to fund the government on schedule and has fallen into a cycle of crisis management with shortsighted, temporary budget measures. To fix this, I have introduced a bill and a resolution that can help prove to the American people that Congress is here to do its duty. First, the No Budget, No Pay Act would prohibit Members of the House or Senate from receiving a paycheck if their respective Chamber fails to pass a budget by April 15. H. Res. 17, the Stay on Schedule resolution, prohibits the House from adjourning for an August recess unless we have passed all of our appropriations bills by July 31. These are commonsense initiatives that will restore regular budget order and provide certainty to our communities. I ask my colleagues to join me in fixing the dysfunction in Congress by cosponsoring the No Budget, No Pay Act and the Stay on Schedule resolution.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize those men and women who have served this great Nation with honor, men such as Lieutenant Commander Eric H. Bromley, United States Navy. For the past year, Lieutenant Commander Bromley, a proud naval aviator and graduate of the United States Naval Academy Class of 2000, served on my staff as a Congressional Defense Fellow. Eric is the type of aviator that I hold near and dear to my heart, for it is his responsibility to not only provide logistics and cargo to the aircraft carrier as a C-2A Greyhound pilot, but it is his job to safely transfer passengers to and from the carrier . . . to include Congressional Delegations filled with members of Congress. It is quite a ride, one that I have had the pleasure of taking many times when I have had the opportunity to visit our Sailors and Marines in action at sea. This is a mission that Eric has executed safely numerous times and we are forever thankful to him and his shipmates for their professionalism and service. During his assignment, he served as a senior member of my staff responsible for defense, veterans, foreign affairs and intelligence matters. Lieutenant Commander Bromley executed his work as a liaison to the constituents of the First District and the numerous defense installations in the First District with distinction. Furthermore, he provided exceptional support to me as my staff liaison to the House Armed Services Committee, in my role as a Subcommittee Chairman and as the Co-Chair of the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus. Lieutenant Commander Bromley directly contributed to my goal of providing excellent constituent service to the people of the First District during the 113th Congress. He was responsible for bringing numerous constituent inquiries to a successful conclusion and he was able to leverage his personal and operational experience to respond to the most challenging inquiries. In addition to his efforts on behalf of the First District, Lieutenant Commander Bromley took on projects with regional, state and national implications, demonstrating his ability to view a challenge from many angles and develop innovative solutions often requiring collaboration across many levels of government. Lieutenant Commander Bromley'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 Lieutenant Commander Bromley for the service and sacrifice he has made, and continues to make, for our nation and our great Navy. His keen sense of honor, impeccable integrity, quick wit, intelligence, boundless work ethic, and loyal devotion to duty earned him the respect and admiration of my staff and the First District of Virginia. After spending the last 14 years as a COD pilot in California and Virginia and completing numerous deployments, which included flying support missions throughout the Middle East, Lieutenant Commander Bromley and his family are headed to Colorado Springs, Colorado where he will work at United States Northern Command. It is my sincere hope that Lieutenant Commander Bromley, who has been selected for the rank of Commander, is given the opportunity to return to the fleet to help lead and train our Sailors and continue to ``Fly Navy''. I have no doubt that Lieutenant Commander Bromley will continue to serve the United States Navy honorably and with distinction. I wish him, his wife Jenny . . . a former naval aviator, and his children Charlie and Louise 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 men and women like Lieutenant Commander Eric Bromley are members of our all-volunteer force and they 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 wish you the best of luck to you and may God bless you, your family, and all the Sailors you are charged with leading. Eric, you will be missed, thank you for a job well done! Fair winds and following seas!

