Steve Buyer

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. I reclaim my time. If you want to honor the veteran, then help me help this Congress and the American people reduce energy prices that impact upon the VA and other departments of government, but in particular, our veterans today, this bill before us deals with the epilepsy centers. And in order for these patients to gain access to these epileptic centers, they are either going to have to fly or they have got to drive great distances to get there, and there is going to be a cost increase to do that. So if we are facing now from 2003 to today a 65 percent increase in energy baseline at the Department of Veterans Affairs, carry that across all government. So, today we are going to honor the veterans? We can't do things in a vacuum, I would say, Mr. Speaker. We have to be holistic with regard to how we apply our policies that we do here in Congress. So with regard to caring for the Nation's veterans, for which we all embrace, we can only do that if we can increase the quality of our health care; at the same time, increasing the access. If we don't work on the increase in energy prices, then it has a depression then upon the access to quality health care. So we can invest all the moneys we like on improving the quality of care, but if we can't also get them access, then have we achieved the goal for which we desire?

Mr. BUYER. I yield to the gentlelady.

Mr. BUYER. My point is that because this Congress has now chosen not to work on these very important issues facing the country, whether it's decreasing the energy prices, on immigration, solvency of Social Security, Medicare, all of these list of issues, we are not doing right now. So we need to be able to say, Okay, what are we going to do with our time. So we take the eight veterans bills that we have and split them each up individually, with 40 minutes on each bill. I yield to the gentlelady.

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me speak to a couple of matters relative here to the House in how we manage the House's business. First I will speak with regard to process. We are bringing eight veterans bills to the floor all as individual bills. That is very concerning to me because these could have been placed all in one omnibus bill that we would then bring to the floor. It would create better management of the floor. So why is this brought as eight individual bills on suspension? My guess, Mr. Speaker, is that the House is now performing what I would call filling the time. Why are we filling time? Well, because this Congress isn't working on some of the most important issues facing this country. We have about 35 legislative days left in this Congress. This Congress has not passed a single appropriations bill to run the government. This is a dysfunctional Congress, and we're failing to meet our responsibilities. So while we are not doing the responsibilities of the country, we have to fill time. So they turn to the Veterans' Affairs Committee and other committees and find what are all the bills that you've got out there that we can do on suspension, that we can do on the calendar? Let's fill the time. And that's what is happening here, and it's extremely bothersome to me. Here the country is facing tremendous issues, whether it's the downturn of the economy, the issues relative to people leaving their homes. We have got an energy crisis with the challenge on how we're going to reduce our energy dependence on a lot of bad actors around the world. We have got the solvency of Medicare issue. We have got the Social Security issue. We have got the AMT patch. We have got immigration. No, this Congress, we're not going to work on those important issues, I guess must be the message that the country is receiving from our acts of today, because we're going to take up a lot of time here on the legislative calendar on eight individual veterans bills. Now, think about that. That's eight bills split up of 40 minutes on each bill. This is the House equivalent of dilatory tactics when it comes to working on what is important facing the country. So I guess on the energy issue, I think my colleagues would immediately respond, well, my gosh, Steve, we just voted on price gouging. Okay. I think my Democrat colleagues think that to solve the energy crisis relative to the country, we are going to, let's see, tax the profits of oil companies. We're going to do price gouging legislation. Oh, there must be something going on out there in the futures market; so let's talk about speculators. Let's do nothing with regard to supply. Now, I am in favor of these Centers of Excellence to advance and coordinate care for veterans with epilepsy. So why am I talking about these other issues? I'm talking about them because they are important issues also facing the country that this Congress is not addressing. And as we continue to work as a Congress to improve the quality of life for our veterans, we must examine the added burden that energy costs are placing upon those who served their country. Americans are coping with increased energy prices, including veterans. Congress must act to decrease the energy costs. The energy bills we have been voting on in the House are fighting the smoke of the energy crisis in America, not fighting the fires. So my Democrat colleagues love to work on the demand side of the economic equation. Price