Bob Filner

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3685) to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include on the main page of the Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs a hyperlink to the VetSuccess Internet website and to publicize such Internet website.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3787) to amend title 38, United States Code, to deem certain service in the reserve components as active service for purposes of laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, as amended.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5993) to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that beneficiaries of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance receive financial counseling and disclosure information regarding life insurance payments, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the budget enforcement resolution for fiscal year 2011 passed by the House of Representatives on July 1, 2010, as Chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs I am submitting ``findings that identify changes in law that help achieve deficit reduction by reducing waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement, promoting efficiency and reform of government, and controlling spending within Government programs'' the Committee may authorize. Under Democratic leadership, the Committee has undertaken an active and far-reaching oversight agenda that has, among other accomplishments, identified ways to save millions of taxpayer dollars within the Department of Veterans Affairs through improvements in the operation and management of veterans' benefits and health care programs. Working closely with the VA's Office of Inspector General, we have pushed the VA to more effectively utilize the generous and robust budgets provided by this Congress under your leadership. Since the beginning of the 110th Congress, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs has been striving to revolutionize the manner in which the VA provides benefits to veterans. By mandating greater efficiency and a veteran-first attitude, we have sought to change the perception of the VA as being the veterans' adversary to standing as the veterans' advocate. To further this effort, we are continuing to work toward major reforms in the VA's claims processing system and the VA's acquisition and procurement system. I am confident that when these reforms take place, taxpayers will realize major cost-savings by providing greater efficiency, fairness, and accountability. The Committee is also working toward integrating the VA's Post 9/11 G.I. Bill benefits and improving and streamlining the application process. These efforts will, in the months ahead, result in assisting the House in working toward its goal of making government more responsive and effective while saving taxpayer dollars and reducing our deficit.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 519, I was away from the Capitol due to a constituent commitment. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 520, I was away from the Capitol due to a constituent commitment. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5859, which will award a Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol. During World War II, the volunteer members of the Civil Air Patrol-- civilian men and women ranging in age from 19 to 81--provided extraordinary public and combat services at a critical time of need for the nation. Civil Air Patrol members used their own aircraft to perform a myriad of essential tasks for the military and the entire country, including attacks on enemy submarines off the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico. The Civil Air Patrol was established on December 1, 1940, one week before the attack on Pearl Harbor. After performing exemplary service in WWII, the Civil Air Patrol was chartered by Congress as a nonprofit, public service organization and in 1948 as the Auxiliary of the United States Air Force. The Civil Air Patrol was initially mobilized in response to a massive German Navy submarine offensive off the east coast of the United States that targeted oil tankers and other critical shipping. As 52 tankers were sunk by enemy submarines between January and March 1942 alone, neither the Navy nor Army had sufficient resources to patrol and protect the coastline--threatening the entire war effort. The Civil Air Patrol Coastal Patrol undertook the challenge of protecting our sea lanes and supporting the military's efforts at this critical time. From March 1942 until August 1943, more than 40,000 volunteers at 21 Civil Air Patrol bases stretching from Maine to Texas coordinated thousands of patrols, investigations, and convoy missions. Heroic Civil Air Patrol Coastal Patrol aircrews were responsible for attacking 57 submarines--destroying or damaging two--as well as reporting nearly 200 submarine positions, 17 floating mines, and 91 vessels and 363 survivors in distress. In addition to the work of its Coastal Patrol, the Civil Air Patrol also established itself as a vital wartime service to the military, states, and communities across the nation. These brave volunteers engaged in an impressive array of missions including border patrol, forest fire patrol, courier flights for mail and urgent deliveries, emergency transportation of personnel, search and rescue, and various military support duties. Overall, during the war the Civil Air Patrol undertook tens of thousands of missions and logged hundreds of thousands of flight hours in defense of our country. The Civil Air Patrol's WWII service came at the high cost of 64 fatalities and 150 aircraft lost. Indeed, the courage and sacrifice of the estimated 200,000 civilians in the Civil Air Patrol exemplifies the spirit and dedication of an entire generation who were willing to risk their lives for America and the cause of freedom. In recognition of this remarkable volunteer service and commendable record, H.R. 5859 will award a single gold medal collectively in honor of the WWII members of the Civil Air Patrol. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the valuable wartime service rendered by the civilian volunteers of the Civil Air Patrol by supporting this legislation.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a very dedicated public servant on the San Diego City Council. City Council President Ben Hueso considers quality of life issues such as job creation, neighborhood livability and protecting the environment his top priorities this year. Since his 2006 election to the San Diego City Council, Hueso has advocated for District Eight constituents and the city as whole as a Councilmember, developing an open, consensus- building management style. As Council President, he schedules items for consideration by the Council, chairs Council meetings, and selects committee chairs and committee vice-chairs for approval by a Council majority. In addition to serving as Council President, Hueso chairs the Rules, Open Government and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, serves on SANDAG's Borders Committee, and as First Alternate for SANDAG's Executive Committee. He is San Diego County's representative for the League of California Cities and sits on the Otay Valley Regional Park Policy Committee. Hueso recently completed his service as a Commissioner on the California Coastal Commission, where he helped protect California's coastal resources. Prior to becoming a Councilmember, Hueso successfully owned and operated a small business in Logan Heights. His strong community advocacy includes service as a member of the Policy Chief's Advisory Committee, founding the central Commercial District Revitalization Corporation, belonging to the Inner City Business Associations and serving as a board member for the Sherman Heights Community Center. Hueso holds a bachelor's of arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles; he also completed postgraduate work in Community and Economic Development at San Diego State University. He and his wife, Laura, live in Logan Heights with their four young sons. I am happy to join in honoring San Diego City Councilman Ben Hueso with the Community Service Award presented to him at the 28th Annual John S. Lyons Memorial Banquet in San Diego on September 11, 2010.