Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I do urge all Members to support H.R. 1338, the Dignified Interment of Our Veterans Act of 2015. This very important bill, which was introduced by my good friend, Mr. Shuster of Pennsylvania, would help ensure that deceased veterans are treated with respect and with dignity. H.R. 1338, as amended, would require that the Department of Veterans Affairs conduct a study on the serious problem of unclaimed remains of deceased veterans. VA will provide a dignified burial in national cemeteries for those who die with no family to claim their remains or who did not have enough money to cover burial expenses. Unfortunately, the remains of deceased veterans may end up on the shelf at a funeral home or the shelf of a coroner's office, and VA may not be aware that the veteran's remains were not interred. In 2013, Congress passed legislation in an attempt to ensure that all deceased veterans are treated with the honor that they had earned. The Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 directed VA to work with Veterans Service Organizations and assist States, cities, and funeral directors to identify the unclaimed remains of veterans and to arrange for their burials in one of our national cemeteries. Unfortunately, the law has not resolved this issue and too many veterans may not be receiving a dignified burial. That is unconscionable. The men and women who have served our Nation in uniform have the right to expect that our Nation will make every effort to treat them with honor and deference even after they pass away. This study would determine the scope of the problem and identify any obstacles associated with claiming or interring veteran remains. Additionally, VA would also be required to make recommendations on how we can better ensure that our Nation's heroes are properly laid to rest. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Everett, Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster), the original sponsor of this particular piece of legislation.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise to honor the life and legacy of Northwest Florida's beloved Dave Daughtry. For over thirty years, Dave dedicated his broadcasting career to serving the people of the Gulf Coast community, and Northwest Florida mourns his passing. From what began at a small radio station in Andalusia, Alabama, Dave's successful broadcasting career and love of writing would take him to Huntsville, Alabama; Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis, Tennessee; and Washington, D.C. before making his way to Pensacola, Florida--a community that would welcome him with open arms, and remain his home until his passing. Dave quickly became a known figure over the local television airwaves as news anchor at WEAR-TV in Pensacola and then as reporter- anchor with WALA-TV in Mobile, Alabama. According to Denise, his bride of 26 years, radio was what he loved most, however, and it is radio where he dedicated his career for the last 14 years of his life. This love was demonstrated by the fact that he would arrive at 5 a.m. every morning to host the WEBY-AM morning show, ``Wake up with Dave.'' To many, Dave will be remembered and appreciated for his company and entertainment on their morning commute; however, to those closest to him, including his dogs Peaches and Pal, Dave will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will greatly be missed. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents in Florida's First Congressional District, I am proud to honor and commemorate the life and legacy of Dave Daughtry. Vicki and I offer his entire family, especially his wife, Denise; children, Bonnie, Michael, and Patrick; seven grandchildren, Lindsey, Shannon, Evan, Patrick, Amanda, Shelby, and Benjamin; and the entire Daughtry family our deepest condolences and prayers. May God continue to bless them all during this difficult time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize Mr. Jerry Davis from Florida's First Congressional District, for being selected as the Northwest Florida Agricultural Innovator of the Year. Jerry's love of farming derives from his childhood, when he helped grow soybeans and wheat on his family's farm. Since the beginning, Jerry has been an innovator in the agricultural arena. By the time he was 20, he designed a seed conditioning plant to clean and bag seed for planting. In 1987, he became involved in the testing of a crop simulation model developed by scientists in USDA's Agricultural Research Services and Mississippi State and Clemson Universities. The model allowed participants to optimize inputs in relation to weather, nitrogen, moisture stress, crop maturity, growth resultants, and harvest aid materials. As a result of this innovative project, Jerry and the other participating growers saw net profits on test fields increase by more than $30 per acre. In the late 1990s, Jerry began expanding his farming operation from Santa Rosa County to Escambia County in Florida and Baldwin and Hale counties in Alabama. At the time, he was the only peanut grower in Hale and one of the first in Baldwin. Similarly, he was one of the first farmers to grow 30-inch twin row peanuts and use grid sampling and precision agriculture to perfect his technique over thousands of acres. Most recently, Jerry has partnered with the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences to grow carinata, a plant that has the potential to help meet the renewable energy demands of the United States. Along with Northwest Florida scientists, Jerry is testing the viability of carinata in Northwest Florida and its potential use as a source of