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would first like to commend and thank Chairman Hastings for all of his efforts and his support in bringing this legislation to the floor. We would not be where we are today without his leadership, and it has been a true pleasure and honor to serve with him during his time as chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee. Mr. Chairman, you have been a tireless champion for preserving our Nation's bountiful natural resources. We thank you so much for the legacy that you have left in leadership, but also for the improvements that you have made in this Nation's natural resources, and I wish you all the best. Mr. Speaker, S. 1000 is the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2014. I am the author of the House companion legislation, H.R. 739, which has already passed the House earlier this Congress and in previous sessions of Congress. The Chesapeake Bay is the economic and cultural backbone of our region, and it is one of our Nation's most prized natural resources. Many activities are currently underway to clean up the bay, but without a coordinated effort, it is impossible to ascertain the effectiveness of these programs or to accurately gauge their success. The restoration effort includes multiple Federal agencies and also includes six States and the District of Columbia, as well as more than 1,000 localities and multiple nongovernmental operations. While the drive and determination to restore the bay is shared by all of these entities, the effort can be muddled due to the complexity of various participants. As we have seen, we have taken in some instances steps forward, but in some instances, those steps have not been forthcoming with other efforts. We need to make sure that every effort is indeed making progress on restoring the bay. At the same time as we look at those efforts, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly where and how much money is being spent across this wide scope of bay restoration activities. To remedy this, we must ensure that Federal, State, and local efforts are not working at cross- purposes and that the restoration effort, as a whole, is coordinated and efficient. Today, when we are in a resource-challenged environment, we must get the most out of the dollars we spend to restore the bay. This simple legislation would require a crosscut budget to ensure Federal dollars currently spent on bay restoration activities produce results and ensure that we are coordinating how restoration dollars are being spent. That coordination at the local, State, and Federal level is critical to make sure that we demonstrate results and that we continue those efforts that have proven to be successful. It is also critical to make sure that we are not duplicating efforts or unnecessarily spending money in areas that are not producing results. Second, the bill would require the appointment of an independent evaluator to review restoration activities in the watershed. The Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act is a smart, commonsense piece of legislation that will lead to better spending decisions and better government, which will ensure that more resources are available to help restore the Nation's largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay. This has been a truly cooperative effort, and I am very grateful for the leadership of Senator Mark Warner and Senator Tim Kaine as champions of Chesapeake Bay restoration. I would also like to thank my fellow Virginia Representatives Frank Wolf, Jim Moran, Bobby Scott, Gerry Connolly, and Scott Rigell--as well as Chris Van Hollen of Maryland--and Congressman Randy Forbes for their consistent support in getting this bill through the House. I first introduced this bill in 2008, and it has been a difficult road to get to where we are now, but the Chesapeake Bay, too, has had a difficult road. With the House passage today, Mr. Speaker, we will be one step closer to the next chapter of the Chesapeake Bay's long history of efforts to restore her to her previous bounty. Today, we see that the economic foundation of our region remains vested in the Chesapeake Bay, and it continues to be a national treasure. We hope that with today's efforts it will continue to be enjoyed for generations and generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Chesapeake Bay and this commonsense bill.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, which provides our men and women in uniform the equipment and training they need to get their jobs done. I wish to thank my esteemed colleague and ranking member from Guam, Madeleine Bordallo, and all the members of the subcommittee for their great efforts. Mr. Speaker, this bill accomplishes three important national security and military readiness imperatives. First, it prohibits DOD from conducting another base realignment and closure round at a time when our national security strategy is in flux, our requirements uncertain, and the future unclear. We have asked the military to simultaneously draw down operations in Afghanistan, build partnership capacity in the Asia Pacific, and execute operations in Iraq. We should not divert their attention away from these important missions to pursue ill- advised objectives driven by budgets rather than sound strategy. Second, we have increased funding to more than $1 billion to pay for critical operation and maintenance activities, including depot maintenance, ship and aircraft sustainment, and basic and advanced training for our troops. This bill also funds the refueling and overhaul of CVN 73, National Guard training center rotations lost due to sequestration, critically needed upgrades for our training ranges, long overdue military construction projects, and delayed facility sustainment and modernization requirements. Finally, this bill funds our Nation's most pressing missions, including those focused on support for our European allies against increasing Russian aggression and fighting ISIS in Iraq and Syria. As I close I wish to join my colleagues in congratulating Chairman McKeon for getting this bill across the finish line and for his exemplary service to our soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. Mr. Chairman, everyone acknowledges your formidable record on defense policy and your leadership of this committee, but I want to recognize another legacy that shouldn't be overlooked. As Members of Congress, we have no greater responsibility than to be the leading advocate and voice in this Chamber for our constituents. Without question, Mr. Chairman, you have done your duty for the people of the 25th District. It is an honor to serve with you. I wish you fair winds and following seas, and may God bless you, your family, and our great Nation.