Robert Wittman

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 95th Anniversary of NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. In 1917, this nation's first civilian aeronautical research laboratory was established in Hampton, Virginia, by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics as the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory. Today, NASA Langley is known around the world for its cutting edge research, leading numerous aviation breakthroughs, making contributions to flight technologies across all speed regimes, and improving the safety of our national air space. I would also like to recognize the approximately 1900 civil servants and 1800 contractors who contribute to the important mission carried out at NASA Langley today and to thank the many individuals who have played a part in the Center's 95-year history in establishing the Center's strong legacy of excellence in aeronautics. NASA Langley contributes to NASA's vision to ``reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn will benefit all humankind'' by developing robust aerospace systems that can perform in our own atmosphere, on the Moon, on Mars or anywhere that NASA explores with aircraft, spacecraft and satellites. These NASA technologies can be found on virtually every civilian or military aircraft flying today. NASA Langley has also conducted ground-breaking climate and atmospheric research, which has improved the understanding of our planet, its atmosphere, and the impact on human health. NASA Langley is a vital member of the Hampton Roads community, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Nation and I am certain that the Center and its employees will continue to achieve unparalleled technology advances that will inspire generations of future explorers. I urge my colleagues to join me in commending NASA Langley for continuing to drive game-changing technology innovations that support our Nation's economic vitality and leadership in aerospace.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with disappointment. I'm disappointed that this Nation's leaders have once again kicked the can down the road instead of making tough and important decisions on our Nation's spending. Yesterday, the House passed a continuing resolution without my vote to simply continue to fund government into the 2013 fiscal year at current levels as catastrophic cuts loom on the horizon set to hit in January of 2013. Sequestration, as these cuts are known, threaten our national security. An estimated 200,000 jobs in Virginia will be lost, jobs that support our warfighters and their mission around the world. Mr. Speaker, we have 16 days to the beginning of a new fiscal year, yet Congress has delayed tough decisions again. These delays are unconscionable. These delays are unacceptable. Congress should stay in Washington and stop ignoring the reality of these looming cuts. It is time to put governing over politics.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Kristine Swain for her 21 years of dedicated service to our great country. Lt Col Swain graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1991, and a year later earned her Master of Arts in Russian studies from the University of Kansas. During Lt Col Swain's 21 years of exceptional service she has served in South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Alaska, England, Kosovo, Italy, and Belgium. During Lt Col Swain's three year assignment in Brussels she authored position papers for use by both the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State for negotiations dealing with the Russian incursion into Georgia. She was awarded her second Defense Meritorious Service Medal in part for translating complex and delicate guidance into concrete NATO policy and action. Lt Col Swain is currently serving as associate professor of history at the Air Force Academy where she has authored a new course in Russian history and co-authored an innovative senior level course on the Cold War. We are all indebted to the selfless service members such as Lt Col Swain and many others who courageously defend our great nation.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, after today, Congress completes its business until September without finishing critical items, leaving many sectors across this country uncertain about their fiscal future. Looming defense cuts, or sequestration, still hang over the Congress as unfinished business. I'm extremely disappointed that Congress is leaving town without addressing such pressing issues and with so little time scheduled in the rest of this legislative year. Many Americans in America's First District are frustrated with Washington's lack of action and accomplishments as this country struggles to rebound from these tough economic times. Virginians, and all Americans, have the right to be upset with such irresponsible procrastination. Sequestration threatens our country's national security and sends the wrong message to the American people and to the world about our commitment to defend this great Nation in the future. Congress should stay in Washington to finish the business of the people. I am prepared to stay in Washington as long as it takes. These issues are too important to wait.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, Congress faces looming deadlines at the end of this year, set to take effect in the first days of 2013. Just as we ring in a new year with a renewed sense of optimism, if Congress does not act, looming defense cuts will cripple our military and this Nation. Our military will be forced to cut an additional 10 percent from its budgets; an additional 10 percent of resources supporting our troops deployed overseas, fighting for our freedoms; an additional 10 percent of budgets supporting new technologies, training, and ships already lacking maintenance and which are behind schedule; an additional 10 percent of our national security. While the House passed, and I proudly supported, legislation in May to avert these cuts, action is still needed by the Senate and the administration. Why does Congress continue to wait? Why does Congress procrastinate on an issue so pressing and so important to this Nation? Who will answer the call? Leaving this issue to the last minute is irresponsible, and failure is not an option. I urge the leaders of this Nation to stop the delay.