Mike Bost

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2911, as amended. This bill was introduced by Representative Strickland and co-led by our colleagues, Representative Bacon and Representative Turner. H.R. 2911, as amended, would require VA to regularly review and compare the maximum coverage under the VA life insurance programs with average cost-of-living changes across the country. Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I have no speakers on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4190, as amended. This bill was introduced by Representative Trone. It ensures that no fiduciary who steals a veteran's earned VA benefits can profit from their misuse if the veteran passes. Mr. Speaker, I support the bill wholeheartedly, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7342, offered by my friend and colleague, Congressman David Valadao of California. This bill would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish the Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access. The committee would advise the VA Secretary on how to improve access to VA services, programs, and facilities for veterans living with disabilities to enhance their experience at VA. The committee would rightfully bring together veterans with disabilities, subject matter experts, VA employees, and representatives of veterans service organizations to get to the heart of the matter. Mr. Speaker, it goes without saying that this is long overdue. Americans with disabilities are entitled to equal access to healthcare and benefits nationwide, and that includes at VA. Congress made that very clear through the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws, but veterans with disabilities are still being shortchanged far too often. We know these accessible gaps still exist because of the work of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Blinded Veterans Association, other VSOs and advocacy groups, and the work of this committee. I thank them for their collaboration with Congress on this legislation. Their only focus is to eliminate barriers and achieve universal access and equality for veterans living with disabilities. This is an important goal, and I believe the advisory committee is well justified. I also share many of my colleagues' concerns about the growth of advisory committees in the Federal Government. There are simply too many. That is why this legislation would direct VA to eliminate or consolidate an inactive advisory committee. This bill is a reasonable step forward to use VA resources wisely and ultimately improve access for veterans living with disabilities. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 7342, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5464, a bill to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Guntersville, Alabama, as the Colonel Ola Lee Mize Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic. Ola Mize was born on August 28, 1931, in Albertville, Alabama. Although he was initially rejected by the U.S. Army for being underweight, after much persistence, he joined the Army in 1950 and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. When the Korean war broke out, rather than pursuing an education, Ola Mize decided to reenlist. On the night of June 10, 1953, Sergeant Mize's unit was defending an outpost, Outpost Harry, when they came under artillery fire. This fire was shortly followed by an assault by a battalion-sized force of Chinese troops, which quickly overran the Americans' position. Sergeant Mize then took his rifle and began taking defensive action, killing around 40 enemy troops. When nearly all the officers were casualties, he took the initiative to establish a defensive position. Sergeant Mize and his team went from bunker to bunker, firing at the enemy, confusing them into thinking Americans had a larger defense position than they actually did. With all the chaos going on around him, he worked tirelessly to assist the wounded and put them into makeshift shelters away from enemy fire. The next morning, Sergeant Mize led a counterattack, wiping out the remaining enemy. For his action, Ola Mize was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Eisenhower on September 7, 1954. After receiving the Medal of Honor, he continued his service, being awarded the Silver Star for Valor and for his service in Vietnam. Ola Mize retired from the Army as a colonel in 1981. Stories of heroes like Colonel Mize should continue to be told to generations of Americans. By naming the VA clinic in his honor, we will surely do just that. Colonel Mize's service to our country and his legacy will always be remembered, and I thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt), the sponsor, as well as the entire Alabama delegation for leading this effort. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5464, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt), the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We must all do our part to ensure that those who are struggling with mental health and suicidal thoughts can receive the help they need. That includes those who have served our country heroically and live with the invisible wounds of their service. We are losing 17 veterans a day to suicide. One life lost is one too many. As chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and a veteran myself, I am committed to putting an end to this epidemic and reducing the number of veteran deaths by suicide. There should be no wrong door for mental health. There are many options available to veterans, both VA and community partnerships. It is about finding the right fit for each veteran. Suicide is preventable, so please reach out. To all my fellow veterans, if you need help or are in crisis, or family members, if you know that a veteran that you love is in crisis, please call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential help. Don't make a permanent decision for a temporary problem. You are not alone.

Mr. BOST

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

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on S. 3249.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3249, a bill to designate the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs at Wyandotte County, Kansas, the Captain Elwin Shopteese VA Clinic. A son of Kansas, Elwin ``Al'' Shopteese enlisted in the Kansas National Guard after high school and joined the 137th Infantry Regiment. While in the Army, he deployed to Europe during World War II and fought on Omaha Beach and as part of the Battle of the Bulge. After fighting at Normandy, he received a battlefield commission, receiving a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his heroic action. He then went on to volunteer to serve in the Korean war. After two wars, Captain Shopteese wasn't done serving yet. After Korea, Al dedicated his life to community service, advocating for Native Americans and becoming a councilmember for his Tribal nation. Al was also directly involved in the creation of the Indian Community Alcoholism Resources Expeditors Recovery Home, or the I.C.A.R.E. Recovery Home, which provides lifesaving treatment, care, and support to people fighting alcohol abuse. He served as the executive director of the home until he passed away on June 25, 1992. Al's service to our Nation, veterans, and Native Americans will not be forgotten. He stands as a great example of what it means to dedicate your life to serving others. I thank the sponsor of this bill, my friend from Kansas and the ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Senator Moran, as well as the entire Kansas delegation. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support S. 3249, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3249) to designate the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas, as the ``Captain Elwin Shopteese VA Clinic''.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I once again encourage all of our Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7333) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in West Palm Beach, Florida, as the ``Thomas H. Corey VA Medical Center''.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 7333.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, once again, as has been mentioned in previous pieces of legislation, there is a reason why we name our facilities after these men. Charlie Dowd was an amazing person who stood up for this Nation and truly pursued the American Dream and served the Nation almost 100 years of his life. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Rosendale).

