Jack Bergman

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I am honored to lead this Special Order today to discuss post-traumatic growth. I repeat: Post-traumatic growth. June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, and today, June 27, is National PTSD Awareness Day. Post-traumatic stress is a serious condition that impacts far too many members of the communities that we love and serve and especially among those who have served in uniform. Raising awareness of PTSD has helped in our efforts to reduce stigma, recognize the struggles faced by many, and encourage those in need to seek help. However, it is also critical that we balance the story we tell about times of struggle and trauma. For far too long, society has focused exclusively on the negative impacts of trauma and struggle and pushed a narrative dominated by ideas of dysfunction, disorder, and diagnosis. This language can feel debilitating, a label far too heavy to carry. The result is we are left feeling permanently diminished and damaged and victims of the worst experiences of our lives. It is time to change the conversation, to shine a light on the possibility of growth in the aftermath of trauma and how struggle can be a catalyst, a positive catalyst, for profound growth and transformation. Last year, in partnership with the Boulder Crest Foundation, I introduced H. Res. 496, a resolution to proclaim June 13 as National Post-Traumatic Growth Day. This June 13, Boulder Crest launched the Choose Growth initiative, focused on proliferating the notion of post- traumatic growth, or PTG, across our country. This initiative is intentionally brand and organization agnostic. The objective is to spread the word of growth, possibility, and hope to every corner of our country. Through the Choose Growth community, we will increase support and awareness of the possibility of growth in the aftermath of trauma. We will encourage individuals to share their stories of turning their personal struggles into strength and positivity. The initiative aims to foster a supportive community that embraces growth as part of the healing process. We must ensure that all of those who struggle, no matter who they are, and those who love and care for them, realize that how things are isn't how they have to be, and that growth and strength are possible in the aftermath of trauma. There is much more for us to do here in Washington and around the country in support of those who have experienced trauma. We hope you all will join us in raising awareness of post-traumatic growth as we continue these efforts. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon), a fellow classmate from the 115th Congress and fellow General officer.

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank General Bacon for his words. One of the first steps to healing is to be able to share stories. When you think about previous times of conflict in our country, the ability to de-stress was a lot simpler than it is now. I will deal with that here in a couple of minutes. The topic of post-traumatic growth is an opportune time to discuss the promise of psychedelic-assisted therapies to treat mental health disorders like PTSD. Just a couple weeks ago, I spoke here on this floor in support of two amendments that I had led with my friend Congressman Lou Correa of California in support of psychedelic-assisted therapies at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Both amendments were passed unanimously by this Chamber. Psychedelic-assisted therapies have the potential to be the first genuine advancement in the treatment of veterans' mental health in decades. It is a true breakthrough therapy potential. Unfortunately, just recently, the FDA's drug advisory committee recently voted against recommending approval of MDMA-assisted therapy to treat PTSD. Many of us in Congress, and especially among those of us who have served in uniform, were deeply disappointed and frustrated by this, what I believe and what we believe to be, shortsighted decision. The advisory panel chose to ignore the voices of veterans whose lives have been forever improved by MDMA-assisted therapy in favor of those who have been on a mission to discredit--and I repeat discredit--this promising treatment at all costs. That is shameful. We can accept a ``no,'' but it should be for the betterment of the greater good, in this case, of helping veterans and those who need different kinds of help. It should not be a shortsighted and potentially uninformed bureaucratic decision. I have had the opportunity to personally meet with many of the researchers involved in this study and the veterans whose lives have been forever changed by these therapies in such a positive way. That experience made the potential of this treatment clear to me, and many of the veterans told me that they would not be alive today were it not for this therapy. I am confident that this will be a speed bump in our overall efforts to truly heal the invisible wounds like PTSD that millions of Americans face today. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller- Meeks), who is another fellow leader in uniform and an esteemed member from the Iowa delegation.

