Mike Bost

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Leonard Crofford, who turns 100 years old today. Born on April 15th, 1921 and raised in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Leonard met the love of his life, Rosaline (Rosie), when he was 15, and they got married shortly before he joined the Navy two years later. He first served in the U.S. Navy at Wheeler Army Airfield near Pearl Harbor in 1939. Leonard was just 15 miles away when Japan launched its December 7, 1941 attack on the base, throwing him from his bunk due to the aftershock from a bomb blast. Two years later, he joined the U.S. Army, spending most of his service overseas as a mechanic and teaching other soldiers how to repair tanks. In 1945, he was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant. On October 6, 1945, Leonard married Rosie in Hammond, Indiana; and together they raised five children: Ronnie, Leonard, Diane, Connie, and Sharon. Forty years ago, Leonard and Rosie moved to Thompsonville, Illinois, spending the remainder of their remarkable 75-year marriage together, until Rosie passed away at the age of 97 on February 22, 2020. Leonard has carried on the traditions they shared, like attending Parish Church and gardening. Every year he tends to a strawberry garden that he shares with family and friends. He is very much loved by his children and grandchildren and supported by the congregation of his church. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Leonard Crofford of Thompsonville on his milestone 100th birthday. I thank him for his service and wish him a happy birthday.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I was unavailable to vote in the House on March 17, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted: rollcall 84: ``yes.'' Members recorded pursuant to house resolution 8, 117th congress Allred (Davids (KS)) Axne (Stevens) Barragan (Beyer) Bera (Aguilar) Bishop (GA) (Butterfield) Blumenauer (Beyer) Buchanan (Gimenez) Bush (Clark (MA)) Cardenas (Gomez) Cleaver (Davids (KS)) DeSaulnier (Matsui) DesJarlais (Fleischmann) Garamendi (Sherman) Grijalva (Garcia (IL)) Hastings (Wasserman Schultz) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Kahele (Mrvan) Kim (NJ) (Davids (KS)) Kirkpatrick (Stanton) Kuster (Clark (MA)) Lamborn (Walberg) Langevin (Lynch) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Lieu (Beyer) Lowenthal (Beyer) McEachin (Wexton) Meng (Clark (MA)) Moore (WI) (Beyer) Moulton (Underwood) Napolitano (Correa) Payne (Wasserman Schultz) Peters (Kildee) Pingree (Cicilline) Porter (Wexton) Rush (Underwood) Schneider (Sherrill) Sires (Pallone) Slotkin (Stevens) Timmons (Steube) Waltz (Cammack) Watson Coleman (Pallone) Wilson (FL) (Hayes) Amendment No. 36 Offered by Ms. Stefanik

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I was unavailable to vote in the House on February 17, 2021 and February 26, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted: Roll Call 41: NAY; Roll Call 42: YEA; Roll Call 43: YEA; Roll Call 44: YEA; Roll Call 45: NAY; Roll Call 46: NAY; Roll Call 47: NAY; Roll Call 48: YEA; and Roll Call 49: NAY.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I stand in full support of H.R. 7105, and I am proud to be the sponsor of several provisions included in today's veterans' omnibus bill. The first is a provision that would modernize the Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance program by increasing the maximum coverage from $10,000 to $40,000; ensuring that veterans cannot be denied coverage for any preexisting condition; removing the requirement that veterans apply for coverage within 2 years of receiving an award of service connection; and requiring premiums to cover the long-term cost of the program, like the VA has with other life insurance programs. Once the modernization program goes into effect, the outdated program would be sunset for new applicants. Another provision of mine will authorize a pilot program to extend license portability to certain nonphysician providers who perform disability exams under contract with the VA. As a result, contract vendors will be able to schedule a veteran's exam sooner. This is critical, as the VBA focuses its efforts on reducing the backlogs of disability exams that has been caused by the pandemic. Additionally, this bill will address a problem that occurred when a veteran has a change in their dependency status, but the VA does not take immediate action to reduce the veteran's benefits payments. As a result, the veteran may incur an overpayment that the veteran must pay back. My provision would allow a veteran to remove their dependent from their award through eBenefits within 60 days of the veteran's input and without VA approval. This package also includes another one of my bills, H.R. 7445, which would expand eligibility for VA home loans programs to certain members of the National Guard and Reserve. Mr. Speaker, it is only right and logical that members of the National Guard and Reserve who perform Federal Active Duty be given the same benefits as their full-time Active Duty counterparts. Before I close, I would like to thank Ranking Member Roe for his leadership on the committee these past 4 years, both as ranking member and as chairman. He has done a great job of representing the veterans of this Nation and making sure that his focus and the committee's focus is kept on what is best for them. I want to thank him for how he treats and works with each member of the staff, as well as each Member, to guide us through. Remember, under his guidance, we have enacted several pieces of legislative accomplishments, including appeals reform, the MISSION Act, and the Forever GI Bill. Now, as the full committee ranking member, I hope to follow in his footsteps, and I hope I can do him proud and continue our work to improve benefits and services for our veterans and their families.