Steve Buyer

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, a lot of my colleagues, some of whom were here in 1997, voted against the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, actually voted against the SCHIP program. So you are coming here to the floor now accusing Republicans saying if you are going to go vote against this you are voting against children. When we passed this on a bipartisan basis, please don't do that. I am not going to come here to the floor and say, oh, you were against children because you voted against the Balanced Budget Act. So let's be really accurate with regard to our language. One thing that does concern me right now is when you look at the number of adults that are on the SCHIP program, every time an adult is in that program, over 700,000 of them, it costs more money. So what we should be doing is saying in agreement here SCHIP is a good program. Republicans created the SCHIP program. When we worked with Bill Clinton in doing welfare reform, we said we are going to put people to work. We are going to take care of those children. The States then got all overeager and excited in a good economy and expanded the eligibility. Now, as the economy turns down, now we have President-elect Obama----

Mr. BUYER. He is now proposing in the stimulus plan to say well, gee, let's go to the Federal Government. We don't want to change our program. Let's go to the Federal Government and ask for 200 billion- plus to bail out those judgments of the past. So what, we are going to stimulate the past as now we are going to add to exacerbate the problem here on the House floor? Let's stop and pause and think about what we are doing here, folks. Let's look at this program to actually cover children. You are about to say of the 700,000 adults that are on the program, by 2013 we could have over 1.4 million in the program. For every adult that is in this program, we are taking away more money that actually could cover children.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the Homeless Women Veteran and Homeless Veterans with Children Reintegration Grant Program Act of 2009. Madam Speaker, veterans of all conflicts often face challenges that are unique to their military service and that too often result in their becoming homeless. For veterans, especially women veterans and veterans with dependent children, those challenges can become nearly insurmountable when combined with a lack of appropriate housing. This legislation seeks to provide appropriate housing for women veterans and family-style housing for any homeless veteran with dependent children. Specifically, this bill creates a new grant for providers that offer family-style housing for homeless veterans with dependent children. The bill also requires recipients to provide employment counseling, placement assistance, literacy, job skill training, and child care services as well as the unique services that are needed for homeless veteran families and women veterans. The Department of Labor's Veteran Employment and Training Service would administer the program within their successful Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP). The bill also requires that the current biennial reports to Congress include data that shows results and outcomes of the services provided to the homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with dependent children. The bill authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for each fiscal year for the program. If this bill is enacted, it would provide valuable services to this vulnerable population of veterans and help stem the tide of chronic homelessness. I urge my colleagues to support and co-sponsor the measure.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today, my distinguished colleague Mr. Michaud and I, along with several of our other colleagues, are introducing the bipartisan Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, Energy Sustainability Act of 2009. This legislation would establish strategic and long-term plans for energy sustainability and conservation within the VA. Addressing our Nation's energy problem calls for Congress to adopt a multi-faceted approach to include the use of alternative fuels, restructuring building systems, and encouraging the use of energy efficient systems and vehicles. Our bill would require a report on the installation of alternative fuel stations at VA facilities, as funded in P.L. 110-329, and require a feasibility study regarding the installation of energy efficient and renewable energy systems in Department buildings. Such systems include solar technologies, energy efficient roof and building envelope systems, wind technology, and wood-based bio-fuels. As our country adapts to the increased global demand for energy resources, it is imperative that we effectively implement wise consumption policies and take real steps to mitigate the impact of increased costs. This bill would create a VA Office of Energy Management, and an Energy Advisory Committee consisting of VA officials and private sector experts on energy management. The Office of Energy Management, with the advice and recommendations of the Energy Advisory Committee and national laboratories such as those at Lawrence Livermore and Oak Ridge, would be responsible for helping VA meet a number of specific energy sustainability goals. This includes compliance with Presidential Order 13423, VA Directive 0055, and the long term sustainable energy plans in this