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, in closing, I am extremely grateful for all of my colleagues who have spoken here today and shared their stories and also celebrated the people who have gone through tough times, whether it be, if you will, something as simple as weather related, but, more importantly, the stresses related to life. We are the greatest nation in the world because we treat people right, and we expect the same in return. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to raise awareness of post- traumatic growth, and I want to repeat that: post-traumatic growth, a positive way forward and not a negative ending. It is my sincere hope that those of us in Congress and Americans across our country can work to help those who have experienced trauma, that they can find growth, purpose, and connection. I say as a veteran and a marine: Our veterans never quit on us. We will never quit on them. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mackinaw Trail Winery and Brewery on 20 years of business and service to the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan. Founded in 2004, the esteemed business is owned and operated by Ralph and Laurie Stabile, fulfilling Ralph's lifelong dream of owning a winery. In 2010, their son Dustin took over the operations of the production facility, continuing the family tradition of producing excellent wines for patrons all across the UP and state of Michigan. Mackinaw Trails is rapidly expanding and is one of the best wineries in Michigan, with a brand new, state of the art facility that was recently built in Petoskey, Michigan. The winery has been critically acclaimed as one of the finest in the entire state and has even been referred to as the ``North Star'' of the Michigan wine industry. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mackinaw Trail Winery and Brewery on 20 years of business and service to the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan. Their excellence and hard work has been a boom for the local economy and a staple of the community, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Senator George Alvin McManus, Jr., who served the great State of Michigan in many capacities throughout his long and well-lived life. Born on the Murray Farm of Old Mission Peninsula, George was very familiar with hard work and the Michigan way of life. A devout man of God, George proved to have a humble servant's heart as well as a vibrant sense of humor. I am sure it was those qualities that sustained his incredible 70-year marriage to his wife, Clara. Though George boasted many accolades in his lifetime, perhaps his most important achievements were his 9 children, 23 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. In 1990, George was elected to the Michigan State Senate, where he served until 2002. George was a wealth of advice, especially when it came to agriculture. He was an instrumental voice in northern Michigan and our entire State. George McManus was an important part of the fabric of his community and will be dearly missed. May God bless George's family and his loved ones in their time of grief.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the topic of this Special Order.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, June 14, 2017, was a dark stain on America's history. There are several of us in this room today who would not be here for two reasons. Number one, and first and foremost, by the grace of God, and number two, by the fact that then-Majority Whip Steve Scalise showed up for practice that morning. Without his security detail, none of us would be here. The deranged gunman that took, for whatever reason, revenge upon the Republicans on the baseball field that morning sought to give no mercy, just to create havoc. We know that we are better than the behavior that we saw that day. The bond that brought us all together, especially that day on the baseball field, spread, I believe, throughout the country to bring people together at a time when we needed it. We continue to need it. When I mention now-Leader Scalise coming that day, he is only here because of the actions of one of our Members, and that man is Representative Brad Wenstrup, combat surgeon, dedicated soldier, and ready for the task at hand. As I personally witnessed Brad tending to Representative Scalise on the field, it was truly Brad's readiness and professionalism that enabled the life flight to occur and Scalise to successfully make it to the hospital. I commend Colonel Wenstrup for what he did and the calm with which he did it. It is the calm, not the excitement, that drives us to the positive results. I cannot thank him enough, as a personal friend, for what he has done for the community as a whole to show what good behavior really means in the face of extreme adversity. I am honored to be among my colleagues here tonight. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. I thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership in bringing this critical piece of bipartisan legislation for our national security of our Nation to the floor for the 64th consecutive year. This bill continues to provide resources and capabilities to counter our Nation's number one threat: China. The Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee portions of the bill accomplish this by ensuring the Defense Intelligence Enterprise, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, and our Special Operations Forces have the tools required to execute the Department's efforts in strategic competition and in countering malign Chinese actions. There is more work to be done, though. This bill is far from perfect and requires compromises from both sides, but it is an overwhelmingly bipartisan bill that supports our servicemembers and their families by including the recommendations of the Quality of Life Panel to include a 19.5 percent pay raise for our junior enlisted and a 4.5 percent pay raise for all other servicemembers. More importantly, it provides our servicemembers with the resources to accomplish the task our Nation asks of them. This is a critically important bill and essential to our national security, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. BERGMAN

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

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Chairman, last year, the gentleman from California (Mr. Correa), my close friend and colleague, and I offered an amendment urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a large-scale study into psychedelic-assisted therapies to treat PTSD. I am happy to say that amendment was approved unanimously. It was 6 months after this show of congressional support that the Veterans Administration announced that it would be funding significant research into psychedelic therapies for the first time in more than four decades. While it is extremely promising that these treatments are coming, with FDA final approval expected sometime in August, one of the largest barriers to the initial implementation and future success is the availability of qualified and well-trained mental health professionals within VA. Psychedelic-assisted therapies generally involve multiple therapists at a time and several multi-hour sessions to complete. My amendment is simple. It expresses support for the recently announced VA-led research and encourages VA to prioritize the proactive training of therapists to successfully administer these new therapies. As we saw last year, demonstrating clear congressional approval for these innovative efforts can motivate real action within the Federal bureaucracy. We owe it to our veterans to do everything we can in support of these breakthrough therapies. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Correa).

