TJ Cox

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of today's bill which is a bipartisan, good faith effort to begin to provide relief to millions of American families and workers. While not perfect, it is a good start. In the last few weeks, I spoke to thousands of my Central Valley neighbors. Last week, I had a townhall where 9,000 constituents called in. They are scared. They are worried. But they are looking for guidance and leadership, and today they are looking for relief. No American should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on their table. But without immediate assistance, this is exactly the choice they will have to make. As a Representative of the top ag district in the top ag State, I am proud this bill shores up vital safety net programs for our farmers and ranchers and their families. But I am disappointed about this bill's glaring shortcomings which must be remedied in a future bill. This bill punishes mixed-status households and denies some American citizens benefits they deserve. It does not put a penny in the CDFI Fund to help disadvantaged communities.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month. Since 2014, over 470,000 veterans have been diagnosed with a TBI, a traumatic brain injury. Last year, through appropriations, I submitted an amendment requesting a $10 million increase to the Defense Health Program to fund research for all servicepersons returning home with a TBI. I am happy to report this amendment was passed into law. In February of this year, the GAO released a report entitled ``Veterans' Use of Long-Term Care is Increasing, and VA Faces Challenges in Meeting the Demand.'' The brave people who serve this country should never find difficulty in locating a facility or a program that fits their needs. This year, I ask my colleagues to support my request for further investment into research so the VA can develop TBI long-term care programs, so we can honor our commitment to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, due to flight mechanical issues and delays, I missed votes on March 2, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 79, and YEA on Roll Call No. 80.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to applaud the inclusion of my bipartisan bill, the Inhaler Coverage and Access Now Act, the I CAN Act, into H.R. 2339, the Protecting American Lungs and Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2020. The I CAN Act is about commonsense prevention and investing in consistent treatment to avoid expensive care later down the road. Moms and dads shouldn't have to choose between paying their mortgage or paying their rent or buying an inhaler for their kids. No one should have to make that choice. The I CAN Act allows you to access inhalers, whether or not you have reached your deductible. For so many families, this removes a critical cost barrier for the care they need and deserve. Like so many preventive medicines and procedures, inhalers actually save patients, hospitals, and insurers money by cutting down on hospitalizations and medical emergencies before they start. As we all know, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Today, the annual cost of asthma in the United States is more than $56 billion. Why is that? That is because of the 1.8 million emergency room visits which could have been avoided if people had the inhalers they needed. But worse yet are the 3,300 deaths from asthma each year. And these deaths were preventable. Let me say that again: These deaths were preventable. And in the richest country in the world, it is an outrage that anyone dies because they cannot get the medicine they need. We need to make treatment accessible, and this bill does just that. For so many families, our friends and our coworkers, asthma medicine is lifesaving, and many will pay whatever it takes to get the drugs they need. Naturally, Big Pharma knows this, and they have taken advantage of that. For example, albuterol, one of the oldest asthma medicines, typically costs $50 to $100 per inhaler in the U.S. Less than a decade ago, it was $15. Then the manufacturer made some small changes, repatented it, and raised the price by 600 percent. That is price gouging. And while it might be good for the drug company's bottom lines, it is bad medicine for America. I represent California's 21st Congressional District in the San Joaquin Valley, which has the worst air basin in the Nation. And to make matters worse, many of our rural communities have faced extreme challenges when accessing asthma care. For my constituents and for patients across the country with asthma, it was a major priority for me to introduce the I CAN Act, to remove barriers and increase access to inhalers by providing patients with the coverage for inhaler medication. I want to thank the Ways and Means Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee for taking the necessary action to protect the health of America's children. We can pass the I CAN Act to make inhalers available to everyone. We can prevent youth tobacco use. We can address the youth e-cigarette epidemic. We can, with our vote today, show we care, and we can act to improve the health of our young people. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2339.