Joseph Heck

Mr. HECK of Nevada

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Amodei), my friend and colleague and the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 4298, which directs the Department of the Army to place in Arlington National Cemetery a memorial honoring helicopter pilots and crew members who served on Active Duty in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam war. Mr. Speaker, it is hard to think about the Vietnam war without thinking about the significant role both man and machinery played throughout the war effort. The helicopter was the mainstay for operational mobility, with approximately 12,000 helicopters used during the war by the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force. These helicopters, flown by tremendously skilled pilots and manned by brave and competent crew chiefs, door gunners, and medics, brought a constant stream of troops and supplies to the battlefields and carried the wounded from the battlefields--all while operating under extreme conditions and at tremendous personal risk. Helicopter support to combat operations in Vietnam was not without significant loss. An estimated 5,000 helicopter pilots and crew members made the ultimate sacrifice during the war. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Nevada for introducing this bill to permanently honor and remember the sacrifice by the extraordinary helicopter pilots and crew members who served in Vietnam by placing a memorial in their honor in Arlington National Cemetery. Therefore, I strongly urge all Members to support this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4298) to direct the Secretary of the Army to place in Arlington National Cemetery a memorial honoring the helicopter pilots and crew members of the Vietnam era, and for other purposes.

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, as my colleague stated, the service, commitment, and dedication of the helicopter pilots during the Vietnam war were critical to saving many lives. As somebody who was an Army flight surgeon, who spent hundreds of hours in the back of a helicopter, and who served as the chief of aeromedical evacuation for the 325th Combat Support Hospital in Iraq in 2008, I can personally attest to the dedication, bravery, and commitment of the helicopter pilots and of the crew members and what they do for our men and women in uniform. Therefore, I strongly urge the House to support this bill and provide this memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HECK of Nevada

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the conference report to S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2017. This conference report contains significant policy and funding priorities to continue our commitment to maintaining the readiness of our military personnel and their families. Included in this conference report are many important initiatives: Specifically, it provides a fully funded pay raise. This is the largest pay raise for our military in the last 5 years and the first full pay raise in 4 years. After 3 years of lower pay raises than allowed by law, it is time that we give our troops and their families the pay increase they deserve. It stops the troop reductions in our Armed Forces, thereby increasing readiness, while reducing the stress and strain on our force and their families. It reforms the military health system to ensure that we have a ready medical force and a medically ready force, while providing a quality healthcare benefit valued by its beneficiaries. It modernizes the Uniform Code of Military Justice to improve the system's efficiency and transparency, while also enhancing victims' rights. It reforms the commissary system in a way that preserves this valuable benefit, while also improving it so that the system remains an excellent value for the shoppers and a good value for taxpayer dollars. In conclusion, I want to thank the ranking member, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis), for her contributions and support in this process. It has truly been an honor and a pleasure to work with her. I also want to thank the subcommittee members and offer my sincere appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the subcommittee staff. Lastly, I want to thank the chairman, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Thornberry), for his support and for entrusting me with the great privilege and honor of chairing this subcommittee. I strongly urge my colleagues to support the conference report to S. 2943.

Mr. HECK of Nevada

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, during my time here in the House of Representatives, each Congressional Session I have introduced the World War II Filipino Veterans Recognition Act in an attempt to restore the benefits that were promised to these brave soldiers by Franklin Delano Roosevelt when they were incorporated into the United States Armed Forces Far East during World War II, but then had those benefits denied by the Rescission Act of 1946. These soldiers served side by side with American troops. They served under American officers. They bled, fought, and died to protect their homeland on behalf of the United States. I have had the honor to get to know six of these gentlemen who lived in southern Nevada: Francisco Cedulla; Romeo Barreras; Silverio Cuaresma; Augusto Opus; Bataan Death March survivor, Jesse Baltazar; and Edilberto Briones. Unfortunately, over the last 6 years, five of them have passed on, never receiving the recognition that they justly deserve. That is why this bill is so important. While it does not justly compensate these brave soldiers for the service that they gave to this country, this bill, S. 1555, and the companion introduced by my good friend, the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Gabbard), and of which I am the lead cosponsor, is in some small way a recognition of the service rendered by these brave patriots. It is for that reason that I rise in strong support and urge all of my colleagues to vote in support of S. 1555, so that we can finally pay some level of recognition to those who served side by side with American soldiers under American command.