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois in receiving the prestigious Abilene Trophy for its support of the men and women who serve at Southern Illinois' Scott Air Force Base. Established in 1999, the Abilene Trophy is awarded every year in recognition of the best community support for an Air Force Base. This year, the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois was selected in part because of the growing Scott Patriot Program, which allows servicemembers to identify businesses, communities, and organizations that are designated as ``military friendly.'' The partnership between the Leadership Council and Scott Air Force Base in the STEM and cybersecurity outreach programs provides local servicemembers and the surrounding community the opportunity to work together and energize the regional economy. The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois and Scott Air Force Base play a vital role in our nation's military readiness. As Southwestern Illinois' largest employer, Scott Air Force Base is a nationally- respected military instillation. We couldn't be happier to have organizations like the Leadership Council supporting their mission. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois and Scott Air Force Base for this incredible partnership. On behalf of Illinois' 12th Congressional District, congratulations!

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Warren G. Grammer of Pomona, Illinois, in celebration of his upcoming 100th birthday. A World War II veteran and longtime public servant, Warren is a true American patriot and a role model to many Illinoisans. Warren was born on December 22, 1920. In 1943, Warren was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the 45th Infantry as a rifle combat infantryman and later as a military policeman. During his service, he took part in eight different battles and was awarded the Silver Battle Star and the Bronze Battle Star. His proudest accomplishment, however, was participating in his division's liberation of the concentration camp in Dachau, Germany. When he was honorably discharged in September 1945, Warren returned home to work for the Illinois State Police as a trooper before working as an officer in a juvenile detention center. Retiring as a Jackson County deputy, Warren left a legacy of public service and public safety. With a dedication to community and country, Warren is a truly part of America's Greatest Generation. His longevity is worthy of recognition, but the work he accomplished in those years is even more important. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Warren Grammer for his incredible milestone. On behalf of Southern Illinois, happy birthday.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Davis for yielding. You know, that is true, I have known John Shimkus since he was actually a treasurer in Madison County, where he was the one that held the spot after it had been 10 years since a Republican had held the spot, and he took that. I was a State legislator, and I kept hearing about this guy, John Shimkus from Madison County. I actually came to know him as I ran for State representative. And then all of a sudden, they said he is going to run for Congress, and I thought, what a wonderful thing. You know, each one of us in our districts when we see that and as we are local elected officials, we think, oh, that is going to be good, but we didn't realize how great it would be. At this time, when we would like to joke with John because we love him, the reality is he has served his district well. He hasn't just served his district well. He has served the State well, he has served the Nation well, and he has made differences in the world. I would like to harass him about the fact that he is an Army guy, as a Marine, but the reality is that he served well in the Army as well. He is a man of integrity. He is a man of faith. He loves his family. And, really, that is what our Nation is about. He is going to be missed terribly in this body. We want to joke about the fact that he is quitting. But you know what? He didn't quit. He stood up. He stood up in tough times. He stood up in good times. But the people of this Nation are better because this man has served in Congress. He is a close friend. You can hear that with the people that are talking here. He is a father who loves his children. He is a husband that loves his wife. He is a man that loves his God. Who could ask for anything more? John, thank you.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, we are witnessing history at this time: historic peace agreements between Israel and its Arab neighbors, the UAE and Bahrain, both negotiated with the help of the Trump administration. But judging from the media coverage, you would hardly know it. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if we actually saw a banner headline like this: Extra! Trump kills U.S. defense jobs! President brokers Middle East peace deals. I made this front-page parody, but it is trying to make a point. When President Jimmy Carter brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, the achievement was celebrated. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. It was a defining moment in history. There have been just four peace agreements negotiated between Israel and its Arab neighbors. President Trump played an important role in two of these, as well as his administration. Let's give credit where credit is due, and let's work together for even more peace in the region.