is fundamental economics. You've got a supply and demand result in the increase in price. We've got one of my colleagues here that wants a 50 cent consumption tax on gasoline. Why would they be proposing things like this? Well, you propose things like that because you want to compress demand on energy to change the American culture rather than opening up supplies. Why is this such an important issue? It's an important issue because it impacts veterans. Energy price impacts veterans, and nationwide Americans are now spending nearly 4 percent of their aftertax income on gasoline. So on this bill on epilepsy, we talked about the fact that we have got 89,000 veterans with epilepsy enrolled in the VA health care system. We now in this bill are saying that we are going to move them to the polytrauma centers. There are five polytrauma centers, which means that individuals to gain access to the polytrauma care centers now have to travel. How do they get there? They either get there through the airlines or through surface transportation. In order to do that, they're facing increased costs to the access of health care. That's why energy is also an important veterans issue. We are importing over 60 percent of our oil from foreign countries, and as the price of gasoline increases, the cost of food, goods, and medical care go up. Veterans are being hit by increased prices at the pump, and Congress must make every effort to deal with the heart of the energy issue for every citizen and increase our energy supply. If we increase our supply, we will then decrease energy prices. Many of America's veterans, as I said, live in rural areas, and they also then get hit the hardest by the increase in gasoline prices. While 4 percent may be the average amount Americans are paying, that figure has surpassed 13 percent in rural areas. Rural Americans are estimated to be paying now over $2,000 for gasoline this year, and this has a tremendous impact upon our-- Point of Order

Mr. BUYER. The gentlelady knows quite well, having been here a very long time, that the best way to utilize the floor time, which is extremely important on the important issues facing the country, is that we could have taken these eight veterans bills and consolidated them and brought them to the floor. That is not what we have done. Half of the bills that we are talking about here today, Mr. Speaker, I say to the gentlelady, is that they are naming bills. They are naming bills. We could have managed the time of the floor much better. So the gentlelady was absolutely correct. No one here should try to attempt to spin my remarks about filling time as if somehow veterans substantive legislation is not important. The fact that the time on the floor is what is extremely important. We have 35 legislative days, approximately, to go. I know you're praising leadership, Ms. Brown, but this Congress, we have not done one appropriations bill to run this country. Mr. Speaker, I think that is correct. I think there are 12 legislative bills. We haven't done any of them. None of them have come to the House floor.

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, what I object to is the fact that the chairman of the committee must not care about the increased cost of energy prices on veterans in America. He must not care, Mr. Speaker, because he's so concerned that he wants to raise a point of order against me to silence the issue of the impact of energy prices at the VA on health care, on medical research? Mr. Speaker, this is a very, very pertinent and important issue. The increased prices to the VA, a few years back we had an emergency supplemental, and part of that was because of the increase in energy costs to the VA. This is a pretty important issue. So let me now embrace your counsel, Mr. Speaker, to me. H.R. 2818, as amended, will improve the VA's research. Now why do I mention research? Well, because what we're doing here, we recognize the VA has a long history of providing specialized treatment and research on epilepsy. So now let's talk about the impact on energy prices on research. It's a proper nexus, would the Speaker not agree? The Speaker is stoic. H.R. 2818, as amended, I believe it improves VA's research, but as we look at this, the research activities consume high amounts of energy, and these activities include using CT scans, MRIs, other medical imaging technology. We use medical testing and other laboratory devices. Research laboratories require high amounts of security to protect personal medical information on research subjects. Laboratory data may examine heating and cooling systems to control specimen temperatures to ensure viability in our research activities. All that requires energy and in fact energy prices will impact the delivery of care that we do at our epileptic centers. Facility energy consumption also involves power to run computers, printers, scanners, copiers, shredders. Some of these research, medical research projects require specialized lighting and may occur after hours when VA physicians have time to work in their labs and analyze data when these systems would then be shut down. From 2005 to 2007, the Department of Veterans Affairs' energy costs have increased by 20 percent. The VA's energy costs have increased 65 percent since the 2003 baseline set by Federal mandates in the OMB energy scorecard. May I ask the Speaker how much time I have remaining.