legislation. The office would also establish a database to track VA's energy and water consumption. In an effort to assist our Nation's veterans in their individual efforts to become more energy efficient, our bill would provide an additional amount of up to $10,000 for high efficiency systems for veterans who qualify for specially adaptive housing grants under section 2101(a)(2) of title 38, United States Code. Additionally, it would provide veterans who qualify for a specially adapted auto grant, under section 3902(a) of title 38, United States Code, the additional amount necessary to purchase alternative fuel vehicles. Finally, VA would be authorized to conduct a pilot program for the sale of air pollution emission reduction incentives, also known as emission reduction credits, and VA would be authorized to retain proceeds from the sales. America's veterans should benefit from the VA's efforts to produce cleaner energy. Madam Speaker, as the cost of fossil fuels rises and resources become scarcer, our nation must provide services for our veterans in an energy efficient manner. A sustainable energy program at VA will conserve energy and financial resources that can be used to provide care for our veterans. I encourage my colleagues to support the bipartisan Department of Veterans Affairs Energy Sustainability Act of 2009.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the Veteran Owned Small Business Promotion Act of 2009. As this body ponders legislation to stimulate the economy and create new jobs, I believe the best economic stimulus we can offer is to empower those who have defended America, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs should play a major role in that effort. This legislation includes our nation's veterans in our economic recovery by promoting veteran-owned small businesses. Those who have done so much to protect the American economy deserve every opportunity to start and grow a viable business. This bill would renew VA's authority to guarantee small business loans up to $500,000 for small businesses owned and operated by veterans. VA would be authorized up to $1 billion in loan guarantees for each fiscal year. The previous program was terminated in 1986 and it is time that VA once again became a leader in promoting veteran-owned businesses. It is not right that some set-aside programs get a competitive advantage over veteran-owned businesses, so my bill also includes provisions to have veteran-owned small business evaluated and awarded contracts under the same rules as 8(a) businesses. If this bill is enacted it will be a win-win for all Americans, as it will provide a valuable boost to our veterans who want to start a business, while stimulating the economy at the same time. I urge my colleagues to co-sponsor and support this measure.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the More Jobs for Veterans Act of 2009. Madam Speaker, having the right skills is critical to finding good-paying employment in today's job market. The Assistant Secretary of Labor administers the Veterans Workforce Investment Program, VWIP, a grant program to State and local governments, private, not-for-profit organizations including community based and faith based organizations to fund a wide range of employment and training programs for veterans. Eligible veterans are those with service-connected disabilities, significant barriers to employment, veterans who served on active duty during a war or a recognized campaign or expedition, and recently separated veterans. It makes no sense to spend millions on State employment placement systems if veterans lack relevant job skills. Unfortunately, funding for training programs such as VWIP, which directly targets veterans, is severely underfunded. This legislation would change that by authorizing $20 million annually, almost triple today's funding level. Madam Speaker, the current $7 million appropriation is a small drop in the bucket towards meeting the skills-improvement needs of today's 651,000 unemployed veterans. This bill would significantly improve education and training opportunities for those who have worn the uniforms of our armed forces. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor and support the measure.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the Armed Forces Disability Retirement Enhancement Act of 2009. This measure would simplify and streamline the daunting process injured men and women must endure when navigating the Department of Defense, DOD, disability retirement system. The system is too complex, and it is unfair to confront wounded warriors with such a mess when their focus should be on recovery and their loved ones. These systemic problems were identified more than 2 years ago when the President's Commission on Care for America's Wounded Warriors and the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission interviewed injured service members, but the problems have yet to be resolved. This bill would ensure that those found unable to serve would automatically receive military retirement benefits based on rank and years of service. This provision would resolve the `concurrent receipt' issue, and it would replace confusing, piecemeal programs. Those found unfit for service would also automatically receive health and dental coverage. Currently, such eligibility hinges on the findings of a military physical evaluation board. Severely injured servicemembers undergoing the emotional and physical pain of recovery and rehabilitation should not have to endure the added, unnecessary worry as to whether physical evaluation board determinations will grant disability benefits. It's well past time to eliminate these burdens for those who have already sacrificed dearly for our country. I call upon my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address this difficult issue now rather than leaving it to future generations to resolve.