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for including my amendment in this en bloc package. My amendment has a straightforward goal: increasing support for school safety grants under the STOP School Violence Act. Last Congress, I introduced legislation which is now law to provide grants to local school districts to strengthen security on school grounds. This was made part of the broader bipartisan STOP School Violence Act enacted last Congress. In my southern Illinois district, these funds have been used by the Shawnee Community School District to build an emergency communications cell tower. The Meridian School District uses the funds to hire a school resources officer. As a father, grandfather, and former first responder, I hope that our young people can return to the classroom soon. I hope that this money is available to make sure that they are even safer. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the en bloc package.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank the ranking member and the chair for including my amendment in the en bloc. Antidumping and countervailing duty laws exist to protect American workers and producers from economic injury caused by illegally traded foreign imports. Unfortunately, a tidal wave of illegally traded foreign imports is reaching our shores. Many of these products are produced by companies in nonmarket economies like China. As of today, the International Trade Administration has initiated more than 91 new antidumping and countervailing duty petitions. This is a record number, an increase of nearly 57 percent from the previous year. Unfortunately, resources at ITA have not kept pace with increasing caseloads and orders. Today, there are only eight AD/CVD offices when we need nine. While I appreciate the work of the chairman and ranking member to increase trade remedies for resources, more must be done. American workers should not face delayed relief when other nations are cheating.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, Congress must provide sufficient resources to staff a ninth office. This includes providing a minimum of $96 million for antidumping and countervailing duty activities. In addition, we should require the Secretary of Commerce to provide quarterly reports to Congress on its progress in increasing AD/CVD activities and staffing levels.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Lamb, for joining me as a coauthor of the legislation we have on the en bloc. I also thank Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves for their support as well. Every year, 575 million tons of cargo travel through our inland ports and waterways. That includes the Kaskaskia and America's Central Port in southern Illinois. Half a million American jobs depend on inland shipping. They are vital parts of the transportation network and our Nation's ability to compete globally. Unfortunately, these small coastal ports and terminals have less ability to compete for grants and capital to improve their efficiency and compete against the large facilities. This puts them at a disadvantage. This amendment will help increase access to critical Federal funding for small coastal and inland ports and terminals. Improving these facilities will not only have a big impact on the economy, but it will also help local farmers, miners, and manufacturers be more competitive. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, many of you do know, and maybe some of you don't know, that I grew up in a family trucking business. I know how important transportation workers are and how important they are to the American people. In the past few months, we have seen our Nation's truck drivers, maintenance crews, public transit workers, and other essential employees step up and deliver the goods. It is our duty to support them and ensure that, while they do their jobs, they are kept safe and they can do their jobs effectively. Unfortunately, this legislation falls far short on that goal. Instead of adequately investing in our Nation's roads and bridges, or better conditions for our truckers and motorists, the Speaker and her allies chose to double down on their liberal Green New Deal wish list. And instead of working together in a bipartisan manner, which has always been done--at least over the last 15 to 20 years, from what I understand--they forced it through the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a party-line vote. With this legislation, my colleagues on the other side are saying that, when it comes to our Nation's infrastructure, it is quite literally my way or the highway. That, I believe, is a dangerous route to take, and I think that the American people will wake up to the fact, with these continuing partisan games on something that is so important that has been done in a bipartisan manner before, that, finally, they will speak up and say that they have had enough, because many of us have.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Oklahoma for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, the American people are sacrificing on the front lines. It has already been discussed about the truck drivers, the nurses, and all of that. I was going to go on to that, but then when I sat on this floor and listened to things that were being said--remember, I come from the State of Illinois where over a long period of time, about 35 years, we have seen small moves that sounded so good at the time, giving all of their power to the Speaker--all of their power given away, which is not what our Founding Fathers said. Mr. Speaker, the sponsor of this bill has said on several occasions that he would like to insert this statement into the Record and this article into the Record. Well, they do not change the facts of Article I, Section 5 that are so clear, that this is unconstitutional. I hope for the sake of the people who I represent or the people who each one of us represent that the Members will stand against this proposed rule, a rule that gives more power to one person instead of the individuals that we have here the way it was originally set up. Mr. Speaker, as I direct my comments toward you and the Chair, I would like to say this: If you believe that I, as a Member, am going to give up by proxy the ability to represent my 720,000 people, it will not happen.