Bob Filner

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about a resolution that I have re-introduced along with Congressmen Bilbray, Honda, Issa, and Bobby Scott, my colleagues in the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus (H. Res. 155). This resolution recognizes Filipino American Heritage Month and celebrates the heritage and culture of Filipino Americans and their immense contributions to our nation. The Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History Month in 1988 but I was surprised to learn that the House of Representatives has never recognized this month, which is long overdue! We are pleased to honor the Filipino American community and pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions that Filipinos make to this nation. Filipino Americans have been part of the American experience, confronting many difficult challenges while being resolute and steadfast in their cultural heritage. We honor Filipino Americans, from farm workers to nurses and doctors to the brave and courageous soldiers who fought shoulder-to-shoulder with American servicemen. This country is indebted to the Filipino veterans of World War II for their extraordinary sacrifices. We promise that we will not give up. Equity and recognition for World War II Veterans is a moral imperative. I invite my colleagues to join with me in honoring the history, culture, and contribution of Filipino Americans in the United States by supporting this important resolution.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about a very important bill that I just re-introduced, the Visitors Interested in Strengthening America (VISA) Act of 2009 (H.R. 937). The bill would grant humanitarian visa waivers to children and their parents coming across the border for regular medical appointments, or for educational or cultural events. In the past, the Port Directors at the border had the authority to grant humanitarian visa waivers to certain children and their accompanying parent. Now, children who come without a visa must be turned away. The fee to enter into the United States for 24 hours is an insurmountable amount of money for these poor children and their families. These children pose no threat to our national security. They are merely trying to receive medical treatment or to enjoy a school field trip to one of our nation's numerous tourist attractions. This legislation does not affect the number of legal or illegal immigrants living in the United States--the children and accompanying adults visit for one day and then return to their homes. It gives Port Directors the authority to use their discretion, and issue waivers to children that pose no security threat to our country. This is common sense legislation that allows us to cultivate relations with our Mexican neighbors, while keeping those who would do us harm out of our country. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this critical legislation, by co-sponsoring the VISA Act.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I have re-introduced the Mobile Home Protection Act (H.R. 741). The purpose of this bill is to provide Section 8 assistance to low-income owners of mobile homes. Owning one's home is a central part of the American Dream. For many low-income Americans, mobile homes provide the opportunity to achieve this goal of homeownership. However, in many cases, while the family owns their home, they do not own the land on which the home sits. In some cases, the landlord will not accept section 8 vouchers for the land on which the mobile home sits. I have introduced the Mobile Home Protection Act to correct this problem. This bill would provide this Section 8 assistance directly to the homeowners to apply towards their rent costs for the land on which their homes sit. Many mobile home owners have invested their life savings into buying their mobile homes. As mobile home park rents increase these low-income homeowners are not able to keep up with this cost. This legislation will help keep these homeowners in their homes and maintain these established communities.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I recently re-introduced my bill, H. Con. Res. 30, which urges the President to authorize the transfer of ownership to the Philippines of the bells taken in 1901 from the town of Balangiga in the Philippines. The bells are currently displayed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In the 108 years since the taking of the bells occurred, the citizens of the United States and the Philippines have shared many historic and political ties. The Philippines was a staunch ally of the United States during World War II. Brave Filipino soldiers were drafted into service by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, fought side-by-side with American soldiers, and were instrumental in the successful outcome of World War II. Filipino soldiers also fought along side our soldiers on the battlefields of Korea and Vietnam. Since the independence of the Philippines in 1946, the U.S.- Philippine relationship has been largely one of friendship and cooperation. The Philippines is a republic patterned basically on our own system of government. The Philippines is a valuable trading partner of the U.S. and an ally in the war against terrorism. Approximately 2.9 million Americans are of Filipino descent and close to 250,000 United States citizens reside in the Philippines. The acts of conflict that surrounded the taking of the bells of Balangiga are not consistent with the friendship that is currently an integral part of the relationship between our two nations. The Republic of the Philippines has repeatedly requested the return of the bells. They are an important symbol to the Filipino people, who wish to have them re-installed in the belfry of the Balangiga Church. I believe that it is time to resolve this situation in order to solidify the bonds between our two nations. My resolution would honor and promote the positive relationship our counties enjoy. As the years pass, I am confident that relations between our two nations will grow even stronger. To that end, the United States Government which has final disposition over the bells of Balangiga should transfer ownership of the bells to the people of the Philippines as a measure of good will and co-operation.