Charles Skelton

first let me say I appreciate and applaud the persistence of the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin) in behalf of this legislation. It is the right thing to do. I appreciate the work of the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hostettler)…

Mr. Chairman, it was the Roman orator Cicero who once said that the greatest of all virtues is gratitude, and let me again express gratitude to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) for his tireless and skillful efforts in leading our…

However, the use of nuclear bunker busters is absolutely not the way to go. It is counterproductive. Using nuclear weapons would spread deadly radiation, putting both American troops in the theater as well as local populations at risk. It…

Mr. Chairman, during the testimony when General Eberhardt was before our committee, and a question was put to him as to what is of utmost importance for the future, his answer was what we call SBIRS, Space-Based Infrared System. I think…

I want to express condolences to the families of the four Canadian soldiers who were killed and the eight soldiers who were injured during training exercises in Afghanistan. News reports say that these are the first Canadians to be killed…

yesterday, I introduced the Defense Budget Restoration Act. At a time when the United States is at war, I am sorry to say that this bill is necessary. To use a common phrase in relation to pressing military needs--``The Emperor has no…

Several years ago, I became aware of the threat that terrorism posed to American security and began to learn more about our Nation's preparedness. In the aftermath of September 11 last year, I gain not even the smallest amount of pleasure…

in the aftermath of the devastating attacks on New York and Washington on September 11, the United States has taken a range of swift and decisive actions to bring the terrorists responsible to justice and to ensure that sponsors of…

for a moment let me speak about resolve. We have the tools of terrorism being used against us, whether they be anthrax or whether they be physical destruction. I came back from Missouri Sunday evening after talking with so many of the good…

let me say, in recent testimony, Madam Chairman, the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, as well as the Secretary of the Army, testified that they are in need of at least 40,000 additional soldiers for our present missions. I have…

I applaud the gentleman on his comments and his memory of Floyd Spence. He was truly a gentleman's gentleman, a true Southern gentleman, from his infectious laugh to his strong support of the troops. We will recall him very, very fondly…

Mr. Chairman, let me for a moment tell the Members that this base at Whiteman Air Force base in my district, which has the 509th bomb wing, which is a very historic wing and has the B-2s, is in superb condition and ready, should they ever…

I might point out that the aircraft, the B-2, in the Kosovo conflict, and of course they are still capable, the pilots flew out of Whiteman Air Force Base, had refuelings, bombed the targets with great precision, and returned with…

Mr. Chairman, this has been quite a trying year for the Committee on Armed Services. Last year I stood with Floyd Spence to offer the bill, which was titled in his name. I am very glad that Congress approved that bill, not least as a…

This report, which was well in the works before the horrific attacks on September 11, underscores our need to dedicate more attention to protecting Americans by combating terrorism. This report is entitled "Combatting Terrorism: Progress…

I am aware of the city of Tustin's base reuse plan and that there is currently a dispute between the city of Tustin and the school districts. I further understand that the Department of the Navy has been meeting with both parties to try to…

As the gentleman knows, the B-2 fleet from Whiteman Air Force Base, which is in west central Missouri, did remarkable work during the Kosovo conflict. The precision ammunition that it used was the best effort in the history of aerial…

it is fitting on this national day of mourning and remembrance that we take the first steps in healing our Nation and bringing those responsible for Tuesday's heinous acts to justice. We have condemned the unspeakable aggression visited…

Yesterday was the darkest day in American history. Pearl Harbor pales in comparison. I join all other Americans who are shocked and outraged by the terrorist hijackings and attacks on the World Trade Center and on the Pentagon. Last night…

Yesterday, people touched with evil brought hate and darkness to a land of light and freedom. I need not recount the details of their crimes. Those will forever be too familiar. I saw some of the damage firsthand at the Pentagon last…

Mr. Speaker, Floyd Spence was a true southern gentleman, a good friend, a dedicated Congressman, and a champion of a strong national defense. I had the privilege and pleasure of serving with him on the Committee on Armed Services during…

I, too, would like to add my best wishes to Anne Holcombe as she leaves and also say farewell to Cindy and Vicky for the work that they have done. Regarding Anne, I was sitting here thinking of the old Irish tune that has the melody of…

this is June 6. Fifty-seven years ago today, June 6, 1944, a day that we now refer to as D-Day, was the day that the American and Allied Forces invaded Normandy, France and began the arduous task of winning Europe back against the Nazi…

It appears to me that after some 60 years, the veterans of what we now call the Second World War should be rightfully honored here in the District of Columbia. We have a memorial to the Vietnam veterans. We have a memorial to those who…

has anyone seen the defense supplemental appropriation? I seem to recall that during the recent Presidential election, much was made of the needs of our men and women in uniform. ``Help,'' we were told, ``is on the way.'' Now we know of…