Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, due to being unavoidably detained, I missed the following rollcall votes: No. 390 and No. 391 on July 7, 2015. If present, I would have voted: rollcall vote No. 390--Authorizing conferees to close meetings for H.R. 1735, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes, ``aye,'' rollcall vote No. 391--on motion to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 91--Veterans I.D. Card Act of 2015, ``aye.''

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Judge William Stafford for his 40 years as a federal judge on the bench of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida. Since receiving his appointment by President Gerald Ford on May 30, 1975, Judge Stafford has worked tirelessly to uphold our Constitution, and his service is a true testament to his patriotism and commitment to justice. Judge Stafford's service to our Nation began many years prior to his appointment as a federal judge, when, as a recent law school graduate, he joined the United States Navy, serving with honor and distinction until 1960. After nearly a decade in private practice, Judge Stafford served as a United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida from 1969 until he received his appointment to serve as a federal judge. During his time on the bench, Judge Stafford has served in numerous important positions, including more than 10 years as Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida and nearly 20 years as Senior Judge. In addition, he also served for 7 years as a judge on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which helps ensure that our Nation remains safe from those who seek to do us harm. As a result of his excellence on the bench, Judge Stafford has received numerous professional appointments and awards. He served nearly a decade on the Committees of Judicial Conference of the United States, a position appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in addition to myriad committee assignments with the Florida Bar, and a term as President of the District Judges Association of the Eleventh Circuit. Judge Stafford has also received recognitions including the Temple Law Alumni Achievement Award and the American Bar Association's Law Day USA National Speech Award, and his commitment to the legal profession saw him help found the American Inns of Court's Tallahassee Inn, which was renamed the William H. Stafford American Inn of Court in his honor. Judge Stafford's commitment to service and dedication to his community extend far beyond his judicial service, and he has served both St. John's Episcopal Church in Tallahassee and Christ Church in Pensacola, in addition to service in the Brotherhood of St. Andrew and the Dioceses of Florida and of the Central Gulf Coast. As a leader in civic society, Judge Stafford is a longtime Rotary Club member, having served as President of the Tallahassee Rotary Club and received awards such as the Frederick Clifton Moor Award; served as President of the Tallahassee YMCA; and served on numerous Boards, including the Friends of Leon County Library Board, Sacred Heart Hospital of Pensacola's Board of Directors, as well as the Board of Directors of the Pensacola Symphony. He is also a longtime member of fraternal organizations and has received both the Grand Cross of Honour from the Scottish Rite and was named Grand Orator. Our Constitutional system of government enshrined checks and balances and three coequal but separate branches of government, and in order to uphold our Constitution, it is vital that we have honorable public servants like Judge Stafford willing to dedicate their professional careers to service in the judicial branch. On behalf of the House of Representatives, I am privileged to recognize Judge Stafford's 40 years on the federal bench, and my wife Vicki and I send our best wishes for many more years to Judge Stafford; his wife, Nancy; sons William III, Donald and David; six grandchildren; and the entire Stafford family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and dedicated service of Northwest Florida's beloved Jim Bruce Grant, Jr. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, patriot, and friend, and his loss will be mourned by all those who knew him. A native of Gulf Breeze, Florida, Jim showed tremendous leadership and service qualities, earning Eagle Scout honors during high school, and he built on this success when he answered the call of duty, joining the Florida Army National Guard in 1982. Jim also continued his education, earning multiple college and post-graduate degrees including both a Bachelor's of Science and an LL.M degree from the University of Florida, as well as a JD from the University of Alabama. After a civilian break in service, Jim rejoined the Alabama Army National Guard in 2004, serving as a Staff Judge Advocate with 62nd Troop Command, Montgomery, Alabama. During Jim's time in the Alabama Army National Guard, he served three tours of duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his first two tours, in 2006 and 2010, Jim was assigned as a Military Intelligence Advisor in Afghanistan, while his final tour was served supporting Special Forces in Iraq as part of 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, Huntsville, Alabama. In total, Jim served our Nation for more than 16 years with honor and distinction, earning numerous awards including: two Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, Army Combat Action Badge, Afghan Campaign Medal with the number 2, and the Iraq Campaign Medal. In addition to his meritorious service as part of our Nation's Armed Forces, Jim also had a successful career as an attorney in the firm of Capell and Howard in Montgomery, Alabama, and he was a loving and devoted family man. To some Jim Grant will be remembered as a patriot and veteran, to others as a first-class attorney committed to our constitutional justice system, to his family and friends he will be forever be remembered as a husband, father and grandfather. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the life of Jim Bruce Grant, Jr. My wife Vicki and I extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to his wife, Jennifer; daughters, Amanda and Alicen; grandson, George; sisters, Janie and Diane; and the entire Grant family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and legacy of Northwest Florida's beloved Arthur Michael ``Coach Mac'' McMillion. For more than 30 years, Coach Mac was a fixture in Northwest Florida athletics, helping to shape the lives of countless young men and women, and the Northwest Florida community mourns his passing. Born and raised in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Coach Mac from a young age exemplified the hard work and dedication necessary to excel on the playing field. Following his successful playing career--during which he garnered All State honors in high school football and captained his college team, the University of Eau Claire--Coach Mac and his wife Barb moved to Texas, where he began his coaching career. In 1985, Coach Mac and his family moved to Northwest Florida. For eight years, Coach Mac served as Head Coach in football, basketball and weight lifting at Earnest Ward High School, before moving to Milton High School. Over the next 20 years, Coach Mac coached football and basketball at Milton, as well as starting the girls