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Black History Month to recognize the Shipes family of Bakersfield, California, who have served as a pillar of the African American community for over 70 years. In southeast Bakersfield, the Shipes' family business, Mr. Discount Plus store, has stood the test of time. First opened in the 1940s, the store is one of the last original Black-owned businesses in the Cottonwood neighborhood of Bakersfield, and it remains a beacon of Black entrepreneurship. Mr. Discount Plus store has become a gathering space for African American communities as local leaders drive forward plans to revitalize and transform the Cottonwood neighborhood for future generations to enjoy. I am proud to recognize the Shipes family and their business for serving their community for over 70 years, and we look forward to another 70 years. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Black History Month and honoring the Shipes family for their service and dedication to southeast Bakersfield, their community, the Central Valley, and our great Nation. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. and Mrs. Shipes.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, this year we mark the 30th anniversary of the anti-Armenian pogroms that took place in Baku, Azerbaijan. These pogroms were a continuation of a longstanding pattern of increasingly violent attacks against Armenians. During a week-long pogrom, Armenians in Baku were killed, tortured, robbed, and tens of thousands were forced to flee their homes to escape persecution, causing families to be uprooted and torn apart. The Azerbaijani leadership has yet to be held accountable for this violence against its Armenian civilians. Instead of condemning these atrocities of decades ago, the Aliyev government continues holding a militant policy against Armenians, especially within the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. I call upon my colleagues to join me in condemning this atrocity, strengthening our ties to the Republic of Artsakh, and holding Azerbaijan accountable for its actions. While we mourn the lives lost in this tragedy, it is imperative that we encourage Azerbaijan to acknowledge their past and that we press forward with the bipartisan Royce-Engel peace proposals. Madam Speaker, we must follow a principled U.S. policy--condemning violence and promoting peace--both by securing foreign aid to Nagorno- Karabakh and withholding financial and military support from Azerbaijan. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Armenian Caucus to continue pushing policies promoting peace and human rights for Armenians and for all.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the City of San Joaquin which celebrates its 100th anniversary this month. The City of San Joaquin is a vibrant community located in rural Fresno County on what was previously part of a large ranch settled by Jefferson James, a miner and cattle rancher. After James' passing, his heirs sold their property to settlers, led by a gentleman by the name of Benjamin F. Graham, who created a formal plan for the community to be named Grahamtown. Graham sold the land to a company that, under the direction of their representative Dr. Hernan Janz, established the community of San Joaquin. When the Southern Pacific Railroad established a line passing through San Joaquin in 1912, the flow of commerce expanded the area's economy. On February 14, 1920 the community elected to incorporate and became formally established as the City of San Joaquin. Over the years, San Joaquin has become a hub of the agricultural industry with farms that produce food that feeds the world. Today, San Joaquin is known as the ``everything is possible city'' and continues to be a beacon of progress, aptly demonstrating a wholesome, rural way of life. It is communities like San Joaquin that have shaped California's Central Valley, and indeed our country, into what it is today. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the City of San Joaquin and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well in the many years to come.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Raymond Lerma, a beloved husband, father, and leader in the community of Corcoran, California. Ray passed away on January 11th. Among his many honored roles in life, Ray served 25 years as Mayor and Councilmember in Corcoran and was a pillar of the community. Ray was born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Corcoran in a large and loving family that worked hard, long days in the fields of the Central Valley. Encouraged by his parents to reach for higher education, Mr. Lerma graduated from UC Berkeley--he was a proud CAL Bear. After college, Ray returned to the community that raised him to build his own family with his beloved wife Lola. He touched countless lives in his 38 years as an educator at Corcoran High School. He also kept changing lives after retirement, teaching English as a second language to adult learners. Ray also served as a longtime board member of the Kings Community Action Organization, which helps bring resources to the Central Valley. Ray once said that he wanted to be remembered as someone who made a difference in his community. I stand before you today to say we will always remember his dedication and contributions to the community, and we will miss his leadership. Raymond Lerma leaves behind his wife Lola, their three children, Eva, Ramon, and Pablo, as well as his grandchildren.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. COX of California. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Raymond Lerma, a beloved husband, father, and leader in the community of Corcoran, California. Ray passed away on January 11. Among his many honored roles in life, Ray served 25 years as mayor and councilman in Corcoran, California. He was a pillar of the community. Ray was born in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Corcoran in a large and loving family that proudly farmed the crops of the Central Valley. Encouraged by his parents to reach for higher education, Mr. Lerma graduated from UC Berkeley. He was a proud Cal Bear. After college, Ray returned to the community that raised him to build his own family with his beloved wife, Lola. He touched countless lives in his 38 years as an educator at Corcoran High. After retirement, he kept changing lives, teaching English as a second language to adult learners. Ray also served as a longtime board member of the King's Community Action Organization, which helps to bring resources to the Central Valley. Ray once said he wanted to be remembered as someone who made a difference in his community. I stand before you today to say he will always be remembered for his dedication and contributions to his community. We will miss his leadership. Ray leaves behind his wife, Lola; their three children, Eva, Ramon, and Pablo; as well as his grandchildren. May he rest in peace.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution. The Central Valley sent me to Washington to tackle our toughest issues, like skyrocketing drug prices, polluted water in rural communities, and the struggling farm economy. That's why we just passed a bill to bring down prescription drug prices, I introduced two key bills to address our Valley water needs, and I got the president to sign my Family Farmer Relief Act. They also sent me to Washington to defend the Constitution, because that's what protects all of our rights and freedoms. Here are the facts: Our president abused his power and used your taxpayer money to advance his own personal interest, and when Congress fulfilled its duty to investigate, the president acted as if he were above the law, obstructing the investigation by withholding witnesses and subpoenaed documents. Both of those actions violate our sacred Constitution, which only identifies one remedy for Congress to hold the president accountable. In obeying that solemn duty to my constituents and the Constitution, it is my responsibility to cast votes in favor of both articles of impeachment, for abuse of power and for obstruction of Congress.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, today, I ask my colleagues to pause in memory of 139 soldiers, airmen, Marines, and sailors who perished 75 years ago this month. On December 14, 1944, in the midst of World War II, on the Philippines island of Palawan they were massacred as prisoners of war (POWs). They had just completed building a Japanese airfield that is used today as the Antonio Bautista Air Base, an important anchor of the U.S.-Philippines alliance. One of the men murdered, Water Tender 2C Carl Ellis Barnes, hailed from the Central Valley in California. He had arrived in the Philippines from China aboard the Yangtze River gunboat USS Ohau (PR-6) days before Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and the Philippines. During the next five months of combat, the warship operated in and around Manila Bay on inshore patrol. Barnes became a POW on May 6, 1942 when the island fortress of Corregidor was surrendered. In August 1942, he was taken to Palawan Island on the Sulu Sea with over 300 POWs, most of whom had survived the infamous Bataan Death March. The POWs were tasked with building an airfield for the Imperial Japanese Army. They endured arduous manual labor while being starved, denied medical care, and routinely and capriciously beaten. By December 1944, only 150 POWs were still held on the island and American forces were beginning to liberate the Philippines. At noon on December 14, 1944, the POWs were sent to their recently constructed air raid trenches. Quickly, the Japanese troops doused them with buckets of airplane fuel and set them afire with flaming torches, followed by hand grenades and machine gun fire. Miraculously, 11 men escaped to the sea and were rescued by Filipino guerrillas. Thus, today we remember these brave souls who labored and perished so far from home. The airfield they built is one of the sites of our Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines that helps bind our historic alliance with the Philippines. WT2c Barnes is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Missouri with most of his fellow POWs from the Palawan Massacre. Never Forgotten.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Officer Jonathan Diaz, of the Lemoore Police Department who passed away on November 2nd at the age of 31, while intervening in a domestic violence incident while off duty. Officer Diaz began his law enforcement career in his hometown of Huron, CA in 2014 as a Reserve Police Officer and in 2015 was chosen as Officer of the Year. He was hired by Lemoore PD in August of 2016 and was an asset to the community from the day he joined. Officer Diaz received many commendations during his time with the force, including being selected to be the Recruit Training Officer for Tulare-Kings Counties Basic Police Academy, Field Training Officer for his department, being appointed as the Gang Investigator for the Kings County Major Crimes Task Force, and in September 2018 was awarded Lemoore PD's Public Safety Officer of the year. In addition to keeping our community safe, Officer Diaz mentored at- risk youth in Lemoore through the Youth Adult Awareness Program. Officer Diaz leaves behind his girlfriend, Victoria Gonzalez and their IO-month-old daughter, Stephanie, along with sons Jonathan Jr., Damian, his parents Juan Sr. and Blanca Diaz and three younger brothers.