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the Veteran Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Subsistence Allowance Improvement Act of 2009. The Department of Veteran Affairs' Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program should be the crown jewel in VA's benefit system for service-disabled veterans. Most of the nearly 100,000 veterans participating in this program are enrolled in long-term education programs, typically those that lead to a college degree. Unfortunately, thousands of participants drop out of the Vocational Rehabilitation program because they need to work to support their families. This legislation would significantly increase the ability of veterans to support their families while undergoing rehabilitation. Today's VR&E program, in addition to paying for the costs related to any education or training program, also provides a small subsistence per month allowance. For FY09, the basic allowance for full-time participation is about $541 per month with small additional sums for dependents. Considering this modest amount, it is not surprising that thousands of veterans drop out of their rehabilitation program. This bill would increase the basic subsistence allowance to $1,200 per month. The bill would also simplify VA's administrative burden by standardizing payments for all types of services under the program. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to co-sponsor and support the measure.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, the attached financial plans are provided in support of projects listed in H.R. 2638, Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. Detailed Finance Plan for National Test Facility for Aerospace Fuels and Propulsion Budget: Equipment & Supplies.....................................$2,130,000 Salary......................................................850,000 Travel.......................................................20,000 Source of Match Funding: Purdue University. Sustainability: Potential sources of funding along with associated sustainability possibilities include: Office of Energy and Defense Center for Coal Technology Research (CCTR)--Test and development support for Fischer-Tropsch (FT) fuels. DoD Clean Fuels Initiative--this facility will have the capabilities for long-term test operations and data collection. DARPA BAA--this facility will have the capabilities to conduct development work for Biofuels, a strategic initiative under DARPA. Rolls Royce--through the Purdue University Technology Center (UTC) Caterpillar--long-term test operations data. The Boeing Company--support and development of alternative fuels initiatives underway. Justification for Use of Tax Dollars: In an executive act, President Bush has committed U.S. military installations to use green fuels. The Department of Defense is committed to approval of all aircraft for flight on synthetic fuel blends by the end of 2008. Furthermore, Boeing and Virgin intend to fly a green aircraft using bio-fuel. The Civil Aviation Alternative Fuel Initiative developed a roadmap for the integration of new fuel technologies into the aerospace industry. This project will maintain a multi-faceted National Testing Facility to support development and testing of alternative energy sources for aerospace equipment, assisting the Federal government and the private aerospace sector in meeting their green fuel objectives. Detailed Finance Plan for National Radio Frequency R&D and Technology Transfer Center. The requested funds will be the only source of funding. Funds will be used as follows: [Dollars in thousands] Establish the Center and Participant Coordination:..................900 Staffing and Training Management and Project Oversight Identify and Technology to Needs Select Projects Start First Project:..............................................2,100 Trial of Process Develop needed maturity for Transition to Production Details of project spending: Salaries......................................................1,400 Material........................................................300 Test Equipment and Facility use.................................400 Start Second Project:.............................................2,000 Proof Process with Lessons Learned Develop needed maturity for Transition to Production Details of project spending: Salaries......................................................1,300 Material........................................................300 Test Equipment and Facility use.................................400

