Steve Buyer

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. I reclaim my time. Your interpretation of unfettered discretion is a great attempt at artful words, but that is not what we did in that bill. What I am most concerned about here, and let's just pause for a second. When we came to the floor and we did the Fallen Heroes bill, we did this because we wanted to make sure it was narrowly tailored. And we said, what is our nexus? Our nexus here is Federal land of exclusive jurisdiction. So I remember a conversation about this, and Mr. Conyers, and it is very important: Federal land. And so we said, okay, Arlington, owned by the United States Army and our national cemeteries. This now is about everything else. So the intent here is solid. It is unfortunate that we have come to the floor to talk about the standards of dignity at a military funeral. We really shouldn't be having to do that. That is what is sad about this. And I think we all agree that we need to set the standards of dignity. We are talking about now setting a misdemeanor with regard to, we are going to set the content out there with regard to all of these funerals; and my only concern here is, is I do not want this stricken down as overbreadth under the doctrine that the Supreme Court to do that, and I am hopeful that doesn't happen. And I will yield to the scholars of the Judiciary Committee here. But I just want to let you know when we came to the floor and did this before, we did this for it to be narrowly tailored, and hopefully the Supreme Court doesn't strike it down. But I just wanted to speak and say why we did it one way not months ago, and now obviously we are doing it a little bit differently.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. BUYER. Ms. Berkley, I want to thank you. I want to thank you for your tenacity, for your commitment to your veterans that you serve, not only in your district, but across the country. I have enjoyed working with you on your project in Las Vegas. I enjoyed my visits with you when I was out there. One of the challenges which we face is the growth of population that you have in Las Vegas, which is like none other in the country. I know that Ms. Brown believes that Orlando is growing the fastest, but Las Vegas, it is beyond comprehension how you are able to stay ahead of it. So whatever we plan today, what I have learned about working with you, what we planned 2 years ago is already obsolete today. This is an ongoing issue that I want to work with the gentlelady with, and I compliment your effort and leadership

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks, and that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous matter on S. 3421.

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues from the committee from both sides of the aisle for their bipartisanship in the crafting and supporting of a substantive and forward-thinking bill. It enhances veterans health care and benefits both through stronger veterans programs and through fundamental organizational reforms and innovation. I would also like to thank the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member Ike Skelton. Mr. Skelton, if you please, extend to your staff, they worked through the night with us, because there are certain things in our bill that mentioned DOD and they were wonderful to work with. So please extend our appreciation for their work. I would also like to thank the leadership of Chairman Henry Brown and Ranking Member Mike Michaud for their good work on the Health Subcommittee; Chairman Jeff Miller and Berkley on their leadership on benefits; Chairman John Boozman and his leadership, along with Ms. Herseth on economic opportunity; Chairman Michael Bilirakis and Mr. Strickland on ONI. I would also like to extend an appreciation to Ranking Member Lane Evans and that of the acting Ranking Member, Mr. Filner. I also extend deep appreciation to Senator Larry Craig and Ranking Member Akaka of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee whose vision and collaborative spirit do veterans justice. Without the around-the-clock efforts by our dedicated staff both in the House and the Senate, I would not be standing here today, nor would our veterans and their families be the beneficiaries of a better VA system tomorrow. I also want to thank Senator Lindsey Graham and former Senator Ernest Hollings and Dr. Ray Greenberg of MUSE, who recognized the value of the ``Charleston model'' that will now be hopefully leveraged across the country to bring state-of-the-art medicine to veterans. I also want to thank Senator Richard Burr from North Carolina for his leadership and care to provide for America's homeless veterans. General Leave

