Henry Brown

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for allowing me this second opportunity to address this body. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Benefits of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, serving under our esteemed chairman, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), I want to assure my colleagues that veterans and their benefits has been our number one priority. I want to share some facts to support that. In fact, just today, we had a press conference with the chamber, a roundtable, and a lot of the star corporate citizens around this Nation, encouraging them to hire veterans, and they all came up with outstanding results of what has been happening recently to hire the veterans who are coming back. But the goal that I want to speak on tonight is to help prepare those veterans when they do return under the Montgomery GI Bill. Mr. Chairman, since Republicans took control of Congress in 1995, we have fought to increase funding for the educational benefits veterans have earned through their service to this Nation. We have this chart before us. Since 1995, total spending on veterans has increased from $38 billion to $60 billion. That is a 58 percent increase, compared with a 36 percent increase during the previous 10 years. Payments for veterans has risen by some 79 percent. Our next chart. One way that these increases have been utilized is as an investment to veterans educational benefits. Since 1995, educational benefit payment levels under the Montgomery GI Bill increased from $405 to $985, an increase of 143 percent. This compares with only a 35 percent increase under the previous administration. This year, a veteran who served on active duty for 3 years or more will receive $985 a month for 36 months. These educational benefits can be used for, number one, courses at colleges and universities leading to associate, bachelor, or graduate degrees; number two, courses leading to certificates or diplomas from business, technical, or vocational schools; number three, apprenticeships; number four, correspondence courses; and, number five, flight training and other training. This budget provides for the October 1, 2004, scheduled COLA increase in veterans education benefits. With this budget, Mr. Chairman, we have continued our commitment to ensuring that those who have served their country with pride, valor, and dignity receive the best of America's appreciation; and we are grateful for the veterans.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 140th anniversary of the final voyage of the H.L. Hunley. On February 17, 1864, the Hunley embarked on a dangerous mission when Lieutenant George Dixon led his crew to do what no other submarine had ever done before, successfully sink another ship in combat. That night in Charleston Harbor, the Hunley rammed her spar torpedo into the hull of the USS Housatonic. The ship sunk shortly thereafter, forever securing the Hunley's place in history. The crew, however, never returned and vanished into the harbor. The location of the crew and ship remained a mystery for over 130 years until 1995 when the submarine was found. It was placed under the care of the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston in my district. Through the efforts of the Hunley Commission and the Friends of the Hunley, the vessel will be preserved for generations to come. All eight crew members' bodies have been recovered and will receive a military burial on April 17, 2004, at Magnolia Cemetery in Charleston. I welcome all Americans to take the opportunity to marvel at this archeological wonder.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today in recognition of a very special Town in my district called Lincolnville, South Carolina. In 1867 seven black men led by Bishop Richard Harvey Cain were dissatisfied with the way they were being treated in Charles Town, which is now Charleston, South Carolina. They set out to locate land for sale by the South Carolina Railroad Company. They found a location called ``Pump Pond'' where the local train stopped to get water and wood and later water and coal. They purchased 620 acres from the South Carolina Railroad Company and established the town on February 14, 1889. They were granted a state charter on December 14, 1889. The people of this great town named it Lincolnville in honor of Republican President Abraham Lincoln who freed the slaves. On February 14, 2004, the Town of Lincolnville will be 115 years old. Since the town was founded during Black History Month, on February 28, 2004, there will be a great Jubilee Celebration with visual arts, arts and crafts, music, dance, theatrical presentations and great food. This wonderful celebration will be in remembrance of Lincolnville's founding fathers while displaying the spirit of its diversity throughout the community. Happy Birthday to the people of the great Town of Lincolville, South Carolina.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the efforts of many in the business and industry community who far exceed current-law requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, better known as USERRA. The act simply states that when a Reserve or Guard member returns from active duty he or she is entitled to the job that they left behind. However, USERRA not only protects Reserve and Guard members and their families, it also gives America's business and industry a chance to be part of the ongoing effort to protect our freedoms. Companies like Schering-Plough, ExxonMobil, SCANA Corporation, Wal- Mart, W. W. Grainger, International Paper, and the McNaughton-McKay Electrical Company in South Carolina, all have added enhancements such as paying the full salary deferential, continuing health and life insurance for the servicemembers and their families, and even creating special Web sites for spouses. These are outstanding corporate citizens and I applaud them. With more than 150,000 reserve component service members still on active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism, this effort is very critical. Mr. Speaker, I urge all employers to not only follow the letter of the law with respect to mobilized Reservists, but to also do their part in supporting the war on terror.