C. Young

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. I thank the gentleman for his work on this important issue. The gentleman is correct. Our Nation's ability to produce the 40- millimeter ammunition is a critical readiness issue. I am very proud of the work that is done in Florida and other States to support production of this ammunition. This is a matter of importance to the readiness of the Army, and the readiness of all of our Armed Forces is a matter of top priority to me and it is a matter of great importance to both of our districts. I'm committed to ensuring that the funding necessary for production of 40-millimeter ammunition in 2013 is available and that the supply chain and workforce associated with the 40-millimeter ammunition remains strong. I look forward to working with the gentleman from Iowa to ensure that the final bill reflects that priority. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. We are happy to support your amendment.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Chairman, in working with the administration, the Department of Defense, and our commanders in the field in Afghanistan, we have come to a proper amount to be funded for this purpose. It's already included in this bill. I think to change the formula now from one that has been agreed upon by the administration, the Defense Department, and the commanders in the field who have the responsibility for operating this entire Afghan operation, I just oppose this amendment. I think it's the wrong thing to do. It's very balanced. It's agreed to by the parties that have the responsibility. I just hope the Members will vote ``no.'' I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Major General Frederick ``Ben'' Hodges, United States Army, for his extraordinary dedication to duty and selfless service to the United States of America. Major General Hodges will be moving on from his present assignment as the Chief, Office Congressional Legislative Liaison (OCLL) for the United States Army to become the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Land Command, Chief. A native Floridian from Quincy, Major General Ben Hodges graduated from the United States Military Academy in May 1980 and was commissioned as an Infantry Officer. After his first assignment as an Infantry Lieutenant in Germany, he commanded Infantry units at the Company, Battalion and Brigade levels with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and in combat during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. His most recent operational combat assignment was as the Director of Operations, Regional Command South, in Kandahar, Afghanistan during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Major General Hodges has served in a variety of Joint and Army Staff positions to include Tactics Instructor at the Infantry School; Chief of Plans, 2nd Infantry Division in Korea; Aide-de-Camp to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe; Army Congressional Liaison Officer; Task Force Senior Observer-Controller at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, LA; Chief of Joint Operations for Multi-National Corps--Iraq (MNC-I) in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM; Chief of Staff, XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, NC; and Director of the Pakistan Afghanistan Coordination Cell on the Joint Staff. Mr. Speaker, it has been a pleasure to recognize Major General Hodges' long and decorated career today and also the great benefit to the Nation he has provided as the Chief, Office Congressional Legislative Liaison (OCLL) for the United States Army. We work closely with Major General Hodges to accomplish the toughest tasks for our Service Men and Women and Ben has always achieved excellence daily during his tenure. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending Major General Hodges for a lifetime of service to his country. For all he and his family have given and continue to give to our country, we are in their debt. We wish him, his wife Holly, his son Ben, and his daughter Madeline, all the best as they continue their journey to his next assignment at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize the life and achievements of one of my constituents, Eugene Shea of St. Petersburg, Florida. Now 100 years old, Mr. Shea has been blessed to have lived such a long life and he has not wasted any part of that gift. In his youth, he was a world champion speed skater from his native state of New York. Since moving to St. Petersburg, he has built a successful career as a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Commercial. He continues to work there today. Each day, he sits down at his desk with his trusted typewriter and phone. He is known for his hard work and still closes negotiations worth more than a million dollars. We should all celebrate his century of setting such a fine example. This illustration is important for today as our expectations of a long and fruitful life continue to grow. Mr. Shea, at age 100, demonstrates for us that it is possible to continue contributing to the community long after age 65. Working as a real estate agent, Mr. Shea is often in stressful negotiations. He handles these situations with the strength of his immense experience and hopes to continue to work at his typewriter for years to come. I hope that this might inspire others to believe that they too can continue to live healthy and productive lives. For the last century, Mr. Shea has led a life of fine character, working hard and contributing to the community in my district. His success and continued work ethic truly represent the best ideals of his profession and are a source of inspiration for all who meet him. Mr. Shea is an exceptional example of Pinellas County, the state of Florida and the United States. I am proud to congratulate Mr. Shea for his quality and achievements which deserve to be recognized by this chamber and the country.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement, I want to take this opportunity to honor Mr. Blaise J. Durante for his 45 years of dedicated service to our country. In his most recent assignment, he served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition Integration, in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. In this role, Mr. Durante oversaw the integration of Air Force research, development and acquisition budget formulation and execution, and directed streamlined management team activities, including acquisition reform and reduction in total ownership cost efforts. Mr. Durante directed the development of acquisition policy and served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Air Force modernization accounts, managing all acquisition reporting systems along with the Air Force's international research, development and analysis programs. In over four decades of active duty military and civil service, he has held numerous director positions, leading both Air Force acquisition plans and policy, and joint service programs. Mr. Durante retired from the Air Force at the rank of Colonel in May 1992 after 25 years of active duty and was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 1992. A native of Everett, Massachusetts, Mr. Durante began his career in the Air Force in 1966 after receiving his commission through the Officer Training School and graduating from Northeastern University. His active duty career included assignments to the Air Force Aero Propulsion Laboratory, Air Force Systems Command, Electronic Systems Command, and Headquarters, United States Air Force. Success has followed Mr. Durante throughout his career, and he is known as the Air Force's premier troubleshooter for acquisition challenges. As just one example, when the Department of Defense cancelled the Tr-Service Standoff Attack Missile program in 1995 and the contractor subsequently filed a $1.3 billion contractor claim, the Air Force handpicked Mr. Durante to lead a tiger team that aided the General Counsel's office in eventually reaching an extremely favorable $58.5 million settlement. Mr. Durante has held his most recent post since 1994, during which time he has had a significant impact on Air Force acquisition processes and execution. His Directorate was responsible for integrating the Air Force's $40 billion annual