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay respect to an admirable individual from America's First District who passed away earlier this week, who is truly admirable. Earl Lloyd Chittum of Stafford County lived an honorable life, full of service to his fellow man and faith in a higher power. Lloyd served his community in many different ways, including as a little league baseball and football coach, a member of the Falmouth Volunteer Fire Department, and a member of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors. He was also a proud member of the Fairview at River Club Church and served as a deacon at the Falmouth Baptist Church. I knew Lloyd for many years through his roles in local government and politics, and I am honored that I was able to call him a friend. Lloyd leaves behind a large, loving family, including his wife of 55 years, Gloria Payne Chittum. My prayers are with his family during this time of mourning, and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Earl Lloyd Chittum.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. WITTMAN. This amendment directs that none of the funds made available in this act may be used to propose, plan for, or execute an additional Base Realignment and Closure, or BRAC, round. During the House Armed Services Committee markup of H.R. 4310 on May 9, a similar amendment passed with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 44- 18, with 14 of 27 Democrats voting in favor of a similar amendment. On February 27, 2012, I joined 41 fellow Members of Congress in signing a bipartisan letter to President Obama expressing our concerns over his administration's announcement of the intent to request two new rounds of BRACs. Six House Armed Services Subcommittee chairmen signed this letter also. The 2005 BRAC is estimated to cost $36 billion, and the taxpayers will not realize that net savings until 2018, at the earliest. Congress has robustly funded the military construction accounts over the past 3 years to accommodate the growing Army and Marine Corps. Proposed new rounds of military base closures by the President will require additional expenses in a time of military spending reductions. More BRAC rounds will cost more than it saves in the near-term and negate the value of deficit reduction. More BRAC rounds will cost billions of dollars and thousands of jobs. According to the GAO in a study that was concluded in March 2012, DOD's fiscal year 2012 budget submission to Congress on BRAC 2005 shows that costs to implement the BRAC recommendations grew from $21 billion originally estimated by the BRAC Commission in 2005 dollars to about $35.1 billion in current dollars, an increase of about $14.1 billion, or 67 percent. In constant 2005 dollars, costs increased to $32.2 billion, an increase of 53 percent. In 2005, the Commission estimated net annual recurring savings of $4.2 billion and a 20-year net present value savings by 2025 of $36 billion. GAO's analysis shows annual recurring savings are now about $3.8 billion, a decrease of 9.5 percent, while the 20-year net present value savings are now about $9.9 billion, a decrease of 73 percent. As such, DOD will not recoup its up-front costs until at least 2018. Implementation of the 2005 BRAC round was officially completed on September 15, 2011. This took 6 years to fully execute. Strategically, as we draw down from over 10 years of combat operations in the Middle East and shift our focus to balancing the Middle East threat with the emerging security issues and presence of forces in the Asia-Pacific, additional rounds of BRAC at this time cannot be justified. After 10 years of war and a substantial 2005 BRAC round, we now have a well- trained, battle-hardened, combat-tested, efficient, streamlined all- volunteer force that is now more joint than ever. This is simply not the time for an additional BRAC round. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express concerns on behalf of my constituents. Paralysis, uncertainty--these are the effects of inaction, inaction on looming, massive defense cuts that will go into effect in January 2013. In America's First District, many small businesses exist to support our military, to innovate and to build systems and resources--resources for our troops that save lives and help them do their job on the battlefield. But these businesses face an uncertain future as the question of looming defense cuts, or sequestration, remain unresolved. Do they stop production? Do they lay off workers? This spring, I voted with the majority in this House to avoid these massive defense cuts while putting the Nation's budget on a path to balance. The Senate has failed to act. The President has threatened to veto. Our military and those who support it--and the national security of this country--demand our attention and respect. Leaving this issue to the last minute is irresponsible. Now is the time for action.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to share my frustration with the Congress' inaction on looming cuts coming to the Nation's defense budget. In America's First District, we have a deep military history. Many of my constituents have or continue to bravely serve their Nation in a military uniform. Set to take effect in January 2013, sequestration will cut billions of defense dollars at a time when we see so much unrest across the world and American troops still deployed in harm's way in Afghanistan. I am adamantly opposed to these catastrophic cuts and believe Congress must act now. Sequestration threatens the capability of our military to adequately protect this Nation. The Bipartisan Policy Center estimated that sequestration would result in a loss of about 1 million jobs in 2013 and 2014. This is not simply American job loss; it is a loss of critical national security capability. Congress must not choose failure over making tough choices for the greater good of this country. Failure is an outcome we must not and cannot accept.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn).