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today I introduce the Increasing School's Opportunities for Success Act to make two important changes to ``No Child Left Behind.'' After meeting with local educators and principals I was inspired to reform ``No Child Left Behind'' to better meet the needs of both educators and students. This bill will allow high schools to stay competitive with graduation rates as well as give them a chance to have better annual assessment scores by allowing limited English proficient, LEP, students have more time to learn English before being tested. Currently, when a student with disabilities does not graduate in the standard number of years (3 or 4 years), they are misrepresented as a dropout against that school's graduation rate even though the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA, allows students with disabilities to stay in school until their 22nd birthday. Adding the provision outlined in my bill to ESEA would align it with IDEA, standardizing the statutes. Current law allows limited English proficient, LEP, students to wait until they have been in the United States for 3 years before being tested for English fluency. This bill simply extends that period of time to 5 years. By doing so, LEP students will have more time to become proficient in English before being tested and therefore reflected in the school's annual assessment. Education is the basis for success and ``No Child Left Behind'' is focused on ensuring that our children receive a quality education--the necessary foundation for a successful life. My bill offers two minor but substantive changes to current law that will help our schools, students, faculty and staff to better our education system. I ask for your support and the support of my colleagues to pass this important legislation.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of S. 3023, as amended, the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008. The manager's amendment before us is a compilation of the bipartisan provisions of 11 bills from both the House and the Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs. I would like to thank Chairman Filner, Chairman Akaka and Ranking Member Richard Burr for their cooperative efforts in bringing this bill forward to serve our Nation's veterans. I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of both the House and the Senate staff. Our Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity is chaired by Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and by Dr. John Boozman as ranking member. Both of them together have a proven track record of working in a bipartisan manner to ensure that veterans who are leaving active duty have meaningful career opportunities and the skills needed to pursue those opportunities. Our Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs has also demonstrated its dedication to working on behalf of our Nation's veterans. I want to thank Chairman Hall and Ranking Member Lamborn for their hard work and bipartisanship in their efforts. Madam Speaker, S. 3023 incorporates over 60 veterans' provisions that have passed either the House or the Senate, and that's what had to be negotiated here between the two bodies. Clearly, time doesn't permit me to expand on every one of these provisions, but I'd like to highlight just a few. I am pleased that the Department of Labor will be required to collect data on the employment needs of Native Americans. The Department of Veterans Affairs will begin a 20-year longitudinal study of veterans who participate in the VA's Vocational Rehabilitation Program. This measure would also increase the time to 20 years that spouses of deceased or 100 percent service-connected disabled veterans have to use their education benefits. There are provisions that extend the temporary increases in VA- conforming loan limits in the stimulus act of 2011 and that reduce equity requirements for VA-guaranteed refinancing loans. As well, there are provisions that renew the adjustable and hybrid adjustable loan programs for another 4 years. This bill expands the servicemember protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act in several ways. It also clarifies the VA's authority to purchase advertising as part of outreach efforts. Madam Speaker, for me, one of the most exciting parts of the bill would authorize a new program at the VA to promote the increased participation by disabled veterans in adaptive sports. That is what the chairman was referring to. The bill would direct the VA to expand its cooperative sports activities with the United States Paralympics, and it would authorize $8 million to be used for grants to support an integrated adaptive sports program managed by the United States Paralympics and by partners such as the Disabled Sports USA, Blaze Sport, the National Parks Recreation Association, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Disabled American Veterans. I want to thank Chairman Filner for his mutual interest in the disabled sports and for his efforts to ensure this bill was included. Chairman Filner, your leadership here, not only for the United States Olympic Committee's being out in Chula Vista, is extremely important in making this a reality. So I appreciate your support, not only of our Olympic Committee but also for the fact that this has become a reality. So, because of your leadership and for the fact that we were able to take our mutual interests and to bring them together to serve a greater need, I applaud your leadership. The United States Paralympic Team that competed in Beijing included 13 disabled veterans, several of whom were wounded in the war on terror. Now, a few years back, I visited Chula Vista. This was years back when the United States Olympic Committee had a very large board, and we had individuals who were really positioning to profitize off of the Olympic ideal, and it was very disturbing to me. We had a series of ethical