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I recently introduced legislation, H.R. 740, intended to prevent the Department of Defense from building new bases and facilities along seismic fault lines. In San Diego, California, the Department of the Navy is planning a mixed-use development along the downtown waterfront that will incorporate not only a new Navy headquarters, but also business, commercial, and housing elements. It has come to my attention that the land in question is within the Uniform Building Code (UBC) Seismic Zone 4. My bill requires the lease for this development to be revoked unless the Secretary of the Navy determines that seismic activity would not have any significant impact on any portion of the proposed development. My bill would also extend this requirement to other leases on which no substantial construction has already begun. In my view, it is only reasonable to require a scientific review of this issue before construction begins. We should not allow the Department of Defense to build new bases on fault lines.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to speak about a concurrent resolution that I have reintroduced that recognizes the service and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. My legislation would express the sense of Congress that a stamp, called the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Stamp, should be issued to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. On average, a law enforcement officer is killed in America every other day. Since 1792, when recordkeeping started, more than 18,200 officers have lost their lives in service to their communities. In 2008, 140 officers were killed in the line of duty. Too many police officers are killed or injured in the line of duty every day and this legislation is a way to thank those who put their lives in danger every time they put on their uniforms. I am proud to sponsor such a worthy legislation. I invite my colleagues to join with me in commending our law enforcement officers. It is extremely important that we honor these everyday heroes! Please join me in supporting the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Stamp Act (H. Con. Res. 31).

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I recently re-introduced, along with my colleague John McHugh, The Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act (H.R. 673). The purpose of this bill is simply to give law enforcement status to all federal law enforcement officers! Many federal officials--for example, the Border Patrol--are classified as ``law enforcement officers,'' for the purposes of determining salary and retirement benefits. But many other officers-- such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Inspectors, Veterans' Affairs Police Officers, U.S. Mint Police Officers, Internal Revenue Officers, Customs and Border Protection Seized Property Specialists, and police officers in about two dozen other agencies--do not have equal pay and benefits status. The tragic irony, Madam Speaker, is that the only time these officers are classified as law enforcement officers is when they are killed in the line of duty. Then their names are inscribed on the wall of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial right here in Washington. Let me say that again. It is only when they are killed that they are called law enforcement officers, and that is a tragic irony. My district encompasses the entire California-Mexico border and is home to two of the busiest border crossings in the entire world, so I am very familiar with the work of our nation's border inspectors. They wear bulletproof vests, they carry firearms, and, unfortunately, have to use them. Most importantly, these inspectors are subject to the same risks as other officers with whom they serve side-by-side. However, they are not eligible for early retirement and other benefits, which are designed to maintain a young and vigorous law enforcement workforce that we need to combat those who pose life-threatening risks to our society. The Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act will provide well-deserved pay and retirement benefits to the officers protecting our borders, our ports of entry, our military and veterans' installations and other sensitive government buildings. The costs of these benefits would likely be off-set by savings in training costs and increased revenue collection. The bill will also reduce turnover, increase yield, decrease recruitment and development costs and enhance the retention of a well-trained and experienced workforce. Madam Speaker, the simple fact is that these officers have dangerous jobs and deserve to be recognized as law enforcement officers, just like others with whom they serve, side by side, and who share the same level of risk. I encourage my colleagues to join me and Mr. McHugh in co-sponsoring, the Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act. The valiant officers who protect us deserve no less.