first weight lifting program. For the last ten years of his tenure at Milton High, Coach Mac led the Milton High football program as head coach. Coach Mac then began the next chapter in his life, moving to Hobbs Middle School where he worked as the Dean of Students until his passing. As anyone who has played sports can tell you, the best coaches are leaders both on and off the field, and Coach Mac epitomized these values. His goal as a coach and educator was to shape his students and players to be successful on the field and in their lives, and he has had an immeasurable influence on thousands of students over the years. Above all of the many accolades he earned as a player and coach, Coach Mac's greatest joy in life was family, and to his family and friends he will always be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize the life and legacy of Arthur Michael ``Coach Mac'' McMillion. My wife Vicki and I extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to his wife Barb; four children, Amie, Missy, Mikey, and Tommy; four grandsons, Nate, Rhett, Jon and Luke; father and step- mother, Art and Ruth; sister, Beth; and the entire McMillion family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise and recognize the Centennial Anniversary of the United States Navy Reserve. Following the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels and Assistant Secretary and future President Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated plans to formally launch a world-class naval reserve force necessary to protect the United States. On March 3, 1915, Congress passed legislation establishing the United States Naval Reserve, which is known today as the United States Navy Reserve. The creation of the Navy Reserve harkens back to our Nation's tradition of Citizen Sailors protecting and defending the shores of the United States, when residents of seaside towns along the New England coast engaged British warships in the Atlantic before the Continental Congress officially established the Continental Navy. The Navy Reserve has built on this proud tradition, and during the years following its original inception, the Navy Reserve grew tremendously. The successful growth of the Navy Reserve proved to be crucial during World War II. Ten out of eleven sailors in the Navy during World War II were reservists, and, according to former Secretary of the Navy John L. Sullivan, who served as the first Secretary of the Navy following the creation of the Department of Defense, the three and a half million Naval Reservists that served during World War II made possible the rapid expansion of our naval service into the largest the world has ever known. Navy Reservists were there from the very beginning of the war. In fact, Navy Reserve Sailors from Minnesota aboard the USS Ward fired the first shots by the United States against Japanese forces on the day of Pearl Harbor, destroying a Japanese mini-submarine. With the outbreak of the war, the reserves grew further, and in 1942, the Naval Aviation Cadet Program was created, African-American males were accepted for enlistment, and the Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service (WAVES) program was created, which allowed women to volunteer for service within the Navy Reserves. By the end of World War II, 91,000 women were actively serving, and over its century of service, five Presidents--John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush--have served in the Navy Reserves. The Navy Reserves continued to support the United States Navy through the Korean War, Cold War, the Berlin Crisis, Vietnam, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and our continued fight against terrorism. Since September 11, 2001, the Navy Reserve has completed more than 70,000 mobilizations in support of contingency operations around the world and continues to be a vital component of the United States Navy. Mr. Speaker, throughout our Nation's history, Citizen Sailors and then Navy Reservists have protected the United States with honor, courage, and commitment. The millions of Americans who have served and the thousands who serve today are testaments to the patriotism and professionalism of the best Navy Reserve force the world has ever seen, and I am honored to recognize its Centennial Anniversary and thank the men and women of the Navy Reserve for their steadfast service and dedication to the cause of Freedom.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and legacy of Northwest Florida's beloved Rodney Rollo. Rodney was a true patriot, and he will be greatly missed. Rodney was born in Pensacola, Florida and raised in neighboring Santa Rosa County, Florida. After graduating from Milton High School, Rodney answered the call of duty, enlisting in the United States Navy in 1947. After serving 20 years with honor and distinction, Rodney retired from the Navy in 1967 as a Chief Hospital Corpsman and moved to Washington D.C., where he worked as Chief of Administrative Services for the American Psychiatric Association. However, as with so many others born and raised along the Gulf Coast, Rodney returned to his hometown in 1975, and he and his wife, Ann settled in Milton. Rodney was a proud lifelong Republican, and after moving back to Northwest Florida, he quickly immersed himself in local politics, becoming a leader in civil society. Rodney and Ann joined the Santa Rosa County Republican Executive Committee, and, with an unwavering commitment to advancing the conservative principles upon which our country was founded, they worked tirelessly to register Republicans across Santa Rosa County. In just over a decade, Rodney and Ann's efforts helped triple the number of registered Republicans in the county, and soon thereafter, every county elective office was held by a Republican. Rodney's leadership was recognized on many occasions, as he served multiple terms as Chairman of the Santa Rosa County Republican Executive Committee. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize the life and service of Rodney Rollo. He was a loving husband, patriot, and defender of freedom, and his immense contributions to Northwest Florida will be felt for years to come. My wife Vicki and I extend our deepest condolences and prayers to his sister, Betty Rollo Wolfe; nieces and nephews: Janet (Larry) Chambers, Tom (Sue) Palmer, Jeannie Cotton, Sam (Nancy) Palmer, John Palmer, Rebecca (Doug) Griener, and Sandra Clark, and the entire Rollo family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Northwest Florida Military Officers Association (NWFMOA). Chartered in 1965 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, initially as a social network for retired officers, the Northwest Florida Military Officers Association has transformed into a sizeable advocacy effort on behalf of our Nation's military members and dependents and adheres to the selfless values of the Military Officers Association of America founded in 1929. Throughout the last five decades, the members of NWFMOA have worked hand-in-hand with our forces stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, and Duke Field, and their tireless efforts have helped ensure our brave men and women in uniform receive the training and equipment needed to successfully accomplish their assigned missions and safely return home. In addition, NWFMOA has been a stalwart presence educating decision makers on how best to make certain our veterans reintegrate into the civilian sector and to safeguard the benefits they have earned through service. With membership open to all commissioned and warrant officers of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the work of the NWFMOA cannot be overstated. Mr. Speaker, Northwest Florida is proud of its rich military heritage and the members of our Armed Forces who call it home. I want to thank the members of the Northwest Florida Military Officers Association for a half century of steadfast dedication to the Gulf Coast military and veterans' community and for their lifelong example of service for the cause of Freedom.