Mr. HECK of Nevada

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the remainder of my time. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to underscore the purpose of this legislation. Yes, this bill will help us address a growing doctor shortage, and, yes, it will also help us close the diversity gap among physicians. But the Accessing Higher Education Opportunities Act, like a number of the bills on the floor today, is also about opportunity and helping students realize what they can achieve through higher education. This bipartisan bill will help more students obtain the knowledge and the skills they need to accomplish their goals and succeed in the workforce. I want to thank both Dr. Ruiz and Representative Hinojosa for their work in advancing these important reforms and for their continued leadership in helping more Americans pursue the dream of a higher education. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HECK of Nevada. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5529, the Accessing Higher Education Opportunities Act. Like many States, Nevada has a severe doctor shortage. While the number of patients is steadily increasing, there continues to be too few qualified healthcare providers to meet this growing demand for care. Additionally, according to the National Hispanic Medical Association, despite a continued rise in our country's Hispanic population, the number of physicians that identify as Hispanic is only 5 percent. In an effort to help close this diversity gap, prepare more culturally competent healthcare providers, and address our Nation's doctor shortage, last year I joined with Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz from California to introduce H.R. 2927. That bill allowed Hispanic-Serving Institutions to utilize existing grant funds to create programs that support, encourage, and mentor prospective physicians as they navigate the necessary requirements to be accepted into medical school. Congress originally created the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions program in 1992. This program helps promote education opportunities for Hispanic students and allows the institutions serving them to make improvements that increase the quality of the education they offer. Today there are more than 400 HSIs across the country, and many other institutions are on the verge of becoming HSIs. In my State of Nevada, the College of Southern Nevada; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and Nevada State College are among many other schools that either are or are on the verge of becoming an HSI. Additionally, the number of young Hispanic undergraduates enrolled full-time at a 2- or 4-year college has more than tripled in the past 23 years. It is clear Hispanic students have greater access to education opportunities than they did before the Developing HSIs program was created. Still, as I mentioned before, the Hispanic population remains underrepresented in various parts of the workforce, particularly in healthcare positions that require a doctoral-level degree. After meeting with local healthcare and education leaders in Nevada and working with the chairman and other members of the committee to address this issue, I am happy to offer H.R. 5529, as amended, the Accessing Higher Education Opportunities Act, with Congressman Hinojosa and Dr. Ruiz. H.R. 5529 expands on the bipartisan work of H.R. 2927 by allowing HSIs to use funds to support students to prepare them for healthcare-related doctoral programs. Additionally, I want to thank Congressman Hinojosa for joining me and Dr. Ruiz on this bill and adding an important provision that allows HSIs to work with local school districts to start or enhance dual enrollment opportunities in early college programs at high schools. These programs not only help students get into college, but they also enable students to earn college credits earlier in their academic career. As a strong supporter of dual enrollment programs, I want to thank Congressman Hinojosa for strengthening the bill with this important provision. Ultimately, this bill will help us address a growing doctor shortage and close the diversity gap among physicians by helping students at HSIs achieve the dream of a higher education. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. 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. 5529.

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5529) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize additional grant activities for Hispanic-serving institutions, as amended.