renewable jet fuel. The Davis family farming tradition continues today as his wife Patty and daughter Caitlynn are also active on the farm, which comprises cotton, peanuts, wheat, corn, soybeans, vegetables, livestock, and other crops. Aside from his agricultural contributions, Jerry is known throughout his community for his kind nature and willingness to help others. Jerry has participated in 12 mission trips to Central and South America, spreading his faith and helping those in need, and every Thanksgiving, he and his family donate sweet potatoes that are included in a box of Thanksgiving food that is provided to members of the Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in need. Despite his busy schedule, Jerry is always happy to promote Northwest Florida agriculture and also has a very extensive civic resume including serving as District I Florida Farm Bureau Director since 2009, Santa Rosa County Farm Bureau President, Chairman of the Agricultural Research Committee for Cotton Incorporated, a member of the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Peanut Advisory Committee, a member of the Southern Cotton Growers Farm Bill Task Force, and a director of the Florida and Southeastern Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, Inc. Board. Mr. Speaker, Northwest Florida and our Nation share a proud agricultural tradition built by the hard work of farmers and their families. The Northwest Florida Agricultural Innovator of the Year Award is a reflection of Jerry's tireless work and dedication to improving farming practices. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to Jerry Davis for being outstanding in his field. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes to him and the Davis family for their continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the Hendricks Family from Jay, Florida, for being selected as the 2015 Santa Rosa County, Florida, Outstanding Farm Family of the Year. A fourth generation farmer, Rick Hendricks was only six years old when he first began to work on the farm alongside his father, B.D. By the age of 12, he had graduated to using a selective tractor, and as a teenager, he worked on the farm after school and athletic practices before going off to college at Livingston University. Rick played football at Livingston before his love of the farm brought him home. During Rick's farming career, several changes have taken place in the agricultural industry, and he has witnessed and experienced the new picker/balers, as well as changes in cotton and peanut production equipment from two-row to six-row. Over the years, the Hendricks' family farm has grown and incorporated new technology, and today, in addition to his own farming operation, Rick manages Hendricks and Son Farms, Inc. and B.D. Hendricks Farm, which in total covers 2,250 acres and includes 200 brood cows and row crops of cotton, peanuts, and hay. To Rick, his wife Nina of 27 years, and their children, Brandt, Rush, and Tessa, farming is an investment in their future. It is Rick's hope, that the value of hard work instilled in him by his parents, will also create the strong foundation for future success for his children. It is also truly a family affair, and today the Hendricks family farm is also operated by Rick's sister, Vicki; nephews, Tanner and Todd; as well as full time employee, Dylan Barnes. In addition to the hours spent on the farm, Rick has served as a member and advisor of many organizations including terms as President of the Board for Santa Rosa County Farm Bureau and the Jay Peanut Farmers Cooperative. Mr. Speaker, Northwest Florida and our Nation share a proud agricultural tradition built by the hard work of farmers and their families. The Santa Rosa County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year Award is a reflection of Rick and his family's tireless work and dedication. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Hendricks Family for being outstanding in their field. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes for their continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Daisy Steed on the occasion of her retirement as Manager of Ellyson Industrial Park in Pensacola, Florida. For more than 30 years, Ms. Steed has dedicated her life to serving the Northwest Florida community, and I am pleased to honor her outstanding achievements. Ms. Steed first came to Escambia County in 1982 after serving 17 years with the City of Hartselle, Alabama, where she served in various capacities, including as interim City Manager. An assiduous worker, Ms. Steed also held many different positions in Escambia County, one year serving in five different capacities, before she was called on to help develop Ellyson Industrial Park and Marcus Pointe Commerce Park. As a result of her acumen, work ethic, and dedication to serving her community, Ms. Steed was named ``Employee of the Month'' several times, and, in 1997, she was selected as ``Employee of the Year'' in recognition of her excellent performance, courtesy, and professionalism. During her career managing Ellyson Industrial Park, Ms. Steed was instrumental in recruiting more than 20 companies to the park, helping to bring jobs and bolster economic development in the Gulf Coast region. Ms. Steed's success and dedication is also exemplified by her work securing funding to help build a new National Guard Armory. As a strong supporter of our military and National Guard, and in recognition of her efforts to help shepherd the construction of the National Guard Armory, Ms. Steed was one of a select group of civilians to be awarded the ``Leadership Award'' from Major General Harrison. Thanks to her immense success in the role of Manager of the Ellyson Industrial Park, Ms. Steed is affectionately called ``the Mayor of Ellyson.'' Her level of professionalism and dedication to the enhancement of Escambia County's economic and industrial development is apparent in the manner in which she represents her Ellyson Industrial Park Association in her day to day life. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Gulf Coast community, I am pleased to congratulate Ms. Daisy Steed on her well-earned retirement after more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Northwest Florida community. My wife Vicki and I wish her all the best for continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Milton High School in Milton, Florida upon the occasion of its Centennial Anniversary. Milton High School, home of the Panthers, first opened its doors on November 1, 1915, welcoming 252 students in grades 1 through 12. Today, the school has a student body of over 1,700 students. As the only high school serving the City of Milton, the school has educated thousands of students over the course of its 100-year history, and its graduates have gone on to achieve great success in many fields. Its strong athletic program continues to give students the opportunity to participate in many organized sports including: soccer, football, baseball, cheerleading, and volleyball, among others. Milton High teams have won numerous awards and championships, including back-to-back state football championships. Additionally, MHS is home to the Mighty Black and Gold Marching Band and has a renowned fine arts department, several honor societies and service clubs, as well as a Navy Junior ROTC and an unparalleled computer technology lab, known as Milton Institute of Technology. Along with receiving an ``A'' academic rating, Milton High School was also recently named one of the best high schools in America by U.S. News and World Report. Notable alumni from Milton High School include: Founder and Chairman of Aflac Paul Amos; PGA Tour golfers: Heath Slocum, Bubba Watson, and Boo Weekley; and former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Bolley ``Bo'' Johnson. However, Milton High School has also served as the foundation for doctors, lawyers, engineers, ministers, financial experts, NASA experts, pilots, military heroes, college and professional athletes, educators, and countless other dedicated alumni who have impacted Florida and our Nation. Mr. Speaker, my wife Vicki and I would like to congratulate the Milton High School Panthers on 100 years of excellence, and we wish them all the best for continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Maxine Ivey on the occasion of her retirement as Executive Director of Northwest Florida Rural Health Network. For twenty years, Ms. Ivey has dedicated her life to serving the Gulf Coast community, and I am pleased to honor her outstanding achievements. Northwest Florida Rural Health Network, which serves Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton Counties, is one of nine health networks in the State of Florida created to improve health care services and access in rural communities. Ms. Ivey has worked tirelessly with the Network since it was first established in 1995 and has held various leadership roles. While as Director of Purchasing and Volunteers for Jay Hospital prior to her husband's passing, Ms. Ivey, along with her husband, Don, who was the Jay Hospital Administrator at the time, worked together as a team to help keep the hospital open and to ensure that their community's health care needs were properly met. As a result of her leadership and continued dedication to service before self, Ms. Ivey eventually became Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Rural Health Network. Ms. Ivey's service to Northwest Florida, however, is not limited to her work with the Network. She sits on the Jay Town Council and is the President of the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging. In this capacity Maxine works closely with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and other local, state and national agencies to facilitate the needs of the elderly so they can age safely and with dignity in their own homes. Ms. Ivey is also an active member of Jay First Baptist Church and is a loving mother of three. Mr. Speaker, on behalf the Gulf Coast community, I am pleased to congratulate Ms. Maxine Ivey on her well-earned retirement after 20 years of dedicated service to Northwest Florida. My wife Vicki and I wish her and her three sons all the best for continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with both profound sadness and deep gratitude that I rise to honor Millard Fillmore Adams, Jr., of Santa Rosa County, who died suddenly on October 7, 2015. Born and raised in Northwest Florida and a native of Santa Rosa County, Mr. Adams graduated from Milton High School in 1963. He earned his undergraduate degree from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, and it was during his time in Greenville where he met his bride of 47 years, Ms. Donna Spurr of Nova Scotia, Canada. Mr. Adams answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Upon his return to Northwest Florida, he became owner and operator of WCKC AM radio, a local sports station that, among other things, broadcasted football games from his alma mater, Milton High School. However, Mr. Adams's service and dedication to his community extended far beyond that of local radio. He served as a member on the Milton City Council and as Mayor of Milton from 1979 to 1980. In 1980, he joined the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners, where he served