Mike Bost

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week. This week means some very special things to me. I know this business firsthand. I was born and raised in the trucking business. My grandfather started a trucking business in 1933. My dad and my uncle moved and grew that business, and I spent my life growing up in that business. I drove my first tractor-trailer across a lot when I was 9 years old. Now, I also first drove my first end-loader through the side of a new garage at about 6, but that is another story. I spent my whole life around the trucking industry. I went off to the Marine Corps, but I came back home and ran the business for 10 years. My brother and my cousin now run it still. It started out as W.J. Bost & Sons, and it is now Bost Trucking. I grew up in it, from washing trucks to I have never had a car license. When I was 16 years old, I got my license as a tractor-trailer license because it was before CDLs. Therefore, I started delivering goods and running and working in the business. I know the business well. It is not an easy job. It is early mornings. It is late nights. It is long stretches far from home and a whole lot of responsibility. That is another reason why we need to make sure that the people who are doing it are well trained, are people who understand our language, who understand what it is to speak that language, and understand, when you are rolling down the road, how to be safe with 80,000 pounds-plus of vehicle. During this National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week, I say a special thank you to the hardworking men and women behind the wheel, but I also want to say a special thank you to their families. Remember, those men and women behind the wheel, they miss a whole lot of baseball games, football games, basketball games, school plays, and Christmas concerts in grade school. They miss those things because they are making sure that those goods and services that we need every day are there when we walk into the grocery store or the auto parts store. Oh, when we go shopping for cars, those cars that are sitting there, and every other good that is in every business that we go into has been on somebody's truck, moving from point A to point B. They are sacrificing their time. Yes, they get paid, but some of those things they give up can't be gotten back, like time with their families. We do want to say thank you to them for every mile they drive. Thank you for supplying all of these store shelves and growing our economy, and thank you for keeping America moving every single day.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my fellow House co- chairs--Representative Fitzpatrick, Representative Hoyer, Representative Larson--and the entire Congressional Fire Services Caucus to recognize the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. On that tragic morning, nearly 3,000 innocent lives--including 343 members of the fire and emergency services--were taken in acts of terrorism that shook our country to its core. As co-chairs of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, we stand today, 25 years later, to remember every individual loss, every family forever changed by unimaginable tragedy, and every community that continues to carry the weight of that day. As we reflect on the events of September 11th, we pay special tribute to America's first responders. In a time of fear, confusion, and turmoil, members of the fire and emergency services rushed toward danger with unwavering resolve. They did not hesitate. They answered the call knowing the risks, guided by a profound commitment to protecting lives. On 9/11, hundreds of firefighters and EMS providers made the ultimate sacrifice while carrying out their duty. Their courage became a defining symbol of American heroism, reminding us that the measure of service is found not in words, but in selfless action. The courage displayed by these first responders inspired millions and reminded us that hope is strongest when we stand together. In those moments of profound uncertainty, neighbors helped neighbors, communities rallied together, and Americans from every walk of life stood united in compassion and resilience. We also honor the thousands of first responders who labored tirelessly in the days, weeks, and months that followed. Amid smoke, debris, and uncertainty, they searched for survivors, recovered the fallen, comforted grieving families, and helped a wounded Nation begin the long process of healing. Many have since faced life-threatening illnesses and chronic health conditions resulting from their service. Their sacrifices did not end when the recovery efforts concluded, and our Nation's obligation to care for them remains as enduring as their commitment to us. In the years since September 11th, that obligation has taken many forms. The Congressional Fire Services Caucus has worked to ensure that the needs of America's first responders remain a priority in Washington, D.C.