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Chair, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Chairman, psychedelic-assisted therapies have the potential to be the first genuine advancement in the treatment of veterans' mental health in decades. It is essential that the VA continue their efforts to research these compounds and do everything they can to ensure that they have trained therapists and that those trained therapists are ready to meet the need to provide these new breakthrough treatments once they receive FDA approval. Mr. Chair, again, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Chair, this amendment would urge the Veterans Administration to make a decision on incorporating MDMA-assisted therapy into their formulary within 180 days of FDA approval. This is based on legislation by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden), which the Committee on Veterans' Affairs approved last month. As we speak, the FDA's Scientific Advisory Committee is meeting to evaluate the phase 3 studies into this therapy, and full approval will likely come in early August. I have had the opportunity to personally meet with many of the researchers involved in this study and the veterans whose lives have been forever changed by these therapies. That experience made the potential of this treatment clear to me, and many of the veterans told me that they would not be alive today if it were not for this therapy. Any bureaucratic red tape that delays potential formulary inclusion could cost the lives of veterans currently suffering from PTSD. This amendment does not push VA to make a decision one way or another. It merely calls for them to act quickly in making a formulary decision. Mr. Chair, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Correa).

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Chairman, I close by expressing my disappointment and frustration with the language that was included--or rather was not included in the committee's report accompanying this bill. Despite strong support for useful and proactive language related to psychedelic therapies, including from members within the Appropriations Committee, the report only includes an indirect reference and encourages VA to monitor the results of privately funded research. It does not recognize the fact that VA is already pursuing their own research, and it takes no steps to prepare the VA for FDA approval, which may come in a couple of months. Those who risk their lives in defense of our country deserve happy and fulfilling lives, and we have the responsibility to ensure that the VA is ready and able to assist them in this endeavor. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Gerrish Township Chief of Police, Brian A. Hill, for his forty-two years of service in law enforcement and wish him the best in his much-deserved retirement. Chief Brian Hill attended Kirtland Community College from 1980 to 1982 where he earned an Associate's Degree in the Applied Science of Police Administration. Upon graduation from college in May of 1982, Chief Hill was hired by the Gerrish Township Police Department as a Road Patrol Officer. His contribution to the Gerrish Township Police Department has led him to receive 7 Departmental Commendations/Citations for excellent investigative work as well as a Life-Saving Award for the use of a Department Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to save a heart attack victim. For his unwavering courage and work ethic, Chief Hill received a promotion to Sergeant in 1994. As a Sergeant in 2004, he was appointed to serve as Co-Chair of the Roscommon County COOR Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Chief Hill was then promoted from Sergeant to the office of Chief of Police on September 9, 2006. For his exemplary leadership and service, Chief Hill was awarded the ``Crime Fighter Award'' in 2013 by the Fight Crime, Invest in Kids, Michigan organization for his role in fighting for Early Child Education appropriations from both Washington D.C. and our State Capital. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Gerrish Township Police Chief, Brian A. Hill, for his four-plus decades of service and wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Director of Cheboygan County Veterans Services, Sara Cunningham. Sara's role in assisting Veterans and their families in obtaining county, state, and federal benefits to which they are entitled has been monumental for our servicemembers and their loved ones. Sara served the country in the United States Coast Guard from 1999 to 2004. She was stationed in Texas and New Jersey during her five years of military service. She came to the Cheboygan area when her husband was transferred to the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw in 2014. She has worked in the Cheboygan County Veterans Services Office since December 2015 and also serves as the treasurer and secretary for the Veterans Memorial Park Committee. In April 2022, Sara was recognized as the Hometown Hero of the Year by the Cheboygan County Veterans Subcommittee for everything she has done for local veterans. She was the first person to receive this honor for her exemplary work and humble service. Sara has also been the recipient of numerous statements of support and heartfelt appreciation from multiple Veterans and their families for the sacrifices she makes every day to serve those heroes. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Director of Cheboygan County Veterans Services, Sara Cunningham for all her hard work and efforts on behalf of Veterans. Sara is an outstanding example of the ripple effect of positivity that one individual can start for a community and a grateful Nation and I wish her the best in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 60th reunion of the West Branch High School Class of 1964 and honor the 134th anniversary of the West Branch High School Alumni Association. Sixty years ago, the West Branch High School Class of 1964 graduated with 88 students who went on to lead by example through their knowledge, skills, sacrifices, and perseverance. Our community takes immense pride in the West branch class of '64, as we salute and pay tribute to the military Veterans for their brave and honorable service to our Nation. During the Vietnam era and beyond, 50 percent of the male graduates from the class of '64 went on to serve in the United States military. Accomplishments shared by the West Branch High School Class of 1964 attest to the lasting, positive impact that educators made on their lives and to the strength of friendships that have endured for decades, leaving a legacy that Michiganders across the 1st District can be proud of. I also recognize the West Branch High School Alumni Association on the occasion of its 134th anniversary, underscoring the dedicated leadership and significant efforts that have been made to keep the Alumni Association active and vital, long after the school closed 55 years ago. I'm confident that the legacy of the school will continue to live on through ``The Orioles Forever West Branch High School Alumni Endowment Fund,'' established in 2006 to perpetually provide scholarships to graduating seniors from the West Branch--Rose City Schools who are continuing their education. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize and celebrate the 60th reunion of the West Branch High School Class of 1964, as well as the 134th anniversary of the West Branch High School Alumni Association. I wish everyone the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ross Freeman for his historic contributions to the Scientific and Technological communities One of the UP's very own, Mr. Freeman grew up on a farm near Engadine. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1969 and received his master's degree from the University of Illinois in 1971. Mr. Freeman invented the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a computer chip which revolutionized programming as we know it. The FPGA created what came to be known as ``open gates,'' which allowed engineers brand new reprogramming capabilities to adapt to changing standards and specifications and make last second changes to designs. Mr. Freeman further revolutionized the tech industry with his unique hypotheses and worked to make those customizable chips affordable for everyone. His incredible life was unfortunately cut short at the age of 41, not long after his vision for the future began taking shape. However, his contributions to society are immense and will be remembered by proud Yoopers all across our great state. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ross Freeman for his contributions to both the Scientific Community and our Nation as a whole.