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today, on the last day of Filipino American Heritage Month, to honor the Fil Bake Shop in Delano, California, and to congratulate them on becoming the Delano Business of the Year. Owner Tessie Patricio, or Aunty Tess, and workers of the Fil Bake Shop have been dedicated to hard work and unconditional love for their business for nearly 30 years. As a result, Fil Bake Shop has become a staple of the Delano community and a personal favorite of mine. One-third of the 52,000 residents of Delano are Filipino, and Fil Bake Shop has been a steadfast supporter of our community in Delano and across the Pacific. When the Philippines are struck by natural disasters, Fil Bake Shop sends care to the islands. They collect donations in times of disaster to support families back in the Philippines, while still providing the hardworking farmworkers and families of Delano with their delicious sweetbreads. As this local gem is honored as Business of the Year by the Delano Filipino community, I am proud to represent such a tremendous place in the 21st District of California.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Head Start Awareness Month. Since 1965, Head Start has been one of our best tools in the war on poverty, helping over 35 million children from ages 0 to 5 reach their full potential through high-quality early education. This month, as we paid tribute to the game-changing program, I rise to honor Head Start programs in California's 21st Congressional District and the vital work they do to support Central Valley communities. This summer, I brought my esteemed colleague Congresswoman Barbara Lee to the Rosa Parks Learning Center in Hanford, a top-tier Head Start center operated by the Kings Community Action Organization. It was truly an honor to see talented Central Valley educators at work and to join them in the classroom. We even got to read a couple of books to the classes, as well. We all know that even part-time early childhood education has a lasting impact on young kids, helping them develop reading, writing, math, and even social skills on an accelerated timeline. I am also proud to support legislation like the Community Services Block Grant Act so we can keep providing quality education to all of our kids regardless of ZIP Code.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on two significant issues that affect the brave individuals who have fought for our Nation. First, almost a quarter of all veterans in the United States-- approximately 4.7 million--reside in rural communities. While veterans may enjoy the benefits of rural living, they also experience unique challenges in accessing the healthcare they need and deserve. Currently, through reauthorization, the Department of Veterans Affairs grant program for the transportation of highly rural veterans appropriates $3 million for the Department to provide transportation in rural areas. This program should not need annual reauthorization; it should be made permanent. Second, the Veterans Benefits Administration has moved to electronically process over 99 percent of compensation claims since the implementation of the Veterans Benefits Management System. This transition has been key in reducing the backlog of claims, modernizing the Federal Government, and improving efficiency. I propose amending title 38 of the United States Code to assist the VA as they modernize and utilize today's technological advancements in order to best serve our veterans. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in working on legislation that will fix these oversights and to further support every person who serves our Nation.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Anthony Martinez, Sr., a true leader in Delano, California, and the Central Valley, who dedicated his life to helping others. Tony was born in Santa Paula, California, and grew up in Hanford, where he graduated from high school, and then went on to pursue higher education at Bakersfield College, San Jose State, and Porterville College. A selfless leader, Tony proudly served in the California National Guard and the United States Air Force. Among his many jobs in life, Tony managed a Thrifty Drug Store, but then, with the support of his wife, Pat, accomplished a lifelong dream by opening the renowned Tony's Pizza in Delano and also founded the Anthony Martinez Farmers Insurance Agency. During his impressive 40-year business career, Tony volunteered countless hours to his community and served in elected roles as both a city council member and as mayor. Tony passed away on June 20, 2019, but he leaves behind a legacy that will live on. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Anthony ``Tony'' Martinez. May he rest in peace, and may we always remember his dedication to Delano, the Central Valley, and our great Nation.