as a commissioner until 1984 and then again from 1988 to 1992. Mr. Adams also served as Director of the Santa Rosa County Chapter of the American Red Cross and was an active member of Campus Church at Pensacola Christian College. His countless contributions to Florida's First Congressional District in his various capacities are innumerable, and his death is a great loss to our community. While many will remember Mr. Adams as a patriot who served our Nation honorably or as local official who left a lasting impact on Northwest Florida, his family and friends will remember him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House of Representatives, I am proud to honor the life and dedicated service of Millard Adams, Jr. My wife Vicki and I extend our deepest condolences and prayers to his wife, Donna; son, John and daughter-in-law Jennifer; daughter-in-law, Melissa; his grandchildren, Kailyn, Jaxon, Caroline, and Ryan; his sisters, Cynthia and Francis; and the entire Adams' family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with both profound sadness and deep gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen decorated American hero. On October 2, 2015, Senior Airman Nathan C. Sartain, who was assigned to the United States Air Force 66th Security Forces Squadron based out of Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts, lost his life in a tragic C-130 crash in Jalalabad, Afghanistan while deployed with the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and valiantly serving our Nation in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Senior Airman Sartain was 29 years old, but lived a lifetime marked by and full of service. Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Senior Airman Sartain made the Northwest Florida community proud with his many achievements. He excelled at Pensacola High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society and Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, where he twice was named an outstanding cadet. Additionally, he was inducted into the Kitty Hawk Air Society's Daniel L. ``Chappie'' James Chapter designed to encourage personal excellence and promote community service and was awarded the Air Force Sergeants' Association medal in 2001. Answering the call of duty and following in his father's footsteps of service, Senior Airman Sartain enlisted in the Air Force in 2013. Upon graduating from Basic Training and the Air Force Security Forces Academy Training, he served as an Installation Patrolman and mobilized as a Fly Away Security Team member, a role in which his missions would take him across the globe standing guard in defense of our Nation. His awards include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. His life stands as a testament that freedom is not free, and as exemplified by his extraordinary heroism, Senior Airman Sartain's legacy will echo in time as an example of the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. On behalf of the Northwest Florida community and a grateful Nation, my wife, Vicki, joins me in praying that God is with Nathan's wife, Lana; stepdaughter, Alexia; parents, Phillip and Janice; siblings, Jeremy, Heather and Dewayne; stepmother, Maralee; and all of the beloved family and friends he held so dear. We ask that God continue to bless them and the United States of America.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Coach Mickey Lindsey on the occasion of his retirement from Pace High School, located in Northwest Florida. For nearly four decades, Coach Lindsey has dedicated his life to serving his students and local communities throughout the Gulf Coast and Southeastern United States, and I am pleased to honor his outstanding achievements. Born and raised in Alabama, Coach Lindsey graduated high school from Grove Hill Academy in Grove Hill and received his Bachelor of Science and Masters in Physical Education degree from the University of West Alabama in 1976 and Valdosta State College in 1984, respectively. At the collegiate level, Coach Lindsey was a member of the Livingston University Football team from 1972 to 1975, where he was part of a Division II semi-final run, and his love of the game and athletics would continue to play an integral role in his successful coaching career. Coach Lindsey began his coaching career as assistant football coach and head track coach at Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach, Florida in 1977. After stops at various other schools--including Dodge County High School, Central High School, Escambia High School, and Century High School--Coach Lindsey became the Head Football Coach at Pace High School, where he has remained for the last 25 years. His numerous awards and accolades include four-time Pensacola News Journal Football Coach of the Year, two-time WEAR-TV Football Coach of the Year, and two-time State Weightlifting Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, Coach Lindsey's teams have captured four state weightlifting titles, 10 district football championships, four undefeated football seasons, and three regional football championships. Over the course of his career, Coach Lindsey has compiled a career record of 205-91, and, perhaps most importantly, his leadership on and off the field has impacted the lives of countless students in Northwest Florida. His inspiration and dedication to improving the lives of those around him, however, is not limited to the playing field, track, or in the weight room, but rather extends far beyond into the larger Northwest Florida community. Coach Lindsey has sponsored the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for 30 years and serves as a deacon