Mr. BERGMAN

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

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from northern Minnesota for yielding. We share a lot of commonalities, and one is our love of the outdoors and of our national treasures. Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor today of H.R. 3195, the Superior National Forest Restoration Act. For those of us in the North Woods of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, mining is a core part of our history, economies, and way of life. From the long heritage of copper country in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the millions of tons of iron ore that come from Minnesota each year, it is a treasure. The abundant resources in our region are now more important than ever with sources of nickel, cobalt, titanium, and now even helium being discovered and poised to play a huge role in the growth of renewable energy technologies and mineral independence. At the same time, those of us in the Great Lakes region are fiercely protective of our forests, waters, and wilderness, which is why I am a proud supporter of programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. It is the job of the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service to properly balance responsible resource extraction with the protection of our natural treasures. Instead of balance, the Biden administration pushed a 20-year ban on mining on more than 200,000 acres of land entirely outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This decision ignored a very simple truth: Environmental conservation and utilization of our natural resources are not mutually exclusive. Projects should be approved or disapproved based on their individual merits and risks after proper environmental reviews are completed, not just banned wholesale. This abrupt cancellation also goes directly against the Biden administration's efforts to secure domestic supply lines for critical minerals that go into solar panels, batteries, and other renewable energy infrastructure. The United States cannot lead the world in clean energy while at the same time being reliant on the minerals produced by countries with absolutely no regard for environmental standards like China and Russia. This reliance on foreign adversaries for our domestic mineral manufacturing and energy supply lines also poses significant risk to our national security. We are blessed to have abundant natural resources within our borders, and we have the responsibility to protect the environment while we secure America's mineral and energy independence into the future. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge all of my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 112.

Mr. BERGMAN

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

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Chairman, I am here today to offer my amendment to H.R. 7023. Michigan's First District is home to more than 2,000 miles of Great Lakes coastline. It is by far the most of any congressional district, and it touches three of the five Great Lakes. For those of us who call Michigan home, the Great Lakes play an invaluable role for our natural ecosystems, communities, economies, and our general way of life. Protecting our lakes is a unifying goal that crosses all political lines. My amendment is simple. It would clarify that nothing in this legislation would affect the longstanding ban on oil and gas drilling in the Great Lakes under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. To be clear, I don't believe a reasonable reading of H.R. 7023 would directly lead to drilling activities in our Great Lakes. Nonetheless, if there is one thing I have learned in my years in the military and here in Congress, Mr. Chair, you can't always trust the Federal bureaucracy to do the reasonable and right thing. The vital importance of the Great Lakes to those of us who live near them demands certainty and security. This is a concrete assurance that these protections, which have wide bipartisan support, will stay in place. This is especially true when we are discussing permitting under the Clean Water Act, including for energy producers. With this protection included, H.R. 7023 will be able to properly balance sound environmental stewardship with responsible infrastructure development and cut the amount of red tape. Providing regulatory certainty and clarity while maintaining longstanding protections, like the ban on Great Lakes drilling, is not a zero-sum game. We can and must do both. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and the underlying bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.