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my dear friend, Mr. David J. Weiland, for being inducted into the San Joaquin College of Law Alumni Hall of Fame. David was born and raised in California's San Joaquin Valley. He is a graduate of California State University, Fresno, where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1972. David was motivated to work in engineering after working his first job on a sandy survey crew in the City of Armona in the hot summer of 1965. During his engineering years, David designed many public works and private projects in Kings, Fresno and Tulare counties. In 1988, while still working full time, David fulfilled his lifelong intent of becoming an attorney and enrolled in San Joaquin College of Law. He was a founding member of the San Joaquin Agricultural Law Review and served as its Managing Editor. David received his Juris Doctorate in 1992, retired his slide rule, and opened The Law Office of David J. Weiland that December. David went on to build a successful career in law serving as partner, member of the Board of Directors, President and chair of the litigation department of the Fresno firm Dowling Aaron Incorporated. In 2014, David joined Coleman & Horowitt, LLP as a partner and heads the firm's litigation department. David represents clients in complex commercial, construction, real estate, professional liability defense, tort defense, municipal law, real estate transactions and most recently, election law. David was named a Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters from 2009 to 2018 and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell. He is a member of several associations including the American Bar Association, Fresno County Bar Association, and a lifetime member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. David's track record as an attorney has earned him great respect in the Central Valley and throughout the state of California. In addition to the numerous clients he takes on and associations of which he takes part, David serves on the Board of Trustees of San Joaquin College of Law, and as Judge Pro Tempore for the Fresno and Merced Superior Courts. Most important, David is an outstanding friend and husband to his wife, Lillian, and father to Julia, David, and Alice, grandfather to Carl, Michael, Stephanie, Catalina, and Karl and great-grandfather to Reese Marie. Madam Speaker, I call upon my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating and paying tribute to my good friend, Mr. David J. Weiland, for being inducted into the San Joaquin College of Law Alumni Hall of Fame. David's dedication to practicing law and his track record in California's San Joaquin Valley is to be commended.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the leadership of Lucio ``Chio'' Gonzales and Butter Torres Gonzales. Together, this couple has dedicated over 60 years of community and public service to the city of Delano, California and the Central Valley. A native of Blythe, California, Mr. Gonzales settled in the Central Valley in the 1950s after spending his early years working as a migrant farmworker in the region's rich agricultural fields. Mr. and Mrs. Gonzales met in the historic farmworker community of Delano and were married on November 24, 1956. The couple took over ownership and operation of the People's Market in 1969, and the two worked together side by side managing the grocery store in Delano for 40 years. Mr. and Mrs. Gonzales formed a strong bond over the years with the Filipino Community of Delano. The two have served as advocates and allies for the inclusion and representation of Filipinos in Delano civic life. They played an instrumental role in electing Leonard T. Velasco to the Delano City Council in 1972, the first Filipino American to serve on the elected body. Mr. and Mrs. Gonzales have also worked to ensure the success of Delano's Philippine Weekend community celebration for the last 45 years. They have helped build the event from a small community gathering all those years ago, to a large month-long festival that draws thousands of visitors from across the country. It is fitting that Mr. and Mrs. Gonzales are being honored by the community with the 2019 Mabuhay Award. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lucio ``Chio'' Gonzales and Butter Torres Gonzales for their dedication and service to the Filipino Community of Delano, the city of Delano, and the Central Valley.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Anthony Martinez, Sr., a true leader in Delano, California and the Central Valley, who dedicated his life to helping others. Tony was born in Santa Paula, California and grew up in Hanford where he graduated from high school and then went on to pursue higher education at Bakersfield College, San Jose State, and Porterville College. A selfless leader, Tony proudly served in the California National Guard and the United States Air Force. Among his many jobs in life, Tony managed a Thrifty's Drug Store, but then with the support of his wife Pat, accomplished a lifelong dream by opening the renowned Tony's Pizza in Delano, and also founded the Anthony Martinez Farmers Insurance Agency. During his impressive 40-year business career, Tony volunteered countless hours to his community and served in elected roles as both a city councilmember and as Mayor. Tony passed away on June 20, 2019, but he leaves behind a legacy that will live on. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Anthony ``Tony'' Martinez. May he rest in peace and may we always remember his dedication to Delano, the Central Valley and our great nation.