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I applaud today's House passage of H.R. 3979, the Carl Levin and Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2015 which extends our strong commitment to our military. With growing threats around the world it is critical that we ensure our men and women in uniform are equipped and trained to get their jobs done to defend America. While passage of the defense bill is critical to protecting our national security, I am concerned with several provisions relating to military compensation and allowances. Our nation's veterans and service members deserve our enduring commitment to maintain the disability, health, education and other benefits they have earned. I applaud Chairman McKeon and the House of Representatives for standing against the Senate and Department of Defense (DoD) proposal to significantly increase pharmacy copays and reduce the basic housing allowance. The Senate supported DoD's proposal to significantly increase pharmacy copays and cut the housing allowance by five percent. Under the Administration and Senate proposal, pharmacy copay rates for generic drugs would have increased each year up to $14. The compromise adopted today by the House would limit select pharmacy copays to a $3 increase for one year, which is only $2 more than the $1 increase that DOD is allowed to do under the current law. The cost for mail-order generic drugs would remain $0. The final bill's basic allowance for housing only includes a one percent decrease, which is a better option than the Senate's proposal to cut it by five percent. Due to the House's determination and leadership in fighting against unreasonable changes, the FY15 NDAA avoids significant reductions in compensation. I agree with Vice Adm. Norb Ryan (USN-Ret), President of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), when he said that, ``With time running out, it would have been easy for the House to just cave to the Senate'' and that the work of the House ``helped blunt the blow to military families and retired beneficiaries.'' However, without comprehensive review and recommendations from the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission report, it is premature to adjust the benefits of service members or their families. While I object to any reduction in service members or veterans benefits, today's passage of the defense bill is critical to our national security, and I will continue to support our service members, veterans and military families.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. Founded in 1996, CISR's mission is to help post-conflict communities by promoting recovery, rebuilding, and resilience. CISR achieves this goal in a number of ways including training and education, publications, conferences, and workshops. The center undoubtedly improves lives around the world by providing unequaled support to populations struggling with the lingering effects of war. Staff members, under the direction of Ken Rutherford, deploy worldwide to support their ongoing mission. CISR produces The Journal of ERW and Mine Action which provides a platform to educate and discuss issues related to explosive remnants of war. It also produces To Walk the Earth in Safety which documents the government's commitment to conventional weapons destruction. The center makes these publications and many other reports, studies, and tools available to the public via its website. CISR is dedicated to sharing this critical knowledge with the communities that most need it. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery at James Madison University.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of today's amendment to authorize the training and equipping of appropriately vetted elements of Syrian opposition to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, better known as ISIS. I have been to the border of Turkey and Syria and met with opposition leaders and refugees, which now total more than 2 million people, and I have seen the ramifications of standing on the sidelines of this conflict, such as increased risk to our national security and interests, regional instability, and immense human suffering. ISIS poses a serious and grave threat to the United States and it must be destroyed. This action alone will not topple ISIS, but it is a foundational element of any broad effort to root out this barbaric terrorist army and prevent its followers from taking further hold in the Middle East and one day, as they have threatened to do, bring their brutality here to our homeland. Ongoing efforts by the brave men and women of our U.S. military, in coordination with regional partners, have blunted ISIS's territorial gains in Iraq and have granted some reprieve to persecuted Christians and other ethnic minorities. But fully destroying ISIS will require striking at its center of gravity, which includes eliminating safe havens and bases of operation in Syria. Supporting those in Syria who are also committed to this fight is a necessary step. I believe today's amendment does establish strict parameters and rigorous oversight to ensure that training and equipping Syrian opposition forces does not aid the Assad regime or undermine the mission to destroy ISIS. Recent events have reminded us all that barbarity, evil, and uncertainty still exists in the world. ISIS is the latest front in civilization's struggle against radical extremists, and now is the time to act. I want to make sure, too, that we bring to bear the weight and might of our strong Nation in cooperation with our partners to destroy ISIS and the threat it poses, understanding that we must continue to request and receive more specifics on how these efforts will be prosecuted. This resolution, I must remind folks, does not authorize the use of military force, only the training and equipping of these forces. It is the first step of many steps in which Congress must be involved in addressing this threat. That is our constitutional responsibility. Today's effort is that first step. But we must not forget that we have to continue to remain involved as a Congress in the future efforts this Nation takes against this extremist threat and others around the world.