Mike Bost

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

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. 3475, a bill to name the VA community-based outpatient clinic, or the CBOC, in Columbus, Georgia, the Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic. I am grateful to Congressman Sanford Bishop from Georgia for introducing this bill. Mr. Poydasheff was a soldier in the United States Army for 24 years. He served as an infantry officer in Vietnam and later as a judge advocate. He continued to serve his country and community after his time in the Army by pursuing a career in public service and elected office. Mr. Speaker, I hope that all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in supporting this bill today in honor of him, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation, and I ask all of my colleagues to join me in that, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I reserve 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. 4172, a bill to name the VA community-based outpatient clinic, CBOC, in Aurora, Colorado, after Lieutenant Colonel John W. Mosley. Lieutenant Colonel Mosley was one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Mosley served honorably in World War II, as well as the Korean war and the Vietnam war. Mosley went on to a career in government, serving in D.C. before returning to Colorado as a long-time community leader and advocate. Congressman Jason Crow from Colorado has introduced this bill to name the VA CBOC in Aurora, Colorado, after Lieutenant Colonel Mosley, and I am in full support and hope that my colleagues will join me. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all my colleagues to support this bill, 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 S. 189, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2021. This bill will help ensure that benefits paid to veterans who are disabled as a result of their military service do not lose value because of inflation. S. 189 authorizes a cost-of-living increase for veterans and their families next year as long as Social Security recipients receive an increase. Many disabled veterans and their families rely on these compensation benefits to pay their bills, such as mortgage payments and groceries. In some cases, these benefits may even be the veteran's only income. Moreover, VA benefits are providing much-needed financial support to many veterans facing uncertainty due to this pandemic. We must pass this bill and ensure that compensation benefits for our disabled veterans keep pace with rising costs. I would like to thank Senator Thune for introducing this important legislation. I urge my colleagues to support S. 189. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