Air Force modernization budget, which accounted for nearly 30 percent of the total Air Force budget. In this role, he monitored performance of the Air Force's 400 plus program portfolio to achieve maximum efficiency for limited funding. In fiscal year 2011 alone, he executed over 255 actions valued at $2.195 billion to fully fund priorities and support our ongoing Overseas Contingency Operations. For over four decades, Mr. Durante has been a passionate advocate for the development of a professional and competent acquisition force. Countless leaders today call him, ``Mentor''. He partnered with the Defense Acquisition University to better train program managers and led his team to develop a comprehensive Career Field Education and Training Plan that provided a roadmap for our young men and women to develop into the knowledgeable leaders of tomorrow. In 2008, he correctly identified a significant gap in leadership training for entry and intermediate level program office personnel, and launched the Acquisition Leadership Challenge Program. Since its inception, this program has graduated over 4000 Air Force acquisition leaders, and provided them with critical leadership training previously only available to senior managers. As further evidence of his dedication to professional development, Mr. Durante is a founding member of the Aerospace and Defense Advisory Board for the College of Business Administration at the University of Tennessee. He has since inspired the creation of the nation's only Executive Master of Business Administration program designed for aerospace and defense professionals, and sponsored over 48 military and civilian Airmen for this unique program. Mr. Durante is also known for his dedicated championing of continuous process improvement (otherwise known as CPI). Over the past few years, he served as lead for several initiatives under the Secretary of the Air Force's ``Acquisition Improvement Plan'' and ``CPI 2.0''. He successfully filled civilian acquisition vacancies across the Air Force, increased civilian and military authorizations, balanced the mix of General Officers and Senior Executives, and provided 30 percent more training opportunities for acquisition personnel. To stabilize the acquisition budget and instill financial discipline in acquisition programs, Mr. Durante directed a significant increase in cost estimating confidence levels and established realistic baselines for cost, schedule and performance. He directed the analysis of contractor overhead rates and tied contractor profits directly to their performance. He worked directly with a number of industry partners to refine accounting and reporting processes to improve accuracy and reduce long-term costs to the government. Under CPI 2.0, he also simplified cumbersome bureaucracy and reduced oversight to provide acquisition programs more stability. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw your attention to Mr. Durante's dedication to success in our overseas conflicts. He personally drove the creation of the Iraqi and Afghan Transportation Networks as a method of advancing Counterinsurgency Operations, while minimizing the exposure of our troops to roadside bombs. This unique endeavor established a consortium of tribally owned and operated transportation companies that collectively provide secure, dependable transportation services throughout hostile territories. This method was used in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and the program is estimated to have taken 3.5 soldiers and 2.5 gun vehicles off the road for every 10 Network trucks in service. This is truly an amazing success and deserves proper recognition. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Durante leaves a legacy of integrity, innovation, and dedication to those who serve. I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing our sincere appreciation to Mr. Durante for his outstanding service to this great Nation and the United States Air Force. His exemplary character and selfless service have resulted in a career of which he and his family can be very proud. I wish them the very best as they face new challenges in the coming years. Mr. Durante consistently conducted himself in a professional manner, which brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. I know my fellow Members of the Senate will join me in thanking him for his commitment to this Nation and in wishing him all the best in the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Chair, as we complete consideration of H.R. 5855, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill which funds the United States Coast Guard, I rise to share with my colleagues another example of why it remains one of our most important and efficient federal agencies. Just last month, the crew of USCGC Resolute, based in Sector St. Petersburg, Florida which I have the privilege to represent, intercepted shipments of cocaine in the Caribbean valued at $135 million. The interdictions occurred during a two-month period and were a direct result of Operation Martillo, a U.S., European, and Western Hemisphere effort to target illicit trafficking routes on Central American coasts. On May 31, 2012, Resolute returned to St. Petersburg after an eight-week deployment in the Western Caribbean in support of counter-narcotics and search and rescue operations with the 168 bales of cocaine. Sector St. Petersburg has proudly served our community, the Gulf Coast and our nation since 1924. It is one of the Coast Guard's largest commands, patrolling over 370 nautical miles of Florida's coastline. The west coast's vulnerability to smuggling unwanted goods and drugs makes it a critical sector and point of interest for our nation. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg's chief operational duties include Search and Rescue, Maritime Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, and Waterways Management. The men and women of Resolute and Sector St. Petersburg continue to do an outstanding job of defending our coastline, patrolling our fisheries, and providing life-saving search and rescue operations throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Mr. Chair, it is a great honor to be the only member of this House to represent four separate and distinct Coast Guard operations: Sector St. Petersburg, Air State Clearwater, Search and Rescue Station Sand Key, and Port Security Unit 307. Each carries out a vital mission to protect our nation and its men and women serve here and aboard to fulfill these critical responsibilities. With the passage of this appropriations bill tonight, we provide the Coast Guard with the equipment and resources it needs to undertake its training and missions safely. Please join me in saying congratulations to the crew of USCGC Resolute, the members of Sector St. Petersburg, and all the Coasties who serve our great nation in uniform for a job well done.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support the passage of H.R. 436, the Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2012, legislation I agreed to cosponsor last year aimed at repealing yet another harmful job killing provision put into place by the President's controversial health care reform law. Unless Congress moves to repeal it, beginning in 2013, a 2.3 percent excise tax will be imposed on the sale of medical devices by manufacturers or importers across the country. The medical device tax will increase the effective tax rate for many medical technology companies. Unfortunately, the tax would be collected on gross sales, not profits, meaning companies could end up owing more in taxes than they produce in profits. As a result, device companies, many of which are small, entrepreneurial firms, are expected to pass the cost of the tax onto consumers, lay off workers, or cut R&D. These actions are unacceptable for an industry currently employing tens of thousands of Americans, as well as leading the way in innovation and scientific discovery. And in Florida, which is home to one of our nation's largest medical device economies, the impact of this excise tax would be particularly devastating in a state hit hard by the economic downturn. Throughout the past year we have been listening to our local business owners who tell us the economy will not grow and new jobs will not be created until there is more certainty in our economy and more certainty in government fiscal and tax policies. H.R. 436 is a great first step in doing just that by permanently preventing the medical device tax from being implemented. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the United States Senate to follow our lead and quickly pass this legislation and send it to President Obama for his signature into law. Further delaying the effort to repeal this harmful tax will only lead to greater uncertainty throughout the medical technology sector, causing business owners to delay crucial decisions about long-term investment and expansion.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Captain Karl Van Deusen, United States Navy for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to the United States of America. Captain Karl Van Deusen will retire as the Director of Naval Congressional Liaison for Appropriations Matters. His service spans over twenty-seven years of active military duty to the United States Navy and the Department of Defense. Born in Hartford, Connecticut and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Captain Karl Van Deusen received his commission in 1985 through the Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps program at Marquette University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. His rise in the Navy began at sea, when Ensign Van Deusen reported aboard the Knox- class frigate, USS MILLER, and served as Gunnery Officer and Damage Control Assistant. Afterwards, he subsequently served on five other warships, including the Commander of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS GONZALEZ, and Commander of Destroyer Squadron FIFTY, home ported in Manama, Bahrain. His shore assignments have been focused in the areas of surface warfare, appropriations, and congressional liaison which included duty on the Navy staff, and the staff of the Secretary of Defense. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exemplary service in duty to the mission and care of his Sailors. In his culminating assignment as the Director of Naval Congressional Liaison for Appropriations Matters Captain Karl Van Deusen forged and maintained countless valuable relationships with Congressional members and staffers, key leaders at the Office of Management and Budget, leadership in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and with his Service counterparts. These relationships were critical communication links when the Navy needed to provide crucial key information and have a voice in critical resourcing decisions that affected its programs and priorities. The United States Navy, the Department of Defense and the Nation will dearly miss one of its most respected and valued leaders as Captain Karl Van Deusen leaves active duty. We will miss his humility, selflessness, candor and integrity. Captain Karl Van Deusen's exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to duty has touched fully two generations of Sailors, Department of the Navy Civilians, and their Families. Mr. Speaker, it has been a pleasure to work closely with Captain Karl Van Deusen over the last several years of his long and decorated career. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending Captain Karl Van Deusen for a lifetime of service to his country. For all he and his family have given and continue to give to our country; we are in their debt. We wish him, his wife Beth, his two sons, Jon and Todd, and his three daughters, Bonnie, Margaret, and Cora, all the best in his retirement.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Major General Kevin A. Leonard for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to the United States of America. Major General Leonard will retire from the United States Army in May 2012 after serving his country with integrity, dedication and visionary leadership for over 33 years. While his accomplishments are numerous, these deserve special notice. Major General Kevin A. Leonard has distinguished himself through exceptionally meritorious service to the United States Army from May 1979 to May 2012, concluding 33 years of exemplary service culminating in his assignment as Commanding General, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Major General Leonard is a genuine selfless servant leader who consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, professionalism, dedication, and a genuine heart-felt concern for the welfare of Soldiers, Civilians, and their Families. His efforts, sacrifices, and selfless service have made significant and enduring contributions to the development, training, and leadership of the United States Army and the Armed Forces of the United States. Major General Leonard has performed with expert distinction in all of his assignments throughout a remarkable career. He has led and molded Soldiers while serving in a myriad of significant positions of ever- increasing responsibility to include the following: Infantry Rifle and Scout Platoon Leader in Germany during the Cold War; Company Commander at both Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Fort Riley, Kansas; every key development position at battalion level to include Battalion Commander in the 1st Infantry Division; Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Commander Special Operations Support Command (Airborne), in both Afghanistan and Iraq; Chief Sustainment Division and Executive Assistant (EA) to the Director, Joint Staff, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.; Deputy Commander, United States Army Field Support Command with duty as Commanding General, Army Materiel Command Forward-Southwest Asia/C 4, Coalition Land Forces, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait; Commanding General 1st Corps Support Command (Airborne)/1st Sustainment Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Camp Arifjan Kuwait; Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics and Operations, United States Army Materiel Command, Fort Belvoir, Virginia; and finally, Commanding General Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command. Major General Leonard's phenomenal success leading SDDC and several other organizations is attributable to the core traits and values he has demonstrated throughout his service in the United States Army. He is a committed and resolute leader who has consistently built incredibly agile, innovative, and mission oriented teams. His formula for success is simple: he knows, trusts, and empowers his subordinates to execute his intent; he has always founded his leadership on the credo ``Mission First, Soldiers Always, and Self Last''; and he has led by example with his professional competence and unfaltering confidence in his team. He believed each of his organizations could achieve the highest standards possible and without fail, they did. Through his energy, optimism, and emphasis on collaboration, he has created teams of nimble and innovative problem solvers that have fundamentally improved organizational efficacy while making enduring contributions to the nation's defense and welfare. His principle message and command philosophy is perfectly epitomized by his maxim: ``One Mind focused on the mission; One Heart willing to serve; One Purpose to keep soldiers alive''. At all levels of command in peace and war, Major General Kevin Leonard has demonstrated himself to be an exceptionally adept leader and logistician, a sincerely caring commander, and a consummate Soldier. Major General Leonard exemplary service culminated with his assignment as Commanding General, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. This organization is a jointly staffed Army Service Component Command (ASCC) of United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and a Major Subordinate Command (MSC) of United States Army Materiel Command (AMC). As Commander of Surface Deployment and Distribution Command he was responsible for all SDDC operations and for directly leading a headquarters and five subordinate commands composed of over 4,825 active and reserve military personnel and civilians. Major General Leonard's contributions to SDDC are significant and enduring. His leadership has cultivated an SDDC team that is readily postured to respond to any contingency ranging from abrupt closures of