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate Mrs. Judy Benton upon being awarded the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society's Mrs. Grace Glenwood Higginson Lifetime Achievement Award. Mrs. Benton has dedicated her life to serving others, and I am proud to honor her service and commitment to the Northwest Florida community and to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Mrs. Benton found her lifelong calling and demonstrated her dedication to others when she first joined the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in 1968, serving as a caseworker and Layette Items Contributor at Barstow and then Quantico. In 2003, Mrs. Benton joined the Pensacola office. Throughout her distinguished career, Mrs. Benton has proven to be an indispensable member of the team with an unwavering support for our Nation's Sailors, Marines, and their families. Since Mrs. Benton has been with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, she has left an indelible mark on both the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and the individuals she has served. From handling over 2,000 cases as a Certified Society Caseworker to completing 18,000 service hours completed, Mrs. Benton has never wavered in her compassion and commitment to others. However, Mrs. Benton always goes above and beyond to serve those who protect and defend our Nation. After Hurricane Ivan devastated the Gulf Coast in 2004, Mrs. Benton volunteered for three straight weeks, including weekends, to help impacted families recover, and she also helped facilitate emergency travel for a former service member to quickly reach his sister and provide a kidney transplant needed to save her life. Mrs. Benton's immense dedication and selflessness has not gone unnoticed, and prior to receiving the Mrs. Grace Glenwood Higginson Lifetime Achievement Award, she received the Presidential Points of Light Lifetime Volunteer Award. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to congratulate Mrs. Judy Benton and thank her for her service to the people of Northwest Florida and to the countless Sailors and Marines that she has assisted during her long tenure at the Navy- Marine Corps Relief Society. My wife Vicki and I wish her and her husband, Rod; children, Deborah, Angie, Perian, and Robert; grandchildren, Matthew, Jessie, and Ben, and the entire Benton family all the best.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Northwest Florida's beloved Chief Master Sergeant James C. Binnicker. Chief Binnicker served our Nation with honor and distinction for more than 33 years in the United States Air Force, rising to the highest enlisted position: Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Chief Binnicker was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and graduated from Aiken High School in 1956. Following his high school graduation, Chief Binnicker enlisted in the Air Force, where he completed his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base. During his long and distinguished Air Force career, Chief Binnicker served both at home and abroad in various capacities including as a life support specialist, air operations superintendent, Vietnamese linguist, First Sergeant and Command Chief Master Sergeant. Serving in such a wide array of challenging positions is a testament to Chief Binnicker's assiduous work ethic and unwavering commitment to duty, and his successful service in myriad capacities led to his selection for various senior leadership positions. Thanks to his leadership abilities and wide-ranging experience, Chief Binnicker was selected in 1977 to serve as the Air Force Senior Enlisted Advisor on the President's Commission on Military Compensation, before going on to serve in a number of senior leadership roles. As a result of his exceptional service, Chief Binnicker was selected in 1985 for the 33-year extended tenure program, and in July 1986 he became the ninth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. During his four-year tenure as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Chief Binnicker served as an adviser to Secretary of the Air Force Edward C. Aldridge Jr. and Air Force Chief of Staff General Larry D. Welch. In this position, he advised Secretary Aldridge and General Welch on matters concerning welfare, effective utilization and progress of enlisted members of the Air Force. During his distinguished career, Chief Binnicker received a number of major awards and decorations, including: the Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster; Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm; and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. As with so many of our Nation's brave servicemembers, the leadership skills and executive experience gained by Chief Binnicker during his military career translated to immense success in the civilian world. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Chief Binnicker worked for a number of years as a senior vice-president at a major insurance company, before being selected to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc. in beautiful Shalimar, Florida. In this position, Chief Binnicker oversaw the operations of Teresa Village, Bob Hope Village, and the Hawthorn House, ensuring a first-class retirement life for more than 400 residents. In addition to his military service and successful business career, Chief Binnicker was also a leader in the veterans' community and in Northwest Florida's civil society. He served as the director of numerous organizations, including the Air Commando Association; the Air Force Memorial Foundation; the Air Force Sergeants Association Museum Foundation; and Emerald Coast Hospice. As a result of his leadership and excellence, he received numerous awards, including the Air Force Sergeants Association's Americanism Award and the Executive of the Year Award from the Florida Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. To some Chief Binnicker will be remembered as a patriot who served his country with honor and distinction, reaching the highest echelons of Air Force enlisted service as a result of his character and commitment to service; to others he will be remembered as a successful business executive and leader in civil society; to his family and friends he will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored and privileged to recognize the life of Chief Master Sergeant James C. Binnicker. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our prayers and deepest condolences to his wife, Jan; children, Carmen and Michael; and granddaughter, Julia.