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Morris Island Lighthouse and to applaud the efforts of Save the Light. Save the Light is a non-profit entity dedicated to the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse. The Morris Island Lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark which began operation in 1876, is a true historical treasure, playing significant roles in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. It was decommissioned in 1962 by the U.S. Coast Guard, but is now owned by the State of South Carolina and leased to Save the Light. The island on which the lighthouse is situated has all but washed away, leaving the lighthouse precariously perched on a tiny sandbar that sits underwater at high tide. I want to thank Chairman Taylor and the Appropriations Committee for providing the first federal funding for this project in the recently passed Interior Appropriations Bill. Save the Light has been coordinating monumental preservation efforts dedicated exclusively to the foundation repair of the Morris Island Lighthouse. The organization began as a grass roots effort by concerned citizens and has taken charge of the preservation of this historic site when public agencies would not. Save the Light has generated significant public support in raising funds for the project, worked with the Army Corps of Engineers and established a long-term maintenance program for the lighthouse. The level of public support generated for its preservation underscores the importance of the Morris Island Lighthouse to the community, and I applaud Save the Light for all of their hard work and dedication. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 257 urging President Bush to bestow this Nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award, on Harry W. Colmery, former national commander of The American Legion. Mr. Colmery is credited with drafting the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, otherwise known as the World War II ``GI Bill of Rights.'' The GI Bill not only enabled the successful transition of millions of World War II veterans back to civilian life, but also paved the way to create America's modern middle class. In fact, about 7.8 million men and women were educated or trained by the World War II GI Bill, arguably our most successful domestic program ever. With our brave service men and women currently engaged in dangerous military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and other areas of the world in support of the Global War on Terrorism, it is so critical for Congress to continue to provide our military personnel with top-notch benefits like today's Montgomery GI Bill. As I travel throughout the first district of South Carolina, veterans and current service members always remind me of the importance of these educational benefits. Mr. Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to support this Resolution to honor Harry W. Colmery, a man of extraordinary wisdom and foresight.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I am pleased we are here today to consider the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003, a bipartisan effort with no less than 37 substantive provisions. Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight five of the provisions of this comprehensive bill which provides more than a billion dollars in improved benefits over 10 years. Section 101 of the bill is long overdue. After years of trying to find the offsets, we are finally able to bring equity to those surviving spouses who lose their Dependency and Indemnity Compensation upon remarrying later in life. Section 101 would allow a surviving spouse who remarries after age 57 to retain DIC, as well as home loan and educational benefits. The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) has championed this cause for almost 15 years now, and I appreciate his dedication. Small business is the bedrock of our economy. Section 301 of the bill would expand the Montgomery GI bill while authorizing educational assistance benefits for on-the-job training of less than 6 months in various types of self-employment training programs. Similarly, section 305 would allow, for the first time, servicemembers, veterans and certain dependents to enroll in entrepreneurship and pre- entrepreneurship courses offered by the Small Business Development Centers and the Veterans Business Development Corporation. I applaud the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi) for this provision, as well as provisions giving Federal agencies and departments new discretionary contracting authority to assist service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, another first. Indeed, we, as a Nation, should accord veterans who become disabled in their service to this Nation a full opportunity to participate in the free enterprise system they have fought so hard to defend. Section 309 would require the Department of Labor to go where its customers are to provide in-person Transitional Assistance Program services overseas, as VA has done since about 1992. I applaud the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes) for their long-standing work on this provision. Lastly, section 402 of the bill increases the adapted housing and automobile allowances for disabled servicemembers. I applaud the chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Mr. Specter, along with the ranking member, Mr. Graham, for their many excellent contributions to this bill. I also applaud the former ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Mr. Rockefeller, for his continued assistance. In closing, I commend Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Evans, and Subcommittee on Benefits' Ranking Member Michaud for their leadership and diligent work on this bill, as well as the support they have given to me my first term as chairman of the Subcommittee on Benefits. I also want to recognize the good folks who make up the committee staff, many of whom put in long hours so we could consider this bill before we adjourned. I wholeheartedly support H.R. 2297, as amended, and encourage the full House to support it as well.