the Pakistan Ground Lines of Communication (PAKGLOC) to humanitarian disasters across the globe. During Major General Leonard's tenure SDDC successfully executed 235 unit cargo deployments in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Operation NEW DAWN, and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM as well as the movement of 101 million square feet of cargo. Under his direction, SDDC successfully coordinated the drawdown of ocean shipping containers in Iraq from over 43,000 containers in June 2011 to fewer than 20,000 containers in November 2011 thereby resulting in a $6.4 million dollar reduction in container detention costs. He also effectively employed SDDC Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMA) to serve as the command's liaison officers (LNO) in Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan. He deployed forces to effectively posture and support the rapid reverse surge and departure of all U.S. forces from Iraq; the largest drawdown of forces since Vietnam. Major General Leonard demonstrated exceptional dexterity while overseeing the execution of over-the-shore logistics operations into earthquake ravaged Japan during Operation TOMODACHI while simultaneously and seamlessly supporting operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR). Additionally, the Defense Transportation Tracking System (DTTS) directorate received the 2010 St. Louis Federal Executive Board's ``Team Excellence'' award for their expert response to over 200 incidents and emergencies involving the commercial carrier movement of arms, ammunition, and explosives (AA&E) and other sensitive materials on behalf of the DoD. Overall, DTTS personnel effectively tracked over 70,000 high security risk shipments during the past year. Regarding household goods (HHG) movements, SDDC successfully oversaw the movement of well over 500,000 HHG shipments and 80,000 personally owned vehicle shipments in fiscal year 2011 alone. Through collaboration with the US Department of Defense (DoD), the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), and DoD's commercial moving partners, MG Leonard oversaw the final development and successful implementation of the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) an internet-based system to manage DoD household goods moves. Major General Leonard proved himself to be an able consensus builder as well. His Strategic Planning initiatives integrated the priorities and plans of two four star headquarters achieving significant synergies leading to better and more efficient distribution operations. SDDC accomplished these achievements and far too many more to mention during Major General Leonard's 19 months of command. Because of Major General Leonard's superb leadership, SDDC has indeed become the recognized and trusted leader in delivering innovative end-to-end deployment and distribution excellence across the full range of military operations. Major General Leonard's exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to duty has touched fully three generations of Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians, and their Families. His integrity and credibility are unsurpassed, and his expertise is unquestioned. Major General Leonard's 33 years of service to our Army and the Nation can only be characterized as honorable and distinguished. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues today in saying thank you to Major General Kevin A. Leonard for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to his country throughout his distinguished career in the United States Army and we wish him, his wife Pam, his daughters Melissa and Jessica, and son Kris, all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Dr. James Deegan, the Vice President and Dean of Special Programs at Eckerd College, upon his retirement after 28 years of service to the college's students, faculty and staff. Dr. Deegan is a nationally recognized advocate and expert in the field of lifelong learning and was an architect in developing a unique program called Eckerd College's Senior College. Now known as the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Eckerd College, the program has provided a series of noncredit, continuing education courses for our local residents. Senior College was the third program at Eckerd targeted toward retirees, but each offers something different. Elderhostel is marketed nationally and provides short-term residential learning programs for people from all over the country. The Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College (ASPEC)--started in the early 1980s and incorporated into Special Programs in 2002--offers the intense connections of a close, almost familial, membership group that meets together regularly. ASPEC members are also more integrated into Eckerd's residential program, working with faculty, hosting a freshman picnic, mentoring African American students, and sponsoring lectures for the community. Senior College, in contrast, offers classes, tours, and discussion groups for local residents who come and go according to their interests and schedules. They tend to be younger retirees who want to meet a wide range of people and be more active. Upon arriving at Eckerd College in June 1984 as the third Dean of Special Programs, Jim has told me that he was immediately impressed with the variety of programs that took seriously the concept of lifelong learning, with programs for young children through retirees. Under Jim's direction, Eckerd's Special Programs now stand out nationally. Among the other programs developed under Jim's direction is the Leadership Development Institute, which was established in 1980. Its original offering was the intensive, five-day Leadership Development Program in affiliation with the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, North Carolina. This leadership course is offered worldwide by CCL and has probably been attended by more people than any other leadership program. Special Programs expanded under Jim's leadership with the creation of the Center for Conflict Dynamics. The idea grew out of a request from the Center for Creative Leadership for an original assessment instrument on conflict. Special Programs met the request by contracting with some of Eckerd's psychology faculty to develop the Conflict Development Profile. The successful tool solidified the college's relationship with the Center for Creative Leadership and became the foundation for an expanding range of services for corporations and government agencies seeking to improve their ``conflict competence.'' The Profile has since been translated into multiple languages and is sold worldwide, and the Center for Conflict Dynamics is now working with clients in Germany, Brazil, and China. The Leadership Development Institute has also expanded its services during Jim's tenure. In addition to the core Leadership Development Program, the institute has added other CCL-affiliated courses, developed original open-enrollment courses, and added customized leadership training taught on-site at companies. Since 1980, LDI has taught more than 450 5-day Leadership Development courses to more than 7,500 students and served another 3,000 students in other courses. Mr. Speaker, it is a true honor to salute Jim Deegan's contributions to Eckerd College and our community over the past 28 years. Under his stewardship, Eckerd is one of the few undergraduate institutions of its size to have a continuing education program the size of Special Programs. It has generated significant revenue for the college and it has transformed lives--from the graduates who never thought they'd earn a diploma to retirees who needed a sense of belonging, from international students finding their way in a new country to countless Eckerd employees who learned to believe in themselves. I would ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. James Deegan for a job well done and in wishing him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5652, to stop sequestration of our Nation's defense. We need certainty in the future of our national defense. We need certainty in the industry that serves our national defense. We can't wait until January to make decisions about sequestration, what the funding is going to be. The Pentagon will begin in the next month to prepare industry to begin stopping contracts, not issuing contracts, basically putting small suppliers out of business, putting small contractors out of business. It is important for the readiness of our Nation, to defend our Nation, that we avoid sequestration at all costs. There is much more to be said about this. This is serious. When we talk about sequestration regarding our national defense, this, my colleagues, is serious. We've got to take this first step so, before the deadline, we can complete this job. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5652, the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012. It is the first step we must take if we are to avert sequestration and prevent the dismantling of our national security. Contrary to what some would say, this is not just a political exercise today. This is a very real action that we must take for our nation to avoid the threat to our national security and our nation's economic security if we do not stop sequestration from taking place next January. The Secretary of Defense and our nation's senior military leadership have all warned of the severe consequences we face if automatic sequestration takes effect next year. We are a nation at war in Afghanistan, we face multiple threats around the globe, our troops are stretched thin from multiple deployments, and our equipment is wearing out. These situations will only grow worse with sequestration as we are forced to further draw down our forces and significantly scale back--if not stop altogether--the repair and replacement of our vehicles, aircraft, and ships. And the prospect of a hollow force would be an almost certainty as training and maintenance would be delayed and canceled. As the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on National Defense, I know that we have already made a number of difficult spending decisions--$39 billion of cuts last year and any major reductions as required by sequestration will affect the readiness of our troops. I also know that any decision we are going to make about averting sequestration cannot wait until the eleventh hour, as so many other decisions are made before recess. Our service chiefs tell me that planning will have to begin this summer on how to respond to sequestration. Industry leaders are already hearing the award of contracts will be delayed and that the advance procurement of material and equipment will be postponed. This will not only affect the large defense contractors, but will impact thousands of small businesses in every part of our nation who provide unique components for some of our most critical defense systems. At a time when our national security remains at risk from emerging threats abroad and from ongoing terrorist operations, our nation's economy also remains at risk from a softening job market that will only worsen with the closure of small defense suppliers and layoffs at larger defense contractors. The Secretary of Defense has already warned that sequestration could add a full one percent to our nation's unemployment rate--many of these as a direct result of civilian furloughs and military personnel draw downs, but also from the companies and small businesses back home who are second and third-tier suppliers for contracts that will be abrogated or canceled. Mr. Speaker, this cannot be an issue on which we act then sit and wait for our colleagues in the Senate to respond. This is an issue on which we must work together, in an expedient manner, to send a message to our nation's military leadership and to the leadership of industry that we are serious about averting this crisis and that we are committed to working in a bipartisan manner to do it sooner rather than later. Our military leadership wants certainty. They want certainty for our troops in the field and for their families at home. The leaders of business and industry want certainty so they can make the investments they need to make to help us rebuild our worn out force. And small business suppliers want certainty that they will be able to continue providing the critiical components for systems that are in many cases their only line of work. Mr. Speaker, the specter of sequestration is a serious national security issue and it is a serious national economic issue. This is not an issue that will be solved by talking at one another. This is an issue that will only be solved by working together in the best traditions of this House and the Senate. We have risen to the challenge before and we can do so again. The legislation we consider today is a first step in this process. We can't wait or we will face the most severe and in my opinion irreversible consequences for the security of our nation.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share with my colleagues some good news about a life-saving program begun by this House 25 years ago. The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), now publicly known as Be The Match, marks another major milestone today as it has signed up its 10 millionth potential volunteer bone marrow donor on its Be The Match Registry'. With a small appropriation of funds in 1986, the National Marrow Donor Program began to recruit potential bone marrow donors in the Fall of 1987. The registry started with a list of 10,000 volunteers who had signed up at small bake sales and community events all over the country with the hope that their donation of bone marrow would save the life of a man, woman or child with leukemia or any one of 60 otherwise fatal blood disorders. With the odds of finding a matched, unrelated marrow donor at greater than 20,000 to one, federal support was required to establish a registry large and diverse enough to find donors for patients in need of a second chance at life. Today, the Be The Match Registry is the largest and most diverse listing of potential marrow donors and cord blood units in the world and has direct relationships with registries in 37 other nations. Because of the committed volunteer registry members, Be The Match has facilitated more than 50,000 transplants for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other life-threatening diseases over these past 25 years. Half of the 50,000 procedures facilitated by Be The Match were performed in the last five years alone--demonstrating the great momentum behind transplant therapy. By 2015, Be The Match plans to double the number of transplants it facilitates annually, to more than 10,000. Today, Be The Match continues to grow to meet the needs of patients whose best--and often only--hope for a cure is a marrow or cord blood transplant. Each of the 10,000,000 volunteers, and every additional member of the registry we recruit, represents hope to the thousands of patients who search for a match every year. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate and thank all of the members of this House who have been a partner with me in establishing this modern miracle of a program that has given hope to thousands of families here in the United States and all around the world. And I invite all of my colleagues to join me in commending the NMDP and Be The Match for recruiting 10 million registry members in every Congressional District, and for the dedication of its staff members and thousands of volunteers to the noblest of causes to save the life of another person.