Mr. BUYER. I reclaim my time. When the gentlelady brought up with regard to what you did when you were in charge--I will just share this with the gentlelady--the bills that have been brought to the floor here under suspension, in the past, for years now you and I have work together and served on the Veterans' Affairs Committee. Any time the bill would actually come to the floor, it was always by agreement between the ranking and the chairman and other members of interest, always by consensus and by agreement. That is not what happened here today. That is not. We did that with regard to seven bills. At the last moment, another bill gets added. We had some general concerns with regard to the language in the bill. But, no, the chairman is going to have his way. So I just share with the gentlelady that he wanted to roll the minority, no differently than how the Speaker has rolled the committee with regard to the GI Bill and others.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to Dr. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida to speak on the bill.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Okay. I appreciate the gentleman clarifying the intent with regard to the ``whereas'' clauses. With that, I urge my colleagues to adopt the resolution before the House, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 1291 recognizes the contributions of the American GI Forum on its 60th anniversary. Mr. Speaker, the work of the founder of the American GI Forum, Dr. Hector Garcia, is one that shows the determination of the American spirit. Serving during World War II as an infantryman, as a combat engineer, and a medical doctor, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with six battle stars and achieved the rank of major. Upon his return from the war, he worked to encourage other Mexican Americans to educate themselves in the Democratic principles, and founded the American GI Forum in 1948 to fight for equal treatment for Mexican American veterans, including proper medical treatment and educational benefits. In reviewing the current legislative priorities for the American GI Forum, it is evident their efforts have continued to instill in the Hispanic/Latino community the desire to achieve through liberty. Mr. Speaker, there is one clarification that I think should be made regarding the resolution whereas clauses, and I will take these up in a moment here with the author of the bill. In particular, the whereas clause reads, ``Whereas, millions of veterans returning home from World War II look to the guarantee of educational, medical, housing, and other basic benefits by the GI Bill,'' and, ``Whereas, these benefits were denied in large part to Americans of Mexican descent and other Hispanics throughout the United States.'' By having these two statements like this in the whereas clause, this statement implies systematic denial of benefits as a matter of policy by the VA. Individual accounts of bigotry most likely did in fact occur, but I have great concerns with regard to the drafting of the bill. I was very disappointed that the chairman would not work with the minority on the drafting of this bill. Those of us who wear and have worn the uniform, we embrace the ideals that veterans benefits are to be extended without regard to race, color, or creed. As I said, I will have some questions of Mr. Rodriguez regarding the clarification of his intent on the whereas clauses. Mr. Speaker, the work of the veterans service organizations like the American GI Forum advocates for veterans and assists those of us in Congress and particularly on the committee of Veterans' Affairs to formulate policy that will help guide our country in respect to veterans' affairs. I commend the American GI Forum's work these past 60 years. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members to support the chairman's resolution. I yield back all my time.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the Veterans and Survivors Dental Insurance Act of 2008. This legislation would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offer a voluntary dental insurance plan for certain veterans, their survivors and dependents. Under current law, veterans with service-connected dental conditions, a total service-connected disability, and former Prisoners of War are eligible for lifetime, comprehensive dental care from VA. Newly discharged veterans are eligible for a one-time, comprehensive dental evaluation and restorative services. Additionally, veterans with dental problems negatively impacting a medical condition, disabled veterans receiving vocational rehabilitation training, and certain homeless veterans are eligible for limited dental care. VA also provides inpatient emergency dental treatment at its medical facilities. In 1997, Congress first authorized the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP). As Chairman of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee during the 105th and 106th Congresses, I helped champion the TRDP program. It is a voluntary, all-enrollee-paid dental program that currently covers over 800,000 retired members of the uniformed services, including National Guard and Reserve personnel, and their families. This program offers military retirees an affordable comprehensive dental benefit program that covers diagnostic and preventive services, basic restorative services, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and dental emergencies. Madam Speaker, this legislation would simply provide eligible veterans, survivors, and dependents the option of enrolling in a high-quality and affordable dental care plan similar to what is available for military retirees under TRDP. I assure my colleagues that nothing in this Act would diminish the responsibility of the Secretary to provide dental care under current law. Eligibility for VA dental benefits according to law would not change. Important to overall health and quality of life is maintaining good dental health. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the Veterans and Survivors Dental Insurance Act of 2008.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1235, a measure expressing support for the designation of National D-Day Remembrance Day, and recognizing the spirit, courage, and sacrifice of the men and women who fought and won World War II. On June 6, 1944, the largest sea-borne invasion in military history led to the defeat of Hitler and the Nazis' stranglehold on Europe. Nearly 7,000 ships and landing craft, loaded with American, British and other troops, crossed the English Channel to destroy tyranny and restore freedom to Europe. Nearly 3,500 lives were lost in this immense display of courage and sacrifice. The heroism displayed by the Allied forces on D-day should never be forgotten and we should always honor the men and women who saved democracy from the shadow of oppression. That is why we should approve H.R. 1235 calling on Congress to support the designation of a National D-Day Remembrance Day. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to recognize and honor the veterans who served on D-day, and join me in supporting this bill thanking them for their courage and sacrifice.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1692, a measure to grant a Federal charter to the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA). Though the Korean War is sometimes referred to as the ``Forgotten War,'' it is among the most significant events of the 20th century. Communist military aggression was defeated and the United States and its allies sent a signal to the world that militaristic expansion of communism would be countered with force. Nearly 6 million Americans served during the Korean War, and tens of thousands of them faced some of history's most adverse circumstances and challenges for the cause of freedom--by the time the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed in July 1953, more than 36,000 Americans had died, 103,284 had been wounded, 7,140 were captured, and 664 were missing. The heroism displayed by Korean War veterans should never be forgotten. We can help honor the 1.2 million American veterans of the Korean War who are still alive today by granting a Federal charter to America's oldest and largest association of Korea veterans. KWVA is a 20,000-member veterans' service organization devoted exclusively to Korean War veterans. That is why we should approve S. 1692 calling on Congress to grant a Federal charter to KWVA. This recognition is well deserved, and I am hopeful that Congress will act swiftly to approve this measure. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. Additionally, I would encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5854, a bill to grant a Federal charter to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). MOAA is the largest professional association for military officers and the fourth largest veterans group in the Nation. With 370,000 members, MOAA has a distinguished 79-year history of service to the military community, veterans, and their families. Like KWVA, MOAA is among the veterans' service organizations without a Federal charter. In addition to the deserved recognition it would accord MOAA, a Federal charter would enable some state-level MOAA affiliates to participate on governor-appointed advisory councils to which they are presently excluded. Again, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to grant a Federal charter for KWVA, and I would also encourage my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 5854 to grant a Federal charter to MOAA.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, on May 30, 2008, Sameer Mishra, an eighth grader at West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School in West Lafayette, Indiana, made his family, school, city and State proud when he won the 2008 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Sameer outlasted 287 other competitors to become this year's champion. In order to become the National Spelling Bee Champion, Sameer had to spell many complex words. The final word that stood between him and his victory was ``guerdon''--meaning a reward. After 3 years of hard work, he finally received his ultimate ``guerdon''. Before Sameer's spelling bee days, he watched his big sister, Shruti, compete in the National Spelling Bee, and he told his family that one day he would win the Scripps National Spelling Bee. True to his promise, he won the title on the very last opportunity that he was eligible. This was Sameer's fourth and last year in the competition. In 2005 he tied for 98th place. He made a huge jump in 2006 when he recieved 14th place, and last year he placed a well respected 16th. When he is not out-spelling middle school students from across the Nation, Sameer loves to read and participates in his school's book club. He enjoys playing computer and video games, as well as board games. Sameer has played the violin for 4 years in his school orchestra. He also likes to ride his bike and hang out with his friends. His favorite subjects are science and math. Sameer is a competitive student. He participates in contests such as Spell Bowl, Academic Super Bowl and Indiana State School Music Association. With his spelling bee days behind him, Sameer looks forward to high school and lofty goals that include a career as a neurosurgeon. Sameer Mishra is a remarkable young man. His competitive spirit and drive will take him far in life. His ability to set goals and work hard to achieve them makes him a shining example that other children can aspire to.