Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 294) to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts and agreements for the transfer of veterans to non-Department medical foster homes for certain veterans who are unable to live independently, as amended.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 280, as amended, is similar to a bill that I introduced last Congress. I would like to thank my friend Mr. Chaffetz for helping us bring this bill to the floor today. It would authorize and provide for the Secretary to have the authority to rescind a bonus or a performance award from VA employees when the Secretary deems it appropriate. To ensure a fair process, the provision would also give the employee an opportunity to hold a hearing on the Secretary's decision to recoup that bonus. Now, I proposed this legislation last Congress because VA had given the Committee on Veterans' Affairs conflicting statements whether or not they had the authority, and later they confirmed that they did not have that authority. So it is clear to me that this is still an authority that the Secretary still needs as more and more investigations, in fact, are being completed by the Department, the VA inspector general, and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. As these investigations into falsified wait times, data manipulation, and several other issues at the VA continue, I hope this authority will be applied appropriately and that it will be utilized as yet another tool for the Secretary to use to instill true accountability throughout his agency on behalf of America's veterans. I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Washington, DC, February 26, 2015. Hon. Jeff Miller, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: I write concerning H.R. 280, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recoup bonuses and awards paid to employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. As you know, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs received an original referral and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform a secondary referral when the bill was introduced on January 12, 2015. I recognize and appreciate your desire to bring this legislation before the House of Representatives in an expeditious manner, and accordingly, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will forego action on the bill. The Committee takes this action with our mutual understanding that by foregoing consideration of H.R. 280 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation. Further, I request your support for the appointment of conferees from the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform during any House-Senate conference convened on this or related legislation. Finally, I would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the bill report filed by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, as well as in the Congressional Record during floor consideration, to memorialize our understanding. Sincerely, Jason Chaffetz, Chairman.

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

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 280) to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recoup bonuses and awards paid to employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life of Northwest Florida's beloved Major Joseph Reynes, Jr., United States Air Force Retired, who passed away on February 23, 2015. Major Reynes was a decorated veteran, committed public servant, and a loving family man, who served our Nation with honor and distinction. The Northwest Florida community mourns the loss of a great and compassionate man. Born on March 1, 1934, in Medina, New York, to Joseph and Alice Jay Reynes, Major Reynes developed a fascination for fighter aircraft as a young child growing up on Long Island. While attending the State University of New York at Buffalo, Major Reynes pursued his passion for flying and was commissioned in the United States Air Force in January 1955. Within months, Major Reynes pinned on his wings and was assigned to the 774th Troop Carrier Squadron at Ardmore Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where he would meet his future bride, LaRita Dawn Foster. In 1960, upon completion of advanced fighter training at Nellis Air Force Base, Major Reynes received his orders as a fighter pilot in 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, based at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, and then in 1962, was assigned to the 481st Tactical Fighter Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. Major Reynes deployed during the Vietnam War to DaNang Air Base, where he flew the A1E/H and T-28. During a combat support mission in September 1965, his plane was shot down. Major Reynes was rescued and later assigned to Luke Air Force Base as a F-100 Instructor Pilot. In 1968, he was promoted to the rank of Major, and in 1969, he joined the ``Iron Hand'' support missions flying over North Vietnam. Major Reynes completed his final tour at 5th Air Force Headquarters in Tokyo as the Chief of Standard Evaluation. Throughout his distinguished Air Force Career, Major Reynes earned and was bestowed multiple honors including the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with eighteen Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Combat Readiness Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Upon his retirement from the Armed Forces, Major Reynes continued his service to our Nation as an active member of the local community. In 1980, he was first elected as Mayor of Gulf Breeze, Florida and served two terms. He also served as Deacon of Pensacola Beach Community Church and volunteered his time to assist local area veterans. Some of his greatest moments, however, were spent coaching his son Joe's and grandson Harrison's baseball teams, as well as the Chofu High and Gulf Breeze High track teams, alongside his children. To his family and friends, Major Reynes will always be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father of three, and proud grandfather of six, and his contributions to our Nation and Northwest Florida will not be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the life and dedicated service of Major Joseph Reynes, Jr. My wife, Vicki, joins me in extending our deepest prayers and condolences to his wife LaRita Foster Reynes; children, Major General Joseph Reynes, Jr., Lisa Marie Reynes, Jeannette Prochaska; grandchildren; and the entire Reynes family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Anna Barry as the 2016 Escambia County Teacher of the Year. Teachers are amongst our Nation's most valuable public servants. They are responsible for mentoring our students and ensuring that our next generation emerges ready to lead our Nation in the future. Mrs. Barry's assiduous work ethic, unbridled enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to student engagement exemplify the characteristics of an exemplary teacher. For more than a decade, Mrs. Barry has served the students of Northwest Florida, inspiring them to strive for excellence and empowering all those who pass through her classroom to reach their full potential. Her dedication to her students' success fosters an atmosphere of achievement, and her commitment to a layered curriculum teaching method, where each individual student can take ownership of their education, helps ensure that students remain engaged and conscientious. Mrs. Barry began