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Calvary Episcopal Church of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, which I have the privilege to represent, will celebrate its 50th anniversary of service to our community next month and I would ask my colleagues to join me in saying congratulations to the members of this tremendous family oriented church. The effort to establish this church began in 1954 and in April of 1962, this small church located on a beautiful piece of waterfront property opened its doors. With its mission statement expressing the congregation's belief that ``God is calling us to make known His truth and to convey His love to all,'' Calvary Episcopal has become a key part of this beach community. The church's energetic and beloved leader is Father Robert Wagenseil. Father Bob as he is affectionately called, traveled from New York 16 years ago to pay the church a visit, and never left. Together with the church's Deacon, The Reverend Melissa Sands, and Music Director and Parish Administrator Lynn Vera, Calvary Episcopal and Father Bob serve the church community in a combination of traditional and unique ways. In addition to their wonderful music, Father Bob's inspirational messages, and the prayers they share together, the families of Calvary Episcopal reach out to help feed the hungry through an exceptional volunteer food bank. They teach our children through Sunday school programs and even a unique summer sailing school led by Father Bob. He tells me that one of his highlights every year is the graduation ceremony for his Intrepid Sailors. They provide computer skills training in their church computer lab to help the unemployed and the underemployed. And Father Bob and the church have formed a special bond with the local fire fighting community and in particular Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue and the Indian Rocks Volunteer Firemen's Association. Mr. Speaker, I have had the privilege to worship at Calvary Episcopal with my family and I can tell you that Father Bob and the members of his church always find new ways to amaze me both spiritually and through the compassion they show their neighbors in need. Please join me in saying congratulations to the members of Calvary Episcopal on their first 50 years of ministry and service.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Colonel Jerrell J. Cockrell for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to the United States of America. Colonel Cockrell will retire from the United States Army Reserve while on Active Duty in March 2012 after serving his country with integrity, dedication and visionary leadership for over 30 years. Over his illustrious career, Colonel Cockrell has held various positions within the military medical community from Medical Platoon Leader to United States Army Reserve Army Medical Department Outsourcing Contracting Officer to Medical Observer/Trainer to Medical Training Brigade Commander, and culminating as the Chief of Staff for Army Reserve Medical Command. While his accomplishments are numerous, these deserve special notice. Shortly after the events of September 11, 2001 he was named as the Senior Medical Coordinator of the Crisis Operations Team at Joint Forces Command. Colonel Cockrell was instrumental in ensuring the Office of Command Surgeon accomplished all assigned missions during this time of high fear and uncertainty within our Nation. In 2005, Colonel Cockrell was named Director of Army Medical Department Region at Human Resources Command where his team professionally supported over 40,000 Reserve Medical Soldiers including the management of over two- hundred, ninety day rotator healthcare professionals ensuring a continuum of Reserve physicians deployed in support of Homeland Security and the Global War on Terror. In 2007, Colonel Cockrell became the Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of Human Resources Command in St. Louis where he ensured the success of the first ever assembly/ muster of over 8,000 Inactive Ready Reserve Soldiers. The successful muster validated the efficacy of our strategic reserve and brought much needed relief to our Army at war. As Chief of Staff for Army Reserve Medical Command, Colonel Cockrell successfully managed the day to day operations of over 10,000 Reserve Soldiers with 15% to 20% being mobilized or deployed at any given time. His years of leadership and mentoring were formally recognized in 2011 when Major General David Rubenstein, Chief of the United States Army Medical Service Corps, selected him as the (United States Army Reserve) Medical Service Corps, Mentor of the Year. Colonel Cockrell's exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to duty has touched fully two generations of Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians, and their Families. His integrity and credibility are unsurpassed, and his expertise is unquestioned. Colonel Cockrell's 30 years of service to our Army and the Nation can only be characterized as honorable and distinguished. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues today in saying thank you to Colonel Jarrell J. Cockrell for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to his country throughout his distinguished career in the United States Army Reserve and we wish him, his wife Janice, his daughter Melissa, and son Aaron, all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute the men and women of U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 307 who are being honored this morning at the Pentagon with the 2011 Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Award. This award recognizes that the readiness of our military units to deploy anywhere in the world is only as good as the support they receive from and the support they provide to the families they leave behind. Port Security Unit 307, from Clearwater, Florida which I proudly represent, has excelled at taking care of its families. Commissioned in May 1999, Port Security Unit 307 knows the meaning of readiness. They are charged with being ready to deploy anywhere in the world within 96 hours and they are the only Port Security Unit to meet this standard in the international arena. They also know about deployments as they have been deployed repeatedly to help secure our domestic ports following 9 11, to support the ports we operate from abroad, and even to provide port security operations for humanitarian operations such as those in Haiti after the devastating earthquake in 2010. In fact, Port Security Unit 307, under the leadership of its commanding officer Commander James Wallace, just returned last month from a six-month deployment to the Middle East in support of Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom. There they provided security for port locations around the North Arabian Gulf to ensure the free flow of personnel, equipment and commerce in the region. The unit worked side-by-side with the Navy and its Maritime Expeditionary Squadron Three to provide strategic support in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. It takes months of training and preparation for a unit to ready itself for a deployment of this magnitude. Most important though to Commander Wallace and his unit is the preparation they provide to ready the families for their deployment. Port Security Unit 307 has been a key participant in the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. This is a Department of Defense-wide effort to help the members of National Guard and Reserve units and their families to locate resources available to them and their families before, during and after deployments. In addition to these services, the families of Port Security Unit 307 also participated in a mid-deployment Yellow Ribbon event to assist families. The unit's leadership stayed in touch with the families throughout the deployment by producing regular newsletters outlining its missions and responsibilities. They also host an annual Family Day and Open House each summer so the families can interact with each other. Commander Wallace says the most important part of that weekend is the opportunity for him and his leaders to say thank you to the families and their friends for the invaluable support they provide their loved ones. Mr. Speaker, we can never fully repay the men and women who serve our nation in uniform and the families they leave behind as they go into harm's way. We can, however, salute the units that have excelled at taking care of their loved ones during their deployments and no unit does it better than U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 307. I commend their record of service to my colleagues here in the House and I hope you will join me in saying thank you to each one of them for a job well done.