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 216, as amended, would revise the process by which the Department of Veterans Affairs prepares its annual budget as a means to provide Congress with greater transparency regarding VA's alignment of resource requirements with its strategic goals. The bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit annually to Congress a Future-Years Veterans Program reflecting estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations included in the budget for that fiscal year and the subsequent 4 fiscal years. The bill would also require the Secretary, in 2019 and every 4 years thereafter, to conduct a review of the strategy for meeting the Nation's commitment to veterans and the resources needed to implement the strategy. To assist the Secretary in carrying out the 5-year plan and the quadrennial review, the bill would require the Secretary to designate a chief strategy officer to advise the Secretary on long- range VA strategy and implications. Finally, the bill puts in place a 10-member panel to study the quadrennial review and report back to the Congress on the panel's opinions of the review's findings. The combination of the 5-year budget look-ahead, the quadrennial review, and the panel is intended to increase our ability to determine VA's future needs in a manner that provides checks and balances that currently do not exist. Mr. Speaker, this really is a commonsense bill. No longer would VA be able to announce ambitious goals such as ending homelessness or eliminating the claims backlog without Members of Congress and the public having insight into the estimated long-range resources that are going to be needed to meet those goals. With a $168 billion budget, veterans and taxpayers deserve full transparency when it comes to how scarce resources are planned to be allocated. I must also add that this bill makes no additional fund available and would require VA to accomplish this bill's requirements within its existing resources. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

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 and add extraneous material on H.R. 216, as amended.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I do want to thank my good friend, Mr. Clyburn, for helping manage this bill for Ms. Brown and also to say thank you to our former colleague, Mr. Michaud, who did, in fact, work long and hard to get this piece of legislation brought to the floor. Once again, I encourage all Members to support H.R. 216, as amended. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have no speakers, so if the gentleman is prepared to close, I am also prepared to close.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 216) to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a Future-Years Veterans Program and a quadrennial veterans review, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs a Chief Strategy Officer, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I submit for publication the attached copy of the rules of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for the U.S. House of Representatives for the 114th Congress: Jurisdiction of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives establishes the standing committees of the House and their jurisdiction. Under that rule, all bills, resolutions, and other matters relating to the subjects within the jurisdiction of any standing committee shall be referred to such committee. Clause 1(s) of Rule X establishes the jurisdiction of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs as follows: (1) Veterans' measures generally. (2) Cemeteries of the United States in which veterans of any war or conflict are or may be buried, whether in the United States or abroad (except cemeteries administered by the Secretary of the Interior). (3) Compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and education of veterans. (4) Life insurance issued by the Government on account of service in the Armed Forces. (5) Pensions of all the wars of the United States, general and special. (6) Readjustment of servicemembers to civil life. (7) Servicemembers' civil relief. (8) Veterans' hospitals, medical care, and treatment of veterans. rule 1--general provisions (a) Applicability of House Rules--The Rules of the House are the rules of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and its subcommittees so far as applicable, except that a motion to recess from day to day, and a motion to dispense with the first reading (in full) of a bill or resolution, if printed copies are available, are non-debatable privileged motions in Committees and subcommittees. (b) Subcommittees--Each subcommittee of the Committee is a part of the Committee and is subject to the authority and direction of the Committee and to its rules so far as applicable. (c) Incorporation of House Rule on Committee Procedure-- Rule XI of the Rules of the House, which pertains entirely to Committee procedure, is incorporated and made part of the rules of the Committee to the extent applicable. Pursuant to clause 2(a)(3) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, the Chairman of the full Committee is directed to offer a motion under clause 1 of Rule XXII of the Rules of the House whenever the Chairman considers it appropriate. (d) Vice Chairman--Pursuant to clause 2(d) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, the Chairman of the full Committee shall designate the Vice Chairman of the Committee. rule 2--regular and additional meetings (a) Regular Meetings--The regular meeting day for the Committee shall be at 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month in such place as the Chairman may designate. However, the Chairman may dispense with a regular Wednesday meeting of the Committee. (b) Additional Meetings--The Chairman of the Committee may call and convene, as he considers necessary, additional meetings of the Committee for the consideration of any bill or resolution pending before the Committee or for the conduct of other Committee business. The Committee shall meet for such purpose pursuant to the call of the Chairman. (c) Notice--The Chairman shall notify each member of the Committee of the agenda of each regular and additional meeting of the Committee at least 24 hours before the time of the meeting, except under circumstances the Chairman determines to be of an emergency nature. Under such circumstances, the Chairman shall make an effort to consult the ranking minority member, or in such member's absence, the next ranking minority party member of the Committee. rule 3--meetings and hearings generally (a) Open Meetings and Hearings--Meetings and hearings of the Committee and each of its subcommittees shall be open to the public unless closed in accordance with clause 2(g) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House. (b) Announcement of Hearing--The Chairman, in the case of a hearing to be conducted by the Committee, and the subcommittee Chairman, in the case of a hearing to be conducted by a subcommittee, shall make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of any hearing to be conducted on any measure or matter at least one week before the commencement of that hearing unless the Committee or the subcommittee determines that there is good cause to begin the hearing at an earlier date. In the latter event, the Chairman or the subcommittee Chairman, as the case may be, shall consult with the ranking minority member and make such public announcement at the earliest possible