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I have introduced the Huntington's Disease Parity Act of 2009 (H.R. 678). The purpose of this bill is to improve Social Security Disability Benefits and Medicare coverage for people affected by Huntington's Disease. Huntington's Disease (HD), is a genetic neurodegenerative disease (like Alzheimer's) that causes total physical and mental deterioration over a 10 to 25 year period. Eventually, every person diagnosed with HD will lose the ability to live independently. It is a rare disease, affecting 30,000 Americans, while another 200,000 are considered ``at risk'' of inheriting it from an affected parent. Many people with HD who apply for Social Security disability benefits experience delays and denials due to the continued use of outdated and insufficient medical criteria. Often, by the time persons affected by HD are ``under review'' for SSA disability, many have already lost their employer-provided health insurance benefits. This legislation would address this problem by directing the Social Security Administration to revise its medical criteria for determining disability for people with HD. The legislation would also remove the two-year waiting period for people living with HD to receive Medicare benefits after receiving Social Security disability benefits. Eliminating this waiting period will ensure individuals will get crucial care they need in the early stages of the disease. In 2000, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services waived this waiting period requirement for people disabled by ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease), another degenerative neurological condition similar to HD.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I have introduced The Foreign Air Impact Regulation (FAIR) Air Act (H.R. 677). The purpose of this bill is to combat air pollution along our borders and to ensure that our communities are not unfairly penalized. Our border communities are being besieged by toxic pollutants from neighboring countries. This is making the air quality along our border worse than ever--and leaves our communities with little recourse to improve the situation. The FAIR AIR Act says that if pollution from another country causes non-attainment of air pollution regulations, then the EPA and the Secretary of State should work together to lower it! Furthermore, the effective date of reclassification should be delayed until the Secretary of State and local leaders develop a plan with the neighboring country to improve the air quality. We cannot put this international problem on the backs of those who simply happen to live along the border. There truly needs to be a bi- national cooperative solution to address this important issue. We all breathe the same air and it is only with bi-national cooperation and working together to achieve better air quality standards for all!

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I have just re-introduced legislation intended to honor the service and sacrifice of many of the members of the United States Armed Forces who fought in Vietnam, the ``In Memory Medal for Forgotten Veterans Act'' (H.R. 671). Those so recognized are veterans who have died as a result of their service in the Vietnam War but who do not meet the criteria for inclusion on The Wall of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund has a program called ``In Memory'' which has raised money for a plaque that has been placed near The Wall. The plaque honors ``those who served in the Vietnam War and later died as a result of their service''. No names are on the plaque, but all names are kept in the ``In Memory Book'' at a kiosk near The Wall, and families can order a copy. My bill adds to this recognition by presenting the families of these veterans with a medal, to be known as the ``Jesus (Chuchi) Salgado Medal'' to be issued by the Secretary of Defense. Chuchi Salgado was an outstanding individual who lived in my Congressional district, whose exposure to Agent Orange ultimately led to his death. His relatives continue to live in my district. Because of the boundaries that have been set for the names to be placed on The Wall, Chuchi and many, many other Vietnam veterans are not honored in this manner. Now, with new veterans coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan, we are all taking a second look and a closer look at how veterans from past wars have been treated. While we must care for the newer veterans, we must also take this opportunity to do right by veterans of Vietnam, along with those of other past wars and conflicts. I invite my colleagues to join with me in honoring these veterans. It is critical that we remember those who have fought so gallantly and sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I recently introduced the Department of Defense and Civilian Law Enforcement Coordination Act of 2009 (H.R. 675). My bill would amend federal law to permit Department of Defense law enforcement officers to better coordinate and cooperate with civilian law enforcement agencies. I drafted this legislation in cooperation with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) because many DOD law enforcement officers in my district have informed me that they are prohibited from basic coordination and cooperation with civilian agencies near DOD facilities. We need to ensure that federal, state, and local law enforcement are able to work together to apprehend criminals and to prevent and solve crimes. I hope that my colleagues will join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to speak about a very important bill that I just introduced, the Save Our Border Communities Act (H.R. 670). The bill would reimburse police, firefighters and other first responders for services associated with U.S. Ports of Entry. Local law enforcement and first responders are bearing the brunt of protecting our borders. The federal government has not reimbursed border towns for border-related incidents and its drain on local police, firefighters and first responders is increasingly unbearable. In Imperial County, California, the already strained local police department has announced that due to the high volume of border-related requests, it will no longer respond to most calls from the U.S.