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1516, as amended, and reiterate the comments of our chairman in commending the other body for acting so quickly. In December of 2001, the Logistics Management Institute recorded their finding on the current and future burial needs for veterans. Their findings were based on VA providing a burial option for 90 percent of the veterans residing within a 75-mile service area of an open national or State cemetery. LMI concluded that 31 additional veterans cemeteries will be needed over the next 20 years in increments of 5 years. H.R. 1516, as amended, will require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a new national cemetery in the top six areas of need within 4 years of the date of enactment of this act. The six cemeteries identified in today's bill would serve over 1 million veterans. Among the six is a new cemetery in the Greenville/ Columbia, South Carolina, area. Since I served for 16 years in the State House in Columbia, I understand firsthand how important this is to the veterans in that area. This cemetery would serve more than 169,000 veterans and their survivors, and I am pleased it is included in this bill. I want to thank the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Benefits, the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud), as well as the chairman and ranking member of the full committee, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans). Time and time again these folks showed their commitment to our veterans and their families. Mr. Speaker, with this bill we expand the opportunities for burial in the national veterans cemetery, which is no less than our final show of gratitude to our servicemembers. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1516, as amended.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Chairman Simmons has done a fine job of explaining the bill under consideration. I would like to thank him, Full Committee Chairman Smith, and my colleagues on the Veterans Affairs Committee for their excellent bipartisan work on this legislation. We all understand the significant needs of our VA medical facilities across this great Nation. Many Members of this Congress have a VA building in their district that is old and in need of renovation, maintenance, and repair. The practice of medicine requires constant modernization of equipment and facilities, and we need to do our best to ensure that our veterans continue to receive the quality of care that they deserve. Although there are never enough resources for our veterans and their medical centers, this bill will authorize much needed help for those areas most in need. In addition to the projects authorized in this bill, I think we can all agree that more needs to be done to encourage VA to coordinate with the Defense Department, the academic community, and maybe even the private sector when medical facilities are constructed or renovated. During the consideration of this bill in full committee, I offered an amendment that was adopted without objection. It would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study to examine the feasibility of coordination by the Department of Veterans Affairs with the Department of Defense's Naval Hospital Charleston and the pending construction of a new university medical center at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. Our VA Hospital, located in downtown Charleston, was built in 1966. It was a good facility for its time, and the staff there does a great job, but it definitely needs a major facelift. The building is located right next to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), a modern and growing facility that is in the process of a large expansion project. MUSC and the VA work well together in many areas, especially in providing outstanding patient care. On the old Naval Base, which was closed as a result of the last BRAC, the Naval Hospital Charleston remains a few miles away. The Navy has considerably downsized this facility, which mainly serves military retirees now. It is my understanding that the building may shut down in the future and move to a new, consolidated clinic location at the Naval Weapons Station Charleston. The proposed site would be a single 156,000-square-foot facility valued at greater than $30 million, but there are no plans that I am aware of to coordinate with the VA. It is clear that there is a tremendous opportunity for the VA, DOD and MUSC to work together for the good of our veterans and American taxpayers. I am certain that there are other similar examples throughout the United States. I feel very strongly that this is the right thing to do for our active military personnel, retirees, and veterans. Earlier this year, we held a hearing on the Presidential Task Force Report, which focused heavily on VA-DOD resource sharing efforts. Both Undersecretaries McKay and Chu acknowledged that more could be done in this area, and Charleston was cited as one of many examples. The VA cannot afford to always go it alone in the future when planning and constructing new medical facilities. For the sake of our veterans and the men and women who serve them in VA medical facilities, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the chairman has done a great job in explaining the bill under consideration. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Benefits, I would like to take this opportunity to thank a few members of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs for their hard work. We would not be considering this bill today without the bipartisan spirit of the Subcommittee on Benefits. The gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud), ranking member, and I have established a strong working relationship, a relationship built on what is best for our service members, veterans, and their families. Likewise, we enjoy strong participation from the subcommittee members, and I would like to thank them for their support and dedication. We are very fortunate to have the gentleman from New Jersey's (Chairman Smith) vision and leadership at the full committee level. As a member of the committee for more than 20 years, he clearly understands how important these benefit programs are to deserving veterans. Likewise, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) has been a strong advocate for our military throughout his congressional career. I am pleased to serve on this committee, which brings to the floor, year in and year out, such quality legislation. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) for his dedication to the surviving spouses of our active- duty service members and veterans. I have been a strong supporter of allowing these widows and widowers to marry and still retain their dependency and indemnity compensation. I am pleased this subcommittee was able to identify the offsets necessary to include this provision in H.R. 2297, as amended. As the chairman indicated, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) has introduced his bill to help widows in seven Congresses. I appreciate his patience with the process. As my colleagues may remember, the House passed this provision in legislation in the 107th Congress. I intend to work with my colleagues in the other body to ensure that this provision is retained during negotiations on the final version of the benefits package for the first session of the 108th Congress. Many survivors in the First District of South Carolina will benefit, as well as military survivors in all 50 States. H.R. 2297, as amended, contains more than 20 provisions which would enhance, improve, or extend benefits to our most deserving veterans, those who put their lives on the line daily defending our homeland. I am proud to serve on the authorizing committee overseeing these benefits, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary accomplishment of Miss Sarah Mercer of Moultrie Middle School in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Miss Mercer recently won the Siemens American History Innovation Award at the National History Day Competition held this summer at the University of Maryland. Her entry, ``The Fencing Frenzy: Rights and Responsibilities of Barbed Wire Usage in the Wild West,'' highlights how the innovation of barbed wire led to efficient, economical, and ecological practices for both ranchers and farmers on the American frontier. I am proud to represent Miss Mercer and her family, who reside in South Carolina's First Congressional District.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Ollie M. Smith, who is retiring as Director of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Management Policy), after holding this position since November 1996. TAP is a program run jointly by the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Labor to assist separating servicemembers and their families as they transition into civilian life. Ms. Smith has dedicated her career to the Department of Defense, working for not only the Office of the Assistant Secretary, but also for the U.S. Navy and the Defense Logistics Agency. Ms. Smith's career began at the Naval Supply Systems Command as a Project Manager. She also served in the great State of South Carolina at the Charleston Naval Supply Center as a contracting officer. After serving on the Board of Naval Corrections from 1986 to 1993, Ms. Smith became Chief of Business Management, Defense Distribution Standard Center at the Headquarters of the Defense Logistics Agency. While there she was responsible for budget formulation, justification, and execution of the Defense Standard Systems budget. Since November 1996, her responsibilities have changed to the more human aspect of the Department of Defense. As the Director of TAP, she oversaw the automated outplacement assistance system, public and community service policy, and job seeker and employment outreach for active duty servicemembers and their families. Ms. Smith's enthusiasm, commitment, and professionalism are hallmarks of her persona. Thank you, Ollie, for your dedication to America's servicemembers and veterans. You are leaving a lasting legacy of dedicated service to America and those who protect our freedoms.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievement of the 2002-2003 Clemson University Golf Team. The Tigers, who started and ended the year as the number-one ranked team in the Nation, clinched the school's first NCAA Division I golf title in May in Stillwater, OK and became the first school in NCAA history to win its conference championship, NCAA regional title and National Championship in the same year. The national title victory was the sixth tournament win of the year for the Tigers, a single season record, and the team finished the season with a remarkable 124-8-3 record against top 25 opposition, an incredible 93 percent winning percentage--by far the best in the Nation and in Clemson history. The 2003 National Champions were led by team number one, D.J. Trahan, the 2002 National Player of the Year and the 2000 USGA Public Links Champion. D.J. is a member of the ACC's 50-Year Anniversary team and has represented the United States as a member of the 2001 Walker Cup team and the 2002 Palmer Cup and World Amateur teams. He was awarded the Ben Hogan Award as top colleague golfer and named the top collegiate golfer by Golf World in 2002. D.J., whose career GPA is a 3.2, was also elected to the Verizon Academic All-America third-team for 2002 becoming the first Clemson athlete to be named a National Player of the Year and Academic All-American in the same year. I am proud to have Mr. Trahan, a resident of Mount Pleasant, as a constituent in South Carolina's First District.