--advocating for the resources, protections, benefits, and support they need to serve their communities and return home safely. The work of the Fire Services Caucus reflects a responsibility that extends far beyond any single anniversary: to understand the needs and challenges of our local fire and EMS personnel, to stand with those who stand ready to protect us, and to ensure that our Nation does not forget the sacrifices made every day in service to others. Across our cities, towns, and rural communities, first responders answer emergency calls regardless of what awaits them at the scene. They respond to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, natural disasters, and much more with the same dedication and sense of duty that defined those who responded on September 11th. The work of the fire and emergency services is indispensable to the safety and well-being of every American. To the younger generations who know September 11th only through history, we must preserve not only the memory of that day, but also the guiding example set by those who responded, The legacy of September 11th is one of courage over fear, service over self, and unity over division. Today, we honor the individuals whose lives were cut short, the families who continue to bear their loss, and the first responders whose bravely became a lasting testament to the best of America. May we never forget their sacrifice. May we continue to support those who wear the uniform of the fire and emergency services. And may we strive each day to keep building a Nation worthy of the courage they displayed on one of our country's darkest days.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Martin Joseph ``Joe'' O'Rourke in celebration of his milestone 100th birthday and his years of dedicated service to his country. Joe was born July 21, 1926, in Marshall, Illinois. As the son of a World War I veteran, when Joe's time for service came, he readily answered the call. He enlisted on May 17, 1945, as a private in the United States Army during World War II. Joe achieved the rank of Technician Fourth Grade and was assigned to the 977th Signal Service Battalion. He was stationed in Italy and Iran, where he helped maintain strategic military communication systems and critical infrastructure. Joe was honorably discharged and awarded the Victory Medal and the Overseas Service Bar, before retuming home to Marshall. Joe married the love of his life, Inez Louise Remlinger, and with her support, went back to school and earned his GED. He and Inez would raise five sons: Bob, Tom, John, Gary, and Brian. God blessed the couple with 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating Martin Joseph ``Joe'' O'Rourke, a World War II veteran and devoted family man, for 100 years well lived.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication of retired Command Sergeant Major David Keen to his hometown of Mt. Vernon, Illinois. CSM Keen has served his country and community through his actions as a soldier, father, mentor, and leader. CSM Keen served 24 years in the U.S. Army. Keen was stationed in Germany with the 3rd Armored Division. When he returned home, he decided to continue his military career by enlisting in the Illinois National Guard as a noncommissioned officer achieving the rank of Commanding Sergeant Major of the 3rd Battalion, 129th regiment. CSM Keen would become a leader within his community serving as Mayor of Mt. Vernon. He actively supports fellow veterans through programs such as: Jefferson County Operation Iraqi Freedom, Veterans Roof Program, and serving as a Veterans Memorial Committee chairman in the Mt. Vernon Park. CSM Keen's leadership through service would expand to chairing the Jefferson County Senior Saints for more than 20 years. In CSM Keen's local church, the Mt. Vernon Baptist Temple, he serves as a deacon and a loyal member of the church for 45 years. CSM Keen's community leadership would lead him to volunteer with the Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Mentors 4 Kids programs. CSM Keen would change the course of several young people's lives, providing them with the building blocks to become community leaders. CSM Keen has been a devoted husband of 50 years to his wife Joanne. He is the father of two daughters Michelle and Amy, and grandfather to his four grandchildren. CSM Keen is also a devoted son, as he still cares for and spends time with his 96-year-old mother daily. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing retired Command Sergeant Major David Keen on the dedication and selfless service he has provided to his family, local community, and Nation. I believe he is a perfect example of what serving our communities should look like. I look forward to his achievements to come.

