Tulsi Gabbard

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Madam Speaker, I am rising today in very strong support of this Hire More Heroes Act introduced by my friend, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis), someone whom I have been privileged to work with and am proud to cosponsor this legislation. When he first came to me with this idea, it was a no-brainer that I would support it because of the key constituencies that this legislation serves: our veterans and our small businesses. In addition to that, I think, as we kick off this 114th Congress, it is a great message and exactly the right tone that we are focused on these two constituencies. By exempting veterans who have health insurance through the VA or from the DOD from being counted toward that 50-employee limit under the Affordable Care Act, this legislation creates important incentives. It encourages small businesses to grow and expand their workforce, and it establishes an incentive to hire more veterans. Madam Speaker, there are many people who already receive insurance because of their service to our country. I used to be one of them. I was covered under TRICARE for a long period of time after both of my deployments to the Middle East, and it just makes sense that these individuals who already have great medical coverage would not have to count towards the numbers of employees that would trigger the employer mandate under the Affordable Care Act. Most importantly, this bill is about serving veterans. Servicemembers who are transitioning to civilian life bring exceptional training, critical skill sets, and proven leadership ability back to their local communities. Unfortunately, as a country, we are facing an unacceptable number of unemployed veterans, people who are experienced, who are capable and energetic, who are coming back from serving oftentimes in conflicts overseas. These are veterans who will serve as a great asset to businesses and organizations of any size because they come with a built-in unique work ethic, a great deal of training, and real-world experience. These are people who are highly disciplined, who know what it means to work as a member of a team. They know what it means to put the mission first, and they are servant leaders at their very best. This bill provides an incentive for businesses to hire these veterans and, in turn, helps these veterans be successful in their transition to civilian life. This commonsense legislation benefits both veterans and small businesses, while also growing our economy. I urge all of our colleagues to strongly support H.R. 22.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Madam Speaker, there are two kinds of people serving here in Congress--those who are here to serve the interests of the American people, and those who are here to serve the interests of the big banks and Wall Street speculators. The big banks that forced the American people to bail them out in 2008 are even bigger today than they were before. This bill that passed today sets the American taxpayer up to bail them out yet again. The passage of this bill brings us ever closer to the precipice of an economic disaster that will make the 2008 meltdown seem like a picnic.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, our troops, our country, and our communities deserve far better than the defense bill that passed today. The hidden provision in the amended H.R. 3979 to authorize training and arming the so-called moderate Syrian rebels for the next 2 years with no limit on how much money can be spent has seriously polluted this critical piece of legislation. I could not in good conscience vote to support the so-called moderate forces who often work hand in hand with al Qaeda or ISIS and whose personnel and weapons often end up in the hands of those terrorists. This bill continues the same failed practices of undeclared war, regime change, and nation building that have held us mired in the Middle East for over a decade.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise proudly in support of H.R. 4329, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization of 2014. In the 18 years since its enactment, this legislation has strengthened indigenous self-determination by empowering native nations to empower their low-income families and households by assisting with their affordable housing needs. The State of Hawaii's Department of Hawaiian Home Lands uses these funds to manage a trust that Congress established for the rehabilitation of the Native Hawaiian people. Over 1,400 low-income families in Hawaii have benefited from these services, and in many cases, homeownership would not have been possible given the $640,000 median price of a single-family home on the island of Oahu. I would like to give one quick example of the Nakihei family on the island of Molokai. Brent and Amber Nakihei could not have afforded to remain in the neighborhood where Brent grew up, but they partnered with the Molokai Habitat for Humanity and Hawaiian Homes to build a new three-bedroom, one-bath house in 2007. They invested 700 hours of work towards construction of that house, and their four children will now learn the responsibility of homeownership from a young age and have a safe home to grow up in. Passage of this legislation will continue to have a tremendous impact by enabling other families like the Nakihei family. Nationwide passage of this legislation also would represent an important step to removing roadblocks to economic success in native communities and would reaffirm the House's longstanding commitment to tribal sovereignty and self-determination. I thank my colleagues, Chairman Hensarling, Ranking Member Waters, and Representative Moore for their outstanding leadership in allowing this legislation to move forward, as well as longtime advocate Representative Young, Congresswoman Hanabusa, and Dan Kildee who worked very hard on this legislation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4329.