Mike Bost

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Ciscomani), the sponsor of the main part of this bill.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I will, and we will, work on this priority. What we can do is chew gum and walk at the same time, and that means we can go ahead and not only work on homelessness but also this bill, as important as it is. I appreciate the gentleman's concern, but believe me, our side of the aisle has just as much concern about our homeless veterans. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks).

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bergman).

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I will address veterans homelessness, as I have always said I would. It is very concerning to me. We are currently working on a package to address the issue, but I am not going to pit one group of veterans against another. I would like my friends in the minority to work with me to develop legislation to address veteran homelessness in a bipartisan, fiscally responsible way over the next few months. The answer is yes, we will work with you, but we have got to actually sit down and work together to figure out the problem of the expense and knowing how it is and where it is that we make the investment that still balances. That is the answer that I will give to the gentleman.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, they were also given a chance to submit markup at a full committee markup, and yet, the first time I have heard these concerns was late last week. The bill, through regular order, as amended, was offered for the minority Representative, Mr. McGarvey, to reduce the length of time in the program. That amendment was accepted and included in the bill. The length of the program was subject to bipartisan agreement. I recognize that the minority has valid concerns about spending and limited resources that we have worked with. The problem was made worse with the passage of the Toxic Exposure Fund, the PACT Act, that requires mandatory spending for many of the VA programs. Mr. Speaker, I repeat my plea that my friends on the other side of the aisle join me in developing a resolution to the issue.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I am getting to my answer.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, while I understand the concerns expressed by the minority, I point out that the program has been a huge success in helping veterans gain meaningful employment. We have been very successful in recent years in reducing veterans' unemployment, and now is not the time for us to take our foot off the gas. I believe a successful education program, such as this one, is one of the best ways to reduce veteran homelessness. Mr. Speaker, I would also point out that the minority has had ample time and opportunity to express their concerns of legislation hearing on this bill.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Representative Ciscomani's bill, H.R. 1669, as amended. The bill would enhance the fund, the VET- TEC pilot program at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VET-TEC pilot program was coauthored by Speaker McCarthy and Congressman Ro Khanna in the Forever GI Bill in 2017. Now, this program provides post-9/11 GI Bill-style benefits to veterans so they can attend short-term training that leads to jobs in the information technology sector. The education and employment program has been a wildly successful program. It has helped thousands of veterans not only find a job, but a career and a promising future in the technology sector. This program is an example of a government program that truly works for our veterans. VET-TEC has an 80 percent graduation rate, a 62 percent employment rate, and an average salary of $65,000 a year. Veterans using this program are going into careers with the best tech companies in the world. The reason this program works as well as it has, I think, is that the schools only receive the full amount of the tuition and fees when the student gets a job in the tech industry. Now, this level of accountability is honestly something I think we should be looking at for other Federal Government programs. Thousands of veterans achieving the career of their dreams has proven to me that it is time to expand VET-TEC. Now, Representative Ciscomani's bill makes important changes to the pilot program to make it even stronger so that it can continue to help even more veterans find their American Dream. Improving VET-TEC program has the full support of the VA and many veteran service organizations. Three weeks ago, VET-TEC providers told us that the program had run out of funds and they are no longer allowed to accept new students. Over 2,500 student veterans will miss out on the chance for a better career this year if Congress is unable to fix this problem. It goes without saying, the time is short and the need to help our veterans continue to access this training is great. Even with record-high inflation and soaring interest rates, because of the Biden administration, veterans using this program have shown that they can still achieve high-paying jobs. Representative Ciscomani's bill, as amended, also includes several other bipartisan bills, including General Jack Bergman's bill, H.R. 234, which would allow survivors of veterans to receive the burial allowance benefit if their loved one passes away at home while receiving VA Hospice care, rather than in a VA facility. Representative Arrington's bill, H.R. 1169, would also allow veterans to receive their GI Bill electronic notifications virtually. Representative Obernolte's bill, H.R. 746, would include nondegreed pilot programs into the Veterans Readiness and Employment program. Representative Van Orden's bill, H.R. 1798, would protect the spouses of servicemembers from GI Bill debt. Representative Kiggan's bill, H.R. 1635, would eliminate a nearly 70- year-old rule that limits the GI Bill payments that survivors and dependents receive in the Philippines. With the inclusion of these bills in H.R. 1669, we would make great improvements in how our veterans can use the GI Bill benefits. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Student Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign War, The American Legion, the VET-TEC Working Group, and Disabled American Veterans for supporting the proposed legislation today. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1669, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 1669, as amended.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1669) to amend title 38, United States Code, to make permanent the high technology pilot program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BOST

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

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, we do need to remember that this is a perfect week to do this when Memorial Day is coming up, and we are honored to make sure that these veterans are recognized in the way they should be and that they do receive healthcare. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim).