Mr. HECK of Nevada

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, I thank, again, Representatives Roe of Tennessee, Polis, and Pocan for their leadership in bringing this commonsense bill to the floor today. I thank all of our colleagues on the Education and the Workforce Committee for their work to strengthen the country's higher education system. Too many individuals already think the dream of a higher education could never become a reality for them. Too many others are discouraged by a system that is too confusing, too bureaucratic, and too outdated. The Simplifying the Application for Student Aid Act and the other higher education bills on the floor today will deliver important reforms that Americans need. This bill will help students and parents better understand their postsecondary options and empower them to make timely financial decisions about their education. I urge my colleagues to support this education. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5528) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to simplify the FAFSA, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5528, the Simplifying the Application for Student Aid Act. Early last year, I held a roundtable on higher education in my district to help better understand the issues facing students, teachers, and higher ed administrators in Nevada. Nearly everyone in attendance raised the issue of the overly complicated student aid process and, specifically, problems with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA. Like many aspects of the student aid system, the application for aid can be confusing and too complex for many students and families to complete. The FAFSA includes 108 questions, requesting information on everything from the net worth of investments to complicated tax information. Many of these questions rely on data that students do not yet have or are so complicated they deter applicants from even completing the form. It is critically important that students have the information they need to make timely, informed decisions about higher education; that includes information on what aid might be available to help them pursue a college degree and the responsibilities that come with accepting assistance. If the current process deters them from even completing the application for aid, how can students possibly get the help they need? That is why, based on the recommendation of higher ed leaders in Nevada, I began working with some of my colleagues on the committee to reform the FAFSA and improve the student aid application process. The Simplifying the Application for Student Aid Act, which I am proud to sponsor with Representatives Roe of Tennessee, Polis, and Pocan, is the fruit of that labor and does exactly what the title suggests. It will streamline and improve the application process through a number of commonsense measures, all of which will help students and parents access the financial aid information they need in a timely manner to better understand their higher education payment options. First, it will allow students to use income tax data from 2 years prior to the date of application. Traditionally, the FAFSA has relied on income tax data from the previous year, but that data is not readily available when students should begin filling out their applications. While the Department of Education currently has the authority to allow students to use prior-prior year data, the Department only recently began taking advantage of this authority, and only after the introduction of the original legislation on this issue. This bill will ensure students are able to use prior-prior year data in the future, allowing them to complete the FAFSA earlier and receive information about their aid options sooner. It will also provide aid administrators more time to verify the income of applicants, both strengthening the integrity of the Federal Student Aid system and enabling administrators to provide students with accurate aid information as soon as possible. Additionally, the legislation will require the Department of Education to allow more applicants to easily import their available income data through the IRS, helping them automatically populate answers to many FAFSA questions with information from their tax returns, making it easier on students and parents to accurately complete the form. The bill will also require that FAFSA be available on a mobile app and require the online and paper versions to be consumer tested. Both of these measures will make the application process easier and more user friendly and will work to ensure that data is protected. By improving the application for student aid, we can help more students make smart decisions about college and realize that a college degree is within reach. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous material on H.R. 5528.

Mr. HECK of Nevada

Mr. HECK of Nevada. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to urge the House to adopt H.R. 3969, legislation I introduced to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Laughlin, Nevada, in honor of Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean. On February 19, 2015, I helped cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Laughlin, Nevada. Shortly after the clinic was completed, members of the American Legion Richard Springston Post 60 in Laughlin came to me with an idea that the clinic should be named for a prominent Laughlin veteran. As we started the search, one name stood out amongst the rest: Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean. From the time he was a boy, Jesse Dean only wanted to do one thing-- serve his country as a member of the United States military. In 1965, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy. Jesse would go on to serve 27 years, achieving the highest grade for an enlisted sailor, that of master chief petty officer. His first sea duty assignment was aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hornet, and during Vietnam he served as part of the brown-water navy. Over his 27-year career, Jesse earned numerous awards and commendations, including three Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Vietnam Service Medal, and an Overseas Service Ribbon. Upon his retirement from the Navy in 1992, Jesse moved to Laughlin and promptly joined American Legion Post 60. As a member of the Legion, Jesse was revered by fellow members for his selfless service and dedication to the Post and his fellow veterans. He did the majority of the maintenance work on the Post. He drove fellow veterans to medical appointments and to the store. He even donated a trailer that he owned to be used as a shelter for homeless veterans. Jesse did all of these things and more for the Post and his fellow veterans, but he never accepted compensation for his tireless work. Mr. Speaker, I did not have the privilege of knowing Master Chief Jesse Dean, but it is clear from speaking with community members and veterans in Laughlin that naming the new VA clinic in his honor is a fitting tribute. The master chief was called to his final duty station in 2014. Today we have a chance to repay him with a resounding Bravo Zulu for his years of dedication to Laughlin American Legion Post 60, to the veteran community of Laughlin, and to the United States Navy by naming the new VA health clinic in his honor. I thank all of the members of the Nevada Congressional Delegation for backing this building naming as well as to thank the members of the American Legion Richard Springston Post 60 in Laughlin for working with us on this bill. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3969 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Laughlin, Nevada, in honor of Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean.