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the Seminole Vocational Education Center, SVEC, which I have the privilege to represent. This facility is truly an example of how one citizen's vision can be brought to life through the efforts of an entire community. Originally named the ``Ag Farm'' the facility first opened its doors in 1961. In the past 50 years, this facility has grown from one square acre of land managed by a few staff members and 60 students, to one that now spans 42 acres and provides training to over 450 students. It all began with Seminole resident Bill Moore, who had a vision for an agricultural education center in Pinellas. After acquiring an acre of land he, the staff, and students cleared the land together and the facilities were built. Through partnerships with businesses in the community the center has grown to offer multiple courses in a wide variety of areas. Students can receive technical certificates in everything from carpentry to commercial art. The center even offers math, English, and science courses as a part of a program that targets at risk youth in order to prevent students from dropping out of school. The SVEC has been receiving recognition for decades. Their students have proven themselves as award winners at the state, regional, and national levels, not to mention the dozens of newspaper articles that track their growth and accomplishments throughout the years. The ambition of the staff and students at the SVEC has made it a facility that has not only lasted fifty years, but has gotten better each year. In closing, I am honored to represent the teachers, students, and community members who have taken part in the SVEC. Their dedication has made an invaluable impact on our community and its residents. I ask my colleagues to join with me today in recognizing this important milestone and to wish the center continued success in the years to come.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important contribution United States educational institutions have made to innovation and discovery and to congratulate the 13 American universities who were on the list of the top 300 organizations to receive patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2010. I am honored to represent one of these universities, the University of South Florida, USF, whose researchers and students were awarded 83 patents that year. Founded in 1956, USF is currently comprised of four member institutions, located in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota- Manatee, and Lakeland, FL. One of Florida's leading academic institutions, USF is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in the top tier of research universities, a distinction attained by only 2.2 percent of all universities. The patents awarded to USF in 2010 cover a wide range of disciplines and could potentially lead to better health care, new fuel cell technologies, improved air purification systems and even future amusement park rides. USF also distinguishes itself as the second most efficient university in research expenditures per patent. This means that USF effectively uses their limited research funding in the development of new patentable products. The University's focus on quality research is a major component in the growth of new industries in the Tampa Bay area and I am glad that their important work is being recognized. USF has shown a commitment to encouraging innovation not only on their campus, but also throughout the academic community and, in 2010, founded the National Academy of Inventors, NAI. Upon founding, 131 members joined as Charter Members and since then 24 affiliate chapters have been founded at higher learning institutions around the world, with over 500 individual members. The researchers at our colleges and universities often do not receive the attention they deserve and this non-profit organization works to recognize researchers at universities and their affiliated institutions who translate their findings into inventions that may benefit society. Since the establishment of our Nation, the United States has recognized the important role that innovation plays in growth and development. Our Nation's Founders were wise enough to include protection for intellectual property rights in Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution and every day new advances are being made throughout the country that may one day improve our quality of life, spur economic growth, and lead to new technologies. We must continue to support institutions like USF that promote and encourage advances in research, especially when it leads to the awarding of new patents. I am privileged to represent the students, teachers, and faculty at USF and extend my congratulations to the University's current and future patent holders. I ask my colleagues to join with me today in recognizing their achievements and wish USF continued success in the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Lieutenant General Edgar E. Stanton III for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to the United States of America. Lieutenant General Stanton will retire from active military duty in April 2012 after 40 distinguished years of service to the United States Army. Lieutenant General Edgar E. Stanton III has distinguished himself throughout his 40 years of service to his Nation by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States Army and the United States of America, culminating as the Military Deputy for Budget to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management & Comptroller). He is currently the Army's senior uniformed financial manager. Throughout his career, Lieutenant General Stanton has served in command and staff positions at every level from the Finance Section, to the Army Secretariat, including Commander, 18th Finance Group; Commandant, US Army Finance School; Deputy Chief of Staff, Resource Management, TRADOC, and Commanding General, US Army Soldier Support Institute. During his tours as the Director, Army Budget and Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary, Lieutenant General Stanton was directly and intimately involved in supervising the formulation, justification, and execution of Army Appropriations valued at over $1.5 trillion. As the Military Deputy for Budget to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management & Comptroller) since July 2008, Lieutenant General Stanton continued to be instrumental in resourcing the Army at war, and was also intimately involved in the planning for the force of the future in a rapidly changing strategic and economic environment. He helped senior Army leaders maintain a strategic focus in these efforts and craft a story that can be clearly understood by leaders at the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Congress. Throughout his tenure as both the Director, Army Budget and Military Deputy for Budget, Lieutenant General Stanton forged and maintained countless valuable relationships with Congressional members and staffers, key leaders at the Office of Management and Budget, leadership in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and with his Service counterparts. These relationships were critical communications links when the Army needed to provide key information and have a voice in critical resource decisions that affected its programs. Lieutenant General Stanton's exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to duty has touched fully two generations of Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians, and their Families. His integrity and credibility are unsurpassed, and expertise is unquestioned. Lieutenant General Stanton's 40 years of service to our Army and the Nation can only be characterized as distinguished. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues today in saying thank you to Lieutenant General Edgar E. Stanton III, for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to his country throughout his distinguished career in the United States Army and we wish him, his wife Paula M. Stanton, his son's Edgar ``Chip'' E. Stanton IV, LTC Paul Stanton, and William ``Billy'' Stanton, all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman, the chairman, for yielding me the time. It's not really adequate to explain this bill, this defense bill, which is the largest part of this mini-bus, omnibus, or call it what you will, but thank you, Chairman Rogers, especially for bringing back regular order in the appropriations process, which we haven't done for a while. You've done a really great job in leading this committee in getting this job done. To my friend, Mr. Dicks, I've already wished him personally a happy birthday, but, Mr. Speaker, we appreciate Mr. Dicks' relationship with the Congress, with our subcommittee, with the full committee. Together, they've made a great team; they've done a great job. As I said, the defense bill is the biggest part of this bill. It is actually $21 billion less than was requested in the budget. We were given a number. We were instructed to make reductions. This subcommittee, the members and the staff, worked diligently to make sure that any reductions that we had to make would not affect the readiness of our Nation or would not adversely affect any of our troops. We successfully concluded that task. We kept our commitment to maintain readiness and to remain strong in the support of our troops. It makes me feel good that we have an agreement that was agreed upon by the Republicans and the Democrats in the House and the Republicans and the Democrats in the Senate. We won't get a unanimous vote on this package at all, but we worked together. People have wondered, and I'm sure all of us have been asked by our constituents, Why can't you guys in Congress work together and get things done? When Congress acts as a Congress and avoids a lot of outside political influence, it's amazing what we can do. I just would call attention to the fact we just concluded the intelligence bill on a bipartisan basis. We did the National Defense Authorization Act last week on a bipartisan basis. This omnibus bill that we will pass today on a bipartisan basis, we worked together and we got things done when we were able to work as a Congress. I am very happy to be supportive of especially the defense part of this bill. Again, I want to congratulate Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Dicks for their strong leadership in getting us back to the regular order. As Mr. Dicks said, next year we're going to do all of the appropriations bills one at a time, which is just like it's supposed to be done. Mr. Speaker, there is so much more to talk about with regard to this bill--so many details--that we have written copies of a report on what it does and what it doesn't do, and we'll be happy to provide that for any Member who asks. Other than that, let's vote for this package and let's get our job done. I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Hopefully, I won't have to wish you a happy New Year until after we come back next year, but we'll see how that goes. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent the fiscal year 2012 Defense Appropriations bill before the House today. The Defense bill provides funding for critical national security needs, provides the necessary resources to continue the Nation's military efforts abroad, and contains essential funding for health and quality of life programs for the men and women of the Armed Services and their families. The bill is separated into two subdivisions, the Department's base funding and the Overseas Contingency Operations funding. The base funding in this bill totals $518 billion--$5 billion above last year and $21 billion below the request. The Overseas Contingency Operations portion totals $115 billion--$43 billion below last year and $2.8 billion below the request. These reductions were not easily achieved; but the Subcommittee reviewed in detail the budget request, and found areas and programs where reductions were possible without adversely impacting the warfighter or readiness. This was extremely important in finalizing this bill. I committed long ago that I would never write or support a bill which adversely affected any soldier or had an adverse effect on our Nation's readiness. I firmly believe I have kept that promise with this bill. The bill before us provides $131.1 billion for military personnel-- including the requested 1.6 percent military pay raise. It funds $163.1 billion in Operation and Maintenance for equipment and facility maintenance, base operations, and critical readiness programs to prepare for and conduct combat and peace-time missions. The bill provides $32.5 billion for the Defense Health Program, including an additional $603.6 million for military medical research, including +$239 million for cancer research and +$135 million for Psychological Health/Traumatic Brain Injury (PH/TBI). It provides $104.6 billion in procurement for new equipment and upgrades to ensure that our military has the systems, weapons, and equipment they need to train, maintain infrastructure, and conduct successful operations. This includes $15.3 billion for the construction of 11 Navy ships; $5.9 billion for 31 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft; $3.2 billion for 28 F-18 Super Hornets and 12 EA-18 Growlers; $2.8 billion for 127 H-60 Blackhawk helicopters; and $720 million for 48 MQ- 9 Reaper UAVs. And the bill funds $72.4 billion in essential basic and applied research that will help prepare our forces with the systems and equipment necessary to meet potential future challenges. This includes $2.7 billion for continued development and testing of the Joint Strike Fighter. As I mentioned before, analytically based and rational reductions were taken to reach the subcommittee's allocation. These include: programs which have been terminated or restructured since the budget was submitted; savings from favorable contract pricing adjustments; contract and schedule delays resulting in fiscal year 2012 savings; unjustified cost increases or funding requested ahead of need; anticipated or historical under-execution; rescissions of unneeded prior year funds; and Department-identified funds which were no longer required. For example, we reduced $435 million for contract delays on the Army's Ground Combat Vehicle; $515 million for excess Working Capital Fund cash balances; $540 million in program delay savings for the Enhanced Medium Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System (EMAARS); and $2.6 billion in unneeded prior year funds. While representative of the reductions that were made, these were by no means easy decisions. Staff on both sides of the aisle, and both sides of the Capitol, worked tirelessly to ensure that the readiness of our Nation's military was not impacted, and its future not jeopardized, in the name of budget cuts. That effort is a strong indication of the bi-partisan nature of this bill, which is the longstanding tradition of this subcommittee. And I would like to thank Ranking Member Dicks for working with us in upholding that tradition. It is a good bill that maintains our commitments to our soldiers and their families, and continues to support and maintain the finest military in the world. I urge its adoption.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, the largest and most successful non-profit wild bird hospital in the United States. It is a privilege for me to represent the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores and to have seen firsthand the outstanding commitment of its staff that works to rehabilitate the more than 8,000 injured birds it admits each year. The Sanctuary was founded in 1971 by zoologist Ralph T. Heath and is staffed by highly trained individuals equipped with emergency facilities, a surgical center, recovery areas, and an outdoor wild bird recuperation area. Admitting up to 159 different species per year, the Sanctuary is world renowned for its innovative rehabilitation techniques with over 80 percent of its admitted birds successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Over the years, the Sanctuary has also become a cherished attraction to Central Florida visitors. Attracting over 100,000 visitors each year, the Sanctuary offers a unique environment for bird watching, and a tremendous opportunity for photographing wildlife on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast. Admission into the Sanctuary has always been free, giving the general public a great opportunity to visit and learn about Florida's wildlife. Mr. Speaker, through their hard work and dedication, the staff and volunteers of the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary not only give back to Florida's natural world, but also serve as a valued asset to our community. This weekend, many of the Sanctuary's family and friends from the past 40 years will gather to celebrate the history and accomplishments of this valuable facility. It is my hope that my colleagues in the House will join me in saying thank you to all those who have been a part of the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.