at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida. Additionally, in 1993, Coach Lindsey initiated the Patriot Pal program, a mentoring program that continues to exist today and pairs football players with elementary school students. As evidenced by his tremendous success, Coach Lindsey has much to be proud of and can look back on a well accomplished career. His strong leadership and passion for coaching may have led him to achieve what many coaches can only hope to throughout their coaching careers, and though his accomplishments are many, Coach Lindsey's greatest accomplishment is his children and grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate Coach Mickey Lindsey on his well-earned retirement after 39 years of dedicated service to public education and thank him for his commitment to service and inspiration to the Northwest Florida community. My wife Vicki and I wish him; his wife, Gayle; daughter Jessica and son-in-law Matt, son Jay and daughter-in-law Carrie, as well as his grandchildren Jayden and Avery all the best for continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with both profound sadness and deep gratitude that I pay tribute to Deputy Sheriff William Myers, of the Okaloosa County, Florida Sheriff's Office, who gave his life in the line of duty on September 22, 2015. Deputy Myers served our Nation and the Okaloosa Sheriff's Office with honor and distinction, and I am humbled to recognize his service and selfless sacrifice. Deputy Sheriff William ``Bill'' Myers dedicated his life to serving his country. He faithfully served in the United States Air Force for 20 years, during which he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. After he left the military, Deputy Myers worked as a part-time Officer with the Valparaiso Police Department. In December 1989, he joined the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy Sheriff serving the local Northwest Florida community. During his tenure, he served in the Patrol Division, Court Security, and the Traffic Unit. Deputy Myers retired from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department on November 30, 2013 with 25 years of service, but continued his work with the agency as a volunteer. In January of this year, Deputy Myers returned to the Sheriff's Office as a part-time Deputy in Judicial Process. Upon serving a Domestic Violence Injunction on Tuesday, September 22, 2015, the suspect who was expected to turn over his firearms, instead opened fire, fatally injuring Deputy Myers. Through his military service and his law enforcement career, Deputy Myers made a choice to stand up and serve his country and community. There is no greater honor than to serve and protect the lives of your fellow man at the risk of your own. Deputy Myers exemplified the dedication to service and courage that is needed to make that decision and put on the uniform. As a law enforcement officer, Deputy Myers put himself in danger each and every day to protect and serve our community. We all entrust our lives to law enforcement officers because we know that when faced with serious criminal threats, they are trained to act quickly and effectively to neutralize the threat and protect civilian lives. We all pray that our officers do not have to confront a serious armed threat, but we sleep well at night knowing that if necessary they stand ready to protect and defend our community, even if that means making the ultimate sacrifice. In addition to his successful career and unwavering leadership in his community, Deputy Myers will be remembered as a dedicated officer and a man full of integrity and kindness. To his family and friends, he will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful community and Nation, I am humbled to honor the service and sacrifice of this local hero. My wife Vicki and I offer our sincere condolences to his wife, Jan; sons, Sean, Eric, and Adam; and the entire Myers family. May God bless them and all members of our Nation's law enforcement community.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 2082) to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend certain expiring provisions of law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

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 on S. 2082.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill, which is sponsored by our Senate colleague, Senator Isakson, chairman of the Senate VA Committee, would extend a number of expiring current authorities and critical programs at both the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor. These include extensions for veterans' health care and homeless programs; benefits for disabled veterans; vocational rehabilitation programs for servicemembers and veterans; home loan programs; and a variety of advisory committees, pilot programs, and medical facility projects. Absent passage of this legislation today, these important and noncontroversial authorizations and programs are set to expire at the end of this fiscal or calendar year. These are not new programs, and the costs have either been fully offset or have been assumed in the baseline budget for fiscal year 2016. Furthermore, both the majority and minority of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs have worked on this language and agree on the need to extend all of these programs. In addition to the extensions that are included, this bill also contains language that would increase the total authorization for the Denver Replacement Medical Center project to $1.675 billion. This is an increase of $625 million above the amounts that have previously been authorized for this project. To ensure that the many egregious