John Boozman

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H. Con. Res. 159 to recognize the sacrifices being made by the family members of the Armed Forces and to support the designation of the week of June 12 as National Military Families Week. I want to thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) and the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Boren) for their leadership on this issue. Over the last several years I have traveled around the world and met many young men and women serving our country. They have dedicated their lives to defending this Nation and the principles on which it was founded. They have dedicated their lives to protecting each of us and our families. We have seen an increased awareness of the sacrifices these men and women have been making. Yet there are many more people that are being overlooked. There are husbands and wives who remain here in the United States while their spouses are making an enormous sacrifice. They are here working and caring for children and other family members left behind. These families face unique challenges while their loved ones are deployed. Yet they remain resilient because of the wonderful support system they have here at home. As we designate a week to recognize and celebrate these families, I urge our citizens to come forward to support these families. We must get involved in our local communities. Several foundations, like the Armed Forces Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Foundation, and the Love Gift Fund, are busy assisting these families and need our help to carry on. I also want to thank the gentlewoman from South Dakota (Ms. Herseth), who is a cosponsor of this bill who is unable to be here this morning. Recently, I was in Landstuhl in Germany. This is the base that, when the soldiers are injured, they immediately come to out of Iraq. I was there, and we were in the intensive care unit. A young man that had been wounded on night patrol, I was there in the afternoon, and he had been wounded at four o'clock the previous evening, had lost both his legs below the waist. He wanted to tell his story to us. They literally pulled out the breathing apparatus. He apologized that he could not speak very well and was telling his story, related what had happened. But the first thing he wanted to know was how his wife was doing and was there any way that we could get them paired up, and we reassured him that he would be with her the next day. But, truly, we have situations like this occurring. We have situations like that. We have got just the day-to-day situation of the separation, the anxiety and things that are going on. So we have a great opportunity. And I want to thank the leadership and I want to thank their staff for giving me the opportunity to bring this resolution to the floor and encourage Members to vote for it and then again just encourage our community and country to take the opportunity to remember these people, not only in their thoughts and prayers but by deeds and action.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Army Specialist Dustin Fisher. Dustin, a Van Buren, Arkansas, native, gave his life serving his country in Iraq. He was one of three soldiers killed by terrorists when a car bomb was detonated near Dustin's convoy in Baghdad on May 24. This is especially hard because not only has our State and Nation lost a wonderful young man, but his father, Waldo, is one of the finest people I know. Hundreds of people attended Dustin's funeral on Monday, a tribute to the many lives he touched in the community of Van Buren. He was remembered as a ``fun-loving person'' who always held a soft- spot for the women in his life: his mother, Brenda; sister, April; and his wife, Alicia, to whom he was wed only weeks before being deployed. Dustin always admired his father, Waldo, and his brother, Shane, who are both veterans. Dustin shared his father's love of country by following in his footsteps and enlisting in the Army in 2003. Waldo said that Dustin made him more proud than words could describe. Madam Speaker, Specialist Dustin Fisher, at the age of 22, made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He is a true American hero. I ask my colleagues to keep Dustin's family and friends in their prayers and thoughts during these very difficult times.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a great American, Todd Venette, whose life was cut short by a terrorist attack in Iraq. Todd, a former Marine, was helping Iraq's young democracy as a government contractor when he was killed by a terrorist car bomb in Baghdad. As his friends and family would tell you, Todd was a selfless person who volunteered to reenlist shortly after the war in Iraq started. When he completed his tour, his dedication to the mission led him to return to Iraq as a government contractor. A giving person, a mentor, and a servant are among the words that have been used to describe Todd. As a firefighter in Russellville, Arkansas. Todd helped protect the community. His service to the people of Russellville did not end there. Todd was instrumental in establishing a wrestling program for kids at the local Boys and Girls Club, putting his talents to work as a mentor to shape the lives of young people of Russellville in a positive way. Mr. Speaker, Todd touched many people in his short life. I ask my colleagues to keep Todd's family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during these very difficult times.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2046, as amended.