Mr. HECK of Nevada

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4909, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2017. This bill contains significant policy and funding initiatives that continue our commitment to maintain military personnel and family readiness and address important issues for our troops. To that end, this bill: Establishes a fully funded pay raise for all of our servicemembers. After 3 years of executive action that has provided lower-than-by-law calculated pay raises, it is time we give our troops and their families the pay increase they deserve; Stops the reductions in the active end-strengths of the Armed Forces, thereby increasing readiness while reducing the stress and strain on the force and their families; Reforms the Military Health System to ensure the system can sustain trained and ready healthcare providers to support the readiness of the force and provide a quality healthcare benefit valued by its beneficiaries; It also modernizes the Uniform Code of Military Justice to improve the system's efficiency and transparency while also enhancing victims' rights. This includes establishing several new offenses, including an offense prohibiting retaliation and prohibiting inappropriate relationships between military recruits or trainees and a person in a position of special trust; Reforms the commissary system in a way that preserves this important benefit while also improving the system so it remains an excellent value for the shoppers and a good value for the taxpayer; Includes an increase in parental adoptive leave for dual military couples in recognition of the importance of bonding time between parents and their newly adopted children. In conclusion, I thank the ranking member, Mrs. Davis of California, and her staff for their contributions to the mark and support in this very bipartisan process. We were joined by an active and informed and dedicated group of subcommittee members, and their recommendations and priorities are clearly reflected in this bill. Additionally, I appreciate the dedication and hard work of the subcommittee staff. I urge my colleagues to support our military men and women and their families and to support this bill.

Mr. HECK of Nevada

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dianna Marie Hegeduis for her service to the state of Nevada. Dianna was a resident of Las Vegas for 35 years and passed away on May 6, 2011, just five years ago. A 1992 graduate of UNLV, Dianna pursued a legal education at Brigham Young University before returning to Nevada to start her career. In her professional life, Dianna served as the executive director and general counsel for the Nevada Board of Osteopathic Medicine, where she worked to help improve access to medical care for Nevada residents in rural areas. She also served as the Chief Deputy Attorney for the State of Nevada under Attorney General Brian Sandoval, arguing and winning several key cases before the Nevada Supreme Court. But it was in her spare time serving as a community volunteer where Dianna made the most lasting impact on those around her. She mentored young attorneys and helped them with job placements. She served as a volunteer judge for high school debate competitions. She was active in assisting members of our senior citizen community with their everyday needs. Dianna Marie Hegeduis was an exemplary Las Vegan and Nevadan, and it is my great honor to join with her friends and family today to memorialize her dedication to the Silver State.

Mr. HECK of Nevada

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Captain Jessica Kingsley for her past year of exemplary service as an Army Congressional Liaison for the Chief, Army Reserve. During that short time, Jessica made a lasting and positive impact on the Army Reserve through her efforts to foster and maintain relationships with Congressional members and staff. As the legislative liaison for personnel and medical portfolios, she ensured that Army Reserve Soldiers' interests were clearly communicated to Members of Congress and their staffs as they contemplated the impacts of pending legislation. Additionally, Jessica led efforts to draft, refine, and promote legislative proposals designed to ensure the well-being of Army Reserve Soldiers and to maintain the superior quality force the Nation expects from its Army Reserve. I am grateful that she will continue to serve the Army and Congress in her new assignment to the House Liaison Division, Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. We wish her well in her new position and look forward to our continued relationship. A native of New York, Captain Kingsley enlisted in the Army Reserve as a Private. She served ten years as an Intelligence Analyst. During that time, Jessica deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina in support of NATO's first peacekeeping operation and the NATO led Stabilization Force, deterring war and maintaining security to support civil reconstruction efforts. In 2001, she mobilized for 30 months at U.S. Army Forces Command in support of the Global War on Terrorism. In 2002, she graduated from the University of Georgia with three Bachelor Degrees in Criminal Justice, Sociology and Psychology. Captain Kingsley was appointed via direct commission into the military intelligence branch in 2005. As an Officer in the United States Army Reserve, Captain Kingsley served at various levels. In 2005, she mobilized in support of humanitarian efforts on behalf of the people of Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas as part of Joint Task Forces Katrina and Rita. In 2006, Captain Kingsley deployed to Iraq as the Senior Intelligence Officer for the Engineer Task Force serving Multi- National Force-West and conducting all bridging, construction and route clearance operations in western Iraq. In 2008, she was selected to serve as the Aide-de-Camp for the Commanding General of the Military Intelligence Readiness Command at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In 2011, she was selected as the Company Commander for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 377th Military Intelligence Battalion in Orlando, Florida. In 2012, Captain Kingsley was recognized with the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. Her service in the Army Reserve is highlighted by her 2013 selection as an Army Congressional Fellow. Captain Kingsley graduated with a Master's Degree in Legislative Affairs from The George Washington University and served as a Congressional Fellow for Senator Robert Casey Jr. of Pennsylvania. In Senator Casey's office, she worked legislative and constituent issues in National Defense, Foreign Affairs, Veterans Affairs, and various labor and union related areas. Following her fellowship, Captain Kingsley served as a Legislative Liaison assigned to the Office, Chief Army Reserve. As with all our Citizen Soldiers, it is important that we acknowledge her civilian employer's sacrifice and community's service. It is because of their cooperation and understanding during her many tours on Active Duty that she is able to make such a positive impact on the Army Reserve. Jessica is accustomed to working long hours in all of her positions in the Army and civilian sector. So, it is only fair and proper to acknowledge the tireless support of her spouse, Annah. I thank her for her sacrifices and wish her all the best for continued success in the future. Throughout her twenty year career, Captain Jessica Kingsley has made positive impacts on the careers and lives of her Soldiers, peers, and superiors, and I am grateful that she has chosen to serve as an Army leader. I join my colleagues today in honoring her dedication to our Nation and invaluable service to the United States Congress as an Army congressional liaison.