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I have an active volcano with lava flowing directly toward a small town called Pahoa, in my district, so I want to take this opportunity to highlight two courageous leaders who have been at the heart of a very strong, resilient community which faces an uncertain future as the Kilauea lava flow continues slowly and steadily towards their homes, their businesses, and their community. Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi and Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira have shown incredible leadership, not only in response to this but also in response to Hurricane Iselle and Tropical Storm Ana and, now, to the nearly 5 months of managing the slowly creeping lava flow threatening Pahoa. All three of these natural disasters have been punishing for this community of Puna, whose residents continue to unite and show optimism even with this uncertain future. Billy and Darryl's tireless work and strong leadership have kept people safe, informed, and prepared even as Mother Nature, through Madame Pele, runs her course. Mahalo to Mayor Kenoi and Chief Oliveira. We stand ready as your partners to support the community we all serve, and we are grateful for your unwavering commitment to them.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Madam Speaker, I stand in opposition to this amendment because this proposed strategy actually reflects a lack of commitment to really destroy ISIL and the other Islamic extremist groups that we are at war with. Here are just a few reasons why I will be voting ``no.'' First, it is unrealistic. It will take way too long, and the number of fighters trained will be way too small to be truly effective in the fight against ISIL. Over that period of time, ISIL will continue to grow in strength. Number two, the mission is unclear. The American people want ISIL destroyed, but the primary objective of the fighters whom we train will be to overthrow Assad. Number three, we don't really know who they are. Presently, they are fighting shoulder to shoulder with al Qaeda and other Islamic extremists and therefore can't be trusted. The weapons and training that we give them may end up actually being used against us and our allies. Voting to support this proposal is actually a vote to overthrow Assad because overthrowing Assad is the primary objective of the so-called Free Syrian Army. If we combine the missions of destroying ISIL and of overthrowing Assad, this is not a smart or effective strategy for a number of reasons. We must focus on one mission--to destroy ISIL and other Islamic extremists who have declared war on us. Our mission should not be to topple the Assad regime, which would make the situation in the region even worse and more unstable than it is today. Madam Speaker, we have heard this story before. We know how it ends. Look at Iraq. Look at Libya. Clearly, our leaders have not learned their lesson. We must focus on taking out our enemies and on investing in our own country here at home.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 15, a bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform bill to bring real solutions to the problems at the border.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, it is a proud moment that we are witnessing here today as we see a bipartisan team of leaders here in Congress who have so passionately been committed to this issue, taking action and finding a solution, not in an ideal way in this crunch time, but nonetheless finding a solution that will change people's lives. When I first joined the military, one of the first lessons drilled into us as young privates by our drill instructors was the importance of teamwork, that we cannot be successful as individuals and how crucial it is for us to work as members of a team towards that singular mission. One team, one fight. These Afghan interpreters and their families put their lives on the line right alongside our troops, not carrying arms, not carrying ammunition to defend themselves, but placing their lives in the hands of our servicemembers as they worked together to complete that mission. Through that sacrifice, they became a member of our team. They felt pain with our losses, and they felt victorious in our successes. The very least that we can do is to take this small step and honor our commitment to our team members by passing H.R. 5195. This is one step towards keeping our promise and just beginning to repay the debt to these Afghan people who have served and sacrificed alongside us.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a local Hawaii girl who has stormed the world stage of golf, and made our state proud as we have watched her grow and achieve. On Sunday, Honolulu-born Michelle Wie won the U.S. Women's Open, her first major in a long career that began on the lush golf courses of Oahu. The daughter of South Korean immigrants, Michelle started golfing at age four and by age 10 became the youngest qualifier ever at the USGA Women's Amateur Public Links Championship. In 2007, she graduated from Punahou School on Oahu. Whether pioneering her unique putting style or showing grace and determination under intense media spotlight and pressure, Michelle has shown she is an athlete beyond her years. Michelle, the people of Hawaii are cheering you on as you take your career to the next level, and continue to represent our state and the aloha spirit! Congratulations!