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Caleb Paul Clover of the Anna Illinois Police Department for his act of selfless heroism in the line of duty. On July 3, 2026, Sergeant Clover was on his way to work at the Anna Police Department when he came upon a head-on collision. As Sergeant Clover approached the wreck, he realized that one of the vehicles was rolled onto its driver's side and was on fire with two passengers, a mother and daughter, still inside. Without a second thought, Sergeant Clover jumped into action, climbing onto the burning car to open the passenger door. The door, however, was stuck due to the accident. With flames climbing the vehicle Sergeant Clover went for the sunroof, shattering it. He proceeded to climb into the vehicle to cut the seat belts of both passengers. After he removed the first passenger, he realized that the driver was stuck. With the help of a Good Samaritan, they were able to pull the driver from the vehicle as the fire consumed it. Thankfully, because of Sergeant Clover's quick thinking and courage, he saved the lives of both passengers. He was sent to the hospital after his act of heroism, suffering from cuts and burns sustained from pulling the victims to safety. The City of Anna will recognize Sergeant Clover for his selfless courage by putting himself in harm's way to save others. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Sergeant Caleb Paul Clover for his act of heroism and courage in the face of danger to save lives.

Mr. BOST

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

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. I will respond to a few claims that the veterans do not want this package. It is just not true. The ranking member can disagree on the bill. He can disagree on the offset. He can argue that they would have written the package differently, but I do not think it is accurate to suggest the veterans' community, as a whole, is somehow united against this legislative package. The package has support from a wide range of organizations, including The American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Mission Roll Call, Wounded Warrior Project, Military Officers Association of America, AMVETS, Concerned Veterans for America, Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors, Gold Star Spouses of America, the Veterans Survivor Coalition, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans Justice Alliance, the National Association of State Approving Agencies, the ALS Association, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Air Force Sergeants Association, American Optometric Association, Avalon Action Alliance, Career Education Colleges and Universities, Commissioned Officers Association of the USPHS, K9s for Warriors, Korean War Veterans Association, Military Chaplains Association, National Defense Committee, National Military Family Association, USCG Chief Petty Officers Association, Americans for Prosperity, National Federal Development Association, National Taxpayers Union, and the Association of Mature American Citizens. Those organizations represent veterans, survivors, Gold Star families, wounded veterans, military families, advocates, and professionals who work directly with the people this bill would help. When the ranking member claims that veterans do not want this package, that ignores millions of voices in the veterans' community who are asking Congress to act. This bill includes longstanding priorities for veterans and, importantly, it does so in a way that is paid for and capable of actually moving from here to the Senate and to the President's desk. At some point, we have to decide whether we are going to keep talking about these promises or actually move a package that can become law. I believe that this package is a serious, responsible step forward, and I reject the idea that veterans do not want this Congress to act on this bill. Also, whether they want to admit it or not, the problem with most of these organizations that were in opposition is because they didn't want the offset. That offset, as I have told you this morning, as the VA has said exactly what we said, they are going to implement it. The question for my colleagues is very simple: Do they want to use their Article I power to make decisions, as we should in Congress, to direct that money to our veterans and where they need it? We have sat and looked at these over and over again. We have also passed some of these bills and sent them over to the Senate to die because they don't have an offset. This isn't an easy game, and it is not a game. If you don't believe this marine is serious about helping veterans--and I am telling you I took a lot of crap this week--I can tell you this: I will stand and always stand for my veterans. I am the son of a veteran. I am the grandson of a veteran. I am the nephew of a veteran. I am the father of a veteran, and I am the grandfather of two of them. Mr. Speaker, I have heard a lot this week. I am going to tell you, we have worked hard and did the best we can to put the best bill forward. It is the best bill that has been around in decades. Do we want the bureaucrats to make the decision and not support those areas where we are trying to help our veterans? You can love it. You can hate it, but I am telling you, this is the best thing we can do for veterans right now. I would encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am ready to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the Northern Mariana Islands (Ms. King-Hinds), my good friend.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1423, I call up the bill (H.R. 9237) to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, and other Federal laws, to improve benefits for veterans and the administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on H.R. 9237.