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, the last time I stood in this Chamber was the first day that my district reported a COVID-19 fatality. At that time, on March 27, my district had just 27 confirmed cases. As of today, the 12th District has 50 deaths and 862 confirmed cases. COVID-19 has rattled our communities across this country, and our top priority should be and should always be keeping people safe. But the virus has also forced our economy to a grinding halt. Our small businesses are desperate for a lifeline. And for many, that lifeline is the PPP. In Illinois, almost 70,000 loans were approved before funding ran out. But funding should have never been allowed to run out. We should have done our job. We should have come back, and politics should not have been played. The COVID-19 virus is not Republican; it is not Democrat. This hurting economy is not Republican; it is not Democrat. But yet we held it up, and we will never know how many small businesses failed because politics was played rather than getting our job done.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the CARES Act. Even in rural southern Illinois there are 27 cases in my district. We need to come together in a bipartisan manner with this bill to deal with: first, the health of our constituents; second, the health of their pocketbooks in this bill; third, those businesses where they need to go back to work, whether it is a small business or a large business. This bill does that. Is it perfect? No. But it is the right step forward that we need to do, and do today.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, every parent's worst nightmare is to learn that their children's school may be one of the sites of mass violence. Schools should not be a place where our kids have to fear, it should be where they learn, and grow, and follow their dreams. No child should have to be more concerned about their safety than they are about their science project, band concert, or basketball game. That is why last year, I and many others introduced the Securing Our Schools Act in the last Congress, passed it on to the President, and it was signed into law. I was proud that our bipartisan bill passed the House and Senate and was signed into law by the President. The new law creates a Federal grant program for local communities to improve security in their schools. School districts and law enforcement can use these critical funds to purchase life-saving technology, panic alert systems, communications equipment, cameras, door locks, or to better train authorities when incidents of violence might occur. Last year, $33 million in grants were allocated to 103 school districts nationwide, making four million students safer. The application process is now open for grants for the 2021 fiscal year. Please urge local officials, those in your district to visit cops.doj.gov for more information on how to apply for up to $500,000 in grants through the School Violence Prevention Program. Once again, that is cops.doj.gov. The application deadline for this fiscal year is April 8. Please reach out to your community, community leaders, law enforcement, and local school districts. We have advanced safety technology in banks, office buildings, and retail locations. There is no reason we shouldn't have this technology at all of our schools to protect all of our children.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of S. 2107, which will help ensure the safety and security of our agricultural imports. The U.S. agriculture sector is a vitally important component of the American economy. In my district alone, agriculture is responsible for over 30,000 jobs and adds $2 billion to the economy. In China, African swine fever has killed more hogs than the entire U.S. herd combined. We must do everything we can to protect our domestic herds against the same fate. In authorizing more CBP agriculture specialists and K-9 teams at our ports of entry, we can ensure the safety of our livestock while preserving billions of dollars in potential losses to American agriculture. On behalf of thousands of livestock producers in my district, I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this bill.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. The United States Postal Service has a history as old as our Nation. Our Nation's Founders believed that it was so important that they put it in the Constitution and many people back home don't realize that. Of course, you know, that is the most quoted, least read document around here. The rural communities in southern Illinois and across our country depend on the Postal Service. It is often the only means for small businesses to engage in commerce, and for rural residents to receive packages. The Postal Service is facing many challenges, but it is taking several important steps to provide new services mandated by the modern economy. Unfortunately, it can't accomplish these reforms with one hand tied behind its back. The Postal Service is the only entity with this requirement. I doubt that any Federal agency would be able to meet its goals and obligations to citizens and taxpayers if they were likewise required to prefund their health benefits. The underlying legislation helps correct this. It does not impose additional costs on taxpayers, and it will help ensure the Postal Service can continue to serve our communities as it has since our Nation's founding.