mistakes the VA has made in Denver are not repeated in the future, this bill would put into place initial reforms for managing the most expensive VA construction projects. Namely, these reforms include creating a new classification category called a super construction project. A super construction project would be defined as the construction, alteration, or acquisition of a VA medical facility involving the total expenditure of more than $100 million. Each super construction project would be managed not by VA, but instead by a non-Department Federal entity, such as the Army Corps of Engineers. Importantly, the bill would classify the Denver project as a super construction project. While I am supportive of the provisions of this bill up to this point, I vehemently oppose and disagree with the Department's proposal to cover some of the increased costs of the Denver project. This bill could allow VA to proceed with the Department's proposed plan to use $200 million in offsets from the medical services account and through delayed activations for other construction projects. Mr. Speaker, to understand the magnitude of the management incompetence of the Department of Veterans Affairs as it relates to construction, I think a little history is in order. The replacement of the existing Denver VA Medical Center began as a discussion item back in 1999. The project was first envisioned as a shared facility on the former Fitzsimons Army Base in Aurora, Colorado. The initial estimate for a shared facility was $328 million. After undergoing numerous scope changes over a period of several years, VA requested appropriations in 2010 for a stand-alone medical center replacement with a total estimated cost of $800 million. However, in December of last year, with less than 50 percent of the facility complete and staring down the $800 million authorization cap, the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals found VA to be in breach of its contract with its general contractor Kiewit-Turner. As a result, VA had no choice but to come to Congress and finally admit the severity of the mismanagement and the cost and schedule overruns that have come to characterize the Denver project. In June, following an assessment to determine the probable cost of completing the project, the Army Corps of Engineers provided the final total required to finish the Denver project: $1.675 billion. Several weeks ago, VA provided the committee with their plan as to what budget resources would be made available to fund the remaining dollars necessary for this project. This bill assumes that VA's plan is an appropriate way to move forward on this project. VA first proposes to use $100 million in offsets derived from the higher than budgeted medical collections VA expects it will receive in fiscal year 2015 and 2016. Under law, VA medical care collection funds are retained by VA medical facilities to supplement their budgets to care for veterans. Thus, their proposed offset actually reduces VA's medical care budget by $100 million in fiscal year 2016 to partially fund the remainder of the Denver project. I would have reservations about reducing VA's medical care budget in any year, but I am particularly concerned this year, because just a few weeks ago, I am sure the Members will recall, VA sounded the alarm that the funds budgeted for hepatitis C medications and care in the community for fiscal year 2016 are short. VA also stated that they would need to shut down the whole hospital system. The whole hospital system would have to be shut down if additional funds for fiscal year 2015 were not provided. As a result, Congress met VA's eleventh hour plea with an additional $3.43 billion to ensure that veterans were not denied the care that they had earned. Obviously, VA's proposal to cut medical care funds to complete the Denver replacement hospital when the public record clearly reflects VA's previous testimony over lack of funding in the medical care account is entirely inconsistent and inappropriate. Frankly, it borders on an attempt to mislead this Congress. Secondly, VA proposes to use $100 million in offsets derived from reductions in construction and leasing activation costs due to schedule adjustments associated with several projects. When I asked what VA's plan was to address the funding for these adjustments, VA's response was that the Department would ensure that they request sufficient activation funding in future budget years to account for the reductions in the other projects. In other words, it is not really an offset. They are going to ask for the money back. So by reducing other projects by $100 million in one year only to ask Congress next year for the funds to be replaced strains credibility once again for the Department of Veterans Affairs. This isn't an offset. It is nothing more than a delayed supplemental request. In other words, VA is expecting the taxpayers to bail them out again. To agree to such a tactic would be akin to taking a child's allowance away for misbehavior, only to increase it later to make up for the reduction. Offsetting the biggest construction failure in VA's history by cutting money from VA's medical services account and delaying facility activation costs until next year punishes the veterans of this Nation and the taxpayers for VA's incompetence. Now, I appreciate the challenge VA has in identifying available money and producing a way ahead for this project that is fair to taxpayers and veterans alike in a tight fiscal environment. However, VA continues to be oblivious to the need to prioritize their spending. For example, as I address this House this afternoon, VA officials from across the country