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, over the years the first district of South Carolina has been home to many heroes. I would like to thank one of them today. Brigadier General Jerry Black retired this Sunday after 36 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve. A low country native, General Black graduated from St. Andrews High School and the Citadel. From there the Air Force sent him all over the world. From pilot training in Texas to service in Vietnam, from Panama to the Middle East, in peacetime and in war, General Black was always eager to answer his country's call to duty. Most recently, General Black served as the wing commander for the 315th Air Wing in Charleston Air Force Base. It was here that I had the pleasure to meet with him on several occasions. I can personally attest to the many long hours he dedicated to ensure success in both Afghanistan and Iraq. General Black leaves behind a legacy of dedication, selflessness, and integrity. Our country is better for his service, and the first district is proud of this hometown hero.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as an original sponsor of H.R. 1460, as amended, the ``Veterans Entrepreneurship and Benefits Improvement Act of 2003. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation. I commend representative Renzi, Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Evans of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, and Chairman Manzullo and Ranking Member Velazquez of the Small Business Committee for bringing this important legislation to the floor for consideration. I especially want to comment on sections two and three of the bill. Section two would allow veterans, disabled veterans, dependents of totally disabled or deceased veterans, and active-duty members of the Selected Reserve to use their VA benefits to pursue pre- entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship courses offered under the auspices of Small Business Development Centers and the National Veterans Business Development Corporation. Small businesses in the last decade accounted for about 70 percent of the new jobs created in our economy. The men and women who have served in our military indeed are engaging and resourceful individuals. Indeed, the 1999 report of the bipartisan Congressional Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance found the following: ``a 5-year profile survey of veteran- owned businesses in Massachusetts conducted in the late 1980's and early 1990's showed that a pool of approximately 2,000 veterans engaged in micro businesses generated $74 million in taxable income for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.'' And that is just in one state. With the availability of training under this bill, more veterans will be able to obtain the skills they need to start and grow their own small businesses. As Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Dr. Leo S. Mackay, Jr. testified at our April 30th hearing, ``the potential for positive effects on the economy, with enhanced competition and creativity within the marketplace, is significant.'' Section three of the bill would place disabled veteran-owned and controlled small businesses on a par with socially and economically disadvantaged veterans in the 8(a) contracting program for procurement contracts offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the next four years. This authority would apply to ``setaside'' and restricted competition contracts to be applied by contracting officers on a discretionary basis. For all Federal agencies, disabled veteran-owned and controlled small businesses would rank ahead of HUBZone and women- owned businesses in procurement preferences, but behind the 8(a) program. I find these types of preference as a needed `first step' because of two additional findings of the Transition Commission: first, ``Disabled-veteran entrepreneurs require additional assistance because these business owners encounter costs and impediments that are not factors for their non-disabled competitors. Second, as a matter of fundamental fairness, Congress should accord veterans a full opportunity to participate in the economic system that their service sustains.'' Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I would note for the Record that the current independent Task Force for Veterans Entrepreneurship, the aforementioned Transition Commission, the 1981 expert report of the SBA Veterans Project, and the 1980 White House Conference on Small Business all recommended some type of federal ``setaside'' authority for disabled-veteran owned and controlled small businesses in the purchase of goods and services. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. I was unable to participate in the following vote because of a death in the family. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows: June 5, 2003, rollcall vote 248, on agreeing to S. 273, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in South Carolina, a new breed of heroes are saving the city of Charleston from a potentially catastrophic sewage explosion and subsequent environmental disaster. It will take years and millions of dollars to replace the aging Charleston sewage tunnels. Until then, the Commissioners of Public Works are calling upon divers to repair the existing pipes and tunnels. Already two sewage tunnels have suffered minor cave-ins, but these divers were able to prevent the dumping of millions of gallons of wastewater into the harbor. Sewage divers are crawling more than 120 feet underground into a mire which is so dark and filled with murky sludge that even the strongest light is unable to reveal what surrounds them. Daily, these brave men risk their lives to protect the well being of other citizens in their community. Although their job has a high level of difficulty, the divers do not complain but fearlessly complete what they believe is ``just their job.'' On behalf of the residents of South Carolina and especially Charleston, I would like to commend the sewer divers for their bravery, selflessness, and dedication to the historic city and its overall welfare.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to participate in the following votes because of a death in the family. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows: June 4, 2003: Roll call vote 236, on agreeing to H. Res. 257, I would have voted ``yea''; Roll call vote 237, on motion to suspend the rules and agreeing to H. Con. Res. 177, I would have voted ``yea''; Roll call vote 238, on motion to suspend the rules and agreeing to H. Res. 201, I would have voted ``yea''; and also on June 4, 2003--Roll call vote 239, on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1954, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today in strong support of H.R. 100, the Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act, of which I am a proud cosponsor. With our active duty servicemembers and members of the Selected Reserve mobilized abroad, it is especially important to update the Soldiers' and Sailors Civil Relief Act of 1940. H.R. 100 strengthens and clarifies the existing law for today's military by securing for them financial, legal, and civil protections, indeed as our troops have secured freedom for the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan. I am especially pleased that this measure maintains the 6 percent interest cap for loans such as mortgages and credit cards, while clarifying that any excess interest is forgiven and does not accrue. I applaud the banking community for forgiving the excess interest in the past; I believe it is important to document the intent of Congress in this respect for the future. Many of our reserve component members take a major pay cut when we as a nation call them up for service. It is crucial that our troops not worry about financial issues at home when they are in harm's way abroad. I thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Evans for their leadership on this important legislation and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 100.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize the tremendous contribution landscape architects make to the scenic beauty of the United States. Last week marked National Landscape Architecture Week. I would like to thank the industry and the American Society of Landscape Architects for all they do to improve our beautiful country. Landscape architects play a special role in creating the places in which we live, work, and play. They are dedicated to promoting the careful stewardship, planning, and artful design of our cultural and natural environments. The work of landscape architects reflects the variety and breadth of the profession, from the design of residential and commercial developments, office building sites, and public parks, to public sector comprehensive planning, environmental planning, and town planning. Though National Landscape Architects Week has passed, I urge all Americans to consider and recognize the many contributions made by landscape architects.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Aynor High School, of Aynor, South Carolina, for earning the prestigious Palmetto's Finest Award, recognizing it as the best high school in the state. The Carolina First Palmetto's Finest Award is sponsored through a partnership between Carolina First Bank and SCASA. The award is based on extensive evaluations by colleagues and educators, and the school and community share the honor. This is the 25th anniversary of the award. The award was announced by Governor Mark Sanford on March 11, 2003. Last fall, 38 schools submitted 17-page applications. The application process included elements on student achievement, faculty training, program goals and delivery systems, office practices and community involvement. Each nominee received an on-site visit by a peer review committee, and the 13 finalists received a second visit. From this process the four most outstanding schools are selected: two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Dr. Darrell W. Ricketts, Principal of Aynor High School, as well as the teachers, staff, and students, have all worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone. Through their hard work and dedication, they serve as a great example to other schools in the First District and the state. I wish Aynor High School further successes and achievements in the future.