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, under title I of the amended bill, veterans making claims would be able to hire an attorney or an agent after a notice of disagreement referred to as an NOD, with a VA benefits decision having been filed. In the spirit of compromise, we worked with our Senate counterparts to craft this provision in such a way as to provide veterans with the opportunity to retain representation while protecting them from unscrupulous attorneys, while at the same time with great hope, not adding to the burden on VA's already overwhelmed claims system. Title II of the compromise language increases support of servicemembers returning from the war on terror by improving VA's outreach and increasing the number of clinicians treating post- traumatic stress disorder, referred to as PTSD, and improving their training. The funds will also expand telehealth initiatives that are invaluable to rural veterans and expand the number of community-based outpatient clinics able to treat mental illnesses. The title further authorizes spending for collaboration and PTSD diagnosis and treatment between the VA and the Department of Defense. Families contending with the loss of a loved one will also benefit from bereavement counseling authorized under this bill. Mr. Speaker, veterans undergoing blind rehabilitation treatment for Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, and those trying to break the cycle of homelessness, will also see increased support under this legislation. The bill authorizes $2 billion for blind rehabilitation specialists and increases the number of facilities where these specialists will be located. It also authorizes the VA to designate six Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers of Excellence and at least two multiple sclerosis centers of excellence. The compromise legislation also strengthens VA's homeless grant and per diem programs. The provisions in title III would also make modifications to veterans education programs. Mr. Speaker, I have been fortunate to meet some of these spouses of our severely wounded veterans, and I must say there is no one more deserving than these spouses who care for their wounded, America's heroes and their husbands on a daily basis. Therefore, section 3 of the compromise contains a provision to authorize the VA to provide these education benefits under chapter 35 of title 38 of U.S.C. to these spouses' independent children of these severely injured servicemembers prior to the members' discharge, these servicemembers who in the opinion of the VA will most likely be discharged with permanent and total service-connected disabilities. Rather than wait the 2- or 3-year time period, let us permit the spouses then to obtain their educational benefits so they can gain an education. When the husband or wife receives his or her discharge, they are then able to care for the family. Given the long convalescence many of these severely injured servicemembers experience while being on active duty, this provision, I think, makes a great deal of sense in how we support our families. This is not a new benefit. The current law requires severely injured servicemembers to already be discharged for a condition qualifying for a chapter 35 benefit. We merely authorize the VA to pay these benefits sooner to those who would qualify following a member's discharge. Mr. Speaker, under title III of the amended bill, it would also clarify the VA's pro rata refund policy for nonaccredited education institutions. We extend the authorization for work-study positions located at the VA cemeteries, State veterans homes and State approving agencies through June 30, 2007. We would require the VA to report on methods to improve and streamline the administrative processes and procedures of education programs in chapters 30 through 36 of title 38 of the United States Code and restore lost entitlement for certain chapter 35 education beneficiaries forced to discontinue a course of education due to being called to full-time National Guard duty. Mr. Speaker, title IV, section 402, contains a provision that would extend for 1 year the VA Secretary's authority to provide the family of a veteran interred in a private cemetery with a government marker or any headstone. Congress had previously given the Secretary a 5-year authority effective for deaths that had occurred as of September 11, 2001. However, this authority expires on December 31 of this year. Section 403 of the compromise agreement would allow tribal governments to participate in the VA's State Cemeteries Grants Program. This program dates back to 1978 and complements the department's National Cemetery System. Title V of the compromise language improves the status of veteran and disabled veterans small businesses when competing for contracts at the Department of Veterans Affairs. There would be a reasonable expectation, Mr. Speaker, that all of the Federal Government's agencies in the Department of Veterans Affairs would be a leader in achieving the President's goal for annual procurement from at least 3 percent of the disabled veteran-owned