Mike Bost

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, today I proudly also recognize the McKendree University women's bowling team for winning the 2017 NCAA Women's Bowling Championship. These young women made history by becoming the first NCAA Division II program to win that championship. The Bearcats' 4-0 triumph was also the first sweep in the 14-year history of the event. I extend a heartfelt congratulations to the team members, coaching staff, school officials, and family and friends on this incredible journey. Southern Illinois is proud of you. Go Bearcats.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, I had the honor of welcoming to Washington, D.C., more than 50 of our Southern Illinois veterans. The visit was put together by the Honor Flight of Southern Illinois, a nonprofit organization that transports veterans to Washington to visit the memorials honoring their service and sacrifice. According to the VA, an estimated 640 World War II veterans leave us each day. It is time to express our thanks, and that time is running short. We owe a debt of gratitude to those heroes and those who serve in defense of freedom and liberty. I will never forget the opportunity to welcome them to this Nation's Capital and thank them for all they have done for this country. Recognizing McKendree University Women's Bowling Team

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a southern Illinois native who flew planes in Southeast Asia more than 75 years ago. This hero finally returned home this week for burial. Second Lieutenant Maax Curtis Hammer, Jr., died when his plane crashed in what was then Burma in 1941. Hammer was part of the Flying Tigers, a group of volunteer pilots who helped the British and Chinese defend against Imperial Japan. His remains returned to Carbondale, Illinois, this week, via dignified transport from Hawaii, where he had been buried for 67 years in a grave marked ``Unknown.'' Maax, it has been a long time. With heavy heart, we welcome you home to southern Illinois, and we thank you for your service.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Wenstrup).

Mr. BOST. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment to H.R. 1367. My simple and straightforward amendment would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a plan to hire permanent directors for each medical center of the VA. It also specifies that the Secretary should prioritize the hiring of directors for locations that have spent the longest amount of time without one. Mr. Chairman, last Congress it was brought to my attention that the VA medical center that many of my constituents utilize had not had a permanent director in almost 3 years. This is simply unacceptable when we have veterans needing quality care and are demanding reform to the current healthcare system. After reaching out to the Department, I came to realize that this is a common problem around the country, which led to my introduction of the amendment. Under the current VA system, the Secretary is allowed to appoint an interim director at facilities, but those individuals can only serve a maximum of 240 days. This is simply far too short a period of time to properly get to know the staff at the centers and the needs of the location, let alone implement new reforms. This commonsense bipartisan amendment is identical to a bill I introduced earlier in this Congress with Members of both parties supporting the legislation. It is also identical to legislation that this body passed last Congress with strong bipartisan support. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, you can learn a lot when you listen. During times like these, when political infighting makes it difficult to hear everyone's voice, we need to try even harder. Today I would like to encourage all of my constituents in the Illinois 12th District to visit bost.house.gov/yourstory to share your personal perspective on the Affordable Care Act. Again, that is bost.house.gov/yourstory. If the law has helped you and your family receive care you needed, I want to hear about it. If the law has put you in a situation where you don't have insurance or have higher premiums, I want to hear about that, too. It is important that we deal with this healthcare issue and reform it so that it works for all people. And for the people of southern Illinois, I want to hear your story.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act. It is unfortunate that under current practices, it doesn't take a doctor or a judge to determine a veteran is unfit to own a firearm. Not a doctor, not a judge; it just takes the assignment of the fiduciary. Mr. Speaker, the women and men took an oath of office to protect and defend our Constitution--the same as we do in our offices to serve our veterans--and to stand in harm's way. Mr. Speaker, this is exactly the opposite of what our legal system should allow. There is no due process. All of a sudden they go to the VA. They are seeking help with maybe other issues that are out there-- because they can't even have a judge or a doctor make that decision, if that is the case--but they do make a decision that they have to have a fiduciary to help them with certain things. It is vitally important that we maintain the due process. This legislation still allows for dangerous individuals to be denied their firearms, but it leaves the determination to someone with the expertise to understand their case. This is a case where bureaucracy has run amok. We have got to stop it. That is what our job here is to do. Our Second Amendment rights are vitally important. Each amendment and those rights under our Constitution are vitally important. And for those men and women who have served to protect those rights, shouldn't we make sure that they are protected with due process. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1181.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a bright young constituent from my district in southern Illinois on winning a scholarship in the VFW Patriot's Pen essay competition. Enacted in 1995, the Patriot's Pen program is designed to foster patriotism by allowing students the opportunity to express their opinion on patriotic themes. This year's theme was ``The America I Believe In.'' Madilyn Gawrych-Turner of Jonesboro Elementary School in Jonesboro, Illinois, was sponsored by the VFW post in Anna, Illinois. I would like to congratulate Madilyn, and I know she will have a very bright future. Also, Madam Speaker, I would like to take just a second, if I may, to wish my wife a happy anniversary for the 37 years that we have been together.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of St. Clair County (West). On March 1, 1917, the Rotary Club of St. Clair County (West) received its first charter with 30 members in attendance, becoming the first Rotary Club activated in Southern Illinois. These members represented real estate agents, bankers, lawyers, lumber and livestock workers, farmers, and many other professions that make up the fabric of Southern Illinois. Since its activation, the Rotary Club has been a support group to countless business owners through the Great Depression, World War II, and beyond. Not only do its members focus on strengthening businesses, but they also focus on enriching the community through charitable work. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, Boys and Girl Scouts of America, and YMCA are only a few of the organizations with which St. Clair County (West) has been instrumental in strengthening Southern Illinois, including creating the Edgemont YMCA facility and a college scholarship program for high school seniors. We are grateful for the contributions that Rotary Clubs around the nation are making on a daily basis. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the St. Clair County (West) Rotary Club.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, the Obama administration anticoal regulation was a solution in search of a problem. It wasn't intended to protect the environment. It was intended to put coal miners out of work. And, sadly, it has been successful in achieving that goal. A study of the rule estimates it would destroy more than one-third of our coal jobs, and that nearly half of all coal resources would effectively be off limits to mining. In addition, the OSM rule has ignored clear congressional directives to share information with the States. If ever there has been a time for Congress to act, this is it. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Scott Graves, who is departing the House Committee on Agriculture. In my time in public office, I quickly realized how truly indispensable good staff is. Scott Graves certainly fits the bill of good staff. Scott most recently served as the staff director of the House Committee on Agriculture, where he developed the strategic vision of the committee and its 45 members. He has worked closely on agriculture policy for his 12 years on the Hill, including the 2008 and 2014 Farm Bills. With Scott's steadfast leadership as staff director, Chairman Conaway and committee members were able to stick to an impressive timeline, passing reauthorization bills for all programs under the committee's jurisdiction last Congress. Scott and Chairman Conaway always made it a priority to fully equip and educate members of the Committee and conference on issues important to American agriculture. On behalf of Southern Illinois producers, I wish Scott the best in his future endeavors