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2046, as amended, the Servicemembers' Health Insurance Protection Act of 2005, provides several improvements to the Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. Mr. Speaker, this is a bipartisan bill and was passed by unanimous consent in both the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and the full Committee on Veterans Affairs. I am delighted to bring this important piece of legislation before the House. The bill has several components. Section 2 of the bill would amend section 704 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, otherwise known as the SCRA, to limit premium increases on reinstated health insurance coverage of servicemembers who are released from active duty. Section 704 provides that a servicemember who is ordered to active duty is entitled, upon release, to reinstatement of any health insurance in effect on the day before actually beginning active duty. This amendment would prohibit any increase in individual health insurance premiums from the period of time for which coverage would have been continued, had the coverage not been terminated due to military service. However, a health care insurance carrier would be allowed to increase the servicemember's premium if the general premium increase was implemented for all persons similarly covered during the period between the termination and the reinstatement. Section 704 of the SCRA currently contains no express provision regarding premium increases. This amendment to the SCRA would ensure that servicemembers are treated fairly upon reinstatement of their health insurance and are not discouraged by premium increases from exercising their reinstatement entitlement rights. Section 3 of the bill would amend section 4317 of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, better known as USERRA, to preserve employer-sponsored health plan reinstatement rights for certain Reservists who, prior to entering active duty, acquire TRICARE coverage under Title X. This TRICARE option only became available by an amendment to the TRICARE authority enacted in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2004 on November 24, 2003. Under existing law, an employer is only required to provide employees returning from active duty with the same employer-sponsored health benefits they had when they reported for active duty. Unless the employer voluntarily chooses to allow immediate reinstatement of coverage, an employee would be required to wait for the next open enrollment opportunity provided by the employer. Section 3 would confirm the health insurance reinstatement rights under USERRA to the change in TRICARE. This amendment to section 4317 of USERRA would protect both employees who did not actually report because of cancellation of active duty orders and employees who served a period of active duty. Section 4 of the bill would make a technical correction to the Public Law 108-454 regarding the VA's adaptive housing grant program. Finally, section 5 of the bill would make a correction to the servicemembers' group life insurance provisions of H.R. 1268 regarding spousal notification for servicemembers' elections of coverage and designation of beneficiaries. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite).

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2046) to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to limit premium increases on reinstated health insurance on servicemembers who are released from active military service, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Indiana (Chairman Buyer); the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), our full committee ranking member; and the gentlewoman from South Dakota (Ms. Herseth), the Economic Opportunities Subcommittee ranking member, for their leadership and hard work on this bill. And, again, as was noted, I especially want to thank the staff. Once again, this is a bipartisan bill, and I urge all Members to support the Servicemembers Health Insurance Protection Act of 2005.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to praise Bentonville High School senior David McMillon for his academic excellence. When David was in the 10th grade, he scored a 35 on the ACT exam, just one point shy of a perfect score. That excellent score was 14 points higher than the national average. Now a senior, David took the test again, and this time managed to best his previous accomplishment by achieving a perfect score. David was one of only 17 students who took the ACT last December to get a perfect score. It is quite an elite group when you consider that over 371,000 students across the country took this test last December. And David achieved this honor while serving as captain of the school's ACE team, earning the distinction of National Merit Finalist, and playing the lead in several Bentonville High School drama productions. Madam Speaker, David McMillon should be praised for this accomplishment. This talented young Arkansan has a bright future ahead of him, and I congratulate him again on this accomplishment.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the Chairman of the Committee on Rules, the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), for making my amendment in order. I would also like to express my pride as a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and I greatly appreciate the leadership of Chairman Young and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar). Mr. Chairman, I think the American public wants more than anything to see us working together, and I truly do appreciate the example this committee has demonstrated in that regard. The other thing I would like to do is thank the staff. I am in the process of an amendment that would give the truckers an additional 2 hours of break time. I think I almost need to do an amendment that would give the staff a couple of hours of break time for the last 2 weeks. So we really do appreciate them. Mr. Chairman, I represent the Third District of Arkansas and probably have more trucking companies and truck drivers in that district than any other part of America. In visiting with my trucking companies and visiting with the