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Ranking Member Takano's bill, H.R. 366, the Korean American VALOR Act. This bill would allow Korean veterans who served during the Vietnam war and later became American citizens to be eligible for VA healthcare. VA has been providing healthcare services to ally veterans through government agreements since World War I. These Korean-American veterans deserve the same opportunity. Korean-American veterans share similar needs with the veterans they served alongside with in Vietnam. They suffer from PTSD and Agent Orange exposure, among other injuries and illnesses. These veterans have earned access to proper care through the VA. Ranking Member Takano's bill will do exactly that. Mr. Speaker, as you know, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the vitally important alliance between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea. As such, this bill is a fitting tribute to thank the Korean-American veterans for their service. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 366. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 366.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 366) to amend title 38, United States Code, to treat certain individuals who served in Vietnam as a member of the armed forces of the Republic of Korea as a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States for purposes of the provision of health care by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, just last month, I went to the Del Rio sector of the U.S.-Mexican border to visit with our dedicated Border Patrol agents. Over 15,000 frontline Border Patrol agents are veterans serving their country and communities again, working to keep America safe. However, our Commander in Chief has failed to give them the resources and structure they need to effectively do their jobs. They are pulling drowning children out of the river. They are finding bodies left behind that were being smuggled across and thrown into the bushes. Mr. Speaker, these agents are fighting a new battle back at home, as well. The mental strain on them as a result of President Biden's open border policies cannot be ignored, so much so that the VA actually had to deploy a mobile veteran center to the border to offer mental health services to our veterans and even our non-veteran border agents who are there. Mr. Speaker, I heard it firsthand from the brave men and women that need this bill. Securing our borders shouldn't be a Republican or a Democratic issue. The people who suffer the most when we make doing so hyperpolitical are the veteran law enforcement officers who are simply trying to do their jobs. That is a disservice to them. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense bill. It is vitally important. I have looked them in the eye, and I would advise anyone on the other side of the aisle or on my side of the aisle that has not went down and looked them in the eye, you will know what they are suffering through because we are not doing our job and the administration is not doing theirs. Mr. Speaker, that is why I encourage the support of this bill.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of a project that has been decades in the making: the Southwest Illinois Connector. This proposed expansion of Illinois State Highways 127, 154, and 3 to four lanes would create a rural expressway between St. Louis, Missouri, and Carbondale, Illinois. The latest push for the Southwest Illinois Connector began in 2017 when officials in my district from Jackson, Perry, Randolph, and Monroe Counties formed the Four County Highway Coalition. In 2019, this group partnered with the Illinois Department of Transportation to do a report and the project that would indicate exactly what this would affect. What they discovered was that it would create thousands of construction jobs. It would reduce auto accidents. It would boost economic development. It would benefit national security, and it would improve public health. Now, I can't overstate how much of a difference this would make. The planned route of the Southwest Illinois Connector includes a stretch that is currently in the top 5 percent for traffic fatalities and injuries on two-lane highways. The Southwest Illinois Connector would also have an important impact on helping grow the economy and spur new investments in the region. It would also prove timely in the delivery of aid and assistance following a natural disaster and help address patient transport issues from rural areas for their healthcare needs. In closing, I thank Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens and Marc Kiehna, the Randolph County board chair, for their leadership in building a coalition of support for this long-sought-after project. This project would be the difference maker for southern Illinois.