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America's Veterans Act. As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, for me, this bill is personal. When a young man or woman raises their right hand and agrees to serve this country, America makes a promise. That promise does not end when a servicemember is wounded. It is my goal--and the goal of my friend, Senator Jerry Moran--to deliver on that promise. This bill would be one of the most comprehensive veteran packages considered by Congress in a decade. This bill includes more than 60 bipartisan provisions that would improve healthcare, benefits, operations, and accountability across the VA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell you more about some of those important provisions. One is the Major Richard Star Act. For decades, medically retired, combat-injured veterans have had their military retirement offset dollar-for-dollar by their VA disability. While some disabled veterans who served 20 years receive both, there are tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans who currently do not. Many combat- injured veterans would have served longer if their injuries had not taken that opportunity from them. H.R. 9237 would help end that injustice. It would end that offset for combat-injured veterans, allowing them to receive both benefits up to what a 20-year retiree with the same disabilities would receive. Members on both sides of the aisle and veterans service organizations support this and have for years. A press release, a handshake, or a discharge petition does not end the wounded warrior tax. This bill will. The Love Lives On Act is another important provision included in this bill. Currently, surviving spouses lose their benefits if they remarry before age 55, but those benefits were earned by their spouse's sacrifice for this country. The Love Lives On Act would allow surviving spouses to remarry at any age. Another important provision in this bill is the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act. This bill would provide long-awaited increases to catastrophically disabled veterans and surviving spouses. Eric was 25 years old when an IED left him with a fractured spine and a traumatic brain injury. H.R. 9237 would increase benefits for catastrophically disabled veterans like Eric by $10,000 a year. It would also increase benefits for surviving spouses. These American families have not seen a meaningful increase in decades. Mr. Speaker, this bill also includes the Veterans' ACCESS Act. Veterans should be able to access healthcare in their own communities. Too many veterans still face delays, confusion, and barriers when trying to use VA community care. This bill would also improve mental health care and community-based suicide prevention. A veteran's healthcare should be driven by the veteran's needs, not by government control. H.R. 9237 would improve education benefits and vocational training to help veterans transition into civilian life. It would modernize the VA's claims and appeals process so veterans have a system that works for them. It would streamline the way VA handles construction, leasing, contracting, IT, and finances. The Take Care of America's Veterans Act would expand benefits and push VA to do better. Mr. Speaker, I also want to address how this bill is funded, as I have heard a lot of misinformation about this point. H.R. 9237 would codify VA's own pending regulation on how to evaluate sleep apnea and tinnitus' effect on a veteran's workplace earnings. This regulation was proposed by the Biden-era VA in 2022, created by VA's team of doctors and researchers. It was part of VA's efforts to modernize its disability rating schedule created in the 1940s. President Biden's Under Secretary for Benefits, Josh Jacobs, testified in favor of these changes at his confirmation hearing. Earlier this year, VA's executive director of compensation confirmed plans to finalize these changes this year. These are not new ideas, and there is nothing unprecedented about this. This bill would not eliminate disability ratings for sleep apnea or tinnitus. It would not automatically reduce any veteran's current disability rating. Future veterans with sleep apnea will still get treatment through VA healthcare, but if a CPAP eliminates your symptoms, VA would compensate you less. Currently, the amount of compensation for sleep apnea is often more than the amount that a veteran receives if they lose a limb. This change is just common sense. It is why VA has worked hard to propose changes like these, which reflect modern medicine. For tinnitus, VA has found it is best understood as a symptom of another condition such as hearing loss or TBI. Under the proposed change, tinnitus would still be rated as part of another underlying condition. This is not about denying these conditions exist. Let's be clear. This is not cutting benefits. No one will lose their benefits who are receiving them. It is about making sure the VA rating schedule follows modern science and using those savings to fund the expansion of benefits and other VA programs. Mr. Speaker, if we don't pass H.R. 9237 today, VA can make these rating changes as planned but the savings would go back to one place: Big Government. I want those savings to go instead into the pockets and the benefits for millions of veterans and their families. Mr. Speaker, as a United States Marine Corps veteran, you can bet your bottom dollar that I believe that this bill would not harm a single veteran, and I would not bring it forward to this floor if I thought it would. Veterans do not need a bill that makes Members feel good for a day and then dies in the Senate. They need legislation that can pass. Mr. Speaker, veterans groups agree. I include in the Record a letter from 20 different veterans organizations in support of this legislation. Richard Star Act would be funded through the defense authorizing committees and fu11y end the unjust wounded veteran tax on combat-injured warriors. Pay-as-you-go rules would be waived for these earned benefits. There would be complete clarity from the Administration and VA about whether long-anticipated VASRD changes will proceed independently of this bill. Unfortunately, the current environment is far from ideal, and veterans, families, survivors, and caregivers have already waited years across multiple Congresses and administrations for action on provisions that maintain strong bipartisan support. The Administration must also provide immediate clarity on whether these rating-schedule changes are intended to proceed independently of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act through VA regulation, White House direction, or other administrative action. That clarity is essential because the bill's financing rests on assumptions that remain unresolved. If similar VASRD changes are implemented outside this legislation, the resulting savings could revert to the Treasury rather than be reinvested in veterans, families, survivors, and caregivers. Given that reality, we believe the practical question before Congress is whether this process should continue so these resources can be reinvested in veterans, caregivers, families, and survivors, or whether the opportunity to enact this package is lost while unresolved funding questions remain. We support advancing the Take Care of America's Veterans Act because the bill represents a net expansion of benefits and support for the veteran community and contains protections intended to prevent reductions for current beneficiaries. The goodness and positive impact of this package should not be lost in the debate over its financing. As Congress continues its consideration of this legislation, we urge Members to preserve and strengthen key protections: no retroactive harm to veterans currently receiving