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, our Nation is clearly divided. The division was displayed when a group of students from Marion High School in my district came to Washington for the inauguration weekend. On the way back to their hotel on Saturday night, a group of protesters surrounded their bus, threw projectiles through the windows, and painted the bus. Imagine that. A group of history students coming 13 hours across this great Nation and wanting to participate in the peaceful transfer of power only to be intimidated. Free speech is essential to our democracy. However, acts of violence and intimidation have no place. Now is the time for both parties to move to get past this political division that is going through this country.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. ``The seats of the Senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year, of the second class at the expiration of the fourth year, and of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one-third may be chosen every second year.''

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Private First Class Tyler Iubelt. Tyler was a Tamaroa, Illinois native, a 2015 graduate of Pinckneyville High School. He enjoyed the outdoors, grilling, playing practical jokes on his friends and teachers. He was known as a smart and good-natured kid, and had a great future. He was a son, a husband and, just recently, a father. Last Saturday, he died a hero. Upon graduation, Tyler entered the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. He was transferred to Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan. According to the Pentagon, a Taliban terrorist managed to ignite an IED at the base, killing Tyler, Sergeant John Perry, and two American contractors. Seventeen more were injured. An investigation is ongoing. But our prayers are needed now for Tyler's wife, Shelby, for baby Violet, for his parents, his extended family, and his many friends in southern Illinois. Tyler paid the ultimate sacrifice for this Nation, and, for that, we will always be grateful.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Shuster for helping with the effort on this amendment. The purpose of my amendment is simple. I believe that the Army Corps of Engineers should consider all potential economic benefits of repairing levees following a flood disaster. Right now, the Corps may only consider flood prevention when allocating rehabilitation assistance of levees. This makes no sense. The Corps manages inland waterways for a multitude of purposes. In many cases, Federal and non-Federal levees work together in an integrated system. How can we ignore the benefits of repairing a levee when doing so would improve navigation and other Corps responsibilities along with it? The repair of the Len Small Levee in Alexander County, Illinois, is just one example of our failing to see the forest for the trees. The levee was breached in last winter's floods. Millions have been spent on riprap to maintain navigation on the river. Even more money will be needed to maintain navigation if further flood damage occurs. Despite that fact, the Corps has ignored the navigation benefits and costs of making interim repairs. My amendment helps address this issue, but further reforms to the Corps levee repair program must be made. I hope to work with the chairman and ranking member to address these issues with the programs in future legislation. I encourage a ``yes'' vote on this piece of legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 80th Wedding Anniversary of Sam and Eva Jones of Marion, Illinois. Sam and Eva Jones were married on September 27, 1936. They are lifelong residents of Southern Illinois and have remained active members of their community. The proud parents of two sons and the grandparents of three, Sam and Eva farmed and raised livestock in Williamson County, where Sam served as President of the county fair board. Additionally, Sam worked in mining and for power companies for over 30 years, while Eva worked with local youth in the county school district. Sam and Eva are also recognized for their talent in square dancing, participating in dances at county fairs, community gatherings, and national events for more than 60 years. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing a Happy 80th Wedding Anniversary to Sam and Eva Jones and thank them for their contributions and service to Southern Illinois.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for the following Roll Call votes. I would like to reflect how I would have voted had I been present. Roll Call No. 367, Yea. Roll Call No. 377, Nay. Roll Call No. 378, Yea. Roll Call No. 379, Yea. Roll Call No. 380, Yea. Roll Call No. 381, Yea. Roll Call No. 382, Yea. Roll Call No. 383, Yea. Roll Call No. 384, Yea. Roll Call No. 385, Yea. Roll Call No. 386, Yea. Roll Call No. 387, Yea. Roll Call No. 388, Yea. Roll Call No. 389, Yea. Roll Call No. 390, Yea. Roll Call No. 391, Yea. Roll Call No. 392, Yea. Roll Call No. 393, Yea. Roll Call No. 394, Nay. Roll Call No. 395, Yea. Roll Call No. 396, Yea. Roll Call No. 397, Nay. Roll Call No. 398, Yea.