drivers, they have indicated under the current hours of service rule there were times they felt it would be beneficial if they could go off the clock and occasionally take a break. Today, when I arrived at work, and I have as tough a schedule as anybody anyplace today, yet I have the ability, if I want to go and visit with somebody and take 30 minutes, drink a cup of coffee, take a nap, do things like that, I have the ability to do that and make it up later. Our truckers do not have that ability. The Federal Motor Carriers have had over 300 complaints lodged in that regard. So what we are trying to do is provide an amendment that gives the truckers the ability to take up to 2 hours of off-duty time during the day. The rest times are optional, voluntary. The driver does not have to take the rest time unless he wants to. In fact, I have included specific language in the amendment which protects the drivers and preserves the time for them. It is apparent that the industry at this point has become very complex. It is difficult. One size does not fit all, and that is really what we are trying to alleviate. Last year, I offered an amendment to basically say, let us go back to the old hours of service rule because of the difficulties we were having. During the markup last year, I spoke with Chairman Young and Ranking Member Oberstar, and in the course of that discussion I brought up the fact that the drivers, again, do not have the flexibility, they do not have the ability to take a break when they want to once the clock starts. Ranking Member Oberstar, in the course of the discussion, understood that that was a problem. So what I did was to try to craft a rule that would come back to address that problem. I understand, though, that there are concerns that still exist with the amendment. So I visited with the ranking member's staff. I visited with Annette Sandberg, the administrator of the Federal Motor Carriers, trying again to further refine this thing so we can answer all of the problems that have come about. I want to compliment Ms. Sandberg. She is in a very difficult situation. She and her staff are working very hard to get this resolved. Hopefully, we will be able to do that in the near future. One thing I have been disappointed in, an effort to give drivers the ability to go off the clock when they feel like they need to, heavy traffic, for whatever reason. And something that has come about is I have been targeted, Wal-Mart is being targeted. I happen to represent them, and am very proud in doing that, and yet the reality is over 40 organizations are supporting this amendment, most of them key-voting this amendment. And the reality is also hundreds of thousands of truckers are also in support. I think the amendment is very worthwhile. Again, I would like to work with the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), work with the Federal motor carriers, the drivers, all of the parties involved in the industry, so we can get in a situation where we can rectify it and give the truckers the flexibility that they greatly need.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of America's bravest, Specialist Lyle Rymer, II, who was a lifelong resident of the Fort Smith, Oklahoma, area. Lyle was recently killed in Iraq while honorably serving his country. A member of Arkansas Army National Guard's 239th Engineering Company, Lyle was killed by an enemy sniper on January 28 while guarding members of his unit who were erecting barricades in preparation for the Iraqi elections. Lyle was a true hero who was on the ground, helping a new democracy prepare for their first free elections in over 50 years. It seems that universally the members of Lyle's unit have the utmost respect for him. In news reports, they described him as a go-getter, someone who always strived to achieve more than was asked of him. Mr. Speaker, Specialist Lyle Rymer, II, at the age of 24, made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He is a true American hero. I ask my colleagues to keep Lyle's family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the thousands of people in Arkansas and across the Nation who gathered this week to protest the 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade. Like those who assembled, I believe strongly in the sanctity of human life. 32 years ago, the Supreme Court decided that a woman could end a life by terminating her pregnancy for any reason, including health, gender selection or because it was an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy. As a result, thousands of lives have been ended out of convenience mislabeled as a woman's right to choose. Mr. Speaker, as we remember this powerful Supreme Court decision this week, I ask that we also remember that we have a responsibility to protect the precious lives of the unborn children to come.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of America's bravest, Airman 1st Class Jesse Samek. Jesse, a 2001 Rogers High School graduate recently died in Afghanistan while honorably serving his country. A flight engineer assigned out of Nellis Air Force Base, Jesse was killed on October 21 st, when his helicopter crashed during a rescue mission. The mission that day was to carry a wounded Afghan election worker to a medical facility. Jesse was a true hero who was literally protecting democracy. I attended Jesse's funeral and the outpouring of love and respect from his community was overwhelming. Over 300 people were there to honor him. Jesse joined the Air Force in February of 2003 and was assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron, an elite group that qualified for rescue duty on a HH-60 Para Rescue helicopter. His mother said Jesse loved that his job was to rescue and save people. Mr. Speaker, Airman 1st Class Jesse Monroe Samek, at the age of 21, made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He