businesses. Sadly, our most recent data from fiscal year 2005 indicates that the VA did barely over half of what the President directed and the public law required. Mr. Speaker, the compromise agreement would also require the VA Secretary to establish annual contracting goals for small businesses owned and controlled by veterans and service-disabled veterans. The goal of the service-disabled veterans would not be less than 3 percent of these contracts. The veteran and disabled veteran-owned small businesses would be given priority in VA contracting as well as priority among other set-aside groups eligible for preferential treatment under the Small Business Act. Title VI of this compromise bill contains provisions affecting the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service. The compromise agreement would also clarify the part-time employment of DVOPS and LVERs, which is half-time employment, and require that DVOPS and LVERs hired after the date of enactment successfully complete training by the National Veterans Training Institute within 3 years of appointment. Finally, title VI of the compromise would establish a 3-year demonstration program to identify not less than 10 military occupational specialties that would lead to State licensing and authorize the use of any unobligated funds for the project through fiscal year 2009. Title VII provisions of the legislation strengthen support for homeless veterans, increasing authorization for housing, per diem payments and other specialized services. It also creates a VA Office of Rural Health and dramatically improves outreach for rural veterans. State veterans homes will now be reimbursed by VA for the cost of care provided to veterans with 70 percent or higher service-connected conditions. Further, veterans in these homes with service-connected conditions rated at least 50 percent would receive their medications free of charge. In order to increase access to long-term care, VA would conduct a pilot program that makes non-VA facilities, such as community hospitals, eligible for State veterans home per diem payments. Mr. Speaker, title VIII of the compromise language authorizes $36.8 million for advanced planning of a collaboration project between the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, S.C. and the adjacent Medical University of South Carolina, referred to as MUSC. The project is likely to ensure that veterans in the low country of South Carolina receive the highest quality and state-of-the-art facilities. It would replace the aging infrastructure of the VA facilities and combine this with the MUSC facilities which are adjacent. Connecting these facilities, not just the sharing of clinicians, which is now the case, is the way to go. There is very expensive and advanced medical equipment, lab and ancillary services. That is the goal of this collaboration. Both VA and the Medical University will remain committed to preserving VA's unique identity and commitment to veterans priorities. The enhanced collaboration envisioned in Charleston is innovative and will serve as a national model as its design and operation benefiting from the best minds in the public and private sectors will afford South Carolina veterans higher quality, more efficient care and truly state-of-the-art facilities. This is a big deal, Mr. Speaker. It is a big deal because this idea is going to be leveraged also into Louisiana. We are authorizing over $600 million for repair and replacement of flood and hurricane-damaged facilities in New Orleans and along the gulf coast of Mississippi. The bill authorizes $98 million for the replacement of the VA Medical Center in Denver and directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to explore the viability of public-private partnerships as he moves forward in Denver. Twenty-two other major construction projects in 15 States are authorized in this bill, which also approves continued leasing of eight medical facilities and requires the VA to explore options for construction of a new facility in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Mr. Speaker, on May 3, 2006, an incident of a VA employee's stolen laptop computer potentially put at risk the personal data of 25.6 million veterans and 2.2 million Active Duty, Guard and Reservists. This was the largest information security breach to have occurred in government and it is the second largest such security breach in the Nation's history. Title IX of the compromise bill would protect our veterans and servicemembers from the misuse of their sensitive personal information. The bill directs the VA to provide breach notification to individuals, reports to Congress, broad alerts, data breach analysis and credit monitoring services, and identify theft insurance. Title IX, what we do is direct the Secretary to issue implementing regulations within 180 days of enactment of this bill. Finally, Mr. Speaker, title X of the compromise language makes technical and clarifying amendments to title 38 Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/4\ minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman), subcommittee chairman.