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. As the ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I have an obligation to help ensure that veterans and their families have access to the benefits and services they so richly deserve. More importantly, I have been an advocate for military members and veterans almost my entire life. I have been in uniform for 28 years while I served the last 16 years in Congress. It is a great part of who I am. We have before us this House resolution to create a disabled veterans week. Now we should pause for a moment and say why is Congress bringing this bill to the floor at this time? You see, I view this bill on the floor at this time as an inoculation. It is an inoculation because the Democrats who control this Congress want to bring a bill to the floor where it will cut a monthly pension to wartime elderly disabled and indigent veterans in the amount of a billion dollars. So before the Democrats take a billion dollars away from disabled veterans, they want to stand and say I put my arms around disabled veterans, and we are going to create a week for America to celebrate them. I am going to blow the whistle on you. I believe that it is a matter of principle that the Nation should not be taking money from one group of deserving veterans to fund benefits for others. However, you should also know that last month the Senate approved a bill that would cut $912 million in pension benefits for wartime elderly indigent severely disabled or housebound American veterans. A portion of the funding saved by this unprecedented cut in veterans' benefits would be used to fund oversized pensions for noncitizen, non-resident World War II Filipino veterans and for other veterans' programs. Mr. Speaker, I believe the country is probably shocked hearing me say something like this. But, Mr. Speaker, we are here on the floor to ask for a designation that the country support the ideals for which men and women fought for and are now disabled, while in the same stroke this very Congress wants to cut veterans' benefits from those very same people when they are asking the country to celebrate their ideals. The bill that was in the Senate is Senate 1315. There was a bill here in the House, H.R. 760. That bill was voted out of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee on a party-line vote. That hardly ever happens. A party-line vote hardly ever happens in the Veterans' Affairs Committee. They voted to eliminate a special monthly pension for severely disabled veterans over 65 who are receiving pensions for wartime services. The special monthly pension provides an additional payment of up to $2,200 per year to the most severely disabled veterans. In 2006, the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims overturned the Department of Veterans Affairs decision that denied the special monthly pension to an 86-year-old legally blind World War II veteran, Robert A. Hartness, who was also receiving a VA pension granted to low-income, disabled veterans. The court reversed the VA's denial of benefits to Mr. Hartness and required them to begin paying this special monthly pension. The court held that the United States law requires an award of a special monthly pension to a veteran eligible for VA nonservice-connected disability pension if, in addition to being at least 65 years old, the veteran has a disability rating of at least 60 percent or is permanently housebound. The Senate bill, S. 1315, would override the court decision legislatively, and it is also what H.R. 760 sought to do. According to the VA, more than 20,200 veterans could be affected by this unprecedented cut in veterans' benefits. This cut in veterans' benefits that goes to the disabled is opposed by the American Legion, AMVETS, the National Association of Uniformed Services, and other veterans' service organizations. The following excerpt is from an April 25, 2008, letter to all Members of Congress from the American Legion: ``The American Legion believes the sacrifice of these heroes warrants relief. Balancing the books on the backs of the very patriots that protected and defended this Nation is unconscionable. Don't make a grave mistake in the name of fairness, equality, or even fiscal responsibility. Do what is right.'' I wholeheartedly agree. Congress has an obligation to protect those veterans who are the most vulnerable. They have no voice; and, indeed, many of them are so severely disabled they are housebound and require aid and attendants. I personally find appalling the notion of taking benefits from these disabled veterans to create a new benefit for other veterans, especially those of a foreign nation. There are better ways to fund new entitlements than to cut benefits from aging veterans who need us most, violating the principle of honor that defined their service and our obligation to both them and the Nation they served. I believe that our veterans are our country's most precious asset. I also believe that those are the ideals for which you seek to recognize in the bill that is before us. I would remind every Member who votes in support of this bill, please recognize that when you come to the floor and there is presented to you a Senate amended bill that would repeal the special monthly pension for the Nation's most vulnerable veterans, those of whom are wartime elderly, indigent, disabled and homebound, that you remember the vote you cast this day. Because if you embrace to defend these disabled veterans who sacrificed for the ideals and the heritage of this country, do not cut their veterans' benefits. It was done in committee. It was done in the Senate. We have to defend the most vulnerable and those who do not have a voice. I support what is in front of us, but I do not support the rationale of inoculation before you bring a bill to this floor that will cut a billion dollars from these wartime elderly, disabled indigent veterans.