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very hard worker and devout labor leader in southern California. Lorena Gonzalez will be honored as the 2010 Labor Leader of the Year at the 28th Annual John S. Lyons Memorial Banquet in San Diego on September 11, 2010. In January of 2008, Lorena Gonzalez became the secretary-treasurer and CEO for the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO. The Labor Council is a coalition of 129 local unions that represent more than 192,000 working families in the region. Upon her election, Lorena became the first woman and first person of color to serve as head of the Labor Council since the organization's inception in 1902. The daughter of an immigrant farm worker and a nurse, Lorena learned the value of hard work and determination at an early age. After graduating from Vista High School in North San Diego County, she earned a bachelor's degree from Stanford University, a Master's degree from Georgetown University and a law degree from UCLA. Prior to coming to the Labor Council, Lorena worked as the Senior Advisor to the office of the Lieutenant Governor of California. She served as a consultant to the Commission on Economic Development, and was the Lt. Governor's principal advisor on policy issues dealing with labor, the environment, energy, and infrastructure. A member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 36, Lorena worked as the Labor Council's Political Director before being elected Secretary-Treasurer. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the California League of Conservation Voters San Diego, the Center for Policy Initiatives, the Environmental Health Coalition, and the United Way of San Diego. Lorena also serves on the Executive Council of the state California Labor Federation as a Vice President and on the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council/California Federation's Advisory Board. Nonetheless, Lorena's most cherished title is that of mother. She lives in Pacific Beach with her two children--Tierra and Antonio.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hugh Hazelwood, the Vice President of New Business Development for LIBERTY Dental Plan located in Irvine, California. Together with his wife, Marsha, they strive to provide quality union negotiated benefits to union members throughout California and Nevada. Liberty Dental Plan is currently 700,000 members strong and employs union members to take care of their brothers and sisters concerns and needs. Hugh started his working career at a very young age in the family business in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Hugh learned early on that success is equated to giving back to worthwhile charities and the community and dedication to his employer. Hugh's past volunteer endeavors have included The Association for the Research of Childhood Cancer, The Leukemia Society, and various food banks. He currently serves as a Vice President on the Board of Directors for Guide Dogs of America. Marsha and Hugh were married on Valentine's Day in 1998, and enjoy working together. Liberty Dental Plan allows them the time and resources to give back to the community. For his many years of dedicated service to the organized labor movement and to our community, I am pleased in joining others to honor Hugh Hazelwood as the Fellowship Honoree at the 28th Annual John S. Lyons Memorial Banquet in San Diego on September 11, 2010.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, as the chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I ask all my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 226, to honor our great heroes of the Second World War. We all know that this was the war that was carried out by the ``Greatest Generation.'' And the Spirit of '45 Memorial Day is to set aside for us and our children and our grandchildren and their children to think about the courage and the heroism and of course the victory of the troops who fought on the Allied side in the Second World War. This day of remembrance was celebrated several months ago in San Diego on the aircraft carrier Midway, which is stationed as both a learning environment and as a tourist attraction in the San Diego harbor. One of the great spirits of that day was the nurse, Edith Shain, who was the one who was pictured on the iconic Life Magazine cover of the sailor coming home and kissing the nurse that we all remember as emblematic of the joyous spirit at the end of the war. Edith would go around the country talking about our great heroes. Unfortunately, before we could pass this bill today, she passed away at the age of 91 a few weeks ago. So in her spirit, and in the spirit of all of those incredible people of the ``Greatest Generation,'' we offer this resolution so our country can always remember their bravery and courage. I rise in support of this resolution: H. Con. Res. 226 which supports the Spirit of '45, a year-long national campaign to raise public awareness of the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II and the Spirit of '45 Day. 1945 was a defining year in the last century. Even after victory in Europe, our nation still faced many hard-fought battles in the Pacific and the decision to drop the atomic bomb. In August of that year, Japan surrendered, the war was over, and America joined the world to begin the work of peace. The United States started with the job of rebuilding allies and former enemies alike, leading the effort to form the United Nations, and helping millions of returning veterans begin their civilian lives with the G.I. Bill. This resolution calls on Congress to support the observance of the ``Spirit of '45 Day.'' A national day of observance is planned for the second Sunday in August to ensure that future generations remember the inspiring courage, sacrifice, and service of what has been called the ``greatest generation.'' To raise awareness about this 65th anniversary, the Spirit of '45 has encouraged communities across the nation to hold commemorative events on August 14 of this year to honor the legacy of the World War II generation whose members are rapidly passing into history. Everyone is asked to collect first-hand memories of those who experienced August 14, 1945, memories that will be preserved on a web site and shared with schools, libraries, museums, memorials and the public as a permanent reminder of a time when people came together to face common challenges as a united country. Many of the memories can also be provided to the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress. We officially kicked off this year's activities at a reunion of World War II veterans on the USS Midway in San Diego, on January 18. We were joined by families, students, active duty military personnel, and veterans of WWII and other conflicts. Also joining us at that momentous event was Edith Shaht, the nurse who was photographed being kissed by a joyous sailor in Times Square on August 14, 1945. This photograph became an iconic reminder of the joy and enthusiasm felt by an entire generation who had sacrificed to bring an end to WWII, and who would take that same energy and devotion to rebuild in the war's aftermath. Edith was a devoted spokesperson for the Spirit of '45, and I am sad to say that Edith recently passed away on June 20, 2010, at the age of 91. Although Edith is not here today to join us as we pass this resolution, I am pleased to know that by honoring the Spirit of '45 we are honoring the devotion of Edith Shain and millions of others like her whose dedication and actions changed the world. The Spirit of '45 campaign focuses on how to assure that our ``latest generation'' of veteran gets the kind of welcome home as did their forefathers of the World War II generation, through education and training under the newly-passed ``Post 9/11 G.I. Bill,'' employment opportunities, and ensuring they receive the care and support to reconnect with their families and communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the legacy and ideals of the Spirit of '45 by supporting this resolution.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker and colleagues. I rise today to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus by Turkey. On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus in flagrant violation of international law. The continuing presence of the occupied areas of Cyprus and the human rights violation of the Cypriot people is unacceptable! A solution cannot be achieved without the removal of all Turkish troops and settlers, and the return of all Cypriot citizens to their ancestral homes. Despite numerous U.N. resolutions calling for the return of the refugees to their home and properties and for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus, Turkey continues to illegally occupy the northern part of Cyprus. We should honor the Cypriots who continue in their tight for justice! Cyprus and the U.S. share a deep and abiding commitment to upholding the ideals of freedom, democracy. justice, human rights, and the international rule of law. The international community has a moral and ethical obligation to stand with the Cypriots to reunify their island and end the military occupation. I ask my colleagues to stand with me and Cypriots to mark this important anniversary and take a stand for human rights and freedom.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 436, I was away from the Capitol in my capacity as Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 434, I was away from the Capitol in my capacity as Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 435, I was away from the Capitol in my capacity as Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' Stated against:

