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. 7158, the Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act. H.R. 7158 would give VA the authority to grant payments to non-VA entities for veterans who require long-term care in medical foster homes. A medical foster home is a private home, not an institutional facility, where trained caregivers provide wraparound care and service to patients. VA inspects and approves medical foster homes and enrolls veterans in the VA Home Healthcare Program. But under current law, VA is not authorized to pay for veterans' medical foster home care. Veterans must cover the bill themselves, even if they would otherwise be eligible for a VA-run nursing home facility. Now, medical foster homes are a more cost-effective alternative to nursing home care. They typically cost between $1,500 and $3,000 a month, compared to a typical $7,000-a-month cost in a nursing home. Allowing veterans to age with dignity and being comfortable is something that I care deeply about, and this bill is a critical step towards helping us to do just that. However, this is another bill that CBO gave a large mandatory score to because of the toxic exposure fund. We were able to fully offset this score, but we won't be able to do that for every piece of legislation. Our offsets are quickly running out, and we have to solve the scoring problem before the work of our committee grinds to a complete halt. This bill is supported by the VA and numerous VSOs, and I thank Congressman Higgins for his tireless work on it. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to support H.R. 7158, 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. 5943, as amended, a bill to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Greenville, South Carolina, as the Lance Corporal Dana Cornell Darnell VA Clinic. Lance Corporal Darnell was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and joined the United States Marine Corps on his 18th birthday. While he was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam in 1967, his unit was engaged in a mission against Vietcong and North Vietnamese forces in Quang Tri Province. His patrol was ambushed by enemy forces using heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire. In the chaos that ensued, his mortar gunner was knocked unconscious. Displaying courage in the face of extreme danger, Lance Corporal Darnell quickly retrieved the mortar. Despite being unable to set the mortar up properly, he continued to fire at the enemy. When he ran out of ammo, he moved from man to man, collecting more ammo until the enemy guns fell silent. When Lance Corporal Darnell's unit was ordered to withdraw from the area, he dragged two marines to safety and refused to evacuate himself. He stayed back to tend to the wounded. Lance Corporal Darnell died 2 days later, on April 26, 1967, at the age of 19. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his selfless sacrifice and act of courage in combat. Lance Corporal Darnell's service to our Nation is truly worthy of honor. Semper Fidelis. Naming this VA facility after the Greenville native son and hero will serve as a reminder and an inspiration to all who seek care there. It will also ensure that his story of service is never forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support H.R. 5943, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Timmons).

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill and honor the lance corporal by naming this facility after him. Mr. Speaker, I yield back 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. 4772, as amended, the Mark O'Brien VA Clothing Allowance Improvement Act. The clothing allowance program was created to give veterans the financial means to replace clothes that have been damaged due to their service-connected disability. For example, a veteran who has a prosthetic or uses a wheelchair may wear out their clothes quickly and need to replace them often. Yet, under current law, veterans who qualify for the clothing allowance must go through a tedious process of reapplying every year to receive their benefit, even if their condition is unlikely to change. H.R. 4772, as amended, would streamline the process for veterans receiving a clothing allowance by making the renewal process automatic. To ensure proper oversight of this program, VA would be required to reevaluate the veteran 5 years after they have received the benefit to determine eligibility for the clothing allowance. If a veteran has a more permanent condition, such as an amputation, VA would have the authority to exempt the veteran from regular reevaluations. I support these commonsense changes, which would simplify the clothing allowance program and reduce the paperwork burden on our veterans, and I am glad to see the cost of the bill is also fully offset. I thank Congressman Levin and Congressman Moore for their leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support H.R. 4772, as amended, and I yield back 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. 2521, the Delivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs Act of 2022, or the DOULA for VA Act of 2022. Women are now our fastest growing group within the veteran community. More than 2 million women veterans live in the U.S. today. Many of them are within childbearing age. In the last few years, the use of maternal services within the VHA has increased by 44 percent. The DOULA for VA Act would require VA to conduct a study to provide doula services for pregnant veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system. Mr. Speaker, a doula is a trained companion who provides physical and emotional support to women before, during, and after childbirth. They also offer guidance and educational support for new mothers. However, doulas are not medically trained professionals, and there are no certifying or licensing standards for doulas, which is why it is imperative that doulas meet the minimum quality and safety standards set forth by the VA. This bill will provide VA and Congress with valuable insight into the trade, and I ask all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2521. Mr. Speaker, 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. 4601, as amended, the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act. This bill would provide VA the authority to award grants to States and Indian Tribes to improve outreach to veterans and their families about the benefits they may be eligible for. H.R. 4601, as amended, would prioritize grants to the areas that have large populations of underserved veterans and high rates of suicide. Additionally, this bill would help county and Tribal VSOs assist veterans with preparing and presenting their disability compensation claims. With the implementation of the PACT Act right around the corner, it is imperative that Congress provide local VSOs with the resources they need to assist veterans with their claims. Every veteran deserves access to the same wraparound help with their benefits regardless of where they live. Congressman Levin and Congressman Rosendale's proposal would do exactly that. I also want to point out that this bill has a mandatory cost because of toxic exposure funds created by the PACT Act. Now, I am happy to see the cost is now fully offset rather than swept under the rug. Congress must find a permanent solution to the toxic exposure fund scoring problem before we use up all of our offsets and become unable to move additional legislation. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all my colleagues to work toward that solution, and I urge all Members to support H.R. 4601, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in reluctant opposition to S. 1198, the Solid Start Act of 2021. The Solid Start program was created by President Trump in 2019 to better support veterans as they transition out of the military. I know firsthand that leaving the military can be tough. When I left the military as a young marine, the only TAP program that I got was a tap on the back and a ``see ya later.'' I am glad that things have improved a lot since then. The Solid Start program has helped improve servicemembers' transitions even more. I am a real big fan of the Solid Start program. The STRONG Act, my bill with Chairman Takano, includes identical language to this bill and would permanently authorize the Solid Start Program. The STRONG Act passed the House in June with my full support. However, earlier this month, Secretary McDonough announced that VA would begin providing abortions. I believe it is not only immoral, but it is also illegal. Congress prohibited VA providing abortions in 1992. Congress has never repealed that prohibition. Just so you know, it has never been superseded. Secretary McDonough has claimed that he is taking this action in defense of women's health, setting aside the fact that abortion is not healthcare. By making that claim, the Secretary has made it clear that he views women's health as one and the same with abortion. Madam Speaker, this bill would require VA to provide women veterans with, ``information that is tailored to their specific healthcare and benefit needs.'' We have offered if they would remove that language to just say ``veterans,'' that would not include information about abortion, given the Secretary's views, that is unacceptable to me and to many others. Our democracy is based on the rule of law, and I wish the Secretary would follow the law, especially when it is a matter of life and death. If he did, I would fully support this bill just like I did in June, before the VA's new illegal rule. Instead, I regret that I must oppose it today, and I urge my colleagues to oppose the bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7589, the REMOVE Copays Act. As its name suggests, this bill would remove copayments from every veteran's first three mental health outpatient visits for each calendar year. I am pleased to support the REMOVE Copays Act today, and I hope it will encourage veterans to take better care of their mental health. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and according to the most recent data from the VA, the amount of veterans who died by suicide decreased from 2019 to 2020. That is encouraging news. However, at least one non-VA study suggests that VA is undercounting the number of veterans who die by suicide by as much as 2.4 times. I fear that VA's data still has not accounted for the negative effects of COVID lockdowns, isolation, and illness. Regardless, as long as veterans continue to take their own lives, we have important work to do. Suicide is not just a mental health issue. Improving mental health has a critical role to play in stopping suicide once and for all. I am grateful to Chairman Takano for his introduction of this bill, and I hope all of my colleagues will join me in supporting it today. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in reluctant support of the Expanding Home Loans for Guard and Reservists Act. Last Congress, my bill, H.R. 7445, proposed expanding VA home loan benefits to members of the National Guard who have served on Active Duty or full-time guard duty. Congressman Ryan's bill would expand the home loan benefit to members of the National Guard that are on Federal Active Duty orders for training. Unfortunately, this policy is being rushed in an election year gimmick. Unlike other bills we are considering today, this bill has not had the benefit of legislative hearings, and I would have liked to have heard the views of the VA and other stakeholders. A hearing would have allowed us to understand the impact this legislation could have on the mortgage markets. It would also have provided insight on the effect this bill could have on recruitment of National Guard Active Forces. That said, I do not want to stand in the way of legislation that can help members of the National Guard, and I reluctantly urge all my colleagues to support this bill. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5918, as amended. This bill would close a financial loophole affecting many servicemembers. Last Congress, I was proud to support General Bergman's efforts to responsibly sunset the Montgomery GI Bill, and today I am pleased to support Congressman Banks' bill to ensure that those servicemembers who paid into the program are repaid. Under current law, servicemembers who switch from Montgomery to the Post-9/11 GI Bill would lose about $1,200 they paid into the program, if they exhausted their benefits while still on Active Duty. Veterans who exhaust their benefits already receive the $1,200 back. This bill would fix this loophole and treat servicemembers and veterans equally. Servicemembers earned the benefits and should not be shortchanged just because they are still on Active Duty. This bill would include a short-term extension of the VA home loan funding fees to fully offset the cost of this bill. Madam Speaker, I thank the American Legion for bringing this problem to our attention, and I also thank Congressman Banks for introducing this important bill. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I reluctantly support this bill. Food insecurity is an issue that impacts thousands of veterans every year. Veterans continue to suffer from skyrocketing food prices caused by the economic mistakes of the Biden administration. While I support bringing more attention to veteran hunger, I am skeptical that this bill is the correct solution. The bill before us today would try to address these issues by creating a new office of food security at the VA. The VA has also already told us that they were working to set up an office at the VHA dedicated to food insecurity. I look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate to modify the language in this bill to match the Department's efforts. That said, I am pleased by the changes that were made today to improve on the text. All considered, I reluctantly urge all of my colleagues to support the bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), my good friend.