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize Staff Sergeant Dick Shigemi Hamada, a Japanese American World War II veteran born in Hawaii who served under the Office of Strategic Services, a precursor to the CIA. He volunteered for the renowned 442nd Regimental Combat Team in 1943, shipped off to the fearsome battlefields of the Burma-India-China theater, and later parachuted into what is now Beijing in order to rescue more than 600 prisoners of war. Throughout his military career, Staff Sergeant Hamada stayed true to the aloha spirit. His love of our country and determination to do whatever it took to accomplish the mission are an inspiration to all who have raised their hands to wear the uniform and serve. Staff Sergeant Hamada passed away on May 27 at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of courage and servant leadership. He will be interred later today at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, and we send to him our deepest gratitude and say ``aloha'' to this Hawaii hero.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Chairman, our number one priority is keeping the American people safe. We do that by focusing our resources on those who actually pose a threat to our safety, while upholding the freedoms and civil liberties of the American people, not by continuing this dragnet spying on millions of Americans. There is no evidence to date that these programs have made our country more secure. Not a single taxpayer dollar should be used to fund a program that spies on innocent Americans, violating the principles of liberty and freedom that so many have fought and given their lives for.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of continued funding for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant. In 1921, Congress enacted the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HHCA) to help Native Hawaiians who, after the overthrow and annexation of the Kingdom of Hawaii, were largely disenfranchised from their traditional homelands. HHCA sought to provide for the rehabilitation of the Native Hawaiian people through a homesteading program that would reconnect them with former Crown Lands. In 1959, the State of Hawaii adopted the HHCA as a provision of its constitution in accordance with the Hawaii Statehood Admissions Act, Public Law 86-3. This reaffirmed the responsibility that this nation has to its indigenous people and forever embedded the mission of HHCA in Hawaii's modern history and society. The Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant provides the financial means to support HHCA and its mission of promoting Native Hawaiian well-being through homesteading. This is an important step towards reconciliation for the historical injustices that underline the social and economic inequality of our Native Hawaiians. Safe and affordable housing helps to empower families to be productive members of society. Housing fulfills physical needs by providing security and shelter from weather and climate. It fulfills psychological needs by providing a sense of personal space and privacy. It fulfills social needs by providing a gathering area and communal space for the family. These factors combine to help ensure the well- being of our future generations, and are why continued funding for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program is so important. Homesteading provided through this program helps to ease Hawaii's high cost of living and allows Native Hawaiians to remain connected to their traditional homelands. I strongly urge funding for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program, and would like to express my support for the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act as well.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, if your son or daughter, your brother or sister was sick and needed care, but couldn't see a doctor for 3 months or 6 months or maybe over a year, wouldn't you take immediate action, do whatever it took to make sure that they were cared for? As we stand here today, over 100,000 veterans--our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters in Hawaii and across the country-- have been waiting months just to see a doctor. In Honolulu, veterans wait an average of 145 days, sometimes longer, just to see a primary care physician for the very first time. This is infuriating to me, and it is unconscionable that our veterans are treated this way when they come home. Last week, I heard from veterans from across the State of Hawaii, from every generation, about their struggles and frustrations in trying to receive care from the VA, some coming to me with tears streaming down their face as they begged for help. These are my brothers and sisters. They are our family, and they need help. Immediate action must be taken.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, on May 7, 2014, I was unavoidably detained and was unable to record my vote for rollcall No. 198. Had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on agreeing to H. Res. 568.