Jack Bergman

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Chair, explicitly maintaining protections that prevent oil and gas drilling in the Great Lakes will provide certainty for the millions of Americans who call the region home while we work to improve Federal permitting. Mr. Chair, once again, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment and the underlying bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I sadly rise today in support of H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act, and to honor the namesake of this legislation. Laken Hope Riley was a beautiful soul taken too soon from her loving family by an illegal migrant who was detained and then released back into our country in 2022. As a young nursing student, Laken brought joy to everyone around her as she pursued her passion of helping people. She had so much potential and so much life to live. My prayers are with her family as they mourn the loss of her light in this world. If not for our open borders and catch and release protocols, Laken, and many other innocent Americans who were murdered by illegal immigrants, would be alive today. It is time to secure our border and end these destructive policies now. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7511 and to continue fighting to ensure no other family has to bury their child due to Biden's preventable crisis.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Commander David T. St. Aubin for his 25 years of dedicated service to the United States Navy and our Nation. I'd also like to congratulate him on his retirement as Commander of Navy Patrol Squadron Four Zero. Commander St. Aubin, a Negaunee native, enlisted in the United States Navy in 1999 and completed Nuclear Power School and prototype in 2001. Commander St. Aubin later graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2005, receiving his Wings of Gold in 2007 upon his graduation from flight training. He would later receive his first assignment with Patrol Squadron Four Five in Jacksonville, Florida. Before joining Patrol Squadron Four Zero, Commander St. Aubin served in multiple duty stations all over the globe. He has deployed with the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Fleets as well as the J3 Directorate at the Pentagon and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Finally, in 2021 he was selected for command of Patrol Squadron Four Zero. Commander St. Aubin has diligently served as the Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron Four Zero for the past two years. Standing by the squadron mantra, ``Laging Handa,--Always Ready'', Commander St. Aubin proudly served as the 73rd Commander of Squadron VP-40. From his time in service, Commander St. Aubin's personal awards include: the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to thank Commander David T. St. Aubin for his 25 years of service and for his retirement. I wish the Commander a well-deserved retirement and all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, Chief Patrick Parker grew up in Petoskey, Michigan as the oldest of 11 children and carried with him from a young age a sense of duty and responsibility. In high school, Chief Parker played football for the Petoskey Northmen, was a Proud Eagle Scout of Troop 7, and graduated in 1979. Chief Parker then attended North Central Michigan College where he earned an Associate's Degree an later received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lake Superior State College. Chief Parker started his fire service career in 1983 as a volunteer and morphed into a part-paid/on-call firefighter and EMT. He filled many roles such as Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief; and in 2004, he was promoted to the rank of full-time Deputy Chief. On January 1, 2006, Parker became the Chief of the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department, encouraging his members to foster an atmosphere where everyone is empowered to give their best and live up to the credo: Omnis Cedo Domus--Everyone Goes Home. Additionally, Chief Parker is involved professionally in the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs Board, Northern Michigan Fire Chiefs Association Board, Grand Traverse County Local Emergency Planning Committee, Local Planning Team and 911 Advisory Board. Chief Parker is the founding member of MI-Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Division 3701, which at the time of its founding included all of Region-7. He is the chairperson of the MABAS-Michigan Special Operations Work Group, the State's Urban Search and Rescue Team, overseeing Michigan Task Force-1. Chief Parker was Michigan's representative to the Great Lakes Division (GLD) of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and he currently is the immediate past president of the GLD. Always looking for new ways to help his community, Chief Parker is involved with many local boards and committees, serving as the President of the American Red Cross--Northern Michigan, Camps and Services member of the Rotary Club of Traverse City, board member of the Rotary Camps & Services with the Knights of Columbus No. 9979, and board member of the Michigan Crossroads Council--Boy Scouts of America. He is the founding member and President of the Grand Traverse Region First Responder Alliance, a 501(c)(3) organization founded to find solutions to the unmet needs of the region's first responders. Chief Parker is also a dedicated husband, enjoying 39 years of marriage to his wife Michelle and their 3 golden retrievers. In his spare time, he is known for being an avid hiker, hunter, and Great Lakes boater, and he enjoys camping and snowmobiling in the wintertime. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to congratulate Chief Patrick Parker on an exemplary career and legacy of giving back to his community. I thank him for his humble service and wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Technical Sergeant Frank L. Pifher for his dedicated and humble service to our Nation in the United States Army. Frank, a Flint, Michigan, native answered our Nation's call and enlisted in United States Armed Forces in 1952. Frank served honorably in the Korean War in 1953 with the Armored Cavalry, seeing combat as a Tank Commander and spending 11 months overseas. He earned the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal in gallant service to his country. After returning stateside, Frank was stationed at Camp Carson in Colorado, where he was honorably discharged from the Army on May 5th, 1954. While overseas, Frank had frequently written to a pen pal, who was serving as a wartime nurse back in Michigan. Upon his separation from the military, Frank married his beloved pen pal, Mary Lou. In their 70 years of marriage, they had four children--Tim, Janet, Rebecca and James. Rebecca and James went on to serve honorably in the Marine Corps themselves. In addition to their children, Frank and Mary Lou were blessed with five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. The Pifhers currently reside in Tuscarora Township where they have lived for 34 years. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Technical Sergeant Frank L. Pifher for his exemplary service to the United States of America. Our gratitude extends to him not only for his courage and humility, but also for his legacy of service that he has passed down to his children and their children. May God bless Frank and his family.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, the last Secretary of Homeland Security appointed by a Democratic President once described a border crisis as more than 1,000 Border Patrol encounters per day. In December last year, we averaged nearly 10 times that number. Perhaps most worryingly, 2023 saw a record-setting 860,000, just a little bit shy of a million got-aways, border crossers who were detected but who were never apprehended. That is nearly a million potential felons, cartel members, terrorists, and drug traffickers freely allowed into our country and currently residing in our communities and our neighborhoods. This crisis has been aided and abetted through the unprecedented dereliction of duty of Secretary Mayorkas. As the House Homeland Security Committee has uncovered, Mayorkas has repeatedly violated, subverted, and simply ignored multiple laws set forth by Congress that he swore an oath to uphold, all while ignoring court orders and lying to Congress and the American people. The evidence of his wrongdoings is damning. His abuse of power goes well beyond simple bureaucratic incompetence. His actions, which have put our Nation at extreme risk, cannot go unanswered. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of Kfir Bibas, whose first birthday is today. Instead of spending it in the embrace of his family, Kfir is at the mercy of some of the world's most vile terrorists. Along with his 4-year-old brother and parents, the sweet redheaded boy became the youngest of more than 240 hostages who were brutally kidnapped by evil Hamas militants on October 7. In such desperate times, I am reminded of the promises of our Almighty God, particularly those which set apart our children as the apple of His eye. Mark 9:42 tells us: ``If anyone causes one of these little ones . . . to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.'' So sayeth Mark. Today, I demand that these reprehensible animals release Kfir immediately, along with all the remaining hostages. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues and fellow Americans to stand with Kfir and Israel and to pray for peace.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Coach Bill Hill on the celebration of his 80th birthday and recognize him for his decades of dedication to the many students of Gwinn. Bill has served as a coach, instructor, and mentor for generations of students and athletes. Before settling in Gwinn, Michigan, Coach Hill spent 24 years in selfless service to the United States Air Force, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant. Coach Hill served at many duty stations, including the Vietnam Campaign, where he earned a Bronze Star Medal; Tripoli; Libya; Japan; and KI Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan. When KI Sawyer AFB was decommissioned in 1995, Coach Hill decided to stay in the area and continue giving back to the Gwinn community in new ways. Mr. Hill soon began coaching for the Gwinn Middle/High School girls basketball program. The program was utilized by Bill to impart wisdom and character-building principles to his students beyond the basketball court. Upon his retirement in 2020, due to the countless lives he positively changed, a Facebook group with over 200 members and hundreds of messages was made as a dedication to this exemplary coach. Bill has been dubbed a coach, role model, mentor, teacher, inspiration, and friend to many. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to celebrate the 80th birthday of Coach Bill Hill. An inspiration to the community. I wish Coach Hill all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Traverse City Library for 25 years of service to the Traverse City community. Since 1999, the Main Library on Woodmere has hosted hundreds of positive initiatives, charity events, and educational opportunities for the community. Originally founded by the Ladies Library Association in 1869, the Main Library was housed in numerous locations before finding its current home. Along with the Main Library on Woodmere, the library system has grown to include the East Bay Branch Library, Kingsley Branch Library, and three member libraries: Fife Lake Public Library, Interlochen Public Library, and Peninsula Community Library. For 155 years, the city library has served as an integral space in the Traverse City community. The Traverse Area District Library (TADL) was established in 1983, when voters ratified its establishment and approved an operational millage. It's thanks to the people of Traverse City who voted to establish TADL in the 1980s that Traverse City has its current main branch library building on Woodmere Avenue. The library has spaces for all occasions--from reading on the spacious front porch or curling up with a novel by the cozy stone fireplace. Visitors can also utilize the vast multimedia space and learn from the library's local history collection. For the younger audiences, the library has a dedicated children's section and many educational events. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate the Woodmere Branch of TADL for an immensely successful 25 years of service. I wish the library and its staff all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mr. William ``Bill'' Shepler for his years of service to the Mackinaw City community and retirement as President of the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum Board of Directors. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, our country assumed heavy demands on the war materials industry. In order to sustain these increased production needs, the United States Coast Guard icebreaker, Cutter Mackinaw WAGB-83, was authorized for construction on December 17, 1941. Until decommissioning, The Mackinaw proved to be an essential facet of the Great Lakes' economy, colloquially becoming known as ``The Queen of the Great Lakes.'' The Mackinaw was essential to the maintenance of the shipping lanes of the Lakes, becoming responsible for over 100 trapped ships being freed from ice blockages or buildups. Following a long and successful career, the ship began its decommissioning process and the City of Cheboygan attempted to find a suitable home for The Mackinaw. In August of 2004, Mr. Shepler, along with Dick Moehl and Sandy Planisek, founded the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum in order to keep the ship in the Great Lakes. Following its successful development, the renowned icebreaker was decommissioned on July 10, 2006, and was moored at its permanent berth on July 21, 2006. With gratitude to the IMMM board of directors under the direction of Bill Shepler, the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum welcomed its first visitors in the spring of 2007. Visitors can now explore the ship's 62-year history, making their way around the Mess Deck, Engine Room, Captain's Quarters, Sick Bay, Galley, Navigation Room and more. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the dedicated efforts of Mr. Bill Shepler in preserving our history, and I congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement. I'd like to wish Bill and the IMMM all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Traverse City Central Coach Lisa Taylor for her incredible career and upcoming retirement. Coach Taylor is leaving behind an illustrious legacy from her 30 years as a coach at Traverse City Central High School for their track and cross-country programs. Throughout her tenure as Head Coach, Lisa Taylor amassed an impressive list of accolades. Coach Taylor led the Trojans to 16 Regional Titles, 20 Conference Championships, and qualified for 28 State Championship meets. She also led the students to one Michigan State Championship and five runner-up finishes. As a testament to her character, Coach Taylor has been nominated for the Michigan Interscholastic Track Coach Association's Coach of the Year an historic 13 times, winning the award in 2008. She was also a finalist in the National High School Coaches Association's Coach of the Year awards. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Coach Lisa Taylor as she embarks on her new journey in retirement. I'd like to congratulate her on decades of success and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3581) to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the family caregiver program of the Department of Veterans Affairs to include services related to mental health and neurological disorders, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Kiggans), an esteemed colleague, distinguished naval officer, and nurse practitioner.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3581, as amended, the Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement Act, or COPE Act. Representative Kiggans' COPE Act would allow for grant awards expanding access to mental health counseling, treatment, or support to caregivers of veterans participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. VA's caregiver program provides caregivers of seriously ill or injured veterans with resources and services to help them with the important role they play in their veterans' lives. Becoming a veteran caregiver is a noble undertaking and caregivers often put their entire lives aside in pursuit of caring for their loved ones. Mental health support is an important component of the caregiver program, but too often caregivers are reluctant to seek care at VA. Whether it is because of stigma, not wanting to take provider resources away from veteran care, or the fear that seeking mental health care may in some way jeopardize their standing as a caregiver, caregivers should have access to every option without barriers. The 3-year pilot program the COPE Act would create would expand caregiver mental health access to outside of VA. Ensuring caregiver wellness is critical to ensuring the highest quality of care for the veterans caregivers serve. This new pilot program is an important next step in continuing to meet caregiver needs. Representative Kiggans' bill would also allow VA to assist local and State authorities with funding help for the mitigation of flood risk on non-VA property that may be adjacent to VA facilities. Many VA medical facilities are at least 60 years old. Some of these facilities have, over the years and due to locations in low- lying areas, been subject to flooding that impact veteran and staff access or even threatens building function. Flood preparedness is a prudent focus for all VA facilities that are historically at risk of flooding from storms or from water encroachment. It is important that VA has the means to work with local authorities on issues that impact the operation of its facilities. Finally, this bill would require a review and report to Congress on the security environment at VA facilities. We know that crime has been increasing at VA campuses, and while VA claims it has reworked its policing structure and hired a record number of officers, our committee lacks the data needed for proper oversight. Veterans and the staff that support them need to be confident that the facilities they use are safe places to receive care and seek benefits. This review will go a long way toward identifying ways to enhance safety and improve security within the Veterans Administration buildings and campuses. I thank Representatives Kiggans and Mace, both members of the committee, for their work on the various elements of this bill and for their unwavering commitment to the veterans we serve. Additionally, to maintain our commitment to fiscal responsibility, we have identified an offset and fully funded this bill to ensure the best possible outcome for our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 3581, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BERGMAN. 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. 3581, as amended.