is a true American hero. I ask my colleagues to keep Jesse's family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in honoring Taiwan President, Chen Shui-bian, and his people on the occasion of their October 10 National Day. In the past two decades, Taiwan has truly emerged as a model Asian country. Secretary Powell said it well when he remarked, ``Taiwan has become a resilient economy, a vibrant democracy and a generous contributor to the international community.'' In fact, Taiwan's economy is the 16th largest in the world. One third the size of Virginia, Taiwan produces a Gross National Product that is four-fifths the size of Australia's. In addition, Taiwan's democracy gives its people a full range of political and civil rights, including freedom of speech and assembly. Taiwan also contributes to international causes. For example, in the last 10 years, Taiwan has given $100 million dollars to 78 countries and Taiwan is now providing a significant amount of humanitarian assistance to refugees in Afghanistan and Iraq. Mr. Speaker, Taiwan has become a close friend of the United States. Our relationship with Taiwan is multifaceted and wide-ranging. While we do not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, our mutual relationship has been able to flourish over many years. The United States and Taiwan have many common interests and shared values. Taiwan has been supportive of the United States, including our efforts in the war against global terror. In turn, the United States should help Taiwan return to the World Health Organization and the United Nations and commit ourselves to the Taiwan Relations Act, thus assuring Taiwan's security. It is clear to us that the 23 million people of Taiwan prefer the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. They prefer peace, stability and continued prosperity instead of dramatic changes that might undermine or endanger what they have achieved. To reflect the will of the people, in his May 20 inaugural address to the Taiwanese people, Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian was very conciliatory toward China and offered to open talks with China without pre-conditions. In fact, he did not rule out any form of relationship with China as long as it would be acceptable to the people of Taiwan. During this difficult time, the United States should support Taiwan's security, dignity and sovereignty. We should listen to the 23 million people of Taiwan and heed their desire for continued peace and democracy. Mr. Speaker, in closing I wish to congratulate Taiwan ambassador, Dr. David Lee, and the people of Taiwan on their National Day and wish them every success in their year-end legislative elections.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of America's bravest, Sergeant Russell L. Collier from the Third District of Arkansas. Sergeant Collier, an Army National Guard medic from Harrison, Arkansas, was killed in action in Iraq earlier this week. He died when he came under enemy fire while aiding fellow soldier Sergeant Chris Potts who had been wounded in ambush. Sergeant Collier and Sergeant Potts became the first casualties of the 206th Field Artillery Battalion of Arkansas's 39th Infantry Brigade. Sergeant Collier spent most of his adult life sacrificing for our country. In 1975 he enlisted in the U.S. Army, later transferred to the U.S. Navy, and then joined the Arkansas National Guard in September 1999. Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Russell L. Collier is a true American hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I ask my colleagues to keep Russell's family and friends, especially his wife and 9-year-old son, in their prayers during this difficult time

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the oldest Federal law enforcement agency in the United States, the U.S. Marshals Service. Tomorrow, they will be celebrating their 215th birthday. I can tell my colleagues that the Marshals Service has enriched the history of the Third Congressional District of Arkansas. We all grew up hearing the stories of the brave marshals as they brought the most dangerous outlaws in the country to justice. We have seen the movies, read the books and all tried to copy their noble behavior. Since 1789, they have admirably protected and carried out the orders of the Federal court system. From taming the wild West to capturing those who threaten our freedom today, the Marshals Service has consistently upheld their commitment and dedication to their country. I am honored to have the opportunity to acknowledge and thank them for their outstanding service to the United States of America.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to congratulate the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Simmons) and the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder) on their work on that resolution, which is so important. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the community of Gravette, Arkansas, for winning an Arkansas Community of Excellence Award. The ACE awards, administered by the Arkansas Department of Economic Development, go to communities that do not wait for ideal circumstances to attract development but actively work to create an environment that welcomes growth. To that end, the community of Gravette embarked on a plan for change that highlighted their town as the heart of hometown America. Their plan, which included everything from minor beautification projects to a $5 million rural water project, put them in a position to attract more jobs to Gravette. As the town continues to grow, important infrastructure upgrades, like the completion of the railroad overpass, will be crucial to dealing with the changes this growth brings. Mr. Speaker, the community of Gravette, under the leadership of Mayor Dean Fladager, deserves this award. They put a lot of work into this plan, and it is sure to pay off as this community continues to grow.