compensation; prospective application only to future claims or future requests for increased ratings; full transparency from VA, the White House, and the Administration regarding any independent regulatory or policy action; and a final package that ensures expanded benefits are delivered responsibly and effectively. We are committed to working with Congress, VA, the Administration, coalition partners, and the broader veteran community to improve the pay-for, identify any credible alternative path forward, and secure the strongest possible outcome. This moment presents a clear test of whether Congress can translate long-standing bipartisan agreement into meaningful action. We support the Take Care of America's Veterans Act so the process can continue and so Congress can deliver lasting results for veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. We urge swift action to advance this legislation and stand ready to work with lawmakers in both chambers to honor our commitments to all who have served. Sincerely, The American Legion, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Wounded Warrior Project, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), American Veterans (AMVETS), Air Force Sergeants Association, American Optometric Association, Avalon Action Alliance, Commissioned Officers Association of the USPHS (COA). Gold Star Spouses of America, K9s For Warriors, Korean War Veterans Association, Military Chaplains Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), Mission Roll Call, National Defense Committee, National Military Family Association (NMFA), USCG Chief Petty Officers Association (CPOA), Vietnam Veterans of America.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, veterans groups from The American Legion to the Wounded Warrior Project support this bill. Survivor groups like the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors support this bill. Caregiver organizations, like the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, support this bill. They all want this bill to pass. Chairman Moran and I have worked for months to try to enact a law that will help the greatest number of veterans. I believe we have offered that kind of package today. I want to take a moment to share what we have heard directly from veterans. Mission Roll Call, a national nonpartisan organization dedicated to serving veterans and their families, recently conducted a survey on my bill. They found 71 percent of veterans support the bill. I think that is a clear choice. Mr. Speaker, as our Nation observes its 250th birthday, H.R. 9237 asks a simple question: Do we have veterans' backs? Do we have the backs of fellow Americans who raise their right hand to serve in defense of this great country, the Gold Star families who carry the cost of their loved one's sacrifice, or caregivers who every single day care for a disabled veteran family member? For me, the answer will always be ``yes,'' both during service and after. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the ranking member knows VA has an obligation to update disability conditions based on the latest science and medicine. In his opening, he said that I am not a doctor. He is right. I am a marine. I am a truck driver, and somehow I have been blessed to serve our veterans as the chairman of the committee. He is not a doctor either. Likewise, he has been blessed by his community to be here, but what I do want to say is, for the record, the proposed changes for sleep apnea and tinnitus aren't developed by Congress. They were developed by VA physicians. They are doctors--medical experts, doctors--and researchers under the Biden administration as part of the ongoing disability rating modernization efforts. In testimony before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee in January 2026, VA officials stated that the Department intended to continue moving forward with respiratory ear-body system, rulemaking, and anticipated completing those efforts by the end of year 2026. That testimony was not given by career staff acting alone. In fact, just this morning, VA officials confirmed that they are planning to move forward with the proposed rule on sleep apnea and tinnitus. The testimony represents the official position of the Department at the time it was delivered to Congress. The question before us is not whether Congress created these proposed changes. We did not. VA's announcement makes their intention clear. This is moving forward regardless, but Ranking Member Takano would rather play politics. The question is whether the savings associated with the proposed deployment and changes by the VA should remain in their control and the bureaucrats' control, or do we make it through our Article I power to reinvest into our veterans and their families. H.R. 9237 chooses veterans. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to look at the testimony of Josh Jacobs, Biden Under Secretary for Benefits, and Nina Tann, President Trump's Executive Director of the Compensation Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Taylor), a good friend.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I don't think that the ranking member is caught up on current events. Just recently, just to confirm what we already knew, the VA officials confirmed that they are moving ahead with the changes on tinnitus, sleep apnea, and disability benefits. VA has made no move to withdraw the sleep apnea and/or those from the changes that will then save the money that then the bureaucrats will control. So as we are moving forward--I mean, the ranking member can keep saying things that aren't true, or he can admit this is an issue, and that is where we are coming up with the revenue. That being said, let me tell you the next person I want to yield time to has worked on the Major Richard Star Act for years, as did his father before him. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), the Representative from Florida's 12th District.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. BOST. We have heard from the opening statement that came out of the VA, from the leadership at VA--

Mr. BOST.--and that was sent out this morning under the approval of the Secretary.

Mr. BOST. That is exactly the position of the VA and their administration. That was said this morning. It was sent out this morning. It is now being reported in the news.

Mr. BOST. You can reclaim your time, but you asked the question.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barrett), my good friend from the Seventh District.

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

Mr. BOST

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6007) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, as the ``Anthony `Tony' J. Gallopo VA Clinic''.

Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 6007.