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a distinguished and dedicated military officer who has served this Nation with great honor and distinction. Congressman John Shimkus will retire as a lieutenant colonel from the United States Army Reserve on June 1, 2008, after nearly three decades of exemplary service in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve. His career is a great example of the ideals that we expect and cherish from our Warrior- Citizens. Thanks to his service to our Nation, we all live a little freer and we are all more secure in our rights and duties as citizens of the greatest nation in the world. Today, I'm proud to take a few minutes to read a resolution I introduced to this Congress today to honor the outstanding career of Lieutenant Colonel John Shimkus. A Resolution in the House of Representatives Honoring the Service and Accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel John M. Shimkus, United States Army Reserve Whereas Lieutenant Colonel John M. Shimkus, United States Army Reserve, was born on February 21, 1958, in East St. Louis, Illinois; Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in general engineering; Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus graduated from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois, in 1997, with a master of business administration; Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Infantry Mortar Platoon Officers Course, Jungle Warfare School, Airborne School, Ranger School, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, and the Master Fitness Trainer Course; Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus is a graduate of the Reserve Component Combined Armed Services Staff School; Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus attended the Reserve Component Command and General Staff College; Whereas following Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus's entry into the Army, he served at the tip of the spear of the cold war as an infantry officer with the 1st Platoon, 54th Infantry in Bamberg, Germany, where he was our Nation's sentry, ready to fight at a moment's notice against Soviet tanks rolling toward the Fulda Gap; Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus continued his commitment to selfless duty when after serving more than five years on active duty in the Army, he transitioned to the Army Reserve; Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus served in many leadership positions in the Army Reserve, which included 7 years as a United States Military Academy Liaison Officer, where he helped our Nation select the best candidates to become future leaders of the Army; Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus was elected to public office for the first time in 1989 as a township trustee in Collinsville, Illinois; Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus was elected to serve his first term as a Representative from the 20th District of Illinois in 1996 in the 105th Congress, and has continued to dutifully dedicate his service as a statesman in the 106th, 107th, 108th, 109th, and, presently, the 110th Congresses; Whereas over a multifaceted career of distinguished public service dedicated to the preservation of the principles upon which our Nation was founded, from his plebe days at West Point to the halls of Congress, in his every step Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus has embodied the epitome of excellence in statesmanship, service to country, and to his fellow citizens; Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus's commitment to public service commands the Nation's highest respect and gratitude; Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus embodies all seven Army core values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage; and Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus has had a tremendous positive impact on the Army Reserve: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the House of Representatives (1) honors Lieutenant Colonel John M. Shimkus for his service of over 28 years on the occasion of his retirement from the Army Reserve on June 1, 2008; (2) commends Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus for his dedication and commitment to excellence as an infantry officer and leader; (3) recognizes the tremendous dedication and fortitude with which Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus has led an exemplary career in public service, three times the citizen, having balanced his time in the Army Reserve with the demanding duties of his roles as husband, father, businessman, community leader, high school teacher, citizen-soldier, and Congressman with consummate professionalism and boundless devotion to each; (4) recognizes Lieutenant Colonel Shimkus as a soldier, leader, and statesman, for displaying the highest levels of leadership, professional competence, integrity, and moral courage throughout his distinguished military service. Madam Speaker, it is an honor for me to present the distinguished credentials of Lieutenant Colonel John Shimkus before the Congress today. It is our good fortune that Congressman John Shimkus continues to serve our Nation in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, as Americans we begin our careers with lofty goals; the sky is the limit because in America it is ``okay'' to dream big. And when we retire, and as we look back over our lives can we say that we made a difference and left the world a better place? I can assure you Bill Castor can say that without hesitation. After 39 years of teaching in public education, Bill Castor has been an inspiration to his profession, the community, and most importantly, his students. Bill graduated from Lapel High School in May 1964, and in 1969 he graduated from Ball State University where he received a Bachelors of Science degree in Social Studies, Sociology, American History, and Psychology. In 1973, he received his Masters degree in Social Studies Education from Purdue University. As a young teacher in the 1970s at West Central High School, Bill taught my wife--then Joni Geyer. Joni always speaks fondly at the mention of his name. Throughout his teaching career, Bill has taught both high school and middle school. His teaching assignments have included psychology, sociology, geography, government, and American history. In his teaching career, Bill brought the world into his classroom. He knew how to bring history to life. Stepping