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I stand here disappointed and heartbroken today as an American and as a soldier because Congress has missed an opportunity to stand up and fight for our troops, especially those who have been victims and survivors of violent sexual crimes that have occurred within our ranks. These are the less than 1 percent of people in our country who have voluntarily put their lives on the line for us, yet what are we doing for them? It is our responsibility to hear the voices coming from within the ranks of our uniformed services and to let them know that we have their back. The House this week had a chance to finally take action on a bipartisan effort to remove the chain of command from the decisionmaking process to prosecute a violent sexual crime that occurs within our ranks, but this legislation was blocked from even getting an up-or-down vote on the House floor. This fight for justice is far from over because we will keep pushing for meaningful change that best serves our men and women in uniform, ensuring them justice and honoring their selfless service to our country.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and highlight National Travel and Tourism Week. In Hawaii, we proudly showcase the world's most beautiful beaches, national parks, coral reefs, and hiking trails, many of which I enjoy as much as possible when I get home. Our robust and growing tourism industry is truly the backbone of our economy, generating more than $10 billion in visitor spending each year. From the lush cliffs of the Na Pali Coast of Kauai to Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, to whale watching around Maui, my home district, hosts some of the world's most awe-inspiring natural beauty. Every year, we welcome more visitors from around the world for tourism, business, cultural, and educational exchanges. Hawaii is a leader in hospitality and we welcome all of our guests with the spirit of aloha. This week, I am proud to recognize all those who contribute to our world-class tourism industry, and will continue to work to strengthen this industry and give thanks to those who show their aloha to our visitors every day. Aloha.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, aloha. I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 83, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller), who I had the pleasure and honor of serving with on the House Homeland Security Committee, for her strong support of this resolution and her recognition of the legacy and the history of King Kamehameha in Hawaii and the lessons that we have all learned and that continue to remain relevant to the people's work that we do here every day. Your support and recognition of this means a lot to me personally, but also to the people of my great home State of Hawaii, and I also have to mention that my mother is from your home State of Michigan, so I appreciate your home as well. I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 83, authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha I. Kamehameha was also known as Kamehameha the Great. He was a skilled and intelligent military leader, monarch, and statesman. He established his reputation and dynasty by uniting all of Hawaii under one rule, thereby bringing and ensuring peace to the islands and protection to his people during a time of Western colonialism. He was born in a small town called North Kohala in my district on the island of Hawaii around 1758, descending from the royal families of Hawaii and Maui. As a young man, he distinguished himself as a talented warrior and military strategist. By 1795, Kamehameha had conquered the islands of Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Molokai, and Oahu. He later acquired Kauai and Niihau through a treaty in 1810, uniting all of Hawaii under his control and creating a kingdom recognized and respected around the world. As king, Kamehameha focused on governing Hawaii in a manner that perpetuated the native Hawaiian culture while also integrating foreign influences. He appointed governors for each island, made laws for the protection of all, planted taro, built houses and irrigation ditches, restored heiau, and promoted international trade. Prominent European Otto von Kotzebue wrote: The king is a man of great wisdom and tries to give his people anything he considers useful. He wishes to increase the happiness and not the wants of his people. These words are as relevant back then as they are today. One of Kamehameha's enduring legacies is the Kanawai Mamalahoe, or Law of the Splintered Paddle, which serves as a model for human rights policies on noncombatants during wartime. It was created as a result of a military expedition in which Kamehameha was violently struck by a fisherman trying to protect his family. Chastened by this experience, Kamehameha declared: Let every elderly person, woman, and child lie by the roadside in safety. This law, which provided for the safety of civilians, is estimated to have saved thousands of lives during Kamehameha's military campaigns. It became the very first written law of the Kingdom of Hawaii and remains in the Hawaii State Constitution to this very day. In 1871, Kamehameha Day was established to celebrate and honor one of Hawaii's greatest leaders. Today, it is observed as a State holiday, attracting tourists from around the world, filled with parades and lei draping at the statues that exist in his honor. One of these statutes is very proudly displayed here in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center. Kamehameha is depicted with a spear in his left hand, as a reminder that he brought wars to an end. His right hand is extended with open palm as a gesture of the aloha spirit. For the last 43 years, we have celebrated Kamehameha Day here in our Nation's Capital. I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 83 to authorize the use of Emancipation Hall as we continue this tradition in celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I. Mr. Speaker, just in closing, I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 83 so that we can continue this tradition and remember and honor and apply the legacy and history of one of Hawaii's greatest leaders. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, from January 6, 2014 through January 17, 2014, I was in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, reporting for mandatory annual National Guard training. I missed rollcall votes Nos. 1-23. Had I been present I would have voted: Rollcall No. 1: ``Present''--On Quorum Call of the House. Rollcall No. 2: ``yes''--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 724. Rollcall No. 3: ``yes''--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 3527. Rollcall No. 4: ``yes''--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3628. Rollcall No. 5: ``no''--Ordering the Previous Question. Rollcall No. 6: ``no''--On Agreeing to the Resolution H. Res. 455. Rollcall No. 7: ``yes''--Agreeing to the Sinema Amendment. Rollcall No. 8: ``yes''--Agreeing to the Tonko Amendment. Rollcall No. 9: ``yes''--On Motion to Recommit with Instructions. Rollcall No. 10: ``no''--On Passage of H.R. 2279. Rollcall No. 11: ``yes''--Final Passage of H.R. 3811. Rollcall No. 12: ``yes''--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 1513. Rollcall No. 13: ``yes''--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass S. 230. Rollcall No. 14: ``yes''--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 2274. Rollcall No. 15: ``yes''--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 801. Rollcall No. 16: ``yes''--On Approving the Journal. Rollcall No. 17: ``yes''--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 2860. Rollcall No. 18: ``yes''--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 1233. Rollcall No. 19: ``no''--On Ordering the Previous Question. Rollcall No. 20: ``no''--On Agreeing to the Resolution H. Res. 458. Rollcall No. 21: ``yes''--Concurring in the Senate Amendments with an Amendment on H.R. 3547. Rollcall No. 22: ``yes''--On Motion to Recommit with Instructions. Rollcall No. 23: ``no''--On Passage of H.R. 3362.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, on March 26, 2014, I was unavoidably detained and was unable to record my vote for rollcall No. 142. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on ordering the previous question.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, last week I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of my friend and Hawaii island resident, Les Botelho. I share my heartfelt condolences with his family and his friends. Les was a committed family man and also dedicated to serving his community. He lived simply and led by example, always understanding the importance of servant leadership and giving back. Les was a native of Laupahoehoe and graduated from Laupahoehoe High School and Hawaii Technical School. He worked for the County of Hawaii for many years, working his way up to administration before he retired. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing Les knew we could always count on him. He was very often the first call that people made when they needed help with anything. He was a mentor to so many and a great example for all to follow, as he always taught the next generation to become involved, to be a part of making a positive impact in our community, and to undertake the great responsibility of being leaders in our future. Aloha nui, Les, we miss you very much. Mahalo for your lifelong commitment to serving Hawaii. Aloha.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, on March 12, 2014, I was unavoidably detained and was unable to record my vote for rollcall No. 118. Had I been present I would have voted ``nay'' on ordering the previous question.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I am rising today in strong support of the Hire More Heroes Act introduced by my friend, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis). When he first came to me with this idea, it was a no-brainer that I would want to support this effort because of the key constituencies that it serves. I think that everyone would agree that the intent or the goal of the Affordable Care Act is to make sure that all people have access to affordable health care. That is a large piece of legislation. It needs some work. It needs some fixing, and this legislation seeks to do that. First of all, the Affordable Care Act requires employers with 50 of more full-time employees to provide health insurance, or to pay a per- employee fine. This measure does a very important thing that would encourage these small business owners to do two things: to grow, as well as to hire more veterans by exempting those who receive insurance, either from the VA, or those reservists, like I was--I was covered under TRICARE for a long period of time after my deployments. It would make it so these employers would not have to count these veterans towards that 50 total. Secondly, this bill serves veterans. We are facing an unfortunate and unacceptable huge number of unemployed veterans, many people who are young and who are capable and coming back from conflicts overseas, and these are veterans who will serve as a huge asset to businesses of any size because they come with a unique amount of training. They are highly disciplined. They know what it means to work as a member of a team. They know what it means to put the mission first, and they are servant leaders at their very best. This bill provides an incentive for businesses to hire veterans. This is a commonsense improvement to the Affordable Care Act that will benefit both of these important groups. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3474.