blunders that occurred at the Olympic Committee. It was the Olympic Committee's darkest hour. I came back to Congress. I met with Cliff Stearns at the time, who was on the Energy and Commerce Committee. He helped set a course for the reorganization of the United States Olympic Committee at a time when also then Senator McCain took action in the Senate and when the Olympic Committee also then created its own task force. The Olympic Committee had reorganized itself. We went into the past Olympics. Everyone was pulling on the rope in the same direction. It was very exciting. I took that relationship that had developed with the United States Olympic Committee and brought them to the VA to develop these sports programs. The whole intent of not only this legislation but of what Chairman Filner is embracing is to use sports as a platform of healing, and I think that is extremely important. What we have done here is: As for these 13 disabled veterans who just returned from the Paralympic Games in Beijing, this group of wounded warriors produced four gold medals, three silver medals and three bronze medals. So I'm pretty excited about these spectacular Americans. It's the wave of the future when disabled veterans who are competing with artificial limbs or with spinal cord dysfunctions will be commonplace. The program we are implementing here today will be the seed for the VA and for its partners to nurture and grow. So I want to thank Chairman Filner for his leadership on this. This is so meaningful. I look forward next week to coming out to your district, Chairman Filner, and to going out to Chula Vista, out to the U.S. Olympic Training Center with the Secretary of the VA. Hopefully, you'll have an opportunity to be there. I'm pretty excited about these sports programs. In Senate 3023, we will also enhance and improve veterans' benefits and the system that administers them. Such revisions include measures to increase the accuracy and the timeliness of benefit claims decisions and to enhance the VA's use of information technology. It will also look at VA disability compensation to ensure due consideration is afforded to veterans for their loss of earnings and their quality of life. This is something that Senator Burr and I had introduced in a measure in response to not only the recommendations of the Disability Commission but also in response to the recommendations of the Presidential task force of Senator Dole and former Secretary Shalala. The bill would also improve benefits for the survivors of deceased veterans. For instance, it would allow the substitution upon the death of a claimant for the purpose of acquiring benefits. That was Mr. Lamborn's provision. The bill would also release survivors of deceased claimants of the frustration of the time-consuming process of starting the entire claims process from square one. The bill would also create a VA Office of Survivors Assistance to ensure surviving dependents have access to benefits and to services and that such programs are responsive to the needs of survivors. With that, Madam Speaker, I would like to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUYER. How did you do against them?

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank Chairman Hall and also Mr. Lamborn. I had asked the staff to go through this bill that we are looking at today, and I wanted to put authorship on all of the provisions so I get to see who are the authors of all of the provisions. So I want to thank Mr. Lamborn and Mr. Hall for their good work on the bill. Mr. Lamborn has a lot of authorship on a lot of different provisions. But I see a lot of names in here. There is also Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and Dr. Boozman. These are two individuals who had a lot of years working together, and they define bipartisanship on the committee, Madam Speaker. They have a great work product. Madam Speaker, at this time I yield to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman).

Mr. BUYER. I would like to thank the gentleman for his leadership, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUYER. The gentleman may proceed. If he needs time, I will be more than happy to yield it.

Mr. BUYER. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to extend compliments to the Speaker pro tem, the gentlelady from Ohio, for her attentiveness during this. As a former member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee yourself, and as a former chairwoman of one of the committees on Comp and Pen and Memorial Affairs, I appreciate your leadership here tonight. I also would like to note that two members of the staff on the Republican side are not with us here tonight who gave tremendous contributions to both bills that we've had here tonight, on health and in benefits; that being the former Staff Director, Jim Lariviere and Jeff Phillips. Both of these individuals have been called to active duty, and both were promoted to Brigadier General. So Brigadier General Jim Lariviere tonight with the United States Marine Corps is on duty, and Brigadier General Jeff Phillips is also on duty with the United States Army. We recognize their contribution to these bills tonight, and wish them Godspeed and safety to themselves and their families. With that, I want to express my appreciation to Chairman Filner and the leadership of your team and that of your staff, and to include my staff for their hard work and the cooperation with that of the United States Senate.