-Mexico Port of Entry. The local police department stated they cannot afford to process and transport the numerous individuals with out-of-county misdemeanor warrants to the local jail. Now, instead of being brought to justice, these individuals are set free. It is about time the federal government pays its fair share. I urge my colleagues to join me in ensuring all our border communities are fully reimbursed for protecting our nation's borders by supporting the Save Our Border Communities Act.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I have introduced the Military Environmental Responsibility Act (H.R. 672). The purpose of this bill is to require the Department of Defense to fully comply with Federal and State environmental laws. Military exemptions from requirements and enforcement provisions under environment, public safety, and worker protection laws harm the environment and human health. Our constituents who border military bases should have the same protections as other municipalities. This bill will not compromise military readiness. Environmental laws currently include exemptions for the military in the event of ``paramount interest of the United States''. These exemptions have only been used a handful of times, and the President would retain that authority over this legislation. Americans believe that their government should be accountable to them and play by the same rules that they have to follow. Much of the cynicism and apathy of recent years can be traced directly to public perception that government officials and agencies are not accountable to anyone. We can only begin to restore faith in government and participation in democracy by ensuring that the federal government works under the same laws and regulations as private businesses and individuals.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I recently re-introduced my bill, the ``Fair Taxes for Seniors Act'' (H.R. 674), which will provide a one- time increase in the capital gains tax exemption on the sale of a home for citizens who are 50 years of age or older. Passing this bill will give many seniors the additional money they need for nursing home care, medical costs, and other retirement expenses. The Fair Taxes for Seniors Act doubles the current exemption by providing a one-time increase to $500,000 for a single person and $1 million for a couple that can be excluded from the sale of a principal residence for taxpayers who have reached the age of 50. Because they will be able to keep more, an added benefit is that family members and perhaps the government will be relieved of the burden of caring for these individuals as they grow older. I hope that my colleagues will join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to speak about an important resolution that I have reintroduced that honors the legacy of the Four Immortal Chaplains who sacrificed their lives over 65 years ago. (H. Res. 86) On February 3, 1943, the U.S. Army Transportation Service troopship Dorchester was torpedoed in the North Atlantic by a German submarine. Of the 900 passengers and crew, 597 were military personnel, and four of those men were the ship's chaplains--Methodist chaplain George Lansing Fox, Rabbi Alexander Goode, Dutch Reformed minister Clark V. Poling and John P. Washington, a Roman Catholic priest. Each chaplain distributed life vests as the ship went down and then gave up their own when supply ran out. As the ship went down into the icy waters, survivors in the nearby rafts could see the four chaplains with their arms linked and braced against the slanting deck. According to eyewitnesses, the chaplains were heard offering prayers for the soldiers who had died in the wreckage. In 1948, a stamp was issued honoring these four chaplains as true examples of ``Interfaith in Action.'' They were recognized by Congress and the President with a special Medal of Honor for their selfless acts of courage, compassion and faith. The heroism of these brave men should serve as an example of love for others without regard to race, religion or creed, and an acknowledgment of the potential for human compassion. This message rings true today more than ever! That is why I have reintroduced a resolution, which remembers the Four Immortal Chaplain and requests the President issue a proclamation calling on the Federal Government, States, localities, and the people of the United States to observe a day in their honor with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities. It is important their story of extraordinary faith, courage, and selflessness is heard and should guide the way we live out lives with compassion for others, in the spirit of the four Chaplains. I invite my colleagues to join with me in honoring the Four Immortal Chaplains by supporting this important resolution.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to commemorate the Centennial of the great community of San Ysidro--the gateway to America. San Ysidro is not only home to the world's busiest land border crossing, but is also a multicultural tight-knit community with a rich history and culture like no other. As California's Border Congressman, I am very proud to represent San Ysidro and will continue to be a vocal advocate for our border community. Please join me in this year-long celebration. ``Adelante San Ysidro!''