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 4505, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4505) to enable State homes to furnish nursing home care to parents any of whose children died while serving in the Armed Forces.

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4505.

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

Mr. FILNER

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

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise to join the City of Tracy, California, in celebrating its 100th anniversary of its incorporation. I join the resolution's sponsor, Mr. McNerney, in recognizing Tracy residents for their century of dedicated service to the United States. The city of Tracy has endured one of the Nation's highest per capita casualty rates in the war in Iraq. Today, I urge the House to recognize the servicemembers and veterans of the city of Tracy. Though many return to their homes and their families, those who make the ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten. Forever memorialized in their city's monument, the fallen of Tracy stand as a reminder of the tragedies of war and the respect that all veterans are owed. Most recently, with solemn grief and unwavering pride, the name of Marine SSgt Daniel Hansen was added to the memorial. The city of Tracy has supported generations of men and women, willing to make the same sacrifice as Staff Sergeant Hansen. I join Mr. McNerney in also thanking the sons and daughters of Tracy who do not enter the armed forces, yet are committed to supporting the 42,000 veterans living there today. The resolution's sponsor is Mr. McNerney from California, and I yield such time as he may consume to him to explain the bill.

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H. Res. 1446.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. I thank the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Teague) for bringing us this important resolution. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. FILNER

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