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2794, the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act. I thank Senator Tuberville and Congressman Roy for leading this effort in the Senate and the House, respectively. This bill makes much-needed updates to the coverage amounts for the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program. Specifically, this bill would allow VA to raise the max payment for both programs from $400,000 to $500,000. An additional $100,000 would make it easier for surviving spouses to keep a roof over their family's head and food on the table following the loss of their loved one. As many of you know, VA's life insurance programs may be the only affordable option available to servicemembers and veterans. This is because some veterans may not be eligible for private life insurance due to the added risk of military service or because they have a service-connected disability, like PTSD or cancer. When we send our military into harm's way, VA insurance programs provide them and their families with financial security. However, the max rate of $400,000, which was established in 2005, does not meet the needs of today's survivors. Since 2005, American families have seen the cost of living continuously rise. This is especially true right now due to historic inflation under the Biden administration. This bill would provide families with insurance coverage that will better meet their needs. S. 2794 builds on our Nation's promises to care for the families of those lost in service to our country. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I encourage all my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Mann), my good friend, who has worked so hard on this issue.

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8510, as amended. Following the access scandal of 2014, Congress enacted the VA Accountability Act. The Accountability Act is meant to make it easier for VA to hold bad employees responsible for their actions. The law also created a new VA office intended to protect whistleblowers and conduct investigations. Unfortunately, this office has never lived up to the standard that whistleblowers deserve. In 2021, 80 percent of the OAWP recommendations for discipline were ignored by the VA. It is time to refocus their mission. H.R. 8510, as amended, would require VA employees with complaints to be referred to the Office of Special Counsel. The OSC is an independent office which has the authority to receive, manage, and investigate allegations of whistleblower retaliation at the VA. The OSC has a respected history of conducting objective investigations. As such, I am convinced that the OSC will do a better job of holding senior VA employees accountable than the OAWP. This bill was drafted with valuable input from stakeholders and enjoys broad support. Madam Speaker, I am pleased that Congressman Pappas and Congressman Mann have come together to author this important bipartisan proposal, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the AUTO for Veterans Act, as amended. This bill would help severely disabled service-connected veterans purchase and adapt a vehicle 10 years after they purchased their first one. Current law only provides veterans with the funds for one vehicle during their lifetime. We all know that the life of a car is not infinite. Maybe my father didn't, but most people do. For too long, disabled veterans have had to drive vehicles that have logged hundreds of thousands of miles. This bill would help a deserving population with the safe and reliable transportation they need. I am also pleased that this bill is fully offset. The underlying bill is very similar to H.R. 1361, the AUTO for Veterans Act, which was introduced this Congress and last by our colleague, Congressman Meuser. While I would have preferred that we consider his version today, this bill will help many disabled veterans, and it has my full support. I thank the PVA and the DAV for their continued advocacy for this proposal. Madam Speaker, I encourage all Members to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser).

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Richard Martin, a good friend and great man who passed suddenly this week. You get to know people very closely in stressful conditions. Well, many of you know that I was a professional firefighter, and Richard always had my back. Richard and I both served on the Murphysboro Fire Department. Richard served with the department for 32 years, from 1984 until 2016. During that time, he was a member of the Firefighters Pension Board and served as the treasurer and president of the Murphysboro Firefighters Local 3042. Never fully retiring, he went on to become the southern district's legislative representative for the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois. Richard was dedicated to his family, his friends, his career of service, our hometown, Murphysboro, and the community. Our prayers are with his family, including daughter Olivia and sons Eli and Zeke during this difficult time. He was a close friend. He will be missed tremendously. His ability to teach others the art of fighting fire and doing it safely and the number of lives that he saved and the amount of property he saved will not be forgotten.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind everyone that while National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is concluding, we cannot afford to lower our guard. It dismays me that still so many veterans take their lives every day. In 2020, approximately 16 veterans died by suicide daily, another year with more than 6,000 veteran suicide deaths. We must stay vigilant. It took an incredible amount of work to get the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program passed in legislation through Congress. I am pleased that the first grants were awarded just last week. Now, 80 community-based organizations in 43 States, D.C., and American Samoa will receive funding to provide or coordinate suicide prevention services for veterans and their families where and when they need it. Many veterans either cannot or will not access the VA, but their community knows how to find them, how to get them out of isolation and out of trouble and get them the care that can save their lives and offer them a future of hope. I am excited to see just what these grants can do. celebrating the life of richard martin