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Sergeant Joseph N. Hall of the Army Air Corps, 9th Air Force, 386th Bomb Group, 555th Squadron, also known as the Red Devils. The son of a fallen World War I veteran, Sgt. Hall was raised on a cotton farm outside of Melissa, Texas, by his mother and his maternal grandmother. Sgt. Hall enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps right out of high school and served in World War II from 1941 to 1945. Sgt. Hall flew 76 missions as a Radio Operator and Top Turret Gunner on B26 Marauders. His first missions took place in England, and later, France, where he flew bombing runs in support of the Allied Forces. Sgt. Hall also fought in the D-Day invasion at Normandy, participating in three missions targeting German costal artillery, supporting troop landings at Utah Beach, and stopping German troop movement by targeting roads behind Normandy. During his time flying in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Sgt. Hall's plane was shot down twice in combat. The injuries he sustained ended his military service. Despite his injuries, he went on to work in law enforcement. Sgt. Hall was awarded the European Theater of Operations Ribbon with five Bronze Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross with an Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with three Silver Oak Leaf Clusters, the Victory Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, and two Purple Hearts. Sgt. Hall was an honorable man who fought for his country, loved his family immeasurably, firmly believed in standing up for what's right, and made a positive impact on everyone he met. Please join me in honoring Sgt. Joseph Hall and all he fought and stood for, and in wishing his family all the best in continuing his remarkable legacy of service.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Sarah Parke of the West City, Illinois Police Department in recognition of her being named the 2023 Officer of the Year by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. Over Sgt. Parke's decade of service with the West City Police Department, she has received numerous accolades for her performance and professionalism. And her quick actions have helped save multiple lives. Sgt. Parke received an award for saving the life of a man who collapsed on a treadmill in 2019. If not for her intervention before paramedics arrived, he may well not have survived. In 2021, Sgt. Parke again saved the life of an unresponsive man by performing CPR until a delayed medical response could arrive. In July of last year, the West City Police Dispatch received a 911 call only stating, ``It's so hot.'' Sgt. Parke raced to the scene of the house fire and courageously saved a man by dragging him from a burning building while putting out the flames on his clothes. Last November, she performed CPR on a man who collapsed outside of a restaurant, obtaining a pulse before medical staff arrived. Sgt. Parke's service does not end when her work shift does. In her personal time, she gives back to her community, including by initiating the ``Backpack Project,'' which aims to help homeless people by providing them with warm clothing. toiletries. and other essentials. Sgt. Parke also oversees the West City Police Department's ``Shop with a Cop'' program, which raises funds for children in need and provides shopping trips, decorating, and a major Christmas party for them and their families. Please join me in recognizing Sergeant Sarah Parke, 2023 Illinois Officer of the Year, and wish her continued success in strengthening and protecting her community for years to come.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, there is a lot of talk on this floor and actually outside the Chamber today from the other side of the aisle about this bill cutting veterans. Well, I am going to tell you, as the only veteran among the four VA committee leaders responsible for ensuring veterans have the care and services they have earned, and as a father of a veteran, a grandfather of a veteran, a grandson of a veteran, a son of a veteran, and a nephew of a veteran, you better believe that I am dead serious that we are not cutting veterans, and I mean it. I don't know how much clearer we can be. Speaker McCarthy has been very clear; we are not cutting veterans. Chairwoman Granger has said we are not cutting veterans. I, as the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee: We are not cutting veterans. The White House and Democrats know. We can get our fiscal house in order while ensuring our servicemembers and veterans are taken care of. Yet, with no regard for the impact of their words, they continue to speak lies about how House Republicans are cutting veterans' benefits, and it is false. It is dangerous rhetoric and you ought to be ashamed of yourselves. Simply put, you are placing politics and playing politics with our veterans and their lives and their concerns. Veterans are not political pawns to advance an agenda. CBO says that the Limit, Save, Grow Act will grow the economy and save American taxpayers money, which is a good thing. At the end of the day, our veterans--you know what, they are taxpayers, too. They are grandmothers and mothers and grandfathers and fathers. You know what? They are concerned about their children and grandchildren. If you believe in building an America that is worth our veterans' selfless sacrifice, I urge you to stop playing politics, come to the table and support the bill.