Mr. BUYER. I yield back the balance of my time. General Leave

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2162, the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008, as amended. I would like to say up front how very pleased I am with the overall bill, as well as S. 3023, as amended, the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act, which will follow this bill. Before us, this bill incorporates almost 50 veterans' health care provisions that have passed either the House or the Senate this Congress in 15 bills listed in the joint explanatory statement accompanying this legislation. I would like to thank Chairman Filner and our esteemed colleagues in the Senate, Chairman Akaka and Ranking Member Richard Burr, for their bipartisan efforts to bring the compromise to the floor here tonight. I would also like to commend Health Subcommittee Chairman Mike Michaud and Ranking Member Jeff Miller for their leadership and spirit of cooperation that enabled us to reach this compromise agreement with the Senate. This comprehensive bill includes an array of substantive initiatives, and I would like to highlight just a few of them. The chairman just mentioned the construction bill. And in particular, I'm very pleased that we have the $66 million to fund for the fifth polytrauma center. And at these polytrauma centers, very dedicated individuals do amazing work to help save America's most precious assets. And so funding for the fifth polytrauma center is extremely important. I am also pleased that we have not only the facilities in Palo Alto, but also in Puerto Rico with regard to seismic corrections. We have increases in previous authorizations, not only in New Orleans, but also in Denver. And I'm most hopeful that the initiatives in Denver can be worked out satisfactorily that also please the Secretary of the VA. We also have increases with Orlando. So these three ongoing projects, New Orleans, Denver and Orlando, are extremely important to me. I also recognize and I want to thank the chairman. At the last moment--out-of-scope revisions are always difficult for us, and the VA brought us one of the out-of-scope provisions that dealt with the outpatient clinic in Peoria. And I want to thank the chairman for taking this up, and I also want to thank the Senate for accepting this, because that facility in Peoria, there were some miscalculations. And had we not acted, the VA could have proceeded, but in the end it would have cost us more money. Acting and taking care of this outpatient clinic in Peoria was the right thing to do. I want to thank the chairman for taking up this out- of-scope provision and also for the leadership of Ray LaHood of Illinois. I also want to comment on the VA substance-use disorder and mental health programs. A full continuum of care for substance-use disorder will go a long way I believe to help at-risk veterans obtain care and overcome the stigma that may prevent them from seeking the services that they in fact need. In order to ensure that VA implements a patient-centered pain care strategy that is effective and consistent system-wide, the bill will require the VA to develop and implement a comprehensive pain management policy. The bill will also establish a pilot program to allow veterans in certain highly rural areas to obtain care from their local community providers. This provision originated from legislation introduced by my good friend and long-time member of the VA Committee, Jerry Moran of Kansas. Jerry Moran is a real champion of rural veterans, and I applaud him for his hard work and dedication to this cause. This is a cause that has lasted now for several Congresses. I am pleased that this bill also includes a measure I introduced, H.R. 6366, to help the VA secure collections from third-party insurance companies. This is an issue that I have been working on now for the last four sessions of Congress. Specifically, it would require the VA to establish seven Consolidated Patient Accounting Centers, or CPACs, modeled after the successful Mid-Atlantic CPAC over the next 5 years. I would like to thank Chairman Filner for working with me in a bipartisan fashion to make sure that this was included in the bill, and I also want to applaud the leadership of Mike Michaud and Mr. Miller. This measure comes from a bill I introduced to help the VA better manage third-party collections and provide additional fiscal responsibility for the department. The Consolidated Patient Accounting Center was established as a demonstration project back in 2005. It proved to be very successful in enhancing revenue by more than $12.5 million in fiscal year 2007 in the demonstration project alone and more than $22 million over and above the goal as of August for fiscal year 2008. Building on this success would enable the VA to secure hundreds of millions of dollars that currently go uncollected. What we did is we did a pilot. We found how successful that pilot project was over and above the projected revenue that we would get. And so we looked at this and said, well, this is something that needs to be rolled out across the country, and when we do this, we in fact are going to be receiving hundreds of millions of dollars. Those dollars then can be poured back in to further improve veterans' health care. I want to thank subcommittee Chairman Mike Michaud and Ranking Member Jeff Miller for having joined me as cosponsors on this initiative along with the leadership of Chairman Filner. Also, Mr. Speaker, there are a number of other important provisions in this bill that are omitted from my remarks simply because of the result of the constraints on time. But I would like to conclude by mentioning a notable provision that would designate the spinal cord injury center at the VA Medical Center in Tampa, Florida, as the Michael Bilirakis Department of Veterans Affairs Spinal Cord Injury Center that the chairman spoke of. All of us have a great deal of respect for Michael Bilirakis, and I am very, very pleased that my good friend and this great public servant is going to be recognized. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge at this time the hard work of the staff of both sides of the aisle here in the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs for their work on this legislation, in particular not only the individuals of the House majority health subcommittee but also that in the House and the Senate. With that, I want to reserve my time.