into Bill's classroom was like stepping into the past as he incorporated his love for antiques in his lessons. Whether looking at an 1840s cabinet or a showcase of his antiques, history was not just read from a book in his classroom, but tangible items that students could see and touch. Bill's sense of humor makes it easy to understand how he made such an impact on his students. Whether lecturing, involving students in a class project or discussion, or telling stories about the people and events in our country's history, his sense of humor was deeply woven throughout the classes that he taught, keeping participation and interest high for his students. Bill's love for the liberties which make this Nation great are reflected in his efforts to honor the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform. In that regard Bill organized Veteran's Day celebrations to make sure his students did not forget the people who spend their lives protecting our freedom. I have enjoyed participating in several of these activities honoring America over the years including the annual 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. Bill would do along with his fellow teacher, Jody Healy. The staff and students Roosevelt Middle School will miss Bill Castor. The teaching profession will miss him. He has left behind a fine legacy. His pleasant and positive outlook on life has been a refreshing and motivating influence on the students and faculty of Roosevelt Middle School. Teachers often say that the biggest reward that they get from their profession is when they ``connect'' with students. Bill Castor connected with his students on a daily basis. He set the bar high as he brought the world to his classroom and challenged his students every day. In short, he made a difference in so many students' lives. Mr. Castor, you should be proud of your contributions to your students, your fellow teachers and your community. Thank you for being a part of the Roosevelt Middle School faculty.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Chairman, in the fall of 2005, I had the House Veterans' Affairs Committee track OIF and OEF dental costs in the VA. In the fall of 2006, I requested the Army to report on and document Army reserve component dental demobilization treatment costs. The Army Medical Command tasked its DENCOM to then study and document demobilization dental treatment requirements no later than 30 November, 2006. This study was considered insufficient by the then Surgeon General, General Kiley. We then spoke. He then instituted another study that was conducted in the fall of 2007. I was briefed on the second study this past February by the Chief of the Army Dental Corps in San Antonio, Texas, and considered this study seriously flawed in its methodology, study construct, and assumptions. The DENCOM told me that dental care during demobilization was not their mission. Shockingly, I then called upon General Cody, the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army; and Lieutenant General Schoomaker, the Army Surgeon General, the next day to express my concerns with the study and the lack of mission concern by the General of the Army Dental Corps for the demobilization dental requirements of our returning soldiers. General Cody then quickly convened a study group to identify options and expeditious solutions to provide the same level of mobilization and demobilization dental care to the reserve components as it provides to the active component. General Cody signed the decision brief that recognizes and funds this serious gap in reserve component dental care. He signed the two decision memos last Friday, the day after the Armed Services Committee marked up the bill. I spoke then with the Vice Chief of the Army on Friday. The amendment that I offer fully supports General Cody's decision to fund $22.3 million for mobilization and $8.5 million for demobilization of the reserve component dental readiness for fiscal year 2009. General Cody's decision will fund 2008 requests out of existing funds resulting in a rapid, measurable improvement, I believe, in overall reserve component readiness. In an informal request of CBO, I've been informed that this amendment will have no impact on direct spending revenues. I would like to thank Chairman Skelton,, Ranking Member Hunter Congresswoman Susan Davis, Congressman John McHugh, and Congressman Vic Snyder, as well as the staff of the Armed Services Committee for their hard work on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, the attached financial plans are provided in support of projects listed in H.R. 5658. 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: Establish the Center and Participant Coordination--900K--Staffing and training; management and project oversight; identify and technology to needs; select projects. Start First Project--2,100K--Trial of process; develop needed maturity for transition to production; details of project spending: Salaries--1,400K; material--300K; test equipment and facility use-- 400K. Start Second Project--2,000K--Proof process with lessons learned; develop needed maturity for transition to production; details of project spending: Salaries--1,300K; material--300K; test equipment and facility use 400K. Total--5,000K. Percent and Source of Matching Funds: None. Justification for Use of Federal taxpayer dollars: Our Government spends billions of dollars each year on science and technology and research and development. Many groundbreaking technologies never make it to the intended uses simply because it is difficult and time consuming to bridge the funding gaps and acquisition administration requirements. National Radio Frequency (RF) R&D and Technology Transfer Center is intended to facilitate technology transfer to production, to promote small business initiatives, and to gain higher returns on research dollars.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. I now yield to Dr. Boozman of Arkansas such time as he may consume.