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.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 542) to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve certain programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs for home- and community-based services for veterans, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 542, the Elizabeth Dole Home- and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2023, or the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023, as amended. The bill is a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at transforming the landscape of long-term care for our Nation's veterans. I commend Representative Brownley for her bipartisan work with me on it. Veterans, like all Americans, are living longer. This requires the Veterans Administration to adapt to this evolving veteran population to ensure that eligible veterans entering their later years have access to long-term care that meets their needs. As of fiscal year 2022, approximately 3.1 million veterans, roughly half of VA's active patient population, were 65 years or older. These veterans, often older, sicker, and poorer than the general population, and often residing in rural areas, demand a tailored approach to healthcare. Veterans want to remain at home for care, avoiding admission to long- term care facilities. This preference is not only understandable but becomes imperative given the current challenges with long-term care facilities and limited admissions nationwide. By expanding VA's noninstitutional long-term care services through Representative Brownley's and my bill, we would allow aging and disabled veterans the option of staying in their homes. Institutional care can be reserved for veterans who truly need intensive round-the- clock care and services. While many States have shifted investments from institutional to home- and community-based care, VA has not kept pace. The lack of a statutory mandate has led to inconsistent availability of home- and community-based services, leaving many veterans underserved simply based on where they live. That is unacceptable. Veterans and veteran service organizations have consistently urged VA to focus on expanding access to home- and community-based services to allow veterans to age comfortably and safely in place. The Veterans' Affairs Committee answered these demands head-on, and we held numerous hearings on the issue and focused on equitable long- term care access. Our bill would also rightfully eliminate the annual cap on noninstitutional care to include greater flexibility in meeting the needs of veterans living with ALS or spinal cord injuries, for example. Under current law, these veterans are often forced into institutional care simply because funding cannot be provided for home care. This bill would ensure availability of all programs, such as veteran-directed care, homemaker home health aide, home-based primary care, and purchased skilled home care at all VA medical centers. In addition to expanding access, the Dole Act urges the VA to take a more active role in helping veterans and their caregivers navigate the multiple options that may be available to them as they consider long- term care. It is no secret that the Nation is facing a shortage of qualified professionals capable of taking on the tasks required by home- or community-based care. Representative Brownley's and my bill would create a pilot program to bring in more professionals to serve veterans through homemaker and home health services. Finally, I want to emphasize that we are committed to fiscal responsibility and have identified an offset to fully fund these programs that will ultimately address the pressing needs of America's aging veteran population. The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023 is a pledge to ensure veterans receive the care they deserve, preserving their dignity and independence, whether they are catastrophically disabled or in the twilight of their lives. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely thank Representative Brownley for her dedication to this issue and her bipartisan work with me on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to include in the Record a letter from 46 organizations, including all of the major veterans service organizations, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and many other groups, and I thank them for their dedication to caring for and serving veterans.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, while we are considering this bill today, I would remind my colleagues that this legislation is also a part of a comprehensive veterans package being negotiated between the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the days ahead to collectively advance not only this legislation, but many other proposals that support the interests and the well-being of all veterans. Finally, I thank the numerous veteran service organization partners who have worked with us. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 542, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, once again, I strongly encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BERGMAN

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Landsman) as he provides his statement.

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Schneider).

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time I have remaining?