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller) for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to introduce legislation to my fellow colleagues to name the post office at 2811 Springdale Avenue in Springdale, Arkansas, after Harvey and Bernice Jones. Harvey and Bernice Jones are known throughout Arkansas for their amazing generosity and compassion for their community. Harvey Jones first started the Springdale Transportation Company in 1919 and soon changed the name to Jones Truck Lines, Incorporated, which later became one of the largest privately owned trucking companies in the United States. In 1938 the couple married and together used their success to further the improvement of their community and their home State of Arkansas. The Joneses were instrumental in the development of Springdale's first hospital, and in 1992 Bernice Jones continued their support for the hospital by pledging $25 million to the Northwest Medical Center of Washington County. Furthermore, the couple provided a wing of the hospital for family members who want to stay close to their loved ones. Harvey Jones was chairman of the Springdale Memorial Hospital Board, president of the Springdale School Board, president of the Springdale Chamber of Commerce, and chairman of the board of the First National Bank of Springdale. After her husband's death in 1989, Bernice Jones continued the couple's philanthropic interests. She paid for the computers and Internet access for the entire Springdale School System and was a lead supporter for the children's library fund. As an eye doctor in Arkansas, I was gratified by her donation of $11.5 million for the 56,000 square foot Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences in Little Rock. I could go on and on with the extensive list of their contributions and achievements, but probably their most memorable gift to the community is the Harvey and Bernice Jones Center for Families in Springdale, Arkansas. Established by Mrs. Jones in 1995, the Jones Center is a 235,000 square foot facility dedicated to the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual enhancement of families throughout the community. The center offers ice skating, swimming, and numerous other sports activities. There is a beautiful chapel for services and weddings. An ever-widening array of family classes are offered, including a senior center, a teen arts program, CPR, cancer screening, and many, many more. All of this is free for the community use as long as they behave like ladies and gentlemen. This was Bernice's only rule for the center. The Joneses are still honored extensively throughout the State for their accomplishments. We can continue to honor them by naming the Springdale Post Office after the Joneses. They selflessly rose to answer the call of their community time and time again and will continue to be an inspiration for Arkansas for years to come.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of one of America's bravest, Second Lieutenant James Michael Goins, a Carroll County, Arkansas, native who was recently killed in action in Iraq. Michael, a member of the Army's 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, was killed on August 15 when a militia member in Najaf attacked his tank. By all accounts, Michael was not only a great soldier, but also a model citizen. He was high school valedictorian, captain of his high school football and basketball teams, and a recipient of the National Military Scholar Award, an honor going to only 10 percent of the ROTC cadets in the Nation. He carried himself in a manner that earned praise and admiration from every person he touched. His ROTC professor called Michael the ``finest soldier'' he ``has ever known'' and his high school basketball coach said he ``learned more about life'' from Michael than he gave Michael. Michael always wanted to be a soldier. Almost immediately upon earning his officer's commission, he selflessly put himself in harm's way in a country far away so that we could live free of terror here at home. Mr. Speaker, Second Lieutenant James Michael Goins made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He is a true American hero. I ask my colleagues to keep Michael's family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.

Mr. BOOZMAN

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Fayetteville's Chief of Police Rick Hoyt, who will be retiring from the department at the end of the month. A graduate of the Fayetteville school system and the University of Arkansas, Rick joined his hometown police force in 1976. His second day on the job was almost his last as a drunk driver hit him while he was directing traffic. He was thrown 69 feet by the impact and spent several weeks in a full body cast in the hospital. Initially, nobody was sure whether or not he would survive. Rick surprised everyone when he was back on the beat in less than 3 months, a testament to his strong spirit and desire to serve the public. His dedication to protecting and serving the people of Fayetteville led to a series of promotions within the department. In 2002, he was named Interim Police Chief while the city of Fayetteville conducted a nationwide search to find a permanent chief. Within a matter of months, that search was called off and Rick was given the job. As Mayor Dan Coody put it at the time, ``We are so satisfied with Chief Hoyt that I don't think we could have done any better.'' For the next 2 years, Rick did a tremendous job leading the Fayetteville Police Department. My constituents and I are extremely grateful for service over the 28 years that he worked for the Fayetteville Police Department. I ask my colleagues to join with me today in thanking Rick for his service and wishing him all the best as he enters into a new phase in his life.