have gathered 40 miles away in Leesburg for a leadership conference that is costing the Department $1 million. That may seem like a small amount, but this is in addition to the $33.4 million that VA reported spending on conferences so far through the end of the third quarter of this fiscal year. To repeat, VA has reported spending $33.4 million so far through the end of the third quarter, with at least one and, likely, several other costly conferences that have yet to be accounted for. What's more, Monday, the VA inspector general released a report on VA's relocation expenses program, which found that senior Veterans Benefits Administration officials had misused their positions for their own personal and financial benefit. These senior officials engineered the transfers of other senior officials as a way to increase pay for themselves and to other senior executive service employees and work around the pay freezes and bans on performance awards for senior leaders. One VBA leader alone received almost $300,000 in relocation expenses when she moved from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia. In total, VBA spent over $1.7 million on reassignment expenses, including almost $1.3 million on relocation expenses for senior executives for fiscal years 2013 through 2015. And now yesterday, the VA Office of Inspector General substantiated allegations that the St. Louis VA Health Care System mental health clinic inappropriately changed the status of mental health consults to ``complete'' prior to a provider actually completing the appointment with a patient in 60 percent of sampled consults. To make matters worse, the IG substantiated that, in a review of fiscal 2013 facility performance pay assessments, eight full-time outpatient psychiatrists received an average of nearly $14,000 in performance pay. Seven of the eight psychiatrists met or exceeded the productivity goal, and, as a result, each received an average of around $2,900 for what proved to be faulty productivity achievements. This is in keeping with the wanton and abusive VA spending practices that the committee has uncovered at VA facilities across our country. For example, the committee recently found that the VA Palo Alto Health Care System has spent at least $6.3 million on art and consulting services. These projects include an art installation on the side of a parking garage that displays quotes by Abraham Lincoln and Eleanor Roosevelt in--wait for it--Morse code that cost $285,000. It actually lights up; also, a large rock sculpture in the courtyard in the middle of the mental health center that cost $1.3 million--for a rock; a stainless steel and aluminum sculpture in the aquatic center entrance that cost $365,000; another sculpture that I am at a loss to describe in an exterior lobby that cost $305,000; a sculpture in the shape of a half arc that is located inside the mental health center that cost $330,000. As many of these projects are not yet complete, these costs actually could increase. Let me be clear: spending money on conferences and relocation expenses for VA employees and on art installations for VA facilities is not more important than taking care of the veterans of this Nation, providing them the health care that they have earned. It is simply beyond me why VA would choose to pay to complete the Denver project by cutting medical services and medical facility dollars, but not the exorbitant conference spending, bloated relocation expenses, or art. I remain committed to finding a way forward in Denver, and I am going to be supporting the bill today. However, I am equally convinced that we must ensure that the offsets that VA uses in Colorado do not come at the expense of VA's most important mission: providing high-quality health care for veterans. Unfortunately, VA's plan offers no assurance. I am also frustrated that the Department's plan, which this bill presumes is appropriate, offers no measure of accountability for those responsible for allowing this project to balloon out of control. The VA senior executives in charge of the Denver disaster collected massive bonuses as projected costs increased and delays stretched on for years. They have all retired with full retirement benefits. It is inexcusable. To allow rewards, bonuses, and full retirement benefits to be retained, even when the facts indicate that an employee has not performed at the level expected, is not only wrong, it is a blatant and woeful misuse of taxpayer dollars. I have said repeatedly that the great majority of VA employees are hardworking public servants who go to work every day and live up to President Lincoln's words, to provide quality health care and benefits to our Nation's veterans. What's more, I believe that the majority of VA employees who are dedicated to the mission and purpose of the Department are just as frustrated and demoralized as we are when they see problem employees receiving bonuses or performance awards in spite of poor, unethical, and sometimes illegal job performance. I just wish that this legislation could assure those quality employees that the veterans that they serve--that this Congress and this Department are committed to breaking VA's vicious cycle of ignoring and even rewarding poor performance. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Denver (Mr. Coffman), an able co-chair of the committee who has been in the forefront of this entire fight looking at the cost overruns, the mismanagement, and trying to keep this project on schedule.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Abraham), a member of the committee that has worked very hard on this particular issue, especially the Expiring Authorities bill, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn), a distinguished member of the committee.