date. The clerk of the Committee shall promptly notify the Daily Clerk of the Congressional Record and the Committee scheduling service of the House Information Resources as soon as possible after such public announcement is made. (c) Wireless Telephone Use Prohibited--No person may use a wireless telephone during a Committee or subcommittee meeting or hearing. (d) Media Coverage--Any meeting of the Committee or its subcommittees that is open to the public shall be open to coverage by radio, television, and still photography in accordance with the provisions of clause 4(f) of House rule XI as follows: (1) If audio or visual coverage of the hearing or meeting is to be presented to the public as live coverage, that coverage shall be conducted and presented without commercial sponsorship. (2) The allocation among the television media of the positions or the number of television cameras permitted by a committee or subcommittee chair in a hearing or meeting room shall be in accordance with fair and equitable procedures devised by the Executive Committee of the Radio and Television Correspondents' Galleries. (3) Television cameras shall be placed so as not to obstruct in any way the space between a witness giving evidence or testimony and any member of the committee or the visibility of that witness and that member to each other. (4) Television cameras shall operate from fixed positions but may not be placed in positions that obstruct unnecessarily the coverage of the hearing or meeting by the other media. (5) Equipment necessary for coverage by the television and radio media may not be installed in, or removed from, the hearing or meeting room while the committee is in session. (6)(A) Except as provided in subdivision (B), floodlights, spotlights, strobelights, and flashguns may not be used in providing any method of coverage of the hearing or meeting. (B) The television media may install additional lighting in a hearing or meeting room, without cost to the Government, in order to raise the ambient lighting level in a hearing or meeting room to the lowest level necessary to provide adequate television coverage of a hearing or meeting at the current state of the art of television coverage. (7) If requests are made by more of the media than will be permitted by a committee or subcommittee chair for coverage of a hearing or meeting by still photography, that coverage shall be permitted on the basis of a fair and equitable pool arrangement devised by the Standing Committee of Press Photographers. (8) Photographers may not position themselves between the witness table and the members of the committee at any time during the course of a hearing or meeting. (9) Photographers may not place themselves in positions that obstruct unnecessarily the coverage of the hearing by the other media. (10) Personnel providing coverage by the television and radio media shall be currently accredited to the Radio and Television Correspondents' Galleries. (11) Personnel providing coverage by still photography shall be currently accredited to the Press Photographers' Gallery. (12) Personnel providing coverage by the television and radio media and by still photography shall conduct themselves and their coverage activities in an orderly and unobtrusive manner. (e) Requirements for Testimony (1) Each witness who is to appear before the Committee or a subcommittee shall file with the clerk of the Committee, at least 48 hours in advance of his or her appearance, or at such other time as designated by the Chairman after consultation with the Ranking Member, a written statement of his or her proposed testimony. Each witness shall, to the greatest extent practicable, also provide a copy of such written testimony in an electronic format prescribed by the Chairman. Each witness shall limit any oral presentation to a summary of the written statement. (2) Pursuant to clause 2(g)(5) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House: (A) In the case of a witness appearing in a non- governmental capacity, a written statement of proposed testimony shall include a curriculum vitae and a disclosure of any Federal grants or contracts, or contracts or payments originating with a foreign government, received during the current calendar year or either of the two previous calendar years by the witness and related to the subject matter of the hearing. (B) The disclosure required by this Rule shall include the amount and source of each Federal grant (or subgrant thereof) or contract (or subcontract thereof) related to the subject matter of the hearing and the amount and country of origin of any payment or contract related to the subject matter of the hearing originating with a foreign government. (f) Calling and Questioning Witnesses (1) Committee and subcommittee members may question witnesses only when they have been recognized by the Chairman of the Committee or subcommittee for that purpose, and only for a 5-minute period until all members present have had an opportunity to question a witness. The 5-minute period for questioning a witness by any one member may be extended only with the unanimous consent of all members present. The questioning of witnesses in both Committee and subcommittee hearings shall be initiated by the Chairman, followed by the ranking minority party member and all other members alternating between the majority and minority. Except as otherwise announced by the Chairman at the beginning of a hearing, members who are present at the start of the hearing will be recognized before other members who arrive after the hearing has begun. In recognizing members to question witnesses in this fashion, the Chairman shall take into consideration the ratio of the majority to minority members present and shall establish the order of recognition for questioning in such a manner as not to disadvantage the members of the majority. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) regarding the 5-minute rule, the Chairman after consultation with the ranking minority member may designate an equal number of members of the Committee or subcommittee majority and minority party to question a witness for a period not longer than 30 minutes. In no event shall the Chairman allow a member to question a witness for an extended period under this rule until all members present have had the opportunity to ask questions under the 5-minute rule. The Chairman after consultation with the ranking minority member may permit Committee staff for its majority and minority party members to question a witness for equal specified periods of time. (3) Non-Committee Members may be invited to sit at the dais for Committee hearings with the unanimous consent of all Members present. Further, non-Committee Members may be recognized for questioning of witnesses but only after all Committee Members have first been recognized. (4) When a hearing is conducted by the Committee or a subcommittee on any measure or matter, the minority party members on the Committee shall be entitled, upon request to the Chairman of a majority of those minority members before the completion of the hearing, to call witnesses selected by the minority to testify with respect to that measure or matter during at least one day of the hearing thereon. (g) Subpoenas--Pursuant to clause 2(m) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, a subpoena may be authorized and issued by the Committee or a subcommittee in the conduct of any investigation or series of investigations or activities, only when authorized by a majority of the members voting, a majority being present. (h) Notice Requirements-- (1) The text of all bills or resolutions for markup, and any amendments in the nature of a substitute to such bills or resolution to be first recognized by the Chairman, shall be made available, via written or electronic notice, to Committee members at least 48 hours prior to a scheduled markup, except as agreed to by unanimous consent. (2) Subject to the second sentence of this paragraph, it shall not be in order for the Committee to consider any amendment proposed to a bill or resolution under consideration by the Committee, or proposed to an amendment in the nature of a substitute noticed under paragraph (1), unless a written or electronic copy of such amendment has been delivered to each Member of the Committee (or Subcommittee for purposes of Subcommittee markups) at least 24 hours before the meeting at which the amendment is to be proposed. This paragraph may be waived by unanimous consent and shall apply only when the 48-hour written notice has been provided in accordance with paragraph (1). (i) Congressional Budget Office Scoring--The Committee shall not include any bill or resolution for consideration during a committee markup which is not accompanied by an accounting from the Congressional Budget Office of the mandatory and discretionary costs or savings associated with such bill or resolution. The accounting from the Congressional Budget Office need not be official, but is expected to provide Committee members with an approximation of the budgetary impact a bill or resolution may have prior to any vote to favorably forward or report such bill or resolution. The requirements of this paragraph may be waived by a majority of Committee members, a quorum being present. rule 4--quorum and record votes; postponement of proceedings (a) Working Quorum--A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for business and a majority of the members of any subcommittee shall constitute a quorum thereof for business, except that two members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of taking testimony and receiving evidence. (b) Quorum for Reporting--No measure or recommendation shall be reported to the House of Representatives unless a majority of the Committee was actually present. (c) Record Votes--A record vote may be demanded by one- fifth of the members present or, in the apparent absence of a quorum, by any one member. With respect to any record vote on any motion to amend or report, the total number of votes cast for and against, and the names of those members voting for and against, shall be included in the report of the Committee on the bill or resolution. (d) Prohibition Against Proxy Voting--No vote by any member of the Committee or a subcommittee with respect to any measure or matter may be cast by proxy. (e) Postponing Proceedings--Committee and subcommittee chairmen may postpone further proceedings when a record vote is ordered on the question of approving a measure or matter or on adopting an amendment, and may resume proceedings within two legislative days on a postponed question after reasonable notice. When proceedings resume on a postponed question, notwithstanding any intervening order for the previous question, an underlying proposition shall remain subject to further debate or amendment to the same extent as when the question was postponed. rule 5--subcommittees (a) Establishment and Jurisdiction-- (1) There shall be four subcommittees of the Committee as follows: (A) Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, which shall have legislative, oversight and investigative jurisdiction over compensation; general and special pensions of all the wars of the United States; life insurance issued by the Government on account of service in the Armed Forces; cemeteries of the United States in which veterans of any war or conflict are or may be buried, whether in the United States or abroad, except cemeteries administered by the Secretary of the Interior; burial benefits; the Board of Veterans' Appeals; and the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. (B) Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, which shall have legislative, oversight and investigative jurisdiction over education of veterans, employment and training of veterans, vocational rehabilitation, veterans' housing programs, readjustment of servicemembers to civilian life, and servicemembers civil relief. (C) Subcommittee on Health, which shall have legislative, oversight, and investigative jurisdiction over the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) including medical services, medical support and compliance, medical facilities, medical and prosthetic research, and major and minor construction. (D) Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, which shall have oversight and investigative jurisdiction over veterans' matters generally, information technology, procurement, and over such matters as may be referred to the subcommittee by the Chairman of the full Committee for its oversight or investigation and for its appropriate recommendations. The subcommittee shall have legislative jurisdiction over such bills or resolutions as may be referred to it by the Chairman of the full Committee. (2) Each subcommittee shall have responsibility for such other measures or matters as the Chairman refers to it. (b) Vacancies--Any vacancy in the membership of a subcommittee shall not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the functions of that subcommittee. (c) Ratios--On each subcommittee, there shall be a ratio of majority party members to minority party members which shall be consistent with the ratio on the full Committee. (d) Referral to Subcommittees--The Chairman of the Committee may refer a measure or matter, which is within the general responsibility of more than one of the subcommittees of the Committee, as the Chairman deems appropriate. In referring any measure or matter to a subcommittee, the Chairman of the Committee may specify a date by which the subcommittee shall report thereon to the Committee. (e) Powers and Duties-- (1) Each subcommittee is authorized to meet, hold hearings, receive evidence, and report to the full Committee on all matters referred to it or under its jurisdiction. Subcommittee chairmen shall set dates for hearings and meetings of their respective subcommittees after consultation with the Chairman of the Committee and other subcommittee chairmen with a view toward avoiding simultaneous scheduling of Committee and subcommittee meetings or hearings whenever possible. (2) Whenever a subcommittee has ordered a bill, resolution, or other matter to be reported to the Committee, the Chairman of the subcommittee reporting the bill, resolution, or matter to the full Committee, or any member authorized by the subcommittee to do so shall notify the Chairman and the ranking minority party member of the Committee of the Subcommittee's action. (3) A member of the Committee who is not a member of a particular subcommittee may sit with the subcommittee during any of its meetings and hearings, but shall not have authority to vote, cannot be counted for a quorum, and cannot raise a point of order at the meeting or hearing. (4) Non-Committee Members may be invited to sit at the dais for subcommittee hearings with the unanimous consent of all Members present. Further, non-Committee Members may be recognized for questioning of witnesses but only after all subcommittee Members have first been recognized for questioning. (5) Each subcommittee shall provide the Committee with copies of such record votes taken in subcommittee and such other records with respect to the subcommittee as the Chairman of the Committee deems necessary for the Committee to comply with all rules and regulations of the House. Rule 6--General Oversight Responsibility (a) Purpose--Pursuant to clause 2 of Rule X of the Rules of the House, the Committee shall carry out oversight responsibilities. In order to assist the House in-- (1) Its analysis, appraisal, evaluation of-- (A) The application, administration, execution, and effectiveness of the laws enacted by the Congress, or (B) Conditions and circumstances, which may indicate the necessity or desirability of enacting new or additional legislation, and (2) Its formulation, consideration and enactment of such modifications or changes in those laws, and of such additional legislation, as may be necessary or appropriate, the Committee and its various subcommittees, consistent with their jurisdiction as set forth in Rule 5, shall have oversight responsibilities as provided in subsection (b). (b) Review of Laws and Programs--The Committee and its subcommittees shall review and study, on a continuing basis, the applications, administration, execution, and effectiveness of those laws, or parts of laws, the subject matter of which is within the jurisdiction of the Committee or subcommittee, and the organization and operation of the Federal agencies and entities having responsibilities in or for the administration and execution thereof, in order to determine whether such laws and the programs thereunder are being implemented and carried out in accordance with the intent of the Congress and whether such programs should be continued, curtailed, or eliminated. In addition, the Committee and its subcommittees shall review and study any conditions or circumstances which may indicate the necessity or desirability of enacting new or additional legislation within the jurisdiction of the Committee or subcommittee (whether or not any bill or resolution has been introduced with respect thereto), and shall on a continuing basis undertake future research and forecasting on matters within the jurisdiction of the Committee or subcommittee. (c) Oversight Plan.--Not later than February 15 of the first session of a Congress, the Committee shall meet in open session, with a quorum present, to adopt its oversight plans for that Congress for submission to the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, in accordance with the provisions of clause 2(d) of Rule X of the Rules of the House. (d) Oversight by Subcommittees--The existence and activities of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations shall in no way limit the responsibility of the other subcommittees of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for carrying out oversight duties. Rule 7--Budget Act Responsibilities (a) Budget Act Responsibilities--Pursuant to clause 4(f)(1) of Rule X of the Rules of the House, the Committee shall submit to the Committee on the Budget not later than six weeks after the President submits his budget, or at such time as the Committee on the Budget may request-- (1) Its views and estimates with respect to all matters to be set forth in the concurrent resolution on the budget for the ensuing fiscal year that are within its jurisdiction or functions; and (2) An estimate of the total amounts of new budget authority, and budget outlays resulting therefrom, to be provided or authorized in all bills and resolutions within its jurisdiction that it intends to be effective during that fiscal year. Rule 8--Records and Other Matters (a) Transcripts--There shall be a transcript made of each regular and additional meeting and hearing of the Committee and its subcommittees. Any such transcript shall be a substantially verbatim account of remarks actually made during the proceedings, subject only to technical, grammatical, and typographical corrections authorized by the person making the remarks involved. (b) Records-- (1) The Committee shall keep a record of all actions of the Committee and each of its subcommittees. The record shall contain all information required by clause 2(e)(1) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House and shall be available for public inspection at reasonable times in the offices of the Committee. (2) There shall be kept in writing a record of the proceedings of the Committee and each of its subcommittees, including a record of the votes on any question on which a recorded vote is demanded. The result of each such record vote shall be made available by the Committee for inspection by the public at reasonable times in the offices of the Committee. Information so available for public inspection shall include a description of the amendment, motion, order or other proposition and the name of each member voting for and each member voting against such amendment, motion, order, or proposition, and the names of those members present but not voting. (c) Availability of Archived Records--The records of the Committee at the National Archives and Records Administration shall be made available for public use in accordance with Rule VII of the Rules of the House. The Chairman shall notify the ranking minority member of any decision, pursuant to clause 3 or clause 4 of Rule VII of the Rules of the House, to withhold a record otherwise available, and the matter shall be presented to the Committee for a determination on written request of any member of the Committee. (d) Availability of Publications--Pursuant to clause 2(e)(4) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, the Committee shall make its publications available in electronic form to the maximum extent feasible. Rule 9--Travel (a) Requirements for Travel--All requests for travel, funded by the Committee, for Members and staff in connection with activities or subject matters under the general jurisdiction of the Committee, shall be submitted to the Chair for approval or disapproval. All travel requests should be submitted to the Chair at least five working days in advance of the proposed travel. For all travel funded by any other source, notice shall be given to the Chair at least five working days in advance of the proposed travel. All travel requests shall be submitted to the Chair in writing and include the following: (1) The purpose of the travel. (2) The dates during which the travel is to occur. (3) The names of the locations to be visited and the length of time to be spent in each. (4) The names of members and staff of the Committee for whom the authorization is sought. Travel by the minority shall be submitted to the Chair via the Ranking Member. (b) Trip Reports--Members and staff shall make a written report to the Chair within 15 working days on all travel approved under this subsection. Reports shall include a description of their itinerary, expenses, and activities, and pertinent information gained as a result of such travel. When travel involves majority and minority Members or staff, the majority shall submit the report to the Chair on behalf of the majority and minority. The minority may append additional remarks to the report at their discretion. (c) Applicability of House Rules--Members and staff of the Committee performing authorized travel on official business shall be governed by applicable laws, resolutions, and regulations of the House and of the Committee on House Administration. Rule 10--Facility Naming (a) Facility Naming--No Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility or property shall be named after any individual by the Committee unless: (1) Such individual is deceased and was: (A) A veteran who (i) was instrumental in the construction or the operation of the facility to be named, or (ii) was a recipient of the Medal of Honor or, as determined by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member, otherwise performed military service of an extraordinarily distinguished character; (B) A Member of the United States House of Representatives or Senate who had a direct association with such facility; (C) An Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, a Secretary of Veterans Affairs, a Secretary of Defense or of a service branch, or a military or other Federal civilian official of comparable or higher rank; or (D) An individual who, as determined by the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member, performed outstanding service for veterans. (2) Each Member of the Congressional delegation representing the State in which the designated facility is located must indicate in writing such Member's support of the proposal to name such facility after such individual. Evidence of a Member's support in writing may either be in the form of a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member or co-sponsorship of legislation proposing to name the particular VA facility in question. (3) The pertinent State department or chapter of each Congressionally chartered veterans' organization having a national membership of at least 500,000 must indicate in writing its support of such proposal. (b) The above criteria for naming a VA facility may be waived by unanimous consent.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a good friend, Mr. Richard W. ``Dick'' Jones, Jr. I am saddened by his passing, but fortunate to have experienced his friendship, kind-hearted nature, selfless character, and unwavering loyalty. Dick was a native Northwest Floridian, born and raised on the beautiful Emerald Coast. He was born in Pensacola, Florida on May 7, 1930, to Richard W. Jones, Sr. and Agnes Curry Jones. Dick was a standout athlete, and, following his high school graduation, he attended the University of Florida, where he played on the school's varsity tennis team. Dick's passion for both tennis and the Florida Gators were constants throughout his life, and he was known as a top tennis player in Northwest Florida and an avid Gator fan. Dick was also a true patriot, who answered the call of duty and served our Nation with honor and distinction as a member of the United States Air Force. Following his Air Force service, Dick began a successful career in the petroleum industry, while he and his loving wife, Sally, raised their two children. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the life of Dick Jones. As with so many great Americans, Dick's impact cannot be truly captured in words. To all those who had the pleasure of knowing him, his legacy will forever live on in cherished memories, and he will long be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. My wife Vicki and I extend our prayers and deepest condolences to his wife, Sally; son, John R. (Rusty) Jones and wife Becky; son, Richard W. (Rick) Jones, III and wife Tonya; four grandchildren, Jessica Jones and husband Jonathan, Katherine Ann Jones, Grace Ellen Jones, and Richard W. (Will) Jones, IV; one great-grandchild, Mason Jones; brother, Robert C. (Bert) Jones and wife Dolores; sister, Dixie Jones Beal and husband Burnell; aunt, Mary Ann Curry and her family; dear friends and brother- in-law, John C. Green and John's daughter, Sherry Herring and family; and the entire Jones family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time, so I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on both H.R. 280, as amended, and H.R. 294, as amended.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Mrs. Karen Burch as the 2016 Santa Rosa County, Florida, Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Burch has proven to be a truly exceptional educator whose impact extends far beyond her students, and I am proud to recognize her success and outstanding achievements. Mrs. Burch began her education career as an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) para professional, working to ensure that ESE students received the instruction and attention needed to thrive in the classroom. Her commitment to serving the ESE student population led her to enroll in the University of West Florida's Para to Teacher program, and after graduation from UWF, Mrs. Burch began working as an ESE teacher at S.S. Dixon Primary School. During her seven years as a teacher at S.S. Dixon, Mrs. Burch's determination and patience have helped her provide exceptional education to ESE students from kindergarten to second grade. Constantly striving to lead by example, Mrs. Burch demonstrates her leadership skills outside of the classroom as the head of the school's Positive Behavior Committee and as a mentor to other teachers and student teachers currently enrolled at the University of West Florida. Prior to her professional career in education, Mrs. Burch honorably served our Nation as a member of the United States Air Force. During her military service, Mrs. Burch worked as a Training Manager in a Civil Engineering Squadron and maintained top secret materials and information for the F-15 Fighter Training School. The leadership skills and commitment to service that Mrs. Burch developed while in the Air Force have proven to be integral to her success working with students with emotional and behavioral needs and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Mr. Speaker, teachers are amongst our most valuable public servants, and they play an integral role in shaping the future of our Nation. The Santa Rosa County Teacher of the Year award is a true reflection of Mrs. Burch's steadfast dedication to the students of Santa Rosa County. She has proven to be among the many exceptional teachers in our Nation, and on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Mrs. Karen Burch for her accomplishments and her continuing commitment to excellence. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mrs. Burch as the 2016 Santa Rosa County, Florida Teacher of the Year and thanking her for her dedication to serving the students, teachers, and families of the Northwest Florida community. We wish her all the best for continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the First District of Michigan (Mr. Benishek), the subcommittee chairman of the Subcommittee on Health.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my colleague from Florida and her support, and at this point I urge all Members to support H.R. 280, as amended. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the Sixth District of Pennsylvania (Mr. Costello), a new member of the committee, an outstanding supporter of America's veterans.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.