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

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support the bill, 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. 1281, a bill to name the VA community-based outpatient clinic, or CBOC, in Gaylord, Michigan, the Navy Corpsman Steve Andrews VA Health Care Clinic. This bill is cosponsored by my friend, fellow marine, and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Health, General Jack Bergman of Michigan. I thank him for his leadership. Navy Corpsman Steve Andrews served during the Vietnam war and received both the Navy Commendation Medal and the Purple Heart. He was also an active member of the Gaylord community before and after his time in uniform. It is fitting that the VA CBOC there will carry his name. Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly support this legislation. I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I just urge my colleagues to support this bill, 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. 5293, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2021. This bill is sponsored by the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Mrvan), and I thank him for introducing this bill to extend expiring authorities and programs. The VA Expiring Authorities Act of 2021 would make VA dental insurance programs permanent so that veterans under VA's care are able to buy low-cost dental insurance coverage. It would also allow veterans to continue to receive travel benefits when seeking support at vet centers. It would also extend VA's Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed, or CHIP IN for Vets pilot program by an additional 5 years. The CHIP IN program allows VA to accept real property donations from nongovernment entities. The program was established by Congress in 2016. It has already proven successful in delivering VA medical facilities to veterans in Nebraska and Oklahoma. Extending this program has been a priority of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Jackson) and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon). I appreciate their leadership on this. I am also grateful to my fellow House and Senate committee leaders-- Chairman Takano, Chairman Tester, and Ranking Member Moran--for their work on this bill. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 5293. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Illinois State Senator William ``Bill'' Haine, who passed away at the age of 77 on August 16. Bill was born on August 8, 1944 in Alton, Illinois, to Mary and James Haine. In the late 1960s, Bill served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a member of the First Cavalry Division (Air Mobile) and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in combat operations. After returning home from Vietnam, Bill earned his JD from St. Louis University School of Law. There he met and later married his wife, Anna. They were blessed with seven children: Cecelia Philippine, Elizabeth Schlueter, Mary Burkett, Margaret Balan, Alice Stirton, Thomas, and Joseph, 37 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Through it all, Bill was always involved in local politics in Madison County. He served on the Madison County Board and then became the State's Attorney for Madison County in 1988--a position he held for 14 years. In 2002, he was appointed to fill the Illinois Senate seat for the 56th district and served in that role for five terms. Madam Speaker, please join me in this celebration of the life of Bill Haine. On behalf of Southern Illinois, I thank Bill for service to our community. My prayers go out to Bill's wife Anna, their family, and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks), my good friend.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 957, the Dispose of Unused Medications and Prescription Opioids Act, or the DUMP Opioids Act. Last year, Congress passed legislation that would allow veterans to dispose of excess prescription medications at VA medical facilities. The DUMP Opioids Act would allow nonveterans to do the same thing. It would also authorize a VA education campaign to make veterans and nonveterans alike aware of their ability to dispose of leftover medication at the VA. This bill is sponsored in the Senate by Senator Kennedy and in the House by Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. I am grateful to both of them for their leadership and advocacy on this important issue. Earlier this month, CDC released data showing that opioid overdose deaths surged throughout the pandemic. In 2020, more than 93,000 Americans died of an overdose. This is an almost 30 percent increase from 2019. We have to do everything we can to help those suffering from substance abuse disorder to overcome their addiction. One way we can do this is by making controlled substances less readily available. By making it easier for unused opioids and other prescription medication to be disposed of, this bill would help do that. I hope that every Member will join me in supporting the DUMP Opioids Act. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, 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 S. 1910, the Major Medical Facility Authorization Act of 2021. This bill would authorize the VA's major medical facilities construction projects in California, Washington, New York, and Texas. Those projects include outpatient clinics, a specialty care building, a spinal cord injury center, two community living centers, and more. These projects are formally requested by the VA in the most recent budget submission. They would benefit hundreds, if not thousands, of veterans. This bill is sponsored by Senator Jon Tester, chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. I thank him for introducing it, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it today. The VA healthcare system has a massive capital assets profile. It is comprised of medical facilities that are, on average, more than five times older than private-sector medical facilities. In 2018, Congress passed the Asset and Infrastructure Review Act, or the AIR Act, to bring the VA healthcare system into the 21st century. It would lay the foundation to modernize the VA medical facilities to better serve the veterans. I am proud to support this bill to help deliver updated medical facilities to the veterans in these four States, but we have much more to do to deliver modern medical care to our veterans across this country. Mr. Speaker, I hope that we can pass this bill today and then continue working together to ensure the AIR Act lives up to the immense promises that it has for the veterans. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Charles ``Chuck'' Poettker who passed away suddenly on Saturday. I had the honor of calling Chuck a friend. And I know that he is leaving a legacy that has impacted so many. A U.S. Army veteran, Chuck served in the 101st Airborne Division stationed at Camp Evans in South Vietnam. At just 20 years old, he and his unit were given orders for a rescue mission in Laos. They were tasked with rescuing two door gunners and recovering the bodies of a downed helicopter pilot and co-pilot. Because of his heroic actions during the mission and journey back to safety, Chuck was awarded the U.S. Army Bronze Star. A man of faith, Chuck prayed that if he made it out alive, he would dedicate his life to building something of value for others. He did just that. He returned home and began a career as an apprentice carpenter, taking night classes in construction management at what is now the Southwestern Illinois College. He went on and founded Poettker Construction, leading the company for 41 years. Today, the company employs over 200 families across 26 States. He was also committed to his community and giving back to the Metro East area there in southern Illinois through numerous charities. Madam Speaker, my prayers go out to Chuck's wife, Linda, and his family and many friends during this difficult time. Supporting Apprenticeships for Veterans