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to recognize Sweetwater High School in National City, California, a school in California's 51st Congressional District, my district, with a statement prepared by the school which touts its remarkable success. In the United States of the 21st Century, no single institution has received more attention, been the center of more controversy or passionately advanced as ``the last best hope'' of passing on the promise of national excellence than the public high school. The driving force behind the passage by Congress of ``No Child Left Behind'' was to create schools that reflect equity--where dynamic learning environments driven by high academic standards will promote academic, social and ethical growth for ALL students. Schools are held accountable through a comprehensive assessment program that measures achievement and yearly progress for every student, their scores reported by gender, by ethnicity, by parent education, by economic circumstance. No child was left undiscovered, and in 2001, at Sweetwater High School, it was alarmingly clear that many had been left behind. Census reports from 2001 reported that National City ranked as the second poorest city in San Diego County and had the fifteenth poorest economy in the United States for a city of fewer than 59,000 residents. Located seven miles north of the Mexican border, Sweetwater High School, built in 1921, serves culturally and socially diverse low- income families whose needs place unique demands on the school and staff who serve them. Eight of ten students speak a language other than English at home. More than 80 percent of the 2500 students qualify for the free lunch program. In its first reporting year for ``No Child Left Behind,'' Sweetwater scored a lowly 461 out of a possible 1000 on the Academic Performance Index (API) and more telling, did not meet adequate yearly progress by its targeted populations. In the second year, while the API score improved significantly and some gains had been made, the school did not meet the goals established by the federal guidelines of ``No Child Left Behind.'' Two consecutive years of unmet goals landed Sweetwater High on the Federal List of Failing Schools. What followed is Sweetwater High School at its best, Sweetwater High School calling on 87 years of Spirit and Pride. Under the leadership of new principal Wesley Braddock, administrators, counselors, resource personnel, and teachers united to develop a school-wide assault on poor and failing scores. District curriculum and instructional staff provided resources and support identified by Sweetwater teachers and administrators as key to moving ALL students to academic success, with proficiency on state exams and meeting and exceeding federal benchmarks for performance. Student data became the map staff followed in search of the keys that would unlock the treasure chest of achievement. Students who had previously missed the proficiency cut were assigned an extra support class to assist them in developing critical thinking strategies and test taking skills. Incoming 10th grade students identified as below basic--those in the lowest quartile--were given additional support. This strategy provided in-depth remediation and academic development prior to the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) to the Sophomore Class each February. Most striking was the challenge to those sophomores who were ``not at risk,'' that they too should work hard in their core academic classes. Principal Braddock went personally to every 10th grade English class and spoke from his heart about the importance of doing well, about the Sweetwater Tradition to rise far beyond what others think we can do. While 350 is the score required to pass the CAHSEE exam, this minimum state score was not sufficient to move Sweetwater out of the federal Program Improvement category. Principal Braddock then issued the ``380 Challenge.'' He challenged students to do what so many said Sweetwater High would never do. He told them that together, they would accomplish great things. To accomplish those great things, all of us, students, staff, administration, parents and community would not only act, but dream, and not just to dream, but to BELIEVE! Students did believe, and many smashed the 380 goal, giving Sweetwater High the largest passing percentage in English-Language Arts in the district. The staff and students have learned over these past three years that great things are not done by impulse, but by knowing the goal, committing to the work, and hitting the target always saying, WE BELIEVE. Sweetwater High School has raised its Academic Performance Index (API) from 461 to 706. Sweetwater's API growth is the 5th highest in the entire state of California. Sweetwater High School's 97 percent Attendance Rate is the highest in the 30,000 student/23 school Sweetwater Union High School District. Sweetwater High School, in September of 2008, made history by being one of only two schools to make it off the Federal Watch List. In fact, its achievement has surpassed the achievement of 851 of California's 855 high schools. Sweetwater High School, stands with firm resolve, both feet planted in this 21st century. The staff and students of Sweetwater High exemplify extraordinary courage as they continue to engage in attacking and mastering the rigorous academic standards set forth by the state and the nation. Their resilience and resolve rise up from their State of the Heart Legacy and will take each generation of students into a world where they not only believe in their ability but will achieve success. For those looking for that ``Last Best Hope'' described in A Nation at Risk, just Google . . . 