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield to the gentleman from Kansas who actually represents 69 counties in the State of Kansas, which is about the size of the State of Indiana. But before he gets too excited, you could probably take five Kansases and put it in the State of Alaska. I bring that to your attention, Mr. Speaker, because this gentleman is a champion of rural America. With that, I yield as much time as the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) may consume.

Mr. BUYER. Reclaiming my time, I want to thank the gentleman for his leadership. He went through several Congresses with this. This is a testimonial really to your persistence and your dedication to the issue. I want to thank you. You never gave up on it. I want to thank you for your leadership. With that, I reserve my time.

Mr. BUYER. The first thing I would like to do, Mr. Speaker, is I want to thank Mr. Hare for his leadership in mental health. You're a great addition to the committee, and I want to thank the gentleman. With that I reserve my time.

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to comment on a provision from the ranking member in the Senate, Richard Burr, the provision to require the VA to provide financial assistance grants to very low income veterans families residing in permanent housing for supportive services, including outreach, case management, assistance in obtaining VA benefits and assistance in obtaining other forms of public benefits. As we transition veterans from homelessness into permanent housing, these are provisions that in the last Congress Senator Burr was working very hard on, but did not come out as a result of the conference. He hung in there and we were able to get this done, and I want to thank Chairman Filner, who also accepted these provisions, and I want to extend my appreciation. I also want to extend appreciation to the leadership and to some Members who worked very hard on Orlando in making sure that that becomes a reality. These are Members that seem to never leave me alone. In particular, Tom Feeney, Cliff Stearns, Corrine Brown, Ginny Brown- Waite and Ric Keller, working very hard to make sure that Orlando becomes a reality. The last thing I would like to thank Chairman Filner for was accepting the provisions along with Chairman Michaud, and that was Ranking Member Jeff Miller of the Health Subcommittee sought to eliminate all copayments for hospice care. Those of us that have had to deal with a loved one that goes through hospice care understand how difficult and challenging that moment is in all of our lives. So for us to waive those copayments during that time period I think was the right thing to do, and I want to thank the gentleman for his leadership on that. With that, I encourage all Members to support this legislation. Madam Speaker, I yield back my time. General Leave

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6980, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the amount of the Medal of Honor special pension provided under that title by up to $1,000. The Medal of Honor is the Nation's highest award for military valor. It is presented by the President in the name of Congress, and is often called the Congressional Medal of Honor. Since its first presentation in 1863, over 3,467 Medals of Honor have been awarded to a total of 3,448 individuals (there have been 19 double recipients). Under current law, a veteran who has been awarded a Medal of Honor is eligible for a monthly pension ($1,129 as of December 1, 2007). Eligibility for the pension is based solely on receipt of the Medal of Honor, and the recipient of the Medal of Honor must elect to receive the special pension. Receipt of this pension does not reduce any other benefits under U.S. law, and a veteran who has received more than one Medal of Honor is limited to receiving only one Medal of Honor pension benefit. The legislation before us would increase the rate of this special pension by not more than $1,000, subject to appropriations. In an informal estimate provided to my office, the total cost of this bill would be $6 million over 5 years. The authority provided to the Secretary to expend the funds provided for this purposes would expire on September 30, 2013. After expending any funds appropriated for this purpose, the Secretary would not be authorized to further increase the rate of the special monthly pension. Madam Speaker, over the years, it has been the honor of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs to name facilities after a number of Medal of Honor recipients, many of whom have passed on, but 100 still remain with us and walk as humble heroes among a grateful people. We can never thank these heroes enough for all they have given to protect our freedom and security. The special pension increase seems like a small amount compared to the price these warriors have paid. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today, I introduced the Department of Veterans Affairs Energy Sustainability Act of 2008, to establish within the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, a strategic plan for energy sustainability and an Office of Energy Management. As our country looks to a new energy future, I believe it is vitally important to encourage smart energy use and take steps to become more aware of how we spend our money for our energy. The office would be under the direction of a Deputy Assistant Secretary, who would report to the Assistant Secretary for Management. The bill would also create an Energy Advisory Committee consisting of VA officials and private sector experts on energy management. Disabled veterans would also receive increased specially adaptive housing and auto grants for energy efficient systems and vehicles. The Office of Energy Management, with the advice and recommendations of the Energy Advisory Committee, would be responsible for helping VA meet a number of specific goals such as compliance with Presidential Order 13423, VA Directive 0055, and formulating long term, sustainable energy plans for VA. The office would also establish a database to track VA's energy and water consumption. The bill would authorize the office to directly utilize the expertise of national laboratories, such as those at Lawrence Livermore and Oakridge. Addressing our Nation's energy problem calls for multi-faceted solutions--including alternative fuels. My bill would authorize the installation of alternative fuel stations at VA facilities, and require a feasibility study regarding the installation of energy efficient and renewable energy systems in Department buildings. Such systems include solar technologies and energy efficient roof and building envelope systems that might utilize ballasted or vegetated roof systems. In an effort to assist our Nation's veterans in their efforts to become more energy efficient, my bill would provide an additional amount of up to $10,000 for high efficiency systems for veterans who qualify for specially adaptive housing grants under section 2101 (a)(2) of title 38, United States Code. Additionally, it would provide veterans who qualify for a specially adapted auto grant, under section 3902(a) of title 38, United States Code, the additional amount necessary to purchase alternative fuel vehicles. Finally, VA would be authorized to conduct a pilot program for the sale of air pollution emission reduction incentives, also known as emission reduction credits, and would be authorized to retain proceeds from the sales. America's veterans should benefit from the VA's efforts to produce cleaner energy. Madam Speaker, as the cost of fossil fuels rise and resources become more scarce, our Nation must provide services for our veterans in an energy efficient manner. A sustainable energy program at VA will conserve energy and financial resources that can be used to provide care for our veterans. I encourage my colleagues to support the Department of Veterans Affairs Energy Sustainability Act of 2008.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1527, as amended, the Rural Veterans Access to Care Act. I also want to thank my colleague, Jerry Moran, for his efforts and work on this very important bill he introduced to improve access to care for veterans living in highly rural areas. Veterans in rural areas are challenged by long commutes to VA facilities, and the limited number of providers in rural areas. H.R. 1527 as amended would require VA to conduct a three year demonstration project to allow highly rural veterans in four Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) with large rural populations to receive covered services through non-VA providers. It would give those who live the furthest from VA facilities the choice to receive care closer to home at a local hospital or physician's office. To qualify, a veteran must live at least 60 miles from a VA clinic, 120 miles from a VA hospital or 240 miles from a VA specialized care facility when seeking that care. To ensure continuity of care, the legislation would require VA to develop the functional capability to exchange veterans' medical information between VA and non-VA providers in the pilot. The VA will be required to annually report to Congress on cost, quality, and patient satisfaction. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1527.