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Perlmutter) for working so closely with Mr. Coffman, a true bipartisan effort, to see this project to completion. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, might I inquire from Ms. Brown if she would yield 5 minutes of her time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the former chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, a stalwart supporter of America's veterans.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank Ranking Member Brown for her courtesy in yielding an additional few minutes for some of our Members who wanted to speak. I, too, think it is very important that we pass this piece of legislation today, but our job here is not finished. We must ensure that the appropriators now do their job and make sure that VA doesn't, as the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus) said, rob Peter to pay Paul. It is important that we not take necessary dollars away from veteran health care in order to pay for their massive mismanagement of this particular facility. I urge a positive vote on this Senate bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I attended the funeral of Deputy William B. ``Bill'' Myers, a law enforcement officer in my district who was killed in the line of duty, and I missed the following rollcall votes: Nos. 519 and 520, today, September 28, 2015. If present I would have voted: rollcall vote No. 519--H.R. 2835--Border Jobs for Veterans Act of 2015, as amended, ``aye''; and rollcall vote No. 520--H.R. 2786--Cross-Border Rail Security Act of 2015, ``aye.'' Personal Explanation

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Captain Gregory M. ``Mark'' Beavers, for his nearly three decades of honorable service in the United States Navy Medical Service Corps and to our great Nation on the occasion of his retirement as Director of the Armed Forces Pest Management Board, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Energy, Installations, and Environment, U.S. Army Garrison Forest Glen, Silver Spring, Maryland, August 1, 2015. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1980 from James Madison University and a Master of Science in Entomology from the University of Florida in 1983, Captain Beavers served the State of Florida as a Biological Technician at the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. In 1985, he answered the call to serve our Nation and received his direct commission in the United States Navy. As a naval officer and entomologist, his military duty stations spanned the globe and included the Navy Disease Vector Ecology and Control Center, Alameda, California, and Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit Number Five, San Diego, California. In 1990, he was transferred to U.S. Naval Hospital in Subic Bay, Philippines, where he served in a vital role as Head of the Preventive Medicine Department and the Entomology Division. Following his tour of duty in the Philippines, which saw the volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo, he was selected for the Navy's Duty Under Instruction program, and in 1996, received his Doctor of Philosophy in Entomology at the University of Kentucky. From there, Captain Beavers reported to Naval Medical Research Unit Number Three in Cairo, Egypt, where he served for nearly four years as a research entomologist and then assumed the position of Officer in Charge, Navy Disease Vector Ecology and Control Center in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2002, Captain Beavers was assigned to Pensacola, Florida, where he would establish his roots as a resident of the greater Gulf Coast, and served as the Executive Officer of Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory and as the Navy Surgeon General's Specialty Leader for Navy Entomology. In 2005, he reported to Maryland's Naval Medical Research Center where he was tasked as the Navy Medical Research and Development Liaison to the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Research and Materiel Command at Fort Detrick, Maryland. Due to his extensive experience and proven leadership, he was appointed by the Commanding General of U.S. Army Medical Materiel Research and Materiel Command as Director of the Department of Defense's Military Infectious Diseases Research Program. In 2009, Captain Beavers reported to the Armed Forces Pest Management Board as Chief of the Information Services Division, and in 2012, he was appointed the 16th Director of the Armed Forces Pest Management Board. According to those who were fortunate to have served with him throughout his prestigious and impressive military career and as evidenced by his numerous awards and accolades, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards), in addition to other individual and unit service awards, Captain Beavers served with honor and distinction, and as a grateful Nation, we owe him our gratitude. On behalf of the United States Congress, I sincerely thank Captain Beavers, the proud son of William Julian and Betty Jean Beavers and brother to Stephen Michael and Paul David Beavers, for his admirable military service. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing him continued success as he turns to the next chapter in his life. We also want to recognize and thank his wife Carol and sons, James and Michael for their many sacrifices and support as a dedicated and loving Navy Family. May God continue to bless the entire Beavers family and all of our men and women in uniform who have bravely answered the call to defend our great Nation.