E1952 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 27, 2011 paper each morning, checking the fax ma- TRIBUTE TO USS ‘‘CALIFORNIA’’ California is a state with a long naval history chine so it works properly, knowing the right and strong naval tradition. The entire Cali- contacts in the Superintendent’s office when HON. KEN CALVERT fornia Delegation is proud to welcome the something needs fixing—these sometimes OF CALIFORNIA USS California as the eighth U.S. Navy ship seemingly little things are of big importance. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES named after our home state. We have no Julie had a keen eye for catching those little Thursday, October 27, 2011 doubt that she, and her crew, will serve our things and always looked after them to ensure country honorably. Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on that everyone else could do their job better. The following are the names of the Mem- behalf of the California Delegation, to honor She is ever dependable, ever reliable. When bers of the California Congressional Delega- and pay tribute to the USS California (SSN– Julie gets an assignment, you know it will get tion in support of the USS California: 781), a Virginia-class submarine and the first done and get done right. MIKE THOMPSON, WALLY HERGER, DANIEL submarine to be named after the Golden LUNGREN, TOM MCCLINTOCK, DORIS MATSUI, I know I speak on behalf of the entire Rahall State. On the occasion of the submarine’s GEORGE MILLER, JOHN GARAMENDI, JERRY staff, as well as the staffs of the Natural Re- commissioning, we could not be more proud MCNERNEY, JACKIE SPEIER, PETE STARK, ANNA sources and Transportation and Infrastructure to have one of the world’s most modern and ESHOO, MIKE HONDA, ZOE LOFGREN, SAM Committees who have had the pleasure of sophisticated nuclear-powered attack sub- FARR, DENNIS CARDOZA, JEFF DENHAM, JIM working with her, when I say that Julie will be marines named for the state of California. COSTA, DEVIN NUNES, KEVIN MCCARTHY, LOIS The contract to build her was awarded to deeply missed. We wish her a most enjoyable CAPPS, ELTON GALLEGLY, HOWARD ‘‘BUCK’’ Northrop Grumman Newport News (now Hun- retirement. We won’t ever forget her and nei- MCKEON, DAVID DREIER, BRAD SHERMAN, HOW- tington Ingalls Industries Newport News Ship- ther will scores of citizens who have benefited ARD BERMAN, ADAM SCHIFF, HENRY WAXMAN, building) in Newport News, Virginia, on August from her service to the Nation. XAVIER BECERRA, JUDY CHU, KAREN BASS, LU- 14, 2003. Construction began in December CILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD, MAXINE WATERS, JANICE 2006. California’s keel was laid down on May f HAHN, LAURA RICHARDSON, GRACE NAPOLI- 1, 2009. She was christened on November 6, TANO, LINDA SA´NCHEZ, EDWARD ROYCE, JERRY H.R. 674 AND H.R. 2576 2010, sponsored by Donna Willard, wife of Ad- LEWIS, GARY MILLER, JOE BACA, KEN CALVERT, miral Robert F. Willard. The California was MARY BONO MACK, DANA ROHRABACHER, LO- launched eight days later, on November 14, RETTA SANCHEZ, JOHN CAMPBELL, DARRELL HON. JOHN D. DINGELL 2010. The commissioning has been scheduled for October 29, 2011 by the Secretary of the ISSA, BRIAN BILBRAY, BOB FILNER, DUNCAN OF MICHIGAN Navy. USS California will be homeported at HUNTER, and SUSAN DAVIS. f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Groton, Connecticut. Designed to meet the Navy’s requirements HONORING THE PALMYRA HIGH Thursday, October 27, 2011 in a post-Cold War era, Virginia-class sub- SCHOOL LADY PANTHERS marines use advanced technologies to in- Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared crease firepower, maneuverability and stealth. to vote in support of H.R. 674, which would re- Along with other Virginia-class submarines, HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER OF MISSOURI peal the onerous requirement that federal, the California is tailored to excel in a wide IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES state, and local government entities withhold range of warfighting missions with several in- three percent of payments to government con- novations that significantly enhance its Thursday, October 27, 2011 tractors. Although never put into effect, the re- warfighting capabilities, especially in the littoral Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise quirement would constitute a significant bur- environment. The ship has a fly-by-wire ship today to ask my colleagues to join me in con- den on all levels of government, which are control system that provides