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and as chairman the Readiness Subcommittee to voice my support for H. Res. 644. I would like to thank the chairman for his leadership in bringing this to the floor. I respect deeply the ranking member, but adamantly disagree with him on the points that he makes about this piece of legislation. Very simply stated, the prisoner swap authorized by the President to exchange five Taliban captives for Sergeant Bergdahl was illegal. That part of the law was not followed. It is pretty plain and simple. By failing to notify the Congress in accordance with the 30-day reporting requirement, our President acted outside of the law. Clearly, it wasn't authorized and the law was ignored. You can make arguments about what other prerogatives he had, but you can't say, well, article II we'll put in place and that trumps other areas of the law. I think you have to say that this law was disregarded. Our Constitution clearly outlines those separations of powers. This principle is the cornerstone of our democracy. Our Framers carefully incorporated the division of the government and the responsibilities there in order to protect citizens by preventing any one branch of government from overreach and abuse of power. That is why we are here is to have these type of debates and say the President clearly acted outside of the law. I will make this even clearer. Congress makes the laws; the President, on the other hand, has a constitutional charge of ensuring the laws are faithfully executed--not just part of them, but all of them. In this case, the President knowingly and wilfully disregarded his constitutional duties, and Americans deserve better. Americans expect that their President will uphold his end of the constitutional bargain. Americans expect that the laws of the land apply to everyone and that they are applied properly in accordance with the direction from Congress. Americans also expect that their congressional leaders are simply not going to shrug their shoulders and look the other way. Congress has an obligation to the people to ensure that its laws are enforced. That is why we are elected. Our Nation remains, today, at a tipping point in this world's history in a war against terrorism. The unlawful release of five Taliban prisoners, some of whom will certainly return to the battlefield, deeply concerns me. An investigation I led in 2012 indicated at the time that 27 percent return to the battlefield. That is why I remain skeptical of the administration's assessment that the released prisoners will not pose a threat to our national security. We have no idea how much more terror those men now might unleash and what impacts they will have on the lives of others. By ignoring the law, the President has decided that he's going to shoulder this responsibility. I argue he had an obligation under the law to consult Congress in doing this. That is why it was put into the National Defense Authorization Act. We live in a nation where people expect their elected leaders to carry out their duties as the Constitution directs them, and every day each of us is entrusted by the public to uphold the Constitution, and we must live up to that obligation. Mr. Speaker, I fully support H. Res. 644 and urge my colleagues to support this institution and our Constitution.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, once again, I am disappointed that Congress plans to adjourn this August without addressing critical issues important to the American people. I appreciate that district work periods allow Members to visit and work on behalf of their constituents. I am fortunate to commute from my home in Montross to Washington, DC on a daily basis, so I am in my district listening to the concerns of my constituents every day. However, too much unfinished business remains, and too many important issues must still be addressed with a limited amount of time on the calendar. Congress has not completed its work, and our constituents expect us to stay and finish the job. I am prepared to stay in Washington until we complete the people's work. As I have asked year after year, let's clear our schedule, halt the outdated tradition of adjourning for the month of August, and stay in Washington to complete the work our constituents sent us here to do.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our military chaplains. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the Congressional Prayer Caucus, I am blessed to often witness firsthand the importance of a strong chaplain corps. Two chaplains I have encountered recently are prime examples: Navy Commander Roy Hoffman and Navy Captain Michael Gore. Commander Hoffman serves as the senior chaplain aboard USS Ronald Reagan, an aircraft carrier with over 4,000 sailors, most of whom work long, exhausting hours, only to return to cramped racks for a brief rest. Commander Hoffman and his staff support these sailors through traditional prayer and worship, as well as counseling, mentorship, and community outreach. As senior chaplain at the Naval Academy, Captain Gore is a valuable resource for the thousands of midshipmen facing rigorous academics and training as they prepare to be leaders in our military. Serving in our All-Volunteer Force can be challenging, and the presence of chaplains like Commander Hoffman and Captain Michael Gore is critical for maintaining strong morale across our military. Please join me in showing support and gratitude toward all of our military chaplains.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. I yield to the gentleman.

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As the chairman expressed, he is exactly correct. Virginia is interested in being able to develop Lease Sale 220, and it is a bipartisan interest. It is both of our Senators from Virginia, it is our Governor from Virginia, it is our general assembly from Virginia. There is broad bipartisan support in moving forward with offshore energy production. Virginia has the potential to be a leader in oil and gas development on the east coast. I, along with many in Virginia, was disappointed when the Department of Interior announced that Virginia would not be included in the 2012- 2017 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. It was in the plan originally. When the final plan came out, Lease Sale 220 was taken out and for no good apparent reason. We want the ability to be able to add it back because all the work has been done to have it there. We want to make sure the flexibility is there for the administration to do that. The Department's exclusion of Virginia from consideration essentially prevents the creation of thousands of great-paying jobs and around $19.5 billion in Federal, State, and local revenue. This amendment is a step forward for responsible offshore energy development and assures that decisions can be made in a timely way, especially when all of the environmental evaluation has already been done. We are not asking for any of that to be skipped. We are asking for the ability to add this into a plan outside of the 5-year window. If this was removed from the plan for a reason, it ought to have the same opportunity to be included into the plan for a reason. That is what we are asking here, is for that to happen in a reasonable, thoughtful, and concerted way. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and, Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Chairman, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings).