Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Major Charles E. ``Doc'' Merkel, Jr., Ph.D., U.S. Army (ret.) upon the occasion of his retirement from the 53d Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Dr. Merkel has dedicated more than 45 years in support of our Nation's defense. His service began with a 20 year career in the U.S. Army, then as a member of the private sector supporting development of air armament systems, and culminating with a civil servant career with the 53d Wing. It is my privilege to pay tribute to his lifetime of honorable service to Northwest Florida and our great Nation. His active duty military career saw a variety of assignments. As an Army aviator, Dr. Merkel flew UH-1H helicopters as a member of Casper Platoon of the 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep) in the Republic of Vietnam, where he also helped collect and distribute school supplies and clothing to a Christian and Buddhist orphanage in the village of Bong Son. He was assigned to the United States Army Signal Center and School and then commanded the Fort Monmouth Ceremonial Unit for a year prior to being selected as a test pilot for the U.S. Army Electronics Command. During his final two years at the Signal Center and School, Dr. Merkel served as the Commanding Officer of the 800-man Headquarters and Headquarters Company. Upon completion of the Infantry Officer Advanced Course and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, Dr. Merkel was assigned to the 2nd ``All Infantry'' Brigade, 2nd Division, Camp Hovey, Republic of Korea as an S-2 intelligence officer and S-5 civil affairs officer. For his humanitarian work while in Korea, he was elected as [Honorary] Mayor in Kwang Am-Ri (Tokko-ri) and was recognized by People to People International. When he returned to the U.S., Dr. Merkel served on the United States Army Aviation Board as a test project officer and later as division chief of the Electronics Systems Test Division. While on the board, he performed operational testing to enhance pilot and aircraft survivability. He then served as Senior Assistant Professor of Military Science and Professor of Military Science at Valley Forge Military Academy and Junior College in Wayne, Pennsylvania, before completing his military active duty career in the Army as a United States Army Tank-Automotive Command test engineer and Assistant Program Manager. Dr. Merkel retired from the Army as a Master Army Aviator with over 3000 hours of total flying time, and decorations that include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with eleven oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and an Army Achievement Medal. Upon his transition to civilian life, Dr. Merkel continued his service by working as a contractor with the Advanced Medium Range Air- to-Air Missile Program, during which he was recognized with the Outstanding Achievement through Value Engineering Award for 1993 for his efforts managing special test vehicles and evaluating value engineering change proposals. Most recently, Dr. Merkel served as a historian, responsible for covering military actions and civil disasters around the world, including in support of the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Enduring Freedom. While attached to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in addition to his responsibilities as wing historian, Dr. Merkel established a campaign to provide the children in the province with school supplies. For his efforts, he was awarded the Exemplary Civilian Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Medal, and a special award from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Additionally, Dr. Merkel received the Exemplary Civilian Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon while in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and attached to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. His education includes a Master of Science from Troy University and Master of Arts from Temple University. He also completed the United States Army Command and General Course at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and received his Ph.D. in history from Florida State University. He is an adjunct professor of history at Troy University, Northwest Florida State College, and Central Texas College. His additional awards and accolades include: the John L. Geoghegan Alumni Citizenship Award in 2009 from the Widener-PMC Alumni Association and the 2011 Distinguished Alumnus for Military Service by Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. In 2010, he was also inducted into the Henry H. ``Hap'' Arnold Society by the Association of Graduates at the United States Military Academy. An active member of the Northwest Florida community, Dr. Merkel supports numerous nonprofit organizations, including the Fisher House at Eglin Air Force Base, the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, and the Walton County Heritage Museum; he is the president of the West Point Society of Northwest Florida; and he is the First Congressional District Coordinator and Admissions Representative for the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. I can personally attest to his hard work and efforts in this capacity, and I appreciate his personal initiative to follow the progress of all Northwest Florida cadet appointees to West Point and to help ensure they get all the external advocacy/encouragement they may need for successful graduation. Mr. Speaker, without question, Major Charles E. ``Doc'' Merkel, Jr., Ph.D., is retiring with an honorable career on which he can proudly hang his cap. He has touched countless lives throughout his time both in and out of the military and has given selflessly back to the country he loves so dearly. It is my pleasure to join a grateful Northwest Florida community and Nation in saluting his lifetime of service. Vicki and I thank Dr. Merkel; his wife, the former Diane Davis of Annandale, Virginia; daughter, Leigh Anne; son, Charles Robert and his wife, the former Julie Jordan of Graceville, Florida, and his three-year-old son, Charles Edward and wish them all the best for continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, due to being unavoidably detained, I missed the following rollcall Votes: Nos. 401, 402, and 403. If present, I would have voted: Rollcall Vote No. 401--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 5602, ``nay''. Rollcall Vote No. 402-- On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 5607, ``nay'' and rollcall Vote No. 403--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 5606, ``nay.''

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise to remember Coach Paul Grover from Florida's First Congressional District. Paul passed away on Wednesday June 22, after six courageous years of battling with cancer. Coach Grover was born in Pensacola, graduating from Pensacola Catholic High School in 1988. After graduation, he attended Livingston University before returning home and completing his degree at the University of West Florida. In 1997, Paul began his coaching career at his alma mater, Pensacola Catholic High School, coaching football and baseball. However, in 1998, he began his true passion, coaching girls' basketball, where he remained the school's assistant coach until 2000. In 1999, under his leadership, the girls won a state title, and in 2000 they were runner ups. Finally, last year, Paul moved to Jay High School, becoming head coach of the girls' basketball team, and working with his dear friend and Jay Athletic Director, Lance Youngblood. Coach Grover's friends, family, and students will remember him as a selfless man, hardworking and encouraging. Outside of love of organized sports, Paul was also an avid sportsman and active member of Olive Baptist Church. My wife, Vicki, and I will keep all who love him, especially his mother Lily; brothers, George and Richard; sisters Sharon, Barbara, and Marlanne, as well as his numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on June 2, 2016, nine soldiers were taken from us during the tragic training accident at Fort Hood, Texas. A grateful and grieving Nation mourn the tremendous loss of these fine men and women, and it is with profound sadness that I rise to honor them and pay a special tribute to United States Army Specialist Brandon A. Banner of Milton, Florida. SPC Banner graduated from Milton High School in 2013 where he played defensive end on the school's football team. He also attended Pensacola State College before joining the Army in March 2014 as a motor transport operator. In July 2014, SPC Banner was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood. Fort Hood had been experiencing unprecedented levels of rainfall and flash flooding when on Thursday morning, June 2, while SPC Banner and members of his unit were conducting convoy operations, their Light Medium Tactical Vehicle overturned at Owl Creek and all nine were killed. SPC Banner was 22 years old. Amongst his Army Family, SPC Banner was known to be a loyal and faithful friend who was determined and was destined for great success. His military career may have been short-lived, but as evidenced by his several awards including the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Marksmanship Qualification Badge--Sharpshooter with Carbine, it was a career during which SPC Banner displayed an unwavering commitment to duty and excellence. Mr. Speaker, our servicemembers know full well the risk involved when they join the greatest military in the world. Yet they do it anyway and for a cause greater than their own. We owe these soldiers and their families our everlasting gratitude and our greatest respect. Vicki and I join citizens all across Northwest Florida and our great Nation in praying for the family and friends of Specialist Brandon A. Banner and his eight comrades. May the service and selfless sacrifice of these warriors never be forgotten and may God continue to bless all members of the Armed Forces and the United States of America.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4590) to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out certain major medical facility projects for which appropriations are being made for fiscal year 2016, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous material on the bill.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4590, as amended, the Fiscal Year 2016 Department of Veterans Affairs Seismic Safety and Construction Authorization Act. This bill, which I have sponsored, would authorize seven major medical facility projects in San Francisco, California; West Los Angeles, California; Long Beach, California; Alameda, California; Livermore, California; Perry Point, Maryland; and American Lake, Washington. These projects will correct seismic safety issues in high-risk VA medical facilities, provide housing and support services for homeless veterans, increase the availability of outpatient care, and replace outdated buildings with modern ones that are better suited to providing the high-quality care that our veterans deserve. Each of these projects was requested in the President's budget submission for fiscal year 2016, and funds have already been appropriated for them. Many in this Chamber are well aware of the debacle that characterized VA's management of the Denver replacement hospital facility construction project. Cost overruns and extensive delays had become the status quo for mostly all VA major construction projects. In the case of Denver, the price tag more than doubled from the initial estimate. As a result of that, for all projects costing over $100 million going forward, we now call them ``super construction'' projects. A non-VA entity will assume project management responsibilities. Of the seven projects to be authorized in this bill, six of them meet the super construction criteria. The Army Corps of Engineers will be managing those six projects. In light of that, I have reduced the total authorization for these projects slightly, since VA should no longer require funds that have been built into the projects for VA construction management. With little transparency into what is actually required for VA to manage these projects supposedly in support of the Army Corps of Engineers, I hesitate to authorize any additional management funding without a full accounting of what is essential to completely execute these projects. This bill would require that VA would provide a full accounting of management expenditures for these projects, going forward. Mr. Speaker, before we conclude debate on the VA construction bill, I feel obliged to discuss the absence of one particular project--the new replacement medical facility in Louisville, Kentucky. First, the proposed construction project in Louisville has been criticized by local stakeholders who have expressed concerns regarding the parcel of land that VA has proposed constructing this new facility on. Those concerns were validated by the committee following an on-site investigation last year, and, as a result, VA has initiated an environmental impact study that is ongoing today. The EIS will take a year or more to complete and could very well result in a determination that VA pursue a different approach to ensuring that Louisville area veterans are provided the high-quality care they earned and deserve. Given that, I believe it would be untimely and inappropriate for Congress to authorize this project before the EIS is complete. That conclusion is shared by VA construction officials, who stated themselves, in a briefing with committee staff earlier this year, that it would be premature to authorize the Louisville project at this time since the EIS is in progress and the way ahead for the project is uncertain. Finally, VA has a disastrous history of building VA hospitals on time and on budget. The Denver construction project is $1 billion--$1 billion--over budget. After opening the new Orlando hospital years late and hundreds of millions over budget, VA quietly settled with the Orlando hospital contractor for an additional $213 million over the budget. And the New Orleans hospital is $100 million over budget right now. In light of this track record, the strictest of scrutiny needs to be applied to major hospital projects going forward, and that must begin with Louisville. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time, and I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe) control the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 2487) to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to identify mental health care and suicide prevention programs and metrics that are effective in treating women veterans as part of the evaluation of such programs by the Secretary, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 176th anniversary of the Yellow River Baptist Church in Baker, Florida. For 176 years, the Yellow River Baptist Church has served the citizens of the Gulf Coast, and today it stands as a pillar of the Northwest Florida community as the first Baptist church in Walton and Escambia counties and one of the oldest Baptist churches in the State of Florida. The Yellow River Baptist Church was established on Sunday, June 14, 1840 with the assistance of two representatives of the Bethlehem Baptist Association of Alabama, nearly five years before Florida entered its statehood. What started with a small handful of congregants residing along the upper Yellow River just south of the Alabama line has grown over the years, and throughout the course of its history, the church family has consisted of members including from the Baggett, Barrow, Blackman, Campbell, Carver, Clary, Cobb, Collingsworth, Cook, Danelly, Gartman, Gaskins, George, Hart, Helms, Howell, King, Madden, Milligan, Parker, Peaden, Richbourg, Senterfitt, Stegall, Steele, Stewart and Wilkinson families. The success of the Yellow River Baptist Church, without question, is a true testament to the congregation's strong faith in the Lord and strength of its community, and it is my privilege to honor them on this important occasion. Mr. Speaker, my wife Vicki joins me in congratulating this small but faithful congregation for its 176 years of service and dedication to God and to the Northwest Florida community. May God grant the congregants of Yellow River Baptist Church many more years to come and may His blessings continue to shine down on them.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, due to being unavoidably detained, I missed the following Roll Call Vote: No. 273 on June 7, 2016. If present, I would have voted: Roll Call Vote No. 273--On Ordering the Previous Question, ``AYE.''

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the historic Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Pensacola, Florida. The Catholic presence in Pensacola traces back more than 450 years ago, upon the first settlement under the command of Don Tristan de Luna y Arellano in 1559. Following a series of military conflicts to occupy or maintain settlements in Pensacola and hurricanes that devastated the Gulf Coast, under the command of General Bernardo de Galvez in 1781, the Spanish defeated the British and recaptured Pensacola. It was in May of that year that Father Cyril de Barcelona blessed an old wooden two story warehouse on the waterfront for a church to establish a parish of St. Michael the Archangel, and on June 6, 1886, present-day St. Michael Church in downtown Pensacola was formally dedicated by Bishop Jeremiah O'Sullivan of Mobile, Alabama. With a red brick exterior and Florida pine interior, the church became adorned with life-like Stations of the Cross, memorials bearing the names of pioneer Catholic families and eventually 24 breathtaking stained glass windows, 23 of which were recently restored, that were designed and created by world renowned artist Emil Frei. St. Michael Church, whose mission is to ``Proclaim Christ and to Encounter Him in Word, Sacrament and Service,'' grew to be an intrinsic treasure to the Northwest Florida community with its historical significance and architectural beauty and was elevated to minor basilica status on December 28, 2011 by his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel of Pensacola and its parish's more than 235 years of faithful service to God and to the Northwest Florida community. Vicki and I thank them for their dedication and pray for their continued success. May God grant the parishioners of St. Michael's many more years to come and may His blessings continue to shine down on them.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, due to being unavoidably detained, I missed the following rollcall Vote: No. 239 on May 25, 2016. If present, I would have voted: Rollcall Vote No. 239--On Ordering the Previous Question, ``aye''

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair, on rollcall vote: No. 246, Second Polis of Colorado Amendment, on May 25, 2016. I inadvertently voted ``nay,'' when I intended to vote ``aye.'' personal explanation

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise and recognize Dr. David Spencer upon his retirement from First Baptist Church of Milton, Florida. Throughout his more than forty-five years as a pastor, including twenty years as the Senior Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Milton, Dr. Spencer tirelessly served the Lord and communities all along the Gulf Coast, and his leadership will be deeply missed. Dr. Spencer was born in Senatobia, Mississippi and graduated from Senatobia High School in 1965. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from William Carey University in 1969, his Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1973, and his Doctor of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1979. Over the last 45 years, Dr. Spencer has served throughout the Southeastern United States, including North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida, with his wife of 46 years, Connie, at his side. Dr. Spencer answered the call in 1996 for what would be his final assignment. After 16 years of service at the First Baptist Church of Long Beach, Mississippi, the First Baptist Church of Milton welcomed Dr. Spencer as pastor. In addition to being known for his love for preaching and his ability to capture his congregation through storytelling, Dr. Spencer played a major part in inspiring his congregation to give back to the local community. Under his leadership, the church grew both spiritually and physically. Countless individuals in Northwest Florida and overseas have been touched by the passion and service of First Baptist Church of Milton. The dedication of its people is evidenced by the eight churches they helped establish in Santa Rosa County, Florida, and the churches and foster homes they built and renovated as part of their mission trips. In addition to his seminary work, Dr. Spencer has served on the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, as a trustee for William Carey College, and as an adjunct professor at the William Carey campus in Gulfport, Mississippi. In 2007, Dr. Spencer was also elected to the State Board of Missions as a representative of Santa Rosa County, where he served until 2013. While Dr. Spencer's time as pastor has officially come to a close, he understands that God's work is never done, and in addition to spending time with his family, pursuing his love of writing, music, wood-working, and golf, Dr. Spencer hopes to continue playing a role in the success of the Church. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Dr. Spencer for his dedication and service to Northwest Florida. My wife Vicki and I wish him and Connie, their two sons, and two grandchildren all the best as they embark on this next journey in their lives. May the Spirit of the Lord continue to bless the Spencer family and the congregation of the First Baptist Church of Milton.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Technical Sergeant Brent C. Young, as the 2015 Okaloosa County, Florida, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Since 1998, Sergeant Young has served our great Nation with honor and distinction, and Northwest Florida is blessed to have him as part of her community keeping a faithful watch over her citizens. Born in Midland, Michigan on January 9, 1980, Sergeant Young attended Bullock Creek High School, where he lettered in wrestling his first two years. In 1998, Sergeant Young graduated and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following completion of Basic Military Training and Security Forces Technical Training, Sergeant Young was assigned to Wright Patterson Air Force Base, during which he deployed five times to Southeast Asia in support of the Global War on Terror. Sergeant Young then joined the Northwest Florida community upon his selection as a Ground Combat Instructor at Eglin Air Force Base, a position he held for six years. Attached to the 96th Security Forces Squadron, Sergeant Young now has taken on the responsibilities of a Flight Sergeant. Through his unwavering courage and acts of heroism, Sergeant Young has earned the Higher Headquarters' 2015 Noncommissioned Officer Association's Vanguard Award and the 2015 Okaloosa Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Whether providing critical first aid to stabilize a spinal injury and preventing another victim from going into shock from a partial finger amputation, leading rescue efforts and expediting medical treatment to distressed swimmers, or assisting in the apprehension of an intoxicated driver, Sergeant Young's keen awareness of his surroundings and skills he has honed throughout his military career has without question helped prevent the tragic loss of life. While his accomplishments and heroic acts are not limited to those aforementioned, Sergeant Young has proven himself to be among the best. As with most accomplished and dedicated leaders, Sergeant Young's passion for service does not end when he leaves work. He is very much involved in the local community. As a local Den Leader, he leads Cub Scouts through their Boy Scouts of America certifications, including more than 100 merit badges. He has also volunteered more than fifty hours at a local nursing home, participating in grounds and facility maintenance. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Northwest Florida community and a grateful Nation, I am privileged to honor Technical Sergeant Brent C. Young for his outstanding achievements. We are fortunate to have individuals with a strong character and sense of selflessness willing and able to stand up strong in defense of America and her citizens. My wife Vicki and I thank Sergeant Young for his commitment to service and wish him all the best for continued success. May God continue to bless him, all of our Nation's Law Enforcement Officers who keep us safe, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Pastor Gordon Godfrey, Jr. for his twenty-five years of service as pastor of Marcus Pointe Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida. Pastor Godfrey was called by the grace of God from his full-time ministry in Panama City, Florida to Fundamental Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida in 1991. By the time Pastor Godfrey arrived, Fundamental Baptist Church had undergone multiple leadership changes and experienced great discouragement. The congregation needed a new direction and a renewed sense of hope. Pastor Godfrey was thriving at his church in Panama City when he was contacted by Fundamental's deacon board. He felt the will of God to move and lead Fundamental Baptist Church to a brighter future. The year he arrived, the Church was transformed. The church moved to their current location and changed its name to Marcus Pointe Baptist Church. Ever since, Pastor Godfrey has demonstrated his extraordinary faith by delivering his inspirational preaching, and has brought people a fresh understanding of God's Word while challenging them to dedicate themselves to follow the tenets of the Lord. In addition to Sunday services and the various spiritual activities held at the church, Pastor Godfrey has expanded Marcus Pointe's mission to include a Christian elementary school, a thrift store benefitting military families, and an online Christian Academy for grades 3 through 12. His weekly messages of faith have reached countless individuals, and it is believed that the church has averaged more than 500 salvations while climbing from 63 to more than 1600 members. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to celebrate Pastor Gordon Godfrey, Jr. for his twenty-five years of dedicated service. I know that this important milestone is only the first of many to come. My wife Vicki and I wish him, his wife June; their children, Becky Meredith and her husband Keith, Greg and his wife Brittany, and Bobby and his wife Aly; and their six grandchildren, all the best for continued success. May the Spirit of the Lord continue to bless Pastor Godfrey, his family and the congregation of Marcus Pointe Baptist Church.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1762) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in The Dalles, Oregon, as the ``Loren R. Kaufman Memorial Veterans' Clinic'', as amended.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 1762, as amended. This legislation was sponsored by my good friend and colleague, Congressman Greg Walden of Oregon. It would designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic at The Dalles, Oregon, the Loren R. Kaufman Memorial Veterans' Clinic. Born and raised in The Dalles, Oregon, Sergeant First Class Loren Kaufman answered the call to serve by enlisting in the United States Army just 1 week after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He went on to serve in combat in both World War II and in Korea, until his death in action on the 10th of February 1951. Following his death, Sergeant First Class Kaufman was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Korea in September of 1950, when his company was attacked by an enemy battalion and his platoon was ordered to reinforce the company. According to the U.S. Army Center of Military History, during the battle that followed, the ``dauntless courage and resolute intrepid leadership of Sergeant First Class Kaufman were directly responsible for the success of his company in regaining its positions, reflecting distinct credit upon himself and upholding the esteemed traditions of the military service.'' In recognition of that, it is entirely fitting and appropriate that Sergeant First Class Kaufman's life and service be memorialized by naming the VA community-based outpatient clinic in his hometown after him. H.R. 1762, as amended, satisfies the committee's naming criteria. It is supported by the Oregon congressional delegation. It is supported by many veterans service organizations, including the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. I understand that this bill is also supported by the Oregon County Veterans Service Officers Association and the American Red Cross. I am grateful to Congressman Walden for cosponsoring H.R. 1762, as amended, to recognize a true American hero. I would urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from the Second District of Oregon (Mr. Walden), the sponsor of this piece of legislation.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I again urge all Members to support this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 960) to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community based outpatient clinic in Newark, Ohio, as the Daniel L. Kinnard Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic, as amended.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon in support of H.R. 960, as amended, which would name the Department of Veterans Affairs community- based outpatient clinic in Newark, Ohio, the Daniel L. Kinnard VA Clinic. Specialist Fourth Class Daniel L. Kinnard was born in October of 1949 in Mount Olive, Ohio. During the Vietnam war, Specialist Kinnard served with distinction in the 101st Airborne, the famed Screaming Eagles. On March 9, 1968, he was tragically killed in action while rendering aid to his fellow paratroopers. During the course of his service, Specialist Kinnard was awarded the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Parachutist Badge, the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar, the Bronze Star for Valor, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Combat Medical Badge. Given his valiant service and his ultimate sacrifice, it is only appropriate that we gather here today to recognize him by naming the VA community-based outpatient clinic in Ohio, his home State, after him. H.R. 960, as amended, satisfies our committee's criteria for naming bills and is supported by the Ohio congressional delegation and a number of veterans service organizations, including the AMVETS, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Military Order of Purple Heart. I am grateful to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi), my good friend, for sponsoring this legislation. I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Galena, Ohio (Mr. Tiberi), the sponsor of this legislation.