improved shal- gratulating the Palmyra High School Lady presently sorely lacking in resources. With- low-water ship handling. The class has special Panthers softball team for winning the Class 2 holding three percent of payments was un- features to support special operation forces Missouri State Championship on October 22, sound policy when enacted by the Republican and prolonged deployments. Advanced tech- 2011. Congress in 2005, and I gladly will help my nology is employed to provide the ship’s com- The young women and their coaches should colleagues on the other side of the aisle cor- pany enhanced situational awareness and is be commended for all their hard work through- rect their mistake. designed to remain state of the practice for its out the regular season and bringing home the I am less disposed to be helpful on H.R. entire operational life through rapid introduc- state softball championship to their school and 2576, a bill to adjust the definition of ‘‘modified tion of new systems and payloads. community. adjusted gross income,’’ MAGI, so that fewer Previous ships bearing the USS California The Lady Panthers were hungry for a win Americans qualify for tax credits under the Af- name have a long and storied history. The first and proudly demonstrated that competitive fordable Care Act. This strikes me at best as USS California, a screw propelled frigate, was spirit by beating the undefeated Pleasant a solution in search of a non-existent problem. christened in 1869. In 1941, the USS Cali- Hope High School Pirates softball team for the To add insult to injury, H.R. 2576 will cause fornia (BB–44) was the flagship of the U.S. title. This is their fourth softball title in just six American families, seniors, and those with dis- Pacific fleet stationed in Pearl Harbor. She years. abilities to pay more for their healthcare at a was badly damaged by Japanese torpedoes, I ask that you join me in recognizing the time when they can least afford it. I have and partially sunk. The three crewmen serving Palmyra Lady Panthers for a job well done. spent my entire career fighting to ensure work- aboard the battleship that day were post- f ing American families have access to afford- humously awarded the Medal of Honor for HONORING TED WELCH able, good-quality healthcare. Supporting H.R. acts of bravery in saving the lives of their ship- 2576 would be in direct contravention of that mates. A few months later, the California was goal, and I cannot in good conscience do so. salvaged and repaired, and served in the Pa- HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on it. cific theater during the final two years of World OF TENNESSEE War II. She was present at several crucial bat- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by tles in the Pacific theater, including the Battle Thursday, October 27, 2011 noting the rascality underlying the rule for H.R. of Surigao Strait—the last naval engagement 674 and H.R. 2576. It allows separate votes fought by opposing battleships. Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, the true on both bills—one non-controversial and the The most recent USS California (CGN–26) greatness of our state and country lies in the other very controversial—and then requires was the lead ship of her class of nuclear pow- creativity, integrity, and passion of its people, they be merged for consideration by the Sen- ered guided missile cruisers and was also a and we are fortunate to be surrounded by ate. I oppose this sort of legislating and be- vital part of the U.S. fleet from her launch in mighty examples of dedication to leadership, lieve each chamber should be allowed to work 1971 to her retirement in 1999. She was service, and support of the arts. I rise today to its will on separate items, rather than forced to known as the ‘‘Golden Grizzly,’’ in recognition honor Ted Welch as he receives the Applause accept bad policy in the guise of procedural of the grizzly bear on the California state flag. Award. Given each year to those who devote tricks and faux compromise. This is skulldug- We are pleased that the USS California their time, talents, and treasures to the per- gery at its finest, Mr. Speaker, and an unnec- (SSN–781) will follow in the footsteps of pre- forming arts and arts education in Middle Ten- essary affront to regular order, which your side vious ships that have served this great country nessee, Ted Welch joins Tim McGraw as this so consistently claims to cherish. so proudly. year’s deserved recipients.

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