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, I would like to remind folks that this bill does accommodate concerns that may be raised by the Department of Defense and other Federal agencies to make sure that all those thoughts and ideas are put into place in considering this permitting process. But it streamlines it. That's a simple, thoughtful process that gets to the point much quicker. So instead of taking 3 years to permit a tower, now it goes to 30 days. It seems to me it's counterintuitive to say that longer is better. In this case, since there are no active mills, windmills offshore, wind turbines offshore, it seems to me that we ought to quicken the process. This clearly does, yet it allows for proper due diligence, proper consideration of all of the different concerns. And this amendment, indeed, facilitates the development of an all-of-the-above energy strategy by streamlining the process with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to develop offshore wind power and also to support good-paying American jobs. Let's not forget about that. I urge my colleagues to accept this amendment and expedite offshore wind energy development, and with that, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. WITTMAN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, today, the House is taking an independent and important step forward to develop domestic sources of energy, create American jobs, and reduce our reliance on foreign sources of energy. And I'm a strong proponent of an all-of-the-above energy policy. As a scientist by trade, I understand the need to achieve a balance to foster development of American energy while at the same time protecting the integrity of our environment. We can achieve efficiency and protection, and this bill helps us achieve both goals. Offshore wind energy is an important component, furthering development of clean, renewable American energy sources. Unfortunately, the process is often unnecessarily slowed for years by bureaucratic hurdles in the permitting process and numerous other delays. The Cape Wind project in Massachusetts only recently received Federal permitting approval, a process 10 years in the making. The U.S. built the Hoover Dam in 5 years during the height of the Great Depression. Within a decade of President Kennedy's call to put a man on the Moon, the U.S. had won the space race. Americans have proven that we can accomplish great engineering and technical feats in small periods of time. However, today it's frustrating that this administration cannot point to one wind turbine operating offshore in Federal waters. They can, however, point to layer after layer after layer of regulations, bureaucracy, and red tape. While it is critical that energy development is safe and environmentally friendly, the process must become more efficient. This amendment facilitates the development of an all-of-the-above energy strategy by streamlining the process for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to develop offshore wind power. My amendment will speed the production of wind energy, as it sets a 30-day time line for the Secretary of the Interior to act on permits for all weather testing and monitoring projects in the United States Outer Continental Shelf. This amendment will also streamline the environmental review process for these small wind testing towers. This amendment also requires coordination with the Department of Defense and other affected agencies so the projects do not disrupt national security or other critical projects. This provision is especially important for the Commonwealth of Virginia, with its active defense community. This amendment is identical to H.R. 2137, legislation I authored that passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee last July. This effort has been endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Ocean Industries Association. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, today's a proud moment for Virginia and the entire Chesapeake Bay community as the House is poised to pass legislation to aid in the cleanup of one of the Nation's most prized historic natural resources, the Chesapeake Bay. This body of water provides habitat for plants and animals, and it is these resources that drive local economies, recreation, and a way of life for so many that live on and around its shores. I rise in support of H.R. 2578, especially title XIII, the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act. I'm proud to author this measure, which receives broad support throughout the watershed. In fact, during the 111th Congress, the House passed similar legislation by a vote of 418 1. These provisions would implement and strengthen management techniques to ensure we get more bang for our buck and are more aggressive in pursuing progress in bay restoration efforts. This bill will also ensure coordination of how restoration dollars are spent and that everyone understands how individual projects fit in the bigger picture in eliminating duplication and waste. I urge my colleagues to support the health of the Chesapeake Bay, this provision, and H.R. 2578.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the significance and contributions of local marinas across the country as we commemorate National Marina Day on June 9, 2012. Every day across this great nation, folks take advantage of waterways for a variety of reasons, including commerce, sport, and recreation. National Marina Day is a special opportunity to highlight the valuable role that marinas play in communities across America as gateways to some of our country's most exceptional waterways. The First District of Virginia is a region where waterways are an important part of life for many folks, from the Potomac, Rappahannock, and York Rivers to the great Chesapeake Bay itself. For many citizens, marinas serve as gateways to these grand waterways, places where folks can reacquaint themselves with nature and learn valuable lessons of environmental stewardship, all while mastering the practical skills and expertise associated with operating a boat. Many of these life lessons were instilled in me during summers on Virginia's Northern Neck, which I have called home for many years, and they are lessons that I have found to be beneficial in all aspects of my life. Marinas have provided the opportunity for folks from all walks of life to experience all of the substance that our natural waterways have to offer, and I am pleased to recognize their contributions and unique imprint on our communities as we commemorate National Marina Day.