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank Owen of Carbondale, Illinois upon the celebration of his 100th birthday. Frank has lived an eventful and fruitful life filled with laughs, family, and a commitment to his country and community. Born January 12, 1920, Frank has collected a century's worth of memories, many of which began with his childhood in and around Carbondale. In fact, his family doctor had to trudge through snow on horseback to reach Frank's mother in labor and help deliver the baby. When World War II broke out, Frank selflessly joined in the effort as a member of the U.S. Navy. He is widely regarded as a great storyteller who loves to give back to his friends and neighbors. In years past, Frank has visited numerous local schools to tell students about his experiences during the Great Depression and teach them the lessons he learned along the way. He spent his recent birthday celebrating, drinking and eating with his children and dozens of friends at his local church. I can think of no better way to mark a milestone. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Frank Owen for this great milestone. On behalf of Southern Illinois, happy birthday.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. James Dennis, President of McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois, for dedicating a quarter century to strengthening the school's mission and expanding its national profile. Born in Los Angeles, Dr. Dennis had teaching in his DNA. With both his parents working as teachers, he spent his childhood living on a college campus, where he gained his passion for reading and learning. After receiving a Ph.D. in education and a law degree, Dr. Dennis began his career at the University of Southern California before beginning his tenure at McKendree in 1994. Dr. Dennis has helped transform the local college into a large university with a high percentage of out-of- state and international students. One of Dr. Dennis's most important goals is to create a relationship with every student that he can; he wants them to understand how much he values their success. When he's not focused on administration of university, Dr. Dennis enjoys traveling and spending time with his five grandchildren. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Dr. James Dennis for his commitment to making McKendree University a top destination for young people charting their path for a lifetime of success.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that impeachment should be ``compelling, overwhelming, and bipartisan.'' Let me tell you that, if you come from the State of Illinois, you understand what it is to have an impeachment that is compelling, overwhelming, and bipartisan, and what it looks like. And if you are a Member in this House and you served in Illinois, you know, because your constituents know as well. A decade ago, the Illinois General Assembly impeached Governor Rod Blagojevich. There was clear and convincing evidence of crimes committed by the Governor. I served on that bipartisan impeachment committee to recommend impeachment, and it was recommended by the committee 21-0. After impeachment advanced to the floor, it passed 114-1, and the one that dissented was his sister-in-law. Let me tell you that that was compelling, overwhelming, and bipartisan. What we have that we are dealing with here this week is not a crime, and it is not overwhelming, and it is not compelling, and it sure isn't bipartisan.

Mr. BOST

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

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. As given witness here today, this is simply making sure that our veterans receive the quality care that they expect and should expect and that we should be giving them. There has been a failure in the keeping of records and making sure by our VA that the doctors remain qualified and that the specialists remain qualified in their specialties. What this bill does is it makes sure that our veterans continue to receive quality care and that records are kept. That is why we are joining in a bipartisan manner to move this bill forward. Madam Speaker, I encourage all Members to vote in support of this 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 today in support of H.R. 3530, as amended, the Improving Confidence in Veterans' Care Act. This bill is sponsored by Congressman Michael Cloud from Texas. I thank him for his leadership in introducing this bill to improve the safety and quality of the care that is provided to our Nation's veterans throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs' healthcare system. This bill would make several changes to current VA processes and procedures to improve the credentialing and privileging of the healthcare providers who are treating our veterans. For example, it would require VA to ensure that each VA medical center complies, verifies, reviews, and continuously monitors certain documentation, including licensure and certifications, related to the qualifications and clinical abilities of the VA healthcare professionals. It would also require VA to ensure that each VA medical center reviews concerns relating to quality of care delivered by VA healthcare professionals and, when a concern is verified, that entities like State licensing boards, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the National Practitioner Data Bank are notified in a timely manner so that corrective actions can be taken to ensure patient safety and accountability. In general, VA provides an excellent level of care to the veterans who are enrolled in the VA healthcare system. However, several recent patient safety incidents across this country have called into question the way the VA oversees provider credentialing, monitors the quality of the care that veterans receive, and responds to patient safety concerns. Many of the provisions in this bill are based on recommendations made by the VA inspector general and the Government Accountability Office for improving VA's standard operating procedures in each of these areas. The brave men and women who have served in the Armed Forces deserve to know that the care they are receiving from the VA meets the highest quality and patient safety standards. This bill will help give them that assurance, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cloud), who has taken the lead on this.