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3889, as amended, which would amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal study of the vocational rehabilitation programs administered by the Secretary. I appreciate Chairman Filner for moving this legislation through the committee to bring it to the floor. Mr. Speaker, too often we support benefit programs such as VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment without requiring or verifying how well the program is achieving its goals. In the case of the VR&E, the program has two goals: employment and developing independent living skills for those too disabled to work. Unfortunately, there is too little long-term data to judge the program's success in preparing disabled veterans for their return to the workforce. H.R. 3889 would require the VA to study three cohorts of veterans for 20 years to determine the outcomes of their participation in this program. Mr. Speaker, I thank the foresight of my colleague, Dr. John Boozman, for bringing this needed legislation before the House, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank the chairman of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, and Dr. Boozman. They worked very well together on these issues, and I urge my colleagues to pass this bill. I yield back the balance of my time. General Leave

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 5664, as amended, a bill which would amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update at least once every 6 years the plans and specifications for specially adapted housing furnished to veterans by the Secretary. I thank my colleague, Mr. Rodriguez of Texas, for introducing this bill, and Subcommittee Chairwoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, Ranking Member Boozman and full committee Chairman Filner for their efforts to bring the bill before the House. Madam Speaker, many of our most severely disabled veterans qualify for the specially adapted housing program that provides grants for up to $50,000 to modify the veteran's home. This bill would require the VA to update the handbook on adapted homes designs on a 6-year cycle, to include adaptations for a wider variety of disabilities and to provide the handbook to qualified veterans. In the previous Congress, we allowed the homes of a family member to be adapted where the veteran temporarily resides. I think that was a good move that we had done that, and this measure that Mr. Rodriguez has brought is one that is prudent and it should be passed. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUYER

Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 5554, as amended, the Justin Bailey Veterans Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008, would amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and improve health care services available to veterans from the Department of Veterans Affairs for substance abuse disorders. Unfortunately, many veterans who have experienced combat trauma have difficulty dealing with the demands of military service and/or readjusting to home life often turn to alcohol and drugs to ease the pain that has become part of their lives. VA has dedicated more than $458 million to improve access and quality of care for veterans who require substance use treatment since it began implementing the Mental Health Strategic Plan in 2005. H.R. 5455, however, would be much more comprehensive and require that VA provides a ``full continuum of care'' to veterans suffering from substance use disorders at all VA medical centers or through contracts with local providers. This full continuum of care would include comprehensive screening for substance use disorders in all settings, detoxification and stabilization services, intensive outpatient and residential care, pharmacological treatments, and peer-to-peer and family and marital counseling. This legislation would also direct VA to conduct a pilot program for Internet-based substance use disorder treatment for veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Some of our veterans are confronted with a new form of challenge in their life, which for some is greater than the warfare which they had faced, where it has no clear front and has no clear refuge. And in the case of our OIF/OEF veterans in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, over 30 percent of those veterans who have received VA care have been diagnosed with a possible mental health problem and 12 percent of these with a possible substance use disorder. Outreach to every veteran is critical, and I'm pleased that under the leadership of Secretary Peake, VA has started contacting nearly 570,000 recent combat veterans to talk to them about available VA medical care and benefits. Providing a full continuum of care in all settings will go a long way to enhance access to care and help at-risk veterans recognize the signs, treat the symptoms, and overcome the stigma that prevents many veterans from seeking care. Problems associated with substance use disorder can have lasting effects on the mental and physical health of our veterans, and I commend the Subcommittee on Health Chairman Michaud and Ranking Member Miller for their leadership on the bill. We can make significant progress in ensuring that the mental health wellness care that veterans seek and deserve is available with the passage of this bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.