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Brown), the subcommittee chairman on health.

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 3421) to authorize major medical facility projects and major medical facility leases for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal years 2006 and 2007, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor and privilege to serve with Mike Sodrel during his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives. Plain spoken and determined, Mike spent his time in Congress working hard for Indiana's Ninth Congressional District. Mike's success in the trucking industry was brilliantly translated into a multitude of valuable contributions during his tenure on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. His vast knowledge of transportation issues served him well to promote needed for roadway improvements and expansion throughout the district and the Nation. Mike Sodrel's expertise and service was not limited to transportation, but extended to three other committees--befitting not only his past experiences but the interests of Indiana--Agriculture, Science, and Small Business. Mike played a crucial role as a member of each committee, using his keen insight to promote issues important to Indiana, such as research and development projects, alternative energy sources such as E-85, and hosting two successful job fairs with me in Bloomington. Although his time in Congress was short, Mike Sodrel's imprint on the 20 counties comprising the Ninth District will be felt for years to come. His heart and mind were always in tune with the Hoosiers back home and in concert with the welfare of this great Nation that he had the great honor and responsibility of representing.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam. Speaker. I rise to salute one of the greatest Members of this body, Henry Hyde. Congressman Hyde has a distinguished career in public service, beginning with his service in the Navy during World War II. Following service in the Illinois General Assembly, Mr. Hyde won election to the House of Representatives in 1974, admittedly a tough year for Republicans. It was not long before Henry's leadership and steadfastness to principle became apparent to this House. Henry has been a stalwart defender of the rights of the unborn, and has pushed the Congress to see clearly the impact of its decisions on the defenseless. I have been honored to serve with Henry while he was Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, enduring long markups to move the Contract with America legislation, equipping our law enforcement with the tools to fight terrorism, and combating the scourge of drugs in our society. His amiable personality hides an individual who doesn't shy from a fight, especially for upholding the Constitution, the rule of law, and other interests of the United States. He is a true giant in this House. His presence next Congress will be missed and I am honored to call him friend.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor with a heavy heart to honor a great man, particularly because this comes on the eve of his retirement from the United States Army. I have had the privilege of working with this distinguished gentleman in the service of our country for the last 14 years. His name is Major General Joe Webb, Jr. He has distinguished himself by his exceptional service to the United States of America while in positions of increasing responsibility within the Army Medical Department, a career that was launched in June of 1961 when he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. From January 1 of 1996 through 31 December of 2006, he served in successive positions of increasing responsibility as the Senior Dental Corps Staff Officer, with the Office of the Surgeon General; Commander of the United States Army Dental Command; the Assistant Surgeon General for Force Sustainment; Commanding General of Tripler Army Medical Center and DOD Lead Agent for TRICARE in the Pacific region; and culminating his illustrious career in the position of United States Army Deputy Surgeon General. Major General Webb was an officer and leader who approached each of his assignments with great tenacity. In a career spanning more than 35 years, this soldier, clinician and commander displayed throughout his distinguished military service the highest levels of leadership, professional competence, integrity and moral courage. Much is spoken and written about Major General Joe Webb. The consensus and the prose consistently agree that this man is the genuine article. Because of my extensive contact with general officers, I know what attributes are necessary for success at the strategic level. You see, I work with generals that do generals' work, I also have worked with generals that do colonels' work. The most refreshing encounters that I have experienced are with colonels that do generals' work. This was the epitome of Joe Webb. In 1996, the Dental Corps was confronted with significant recruiting and retention compromises that would have had a detrimental impact on the dental health of soldiers, sailors and airmen if it was not remedied. I served on the Personnel Committee of the House Armed Services and later chaired that committee, with responsibility for the oversight of the military health delivery system. My brother, John, is now a Colonel and dentist in the Army Medical Corps; at the time, I went to my brother to say, John, what is the problem? We are not able to retain these dentists. There are so many open slots. We are having an exodus. At the time President Clinton was doing a drawdown. I know a lot of the warriors are leaving the service, but we have to stop the leak. My brother explained the situation to me and the order of the consequences. He proposed a strategy for success, but more importantly, my brother identified