Mr. HECK of Nevada

Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to memorialize the life and career of Captain Donald Edward Williams, United States Navy, Retired. Captain Williams, a resident of the Sun City Anthem community in my district, passed away on February 23, 2016 at the age of 74. His life and service to the United States was truly remarkable and worthy of our recognition in this House. After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, Captain Williams received a commission in the United States Navy through Purdue's NROTC program. He went to flight training in 1964 and earned his pilots wings in 1966. Captain Williams made four combat deployments during Vietnam; two with Attack Squadron 113 and two with Attack Squadron 97, both aboard the USS Enterprise. In all, Don Williams flew 330 combat missions in Vietnam. For his service he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, 2 Navy Commendation Medals with Combat V device, the Vietnam Service Medal, a Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Following the war, Captain Williams continued his service as a Navy test pilot, logging more than 6,000 hours flying time, which includes 5,700 hours in jets and 745 carrier landings. In 1978, Captain Williams was selected by NASA and one year later became an astronaut qualified for assignment as a pilot on future Space shuttle flights. Captain Williams made two space flights. His first was in 1985 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery and his second was in 1989 aboard the shuttle Atlantis, where he served as spacecraft commander. Aboard the Atlantis, Captain Williams and his crew successfully deployed the Galileo spacecraft, starting its journey to explore Jupiter. During his time with NASA, Captain Williams was awarded the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA Space Flight Medal, and NASA Exceptional Service Medal. In total he logged more than 287 hours in space and orbited Earth 188 times. I do not make such statements lightly, Mr. Speaker, but Captain Donald Williams was the epitome of an American hero. He served our country during war and peace and on behalf of a grateful nation, I thank him.

Mr. HECK of Nevada

Mr. HECK of Nevada. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, I appreciate Chairman Thornberry's efforts to finalize this critical legislation. His dedication to our men and women in uniform, their families, our veterans and survivors is unsurpassed. Supporting the men and women who raise their right hand, volunteer to pick up a weapon, and stand a post in a far-off land to guard the freedoms and liberties that make our Nation great is a primary function of the Federal Government to ``provide for the common defense.'' Today, with the adoption of this legislation, we achieve that goal. Included in this bill are personnel provisions that will allow us to recruit and retain the best and brightest, maintain an agile military force, and ensure our brave servicemen and -women receive the benefits they have earned and deserve. This includes a new retirement plan that provides a benefit for the roughly 83 percent of the force who serve less than 20 years and currently leave with nothing. It authorizes the special pays and bonuses that are critical to maintaining the All Volunteer force. It protects important nonmonetary compensation benefits like a robust commissary and exchange system. It mandates a joint uniform drug formulary between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs so that transitioning servicemembers can continue to receive the medications that are working for them when they leave active service. And it provides enhanced protections for sexual assault victims, to include protecting victims from retaliation. I urge my colleagues to stand with our military men and women, their families, our veterans and survivors, and support this bill.