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3285, a bill renaming the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Butte, Montana, as the Charlie Dowd VA Clinic. Charlie Dowd enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a radioman during his senior year of high school in March of 1941. His first duty station was Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On that fateful morning of December 7, 1941, Charlie was in his bunk and immediately sprang into action at the sound of danger. He ran toward the enemy fire and attempted to shoot down enemy aircraft. Charlie would go on to serve in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea campaigns during the war, earning seven Bronze Star Medals for his service. After he left the Navy, he returned to his home State of New York where he served his community again as a high school teacher. After serving as a sailor and a teacher, Charlie retired to Anaconda, Montana, where he spent his sunset years fishing and hunting. Montana's last Pearl Harbor survivor died peacefully at the age of 99 on March 17, 2023. Charlie is a testament to American bravery, and I am proud to support this bill so that his story of service will continue to be told for generations of Americans. I thank the sponsor of this legislation, Senator Daines, and my friend, Mr. Zinke, as well as Representative Rosendale and the entire Montana delegation for leading this effort. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support S. 3285, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3285) to rename the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Butte, Montana, as the ``Charlie Dowd VA Clinic''.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Self), who also knew Sam Johnson very well.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4136) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Plano, Texas, as the ``U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson Memorial VA Clinic''.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to take a moment to respond to Ms. Crockett's comments about breaking precedent today with this naming bill. Sam Johnson was a prisoner of war for 7 years. He was held in solitary confinement for more than 3 of those years in the infamous Hanoi Hilton. After enduring hell on Earth, as he actually put it during his time in uniform, he kept serving our Nation, first as a commander of a tactical fighter unit, then as a State legislator, then as a Member of Congress. Sam was everything that Americans should aspire to be. He was a hero. I understand and respect the precedent that we have had regarding naming bills, but in this case the reason for breaking that precedent is we are not going to sit here and play silly D.C. politics and take longer than he was a prisoner of war to pass a bill for naming this after Chairman and Colonel Sam Johnson. I know Ms. Crockett would have liked to have had her naming bill that is pending for Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson on the floor today, and I would be happy to work with the gentlewoman and both leadership teams to see if there is something we can do to move that forward. However, today we are here to honor Sam Johnson. I will put this plainly. If you can find someone as deserving as Sam Johnson, then I will be glad to bypass precedent for them, as well. I encourage everyone to support it. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise).

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, I have had the pleasure of actually doing some naming of many facilities for the VA in this position and also sponsoring some. I don't know, of all the great people in there, that there is a person who is more deserving in the naming of a facility than the Honorable Colonel and Congressman Sam Johnson. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4136, a bill to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community- based outpatient clinic in Plano, Texas, as the ``U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson Memorial VA Clinic.'' Sam Johnson, a legend and an American hero, was born October 11, 1930, in San Antonio, Texas. At the age of 20, Sam began a 29-year decorated career in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a full bird colonel. He flew nearly 100 combat missions with the Thunderbird demonstration team, as a fighter pilot in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, and as a commander of a tactical fighter wing. Later, Sam Johnson went on to serve as the director of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School. On his 25th combat mission over Vietnam, Sam's plane was shot down, and he was captured by North Vietnamese forces. Sam would then go on to spend the next 7 grueling years as a prisoner of war, more than 3 years of that time in solitary confinement. As Sam put it: The solitary confinement did not shake his fighting spirit. He was so resistant in captivity that he earned himself a windowless 3-by-9-foot concrete cell at the infamous ``Hanoi Hilton,'' where he was then released from in 1973. A decade later, his right hand permanently disabled and left with a limp for the rest of his life, Sam Johnson continued his service in the Texas House of Representatives where he served a total of 7 years, but Sam wasn't done yet. He ran for Congress in 1991, where he served our great Nation once again for 27 years and left an undeniable mark on this institution. His fight for freedom and defending individual liberties never wavered, and American families are better off today because of Sam's service. Congressman Johnson served honorably as a pilot, a decorated war hero, and a statesman. It goes without saying that there is no one more fitting to name a VA clinic in Texas after than Congressman Sam Johnson. Now, I know there are some that will raise concerns that this bill does not meet the committee's rule for naming VA facilities. That is correct, and it is only because a small minority of the Texas delegation has not signed onto a letter expressing their support. I am not one to bend or break committee rules, but in this case, we simply can't wait any longer. Sam toiled in a prison camp for 7 years serving our country, and we should not wait another second to honor his service. I thank the sponsor of this bill, Representative Self, for leading this effort, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4136. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.