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the late Congressman Floyd Spence and to commend his extraordinary career as a servant to the nation and to the people of South Carolina. Floyd was a true leader dedicated to preserving the American way of life, and he did so for over forty years in both the South Carolina state delegation and the United States House of Representatives. Serving as the chairman for the House National Security Committee from 1995-1999 and for the Armed Services Committee from 1991-2001, he was an advocate for heightened national security and for increased military funding. He drew his passion for the military from his own personal experiences of serving in the navy reserves for more than forty years. It was no secret that defending the nation was his top political priority. Congressman Spence was also an ardent voice against big government, which kept his platform focused on the needs of his fellow South Carolinians and away from that of sweeping federal legislation. It is well fitting that the facility of the United States Post Office in Lexington, SC, honors Congressman Spence's memory by bearing his name. He was deeply committed to public service, a leader of our nation, and a passionate supporter of national defense. We all mourned his loss when he passed away and can still feel his absence during this time of national crisis. I am proud to say that his diligent efforts as Chairman of the Armed Services Committee have helped prepare the nation for the present war and we all owe Congressman Spence a debt of gratitude for his work in shaping the military into what it is today. Seldom will you ever find a truer American than Floyd Spence, and I am proud to have served with him in Congress and to call myself a fellow South Carolinian.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and praise the actions of the North Myrtle Beach Republican Club. Their efforts to raise community support and money to erect billboards around their city to show support for President Bush and the American soldiers stationed in the Middle East have been outstanding. The diverse group of community members, comprised of business owners, attorneys, doctors, retirees, and elected officials, have come together under the direction of Ms. Cleo Steele to respond to the numerous anti-American protests held world wide, nationally, and even in the community of Myrtle Beach. Believing that the media gives a one-sided and distraught view, Ms. Steele gave birth to the idea after hearing of a similar program in Louisville, Kentucky. The group focuses on the ideas that the anti-Bush, anti-war mentality is currently in the minority, and that regardless of the circumstances, American troops need all the support that can be mustered during this crucial time. Within an hour of making her first phone call, Ms. Steele already had the backing of ten people, and the total force has increased since then. I am proud of the efforts of the North Myrtle Beach Republican Club and wish to applaud their actions. In my opinion, they are the epitome of American patriotism, and their zeal should give hope to all who call themselves Americans.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for his hard work on this budget this year. I know it was a difficult time to have to face the budget restraints at this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the budget on veterans affairs for fiscal year 2004. As a member of both the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on the Budget, I am pleased to lend my support to a budget resolution that fulfills America's promise to her veterans. There are currently 26 million veterans living in this country. This budget clearly reflects our solid commitment to them. This resolution on the budget accepts the President's increase in funding providing an increase of $1.6 billion or 6.1 percent over last year. This represents the largest annual increase ever proposed by a President. The Department of Veterans Affairs operates the largest direct health care delivery system in the country. Managing the large increase in the demands for veterans' health care services has consistently been the Department of Veterans Affairs greatest challenge. This budget meets the challenge as it accepts the President's request of $25.2 billion, an increase of $1.3 billion, or an increase of 5.6 percent in funding for veterans health care benefits. Mr. Chairman, we should not let the other side of the aisle lead us to believe that we are leaving our veterans out. The number one commitment for my service in Congress is to look after the veterans and their families. To achieve primary care access standards that compliment the quality standards of veterans health care, this budget allows for a sharper focus in the veterans health care system. Waiting times for an appointment at a VA medical clinic are as long as 1 year in some areas. Secretary Principi has pledged that this backlog for medical care will be eliminated by 2004. Mr. Chairman, let us give the Secretary an opportunity to bring accountability to this organization.

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina

Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Benefits of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am introducing H.R. 1048, the Disabled Veterans Adaptive Benefits Improvement Act of 2003. Mr. Ciro Rodriguez, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Benefits, as well as Chairman Chris Smith and Ranking Member Lane Evans join me as original sponsors. The Disabled Veterans Adaptive Benefits Improvement Act of 2003 would increase the one-time reimbursement VA may provide to certain severely disabled veterans to assist their purchase of an automobile from $9,000 to $11,000. According to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the average cost of a new automobile in 2001 was estimated to be $21,605. The bill would also increase the grant to help eligible veterans make adaptations to their homes, which are necessary because of the nature of their disability. The bill would raise the Specially Adapted Housing Grant from $48,000 to $50,000 for the most severely disabled veterans and from $9,250 to $10,000 for other severely disabled veterans. Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan legislation is the right thing to do for our severely disabled veterans so that they may live their lives in the most independent manner possible. I look forward to our colleagues' support of our efforts.