2900 Highland Avenue, National City, CA: Sweetwater High School--``Home of the Red Devils!'' As an educator, I applaud the achievements of the students, staff, teachers, administrators, parents and the community of Sweetwater High School! I was so moved by the efforts of these students that I was able to obtain $292,000 in federal funds for students at Sweetwater High School and neighboring high schools for their Compact for Success. This Compact is a program that guarantees a place at San Diego State University for every graduating high school student who maintains a ``B'' average and meets the goals of the Compact. Participation in the Compact is yet one more way that the Sweetwater High School community is challenging and rewarding its students, the students who are a beacon of light and a remarkable example of what can be achieved when everyone focuses on the goal, the goal of a quality education for each and every student.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about a resolution that I have just introduced along with Congressmen Honda, Issa, and Bobby Scott, my colleagues on the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, H. Res. 1523. This resolution recognizes Filipino American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Filipino Americans and their immense contributions to our Nation. The Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History Month in 1988 but I was surprised to learn that the House of Representatives has never recognized this month, which is long overdue! We are pleased to honor the Filipino American community and pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions that Filipinos make to this Nation. Filipino Americans have been part of the American experience, confronting many difficult challenges while being resolute and steadfast in their cultural heritage. We honor the Filipino Americans, from the farm workers to nurses and doctors and to the brave and courageous soldiers who fought shoulder to shoulder with American servicemen. This country is indebted to the Filipino veterans of World War II for their extraordinary sacrifices. We promise that we will not give up. Equity and recognition for World War II Veterans is a moral imperative! I invite my colleagues to join with me in honoring the history, culture, and contribution of Filipino Americans in the United States, by supporting this important resolution, H. Res. 1523.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: S. 3023, as amended, the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, reflects a Compromise Agreement reached by the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs (the Committees) on the following bills reported during the 110th Congress: H.R. 674; H.R. 3681, as amended; H.R. 3889, as amended; H.R. 4255, as amended; H.R. 5664, as amended; H.R. 5892, as amended; H.R. 6221, as amended; H.R. 6225, as amended, and H.R. 6832 (House Bills); S. 1315, as amended; and S. 3023, as amended (Senate Bills). H.R. 674 passed the House on July 31, 2008; H.R. 3681, as amended, passed the House on May 20, 2008; H.R. 3889, as amended, passed the House on May 20, 2008; H.R. 4255, as amended, passed the House on July 31, 2008; H.R. 5664, as amended, passed the House on May 20, 2008; H.R. 5892, as amended, passed the House on July 30, 2008; H.R. 6221, as amended, passed the House on July 31, 2008; H.R. 6225, as amended, passed the House on July 31, 2008; H.R. 6832 passed the House on September 11, 2008; S. 1315, as amended, passed the Senate on April 24, 2008, and passed the House, as amended, on September 22, 2008; and S. 3023, as amended, passed the Senate on September 16, 2008. The Committees have prepared the following explanation of S. 3023, as further amended, to reflect a Compromise Agreement between the Committees. Differences between the provisions contained in the Compromise Agreement and the related provisions of the House Bills and the Senate Bills are noted in this document, except for clerical corrections, conforming changes made necessary by the Compromise Agreement, and minor drafting, technical, and clarifying changes.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez), another great member of our committee, for such time as he may consume.

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I recognize another new member of our committee, but again a very aggressive, active member, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Donnelly), for 4 minutes.

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 S. 3023, as amended.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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 S. 2162, as amended.

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 2162) to improve the treatment and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders, and for other purposes, as amended.