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of our amendment to the Raise the Wage Act. I joined this amendment to look out for the small businesses and the agricultural businesses that are so vital to the Central Valley of California and to our Nation. The minimum wage has not been raised since 2009. In the decade since, due to inflation and rising costs, the paychecks of millions of hardworking Americans naturally don't go as far as they used to. Every worker deserves a living wage, and this amendment ensures that we can give at least 17 million Americans a raise while also protecting farms and small businesses. We do this by requiring the Government Accountability Office to analyze and produce a study of the impact of the first two scheduled wage increases on our Nation's small businesses, our agriculture industry, and our workers. The study will consider the specific effects of raising the minimum wage in each Census tract and rural area, so families, like those I serve in the Central Valley of California, aren't left behind. If we find the negative impacts are too great, the relevant committees are required to make recommendations to Congress which may include actions necessary to delay the next scheduled increases, if necessary. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. COX of California

Mr. COX of California. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. COX of California. Madam Chair, I thank the distinguished chairman as well as the distinguished ranking member for the great work with respect to this legislation. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment, which makes a modest adjustment to H.R. 2740. My amendment would increase funding for the Department of Defense Health Program by $10 million. This amendment is budget-neutral by reducing the Department of Defense's, the DOD's, Departmentwide operation maintenance fund by the same amount. The Defense Health Program oversees all medical and healthcare programs for the DOD, and the modification made by my amendment would ensure the Department has sufficient resources to fund vital medical research concerning traumatic brain injury, TBI; post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD; and psychological health. This research would aid servicemembers and civilians alike. Over the past 10 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of servicemembers reported to have PTSD, and we see these increases in both active and nonactive servicemembers. Since 2001, over 2.7 million servicemembers have served in war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, and of those, 300,000 have been diagnosed with TBI. And the DOD estimates that 22 percent of all combat casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan are brain injuries. The cost of war not only harms our servicemembers who have experienced PTSD, but also the spouses, the parents, the children, and the families, who have hoped and prayed for the safe return of their loved ones. Unfortunately, we have discovered that the battle continues when the servicemembers return home with a PTSD, a TBI, or other nonphysical injury. Furthermore, whether or not PTSD is a greater risk to female veterans than male veterans is still largely unknown, and as women continue to serve in more active roles in the war and are increasingly exposed to combat situations, their likelihood of experiencing a PTSD, naturally, will rise. So more research is better to understand and help clinicians and other care providers to provide the necessary treatment before symptoms of PTSD become chronic. We must--we must--do more for those who sacrifice their lives for our freedom. We cannot let them fall through the cracks. That is why my amendment is so critical. With more of our troops returning from deployment over the next several years, we know that the number of PTSD cases in the U.S. is going to increase, but, today, only 40 percent of servicemembers find relief from current treatments. The Defense Health Programs provide crucial medical research to provide innovative solutions for servicemembers and family members facing PTSD throughout our Nation. As many may have seen, just on Sunday night, there are a number of innovative solutions, like stellate ganglion block, or SGB, that are currently being investigated and can be considered game changers in PTSD treatment. So, by investing in new groundbreaking technologies and therapies and trials, this will bring help to servicemembers who have tried current treatments but have found that nothing works. Madam Chair, my amendment would further invest resources to help inform health professionals on how to best treat our military personnel. Furthermore, the need for increased funding for PTSD is not limited to only the military, but our overall communities at large. PTSD conditions are on the rise in numerous communities and places throughout our Nation where violence is endemic. This vital research undertaken by the Department of Defense will benefit everyone: individuals, families, and those communities being affected today. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment and its critical funding for medical research concerning TBI, PTSD, psychological health that will help our servicemembers and our Nation as a whole. Madam Chair, I yield to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky).

Mr. COX of California. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.