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Steve Sawalich of West Frankfort, Illinois, in recognition of his being crowned Old King Coal for 2023. Started over 80 years ago, the Southern Illinois Old King Coal Festival celebrates the hard work of coal miners past and present, while highlighting the contributions the coal industry has made to our region. Steve Sawalich, a former president of the Old King Coal Festival and a lifelong resident of West Frankfort, has a long history of service to his community. Not long after graduating high school, Mr. Sawalich began working in the Old Ben 21 Coal Mine in 1973, where he worked for 10 years. Mr. Sawalich led the effort to create the first memorial to honor the 119 victims of the Orient No. 2 Mine Explosion of December 21, 1951. This new memorial was dedicated on July 4, 2020, in West Frankfort. Mr. Sawalich recently retired after 40 years as a trusted hearing healthcare professional to thousands of our citizens, but he continues his service through volunteer work at the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Mr. Sawalich is married to Camilla, and he has been blessed with two children, Brandon and Steven, and four grandchildren, Amelia, William, Jake, and Gianna. This achievement is a fitting tribute for a man who has meant so much to so many. In fact, it was in large part through Mr. Sawalich's efforts that the Old King Coal Festival was revived in 2002; and he's a big reason it thrives today. Please join me in recognizing Steve Sawalich, Old King Coal for 2023, and wish him continued success in strengthening his community for years to come.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lt. Colonel Richard Cameron Anshus, a Vietnam Veteran from O'Fallon, Illinois, with an extensive and rich military career. Lt. Colonel Anshus graduated from West Point in 1970 and went into the service during the Vietnam War. His OH-6 helicopter was shot down by enemy fire during a reconnaissance mission; and he was captured and held as a Prisoner of War for 25 months, until he was liberated on March 27, 1973. Upon repatriation, Lt. Colonel Anshus continued his service. He worked at several bases around the United States and internationally, assisting in various operations. For eight years, Lt. Colonel Anshus was the Army Liaison Officer to the Air Mobility Command at Southern Illinois' Scott Air Force Base, where he retired in 1997. For his bravery and service to country. Lt. Colonel Anshus has been awarded three Bronze Star Medals, two Purple Hearts, two Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, and a Prisoner of War Medal. During his retirement, Lt. Colonel Anshus has been active member of his O'Fallon community. He is a lifetime member of O'Fallon's Sportsman Club. a member of First United Methodist Church, and a member of the O'Fallon Noon Rotary Club, where he has won several awards for his service. Please join me in honoring Lt. Colonel Anshus for his dedicated service and all he has contributed to his country and community.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th anniversary of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois. The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois was chartered in 1983 and now serves over 230 members who are dedicated, community-minded leaders in industry, education, the military, and government throughout the Metro East region. Assisting institutions throughout the counties of Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Jersey, Macoupin, Monroe, St. Clair, and Washington, the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois helps to unify the region for growth by promoting general welfare and economic development. The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois' many accomplishments include the reaccreditation of the Southwestern Illinois Levee System, helping earn three Abilene Trophies for building a strong and vibrant community surrounding Scott Air Force Base, catalyzing economic growth through a regional development plan, and leading numerous important infrastructure projects including major river bridge improvements in the last decade. Please join me in congratulating the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois on its 40th anniversary and wishing the council continued success in strengthening our communities for years to come.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, yesterday was National Agriculture Day, a day to celebrate the contributions of America's farmers, growers, and ranchers. These hardworking men and women provide our families with the food, fuel, and fiber we need each and every day. According to the USDA, the agriculture sector contributed nearly $1.3 trillion to our GDP in 2021 and accounted for a tenth of all U.S. employment. My district in southern Illinois is home to more than 10,000 producers, and one of the most diverse agricultural districts in the region. In addition to corn and soybean, southern Illinois produces rice, specialty crops, livestock, dairy, wine, and more than one-half of the horseradish in the United States. But these aren't easy jobs. Farmers are often at the mercy of the weather and other factors well beyond their control. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I believe that the new farm bill provides us a critical opportunity to put farmers first and support programs like crop insurance to strengthen our food security. I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 235 designating March 21, 2023, as National Agriculture Day, and I will continue to fight for our southern Illinois farming families every day that I serve in Congress.