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Madam Speaker, on January 21, I attended a USARPAC Sisters in Arms forum in Hawaii, and I met a warrior and a hero. Her name is Staff Sergeant Mary Valdez. I watched in awe, inspired as she stood at attention with her right hand raised, tears streaming down her face as she swore to defend the Constitution, to obey the orders of the President, and to obey the orders of the officers over her. Her strength and love for our Nation was palpable for everyone in the room, despite her having been savagely raped by a fellow soldier just weeks before her 2011 deployment to Afghanistan. She pressed charges, she took him to trial, and the man who raped her was acquitted and still serves in our United States Army today. When she spoke after her reenlistment, tears streaming down her face, she said, ``I love being a soldier. I love this Army.'' Her courage, resilience, and commitment to fulfilling her duty is what makes our military the strongest in the world. We owe it to Staff Sergeant Valdez and all servicemembers to bring about reforms so they are not faced with this kind of adversity. They are fulfilling their duty and their responsibility every day. We must fulfill ours.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, as President Calvin Coolidge said, ``A nation that that forgets its defenders will soon be forgotten.'' I rise today to recognize the contributions of The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, a group that recently invited me to participate in an event honoring the sacrifice and the service of our servicemembers. There, I had the privilege of meeting Corporal Donny Daughenbaugh, a Coalition spokesman who was severely injured during routine patrol in Iraq, as well as Sergeant Mary Herrera, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), and Sergeant Jorge DeLeon, U.S. Army (Ret.). Herrera and DeLeon also were injured in the line of duty while serving our country overseas. Despite their injuries, these selfless heroes have weathered an extremely challenging recovery and are now using their own experience to help fellow veterans make the transition to civilian life. Like so many other veterans, their resilience and love of country endures after they return home and begin to face these tremendous challenges. The event focused on the growing, serious challenges facing young veterans, particularly, homelessness, which is fast becoming a crisis among female combat veterans. These veterans, who step up to serve and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation, all too often don't have the support they need when they return home. I have seen firsthand the overwhelming challenges our returning warriors face in Hawai`i and across the nation. Tragically, more than 1,100 veterans in Hawai`i alone have experienced homelessness. While the overall number of homeless veterans is decreasing, homeless female veterans are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population. Female veterans are also more likely to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and frequently have children who also suffer. The Coalition, led by David Walker, is a national 501(c)(3), non- profit, non-partisan organization, established in 2004 to address the needs of severely wounded veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and their families. The organization provides emergency financial assistance and other support services to help them recover from their injuries, rebuild their lives, and successfully transition back into civilian life. In addition to its work to address homelessness, the Coalition's emergency aid services also aim,to combat the troubling rates of suicide and domestic abuse among servicemembers and veterans. This week in Orlando, Florida, the Coalition is hosting 100 combat- wounded veterans at its seventh annual Road to Recovery Conference and Tribute, a program that provides sessions on professional development, financial planning, and relationships. Hawai`i has a proud tradition of military service to our nation, and is the grateful home of thousands of veterans and their families. I commend the work of the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes to ensure that our nation's defenders are never forgotten.

Ms. GABBARD

Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the work that has been done by Senator Murray and Congressman Ryan as we work towards passing a budget deal before the end of this year. I think the end result is not perfect in anyone's eyes, but what they have done is something that symbolized what can be achieved when two sides come together in the best interests for our country. However, there is one element of the agreement that I am raising with concern because my State of Hawaii has a very unique circumstance. We have six major islands where people live with no interisland railway, no highway or ferry system that connects each of these islands; and people who commute back and forth, people who look for access to health care, have no option other than to fly. In some cases, this air route is an essential lifeline in each of these areas. In the past, Congress has recognized Hawaii's unique situation and exclusive reliance on air travel. We are concerned about the disparate impact of increased taxes and fees on this air travel in our State. Again, the budget deal is a solid step in the right direction, but we must ensure that the people of Hawaii, who have no options available to them other than to fly, are not unduly burdened with the fee increase. I look forward to being able to address this issue.