the major players, even mapped out a strategy of success on the back of a napkin and said, I must put you with Joe Webb. Joe Webb was a Colonel at the time, and was a key element of ensuring a successful remedy to this looming problem. The following day Congressman Norwood, Joe Webb, my brother, John, and I initiated a dialogue that focused on a strategy for implementation. The impact of the continuation pay package reached all three services and preserved the human capital necessary to deliver world-class dentistry. This is a living legacy that continues to have far-reaching implications. Many call it propay, but those who receive that check know exactly what it means. I called upon the combined and extensive expertise of Joe Webb and my brother, John Buyer, as critical resources to make the legislation a reality from its introduction, through conference, and into law. Without their dedicated focus on this issue, it is likely that the continuation pay bill would never have met with the success it had. The Air Force, the Navy and Marine Corps programs rested their future upon the shoulders of then Colonel Joe Webb. But this was common through this man's career. Having been excited by this success, the team of Joe Webb and John Buyer then elevated the health expectations throughout the dental enterprise. They devised the concept of dental wellness to replace the only adequate dental health standard of dental readiness with an optimal dental health standard of wellness. Dental wellness is now the standard in all three services. Legislation to assist the services in achieving higher levels of dental wellness will continue to have a profound and lasting impact upon future forces. The team of Joe and John then broke down parochial barriers to successfully make the UHQ MEDIVAC training program at Fort Rucker a reality in time to have a successful impact on the Second Gulf War. So now when a dust-off helicopter comes in, and these litters need to be reconfigured, even at night or under trying circumstances, they have been trained under the difficult standards and are prepared to save lives. This project would never have occurred had it not been for their insights and their strategies. As a Colonel, Joe Webb also served as the Commander of the largest dental command in the Department of Defense. The United States Army Dental Command, called DENTCOM, is comprised of more than 3,800 personnel and 172 clinics worldwide, and had an operating budget of over $200 million. A strategic visionary, Major General Webb impacted the implementation of the dental care reengineering initiative, which revolutionized the provisions of the dental care to soldiers to improve the quality of practice for dental care officers. This gifted leader then was assigned as the Assistant Surgeon General for Force Development and Sustainment. He moved from a colonel at DENTCOM to this new job as a brigadier general. In this capacity, he was responsible for the Army Medical Department's contracting logistics facilities and information management across the Medical Corps. This proven and tested leader was then selected for promotion to major general and assigned to command the Pacific Region Medical Command and Tripler Army Medical Center. In this capacity, he was responsible for providing primary, specialty and tertiary care to over 500,000 in the Pacific Command, and over 100,000 VA beneficiaries. He led and managed the day-to-day operations for a 229-bed medical center which is the primary referral medical center in the Pacific. A strategic leader, he played a lead role in the Army's theater security cooperation program, working closely to establish professional medical relationships with other countries. He also reached out to the underserved Pacific Islanders and used all means available to increase access to care for those in need. In July of 2004, he was selected to serve as the Army Deputy Surgeon General and Chief of Staff of the United States Army Medical Command. He masterfully guided the activities of an organization which executes an $8 billion annual operating budget, encompassing over $6 billion in facilities assets through 12 major subordinate commands, comprised of more than 48,000 military and civilian personnel, eight medical centers, 47 hospitals, 73 separate clinics, 172 dental clinics, 14 biomedical research facilities worldwide. While serving as the Deputy Surgeon General, Major General Webb also placed a renewed emphasis on issues related to the physical and mental well-being of the United States Army Reserve and Army National Guard Members. Under his management and direction, training opportunities for the Reserve AMEDD components were synchronized and improved to meet current and future needs. Major General Webb's imprint on military medicine extends beyond the Army throughout the Department of Defense and into the national and international communities. His extraordinary achievements are characterized by profound dedication, compassion, intellect and professionalism. Major General Webb's distinguished performance of duty is in keeping with the most proud and cherished traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the United States Army Medical Command, the United States Army and the United States of America. I have first- and secondhand knowledge of Joe Webb that few have. That is why I have come to the floor. This is a man that has internal anchors. He has a backbone of steel. When it comes to his passion and his commitment, no one can match him. He requests the noblest of things from the noble, and he achieves great results. This is a great man who served our country for over 39 years and I thank him for his service. This is my friend, Joe Webb.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from the First District of South Carolina, the chairman of the Health Subcommittee, Henry Brown.