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I also rise today to talk about the fact that when I ran Bost Trucking company for 10 years, many of our hardest workers and most trusted employees shared something in common. They were veterans. The military teaches servicemembers invaluable skills, leadership, teamwork, and dedication to compete and complete the missions that they are assigned. But many veterans are facing challenges in finding work after COVID-19 shutdowns. That is why I have introduced the Veterans' Agricultural Apprenticeship Act. This bipartisan bill will help connect out-of-work veterans with farmers and ranchers who are in need of on-the-farm labor. It will help farmers and ranchers expand their operations while also offering the veterans new skills and career paths once they return home. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from Florida (Mr. Lawson) and our bipartisan group of 15 additional cosponsors for supporting this critically important bill. I hope that more of our colleagues will join us in helping advance a win-win solution to an ever-growing problem.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, as a father of three and a grandfather of 11, I know what the love of family feels like and how we love our children and when that child takes its first breath. For over 40 years, the Hyde Amendment has prohibited taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortion. Both Republicans and Democrats have supported it. However, President Biden's budget plan will remove this vitally important protection. That is why I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act. This bill will make the Hyde Amendment permanent. Today, tomorrow, and every day, I am proud to stand for life. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18 and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of SGT. Charles A. Fricke VFW Post 805 in O'Fallon, Illinois. On July 25, 1921, 25 members of the United States of America VFW established the Erwin L. Dann VFW Post 805 in Waterloo, which moved to East St. Louis and consolidated with two other posts in 1927. Sergeant Dann, a Waterloo native, was 22 years old when he was killed during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive on September 26, 1918. A generation later, a separate group of East St. Louis veterans returned home from World War II and established SGT. Charles A. Fricke VFW Post 8475 on October 15, 1946. Sergeant Charles A. ``Chub'' Fricke was one of 18 employees of the city's Alcoa Aluminum Ore Factory who perished during the war. He was mortally injured by a mortar shell during the Battle of Anizo, passing away four days later at the age of 20. On April 29, 1987, the two posts were consolidated into one, based in O'Fallon. In order to preserve the legacy of both posts, they maintained the number from the longer-tenured post, 805, and carried the name from the other, SGT. Charles A. Fricke. Today, SGT. Charles A Fricke VFW Post 805 has about 600 members and is the largest VFW Post in the 14th District of the Department of Illinois. Several times over the last 100 years, VFW Post 805 has been designated as an All-State and All-American VFW Post, including in 2021. In 2018-2019, Post 805 was selected as one of 61 posts out of 6200 worldwide to be recognized as a National Outstanding Community Service Post. One of the most active and successful VFW Posts in Illinois, members work together to serve and support fellow veterans, their families, and the community. They have organized blood drives and maintain one of the most active and prestigious Honor Guard and Color Guard teams in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the SGT. Charles A. Fricke VFW Post 805 on their milestone Centennial Anniversary. On behalf of Southern Illinois, I thank them for their service, and happy anniversary.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. With this bill, House Democrats are saying that when it comes to our Nation's infrastructure, it is either their way or the highway. Instead of accurately investing in our roads and bridges, the House Democrats have chosen to double down on a liberal wish list. In fact, $1 of every $2 in this bill is spent on parts of Green New Deal mandates. It allows jurisdictions that have defunded the police to backfill their budgets with Federal dollars for traffic enforcement activities. It allows funds to be spent on art instead of roads, bridges, and waterways. I will just repeat that again. It allows the funds to be spent on art instead of roads, bridges, and waterways. It punishes our Nation's truckers by raising their minimum insurance costs by 167 percent and regulating when and how far they can drive their own vehicles on their own personal time. And it does not include any way to pay for this massive $547.9 billion price tag. I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the men and women who have proudly safeguarded the American way of life since 1776. Generations of veterans have protected our homeland and its principles against all enemies. These everyday American heroes are willing to give their lives to ensure a better tomorrow for our children and grandchildren. We are forever indebted to them. To the over 19 million veterans and 1.5 million Active Duty service personnel who hail from every corner of our Nation, we say thank you. To the military families whose loved ones took their last breath in defense of tyranny, we will never forget the sacrifices. This Independence Day, I will be thanking them, and I hope you will be as well. May God continue to bless this great United States of America.