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the seventy-five Fredericksburg, Virginia area high school seniors who plan to enlist in the United States Armed Forces after graduation. These students have excelled in their academic and extracurricular activities and I offer my sincere congratulations upon their high school graduation. I commend these student leaders for their selfless and courageous decision to serve their country as members of the Armed Forces: Alvarado, Navar Almir; Alvarez, Fernando Isidro; Anderson, Floyd Oneal; Askin, Alexander P; Atherley Bowe, Kevin Kareen; Barbee, Jordan C; Barry, Christopher E; Bednarski, Lucille Darline; Biaselli, Darien Marvellediquan; Bibbens, Deont'e Odell; Blevins, Kyle Ronald; Brisbin, Ian H; Brosilow, Anthony Joseph; Bowman, Donald Marcus; Bushong, Austin Spencer; Burch, Brannon Matthew; Butler, Joseph Samuel; Carson, Zachary Michael; Chang, Ferris; Chapman, Robert Johnjoseph; Childress, Brandon Kyle; Cornell, Andrew Scott; Cruz, Thomas Joseph; Dent, Sean M; Drew, William George; Ferguson, Zachary Tyler; Flanagan, Tyler Laveene; Galligan, Patrick Gabriel. Graves, Robert Andrew; Greene, Kenneth R; Greenhalgh, Matthew Tylerzahabi; Grogan, Matthew L; Gustafson, Adam Davis; Heard, Dymel R; Hubbell, Brian Jacob; Husar, Cornelius G; James, Marquise T; Keane, Eric Carter; Kearney, Kyle Patrick; Kelly, Victoria; King, Wesley Konrad; Lawrence, Robert Dominique; Love, Joshua; Marshall, Adam William; Mateos, Thomas Alexander; Middlebrook, Devyn Taylor; Morey, Jonathan Charles; Motzer, Jacob D; Mullikin, James Richard. Murphy, John Sylvester; Mussomele, Matthew Hunter; Nash, Michael; Nuckols, Kevin G; Oursler, Daniel S; Peyton, Jacob K; Piazza, James Anthony; Principe, Jesselyn S; Porter, Kyleigh Michelle; Ramirezrincon, Hector Alexander; Roark, Zachary D; Robertson, John David; Ruyts, Zachary A; Ryder, Russell S; Schlenk, Joseph M; Stephens, Perry Allan; Stinson, Joshua Quinn; Taylor, Madison; Thomas, Hunter Austin; Townley, Jennifer Danielle; Villaruel, Jacob Timothy; Wagner, Kyle Daniel; Weakley, David J; White, Stormy A; Williams Washington, Mosiah Sallasie; Witter, Clayton J. These students will be honored by the Greater Fredericksburg Chapter of Our Community Salutes at their 1st Annual Military Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on Monday, June 4, 2012 at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these young men and women and their families for their dedication to serving this great Nation. We owe them and the many Americans who have served and will serve a debt of gratitude.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to my distinguished colleague from California (Mr. Hunter).

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, with that I would like to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. West).

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. We all know the record of problems at Arlington National Cemetery, and we know the current leadership there has made significant progress in fixing that system. But my concern with Arlington is not with the professionals and leaders who have turned Arlington around and worked tirelessly to ensure the fallen members of our all-volunteer force, our veterans, and their families are treated with the respect, reverence, and honor they deserve. My concern is that the scandals and embarrassment that rocked Arlington National Cemetery went largely unprosecuted for one reason: no one from the former civilian directors in the former chain of command at Arlington was held accountable for their actions and their gross negligence and gross mismanagement because none of them were subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Additionally, Arlington is managed by the Army and rests adjacent to a joint military base. Tenants of that command work on that base daily. With that, I believe strongly that we need to have a military leader now in charge of Arlington National Cemetery. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, you know, as you've heard, this issue is really about this: it's about making sure that there's accountability and that there's responsibility at this Nation's most distinguished resting place where our heroes that have defended this Nation go for their final resting place. If we put a uniformed officer in command of Arlington National Cemetery, then that officer will be held accountable to the exact same standards as the heroes buried at Arlington once were; that is the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The men and women of our all-volunteer force who fall in combat, and those who serve and who choose to be buried at Arlington, deserve the honor of having a uniformed commanding officer to watch over them as they rest, to set and enforce a standard of military excellence and commitment, honor and integrity that only those serving in uniform can fully comprehend. Folks, these are our Nation's heroes. We owe them nothing less, especially in light of the problems that we've had there at Arlington. So I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, to put back in place the distinction and the honor deserved by our men and women who have so honorably served this Nation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN. I do to close.