Mr. BUYER. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. BUYER. I thank the gentlewoman for her contribution. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, the Honorable Tim Murphy.

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Ms. Berkley, I want to thank you for your leadership on this bill. Thank you for working with Nancy Johnson, Jeb Bradley. This symbol of honor and remembrance is very important. I want to thank you for that. Also I want to embrace your words regarding the leases. In the construction bill we have a number of leases, and we need to complete our work. And so I embrace your words. I call on you for your help. The Senate has not been as helpful. You know that is a continuous body over there. We do not know how it is about to be reorganized. We have a lot of our work that needs to be done over the last 2 years, and we cannot let this construction bill die on the vine. We have to complete that work. If we do not re-up these leases, it is going to cost the Federal Government more money because there are penalty clauses that will go into effect, and we cannot and should not let that happen.

Mr. BUYER. Reclaiming my time, I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite).

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6314) to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend certain expiring provisions of law and to expand eligibility for the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program.

Mr. BUYER. I yield to the gentlewoman from Nevada.

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I have no furthers requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, today I rise and urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 6314, a bill that would extend several existing Department of Veterans Affairs benefits provisions. This bill will extend these provisions of health care services to veterans exposed by chemical and biological testing under Projects 112 and SHAD, and treatment and rehabilitation programs for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans until December 31, 2007. The bill would also extend VA's homeless grant and per diem programs until September 30, 2007, and extend additional services for mentally ill and homeless veterans until December 31, 2007. It would extend VA's Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans, as well as the program which is providing government markers in private cemeteries until that date. The work/study provisions of the legislation allowing veterans to assist VA and other government agencies would be extended until June 30, 2007. The work/study program is an increasingly popular benefit that provides veterans with an alternative use of their GI Bill if they choose not to go to college. The bill also provides education benefits for the family members of severally injured veterans who are undergoing long-term convalescence while on active duty. Spouses and children of servicemembers who are determined by the VA to be permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected cause or causes would be eligible to receive Chapter 35 education benefits while the servicemember is still on active duty while undergoing treatment. This Chapter 35 provision would enable spouses and dependent children of severely wounded servicemembers to access their Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits while the servicemember is going through extended convalescence prior to discharge. Under the current law, these beneficiaries must wait until the member is discharged, and since the spouses of these members most often become the primary breadwinner, I believe it is important to give them as much of a headstart as possible on becoming more competitive in the job market. The amount of the benefit remains the same. I thank the Blinded Veterans Association for bringing this important issue to the attention of myself and members of the committee. We met with Army Sergeant 1st Class Jeffrey Mittman and his wife Christine. Sergeant 1st Class Mittman was blinded by an IED and is undergoing extensive rehabilitation and facial reconstruction. Madam Speaker, this young soldier is articulate, has a very positive outlook on his life and is truly an inspiration. One look at his wife and you can immediately pick up the burdens she is bearing in caring not only for her husband, but also for her children. His wife Christy is a model of the love and support that she is providing to her husband as they face these challenges together. In fact, I think of this as the Christine Mittman provision, a provision not only that would help Christy, but also other spouses lessen the financial stress. So, in essence, while Christy is providing leadership and mentoring for her children, caring for her husband instead of waiting until he completes all of the facial reconstruction and rehabilitation necessary, she can start her educational opportunities now. I think this is the right thing to do. We all know he is going to be 100 percent disabled. She wants to become a nurse, so let's give her and others who are likewise situated to have these opportunities. Madam Speaker, the committee is currently also undergoing bipartisan negotiations on a number of bills, not only with my House counterparts, but also with the Senate counterparts. Among these bills are H.R. 3082, the Veterans Small Business and Memorial Affairs Act of 2006. It passed the House on July 24, 2006. We have informally been discussing provisions since July 28. The bill improves the status of veterans and disabled veterans small businesses when competing for contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs. It allows Tribal government to participate in the VA's State Cemetery Grants Programs, authorizes the VA Secretary to provide the family of a veteran interred in a private cemetery with government markers, which we are doing now. It also requires the Veterans Employment Training Service, otherwise known as VETS, to establish nonmandatory guidelines for disabled veterans outreach programs. There are a lot of things in this bill, and I am hopeful we are going to get this done and negotiated. There is another bill, H.R. 4061, the Department of Veterans Affairs Information Technology Management Improvement Act. It would centralize VA's IT organizational structure so that it reports directly to the Department's chief information officer. Ultimately, the bill would empower the CIO with the authority over the IT budgets, equipment and personnel. While the House passed this bill with widespread bipartisan support, and I appreciate the leadership of Mr. Filner and others on this legislation, the Senate is even yet to take action on that bill. There is another bill, H.R. 5815, the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Authorization Act of 2006, that would ensure that we will efficiently provide the right facilities with the right places for veterans' health care. Given the current veteran population and those which we can expect in the coming years, it would authorize $2.5 billion for major implementation projects and $51 million for facilities leases. This is an important bill, and we are getting close on these negotiations. We have another bill, H.R. 5835, the Veterans Identity and Credit Security Act, as amended. This bill requires notification to Congress and individuals in the event of a data breach. All of us Members understand and remember the data breach. And we had extensive oversight on the committee. Mr. Filner and I were able to lead over eight hearings in a 6-week time frame, and we are perfecting change in our cooperation with the administration. This is a good bill and I am hopeful that we can get this bill done. This bill also included a scholarship and loan repayment program to provide the Secretary with a recruitment and retention tool to attract qualified people in the areas of information technology and management so they can work in these security areas. As I said, this bill received widespread bipartisan support here in the House and I am most hopeful that we can move to the Senate and achieve our work Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of our time. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Filner for his cooperation on this bill and other bills. Mr. Filner, we have got the CIO bill, we have got the cyber security bill. The Senate sent us two health bills, a benefit bill and we have got the construction bill. So all of these are in negotiation with the Senate. It is hard work. It represents 2 years of effort. Recalling the recent words of my esteemed colleague, Nancy Pelosi, with the creation of this new theme of a bipartisan way for all Americans, let's embrace it. Let's get our work done. We enjoy bipartisanship on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and I wish other committees could see how well we have worked together over the years. I call on leadership of everyone here in the House in dealing with these bills here on veterans affairs to complete our work on behalf of our Nation's veterans. Mr. Speaker, I also call upon the Senate leadership to finish our legislative negotiations. Let's complete our work. Let's not forget our veterans and their families. And, Mr. Speaker, I also call upon the leadership of the veterans service organizations and the military service associations to encourage the Senate leadership to finish our negotiations and again finish the work that we had started on behalf of this Nation's veterans and dependents. These warriors fought for our freedom. The least we can do is complete our work and provide for them the best care and benefits possible. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks relative to the bill which the House just considered.