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I was not present to vote on the following roll call votes. On Roll Call 351, I would have voted YEA. On Roll Call 352, I would have voted Yea. On Roll Call 353, I would have voted Yea. On Roll Call 354, I would have voted Yea. On Roll Call 355, I would have voted Yea. On Roll Call 356, I would have voted Yea. On Roll Call 357, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 358, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 359, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 360, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 361, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 362, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 363, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 364, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 365, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 366, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 367, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 368, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 369, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 370, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 371, I would have voted Yea. On Roll Call 372, I would have voted Yea. On Roll Call 373, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 374, I would have voted Nay. On Roll Call 375, I would have voted Yea. On Roll Call 376, I would have voted Yea.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, on roll call No. 339 I was not present. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. BOST. Mr. Chairman, I do stand in opposition, reluctant opposition. I have a tremendous respect for the gentleman from Missouri. I understand what he is trying to do, and that is that if the activation of the Birds Point levee does occur, that it should be built back. But when you read the language, the concern I have is that it would actually stop the activation of the levee in the first place. Understand, when these levees were first built, there were certain key points that were pressure release valves. The Birds Point was one of those. So as it rises, the Army Corps of Engineers has explained through a process of when to go in. And when we say crevasse, we mean we have to actually put explosive charges into the levee to relieve the pressure so that other areas--this is the way the system was built. It was designed by engineers to work this way originally. The concern that we have is not with the fact that it should be built back, because I agree with the gentleman it should be built back. But the way the language actually reads, we are not sure that it would actually stop the Army Corps of Engineers from doing what it is that they are required by law to do, and that is to use that pressure release valve in times of emergency. It is true, we have only had to use it twice since those systems have been put in place. It is a sad thing when it occurs. It floods a tremendous amount of crop land, and because it had not been operated in so long, people had built homes in there. Now, that was unfortunate that they built them in that situation, but we cannot endanger all other areas for putting language like this forward. I am more than willing to work with the gentleman on trying to make sure that this language is correct. We just couldn't be able to do that at this time.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, as a marine and the father of a marine, I understand it takes leadership to win a battle. However, at VA medical centers across this country, we have seen a revolving door of temporary directors that has made it difficult to implement the long-term reforms our heroes deserve. This first came to my attention in my own backyard. Many southern Illinois veterans receive treatment at the VA Medical Center in St. Louis. This facility has struggled to find a permanent director since July 14, 2013. That is 34 months ago. It is a similar story at roughly three dozen other VA hospitals nationwide. Part of the problem is rooted in the fact that the Office of Personnel Management only allows temporary directors to serve a term of 120 to 240 days. How are we ever going to clean up the VA if no one is around long enough to do it? That is why I introduced H.R. 3956, the VA Health Center Management Stability and Improvement Act. My bipartisan legislation, introduced with Congressman Costa, will help close the revolving door at the VA clinics. It requires the VA to report to Congress on any unfilled vacancies and identify roadblocks that may have led to the problem to begin with. It requires the VA to develop a plan of action for hiring highly qualified and permanent directors for each and every opening. It tells the VA to access opportunities for promoting and training high- performing candidates from within the organization. The status quo is unacceptable, as it determines the quality, consistency, and speed of care that our veterans receive. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join The American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled Veterans of America, and other service organizations by supporting this legislation.