her career teaching U.S. History, Science, and Geography at Ernest Ward Middle School. Despite being new to the profession, Mrs. Barry tackled her position head on and immediately began making an impact on her students. She also took on leadership positions at the school and helped to coordinate instruction amongst all grade levels. Following her successful years at Ernest Ward, Mrs. Barry began teaching at her high school alma mater, Northview High School, where she once again established herself as an exceptional teacher and leader. At Northview, Mrs. Barry has served as a Faculty Leader, History Department Chair, and a member of the Florida Standards Team, which helps ensure that teachers are ready to meet the updated state education standards. While at Northview, she has also taken the lead in several other initiatives, including forming the first-ever Model United Nations (UN) Team for Escambia County and working with the local community to secure the funding necessary to have her students travel to Orlando to participate in Model UN. Mrs. Barry also serves as the coach for the Varsity and Junior Varsity cheerleading teams, produces the Miss Northview High School Pageant, and is a co-sponsor of the Student Government Association. Thanks in large part to her success within her own school environment, Mrs. Barry has also served in district-wide positions, including service on the World History Leadership Committee, where she helped to construct the district pacing guide, prepare essential questions to accompany units of study, and lead the district's new content session to help World History teachers integrate new standards into their curriculum. Mrs. Barry has received several previous recognitions for her excellence in the classroom, including being named the Escambia County High School Social Students Teacher of the Year, as well being recognized by the Florida Council for Social Studies. The importance of teachers is unquantifiable. Mrs. Barry clearly understands the important position that teachers serve as role models for their students. Being a role model demands an incontrovertible commitment to professionalism in all aspects of life. Mrs. Barry treats her students, their parents, faculty, and staff with the utmost respect, and, in turn, this respect inspires her students and helps engender success in future endeavors. Mrs. Barry also understands the importance of working together with other teachers to improve the educational experience of their students, and, by sharing her experience with all of her fellow colleagues, Mrs. Barry improves the quality of her own classroom, as well as the entire school. Each and every teacher should be commended for their commitment to our Nation's future. To be selected as Teacher of the Year, chosen from a large pool of extremely qualified applicants, is a reflection of Mrs. Barry's tremendous work ethic and steadfast dedication to the students of Northwest Florida. She has proven to be among the many exceptional teachers in our Nation, and I am proud to have her as a constituent in Florida's First Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Mrs. Anna Barry for her accomplishments and her continuing commitment to excellence at Northview High School and in the Escambia County School District. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mrs. Barry, and we wish her all the best.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and legacy of one of Pensacola's most influential and beloved citizens, J. Earle Bowden. A native and near life-long resident of the Florida Panhandle, Mr. Bowden was known throughout the community for his decades as a journalist and editor-in-chief of the Pensacola News Journal, as well as for his tireless work preserving the local historical sites and natural treasures. All of Northwest Florida mourns the loss of a true icon. J. Earle Bowden was born and raised in the small town of Altha, Florida, and after his high school graduation, he studied journalism at Florida State, where he also wrote for the Florida Flambeau. Following his college studies, Mr. Bowden joined the United States Air Force, where he served as a military journalist during the Korean War. After completing his military service, Mr. Bowden moved back to Northwest Florida to raise his family and pursue a career in journalism, and in the fall of 1953, propitious circumstances and his considerable talent landed Mr. Bowden a position as a writer with the Pensacola News Journal. First a sports writer and cartoonist for the paper, Mr. Bowden's journalistic talent, dedication to the Northwest Florida community, and assiduous work ethic saw him rise through the ranks, becoming editor of the News Journal's editorial page in 1965 and editor-in-chief of the entire paper one year later. It was in his position heading the paper's editorial pages that Mr. Bowden began to forge his legacy and cement his impact on the greater Pensacola area. We are blessed to have perhaps the world's most beautiful beaches located in Northwest Florida, and, in 1965, Mr. Bowden began advocating for the creation of a national park as a way to preserve this natural beauty. Thanks in large part to his efforts, Mr. Bowden's dream was realized just a few years later when legislation was signed into law on January 8, 1971 to establish the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Today, Gulf Islands National Seashore is one of the most visited components of the National Park System, and, in recognition of his work, the road linking eastern Pensacola Beach to Navarre Beach is named Earle Bowden Way. In addition to his successful work preserving the Northwest Florida environment, Mr. Bowden was also deeply dedicated and involved with the preservation of the many important historical landmarks in Northwest Florida. He helped found several important organizations, including the Seville Square Historic District and the Historic Pensacola Preservation Board. He also served in numerous leadership capacities, including as president of West Florida Historic Preservation Inc., whose headquarters is named in his honor, president of the Pensacola Historical Society, president of the University of West Florida Foundation, chairman of the City of Pensacola Architectural Review Board, president of the Pensacola Bay Area Coalition on Literacy, and general chairman for the Galvez Bicentennial Celebration, amongst many others. Mr. Bowden was also deeply committed to advancing the field of journalism and writing, as evidenced by his long tenure teaching journalistic writing at the University of West Florida, which awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1985. Mr. Bowden was also a widely published author of non-fiction, fiction, and illustration books. Among his published writings are the novel ``Look and Tremble,'' his memoir ``Always the Rivers Flow,'' a pictorial history ``Pensacola: Florida's First Place City'', and the non-fiction book ``Gulf Islands: The Sands of All, Preserving America's Largest National Seashore.'' He also contributed writing, editing, and illustration to several books on Pensacola history including: ``Florida in the Civil War: 1860 through Reconstruction''; ``Siege! Spain and Britain: Battle of Pensacola''; ``Iron Horse in the Pinelands: Building West Florida's Railroad 1881- 1883''; and ``Guardians on the Gulf and Pensacola: Spaniards to Space Age.'' In recognition of Mr. Bowden's incalculable contributions to Northwest Florida, he has received dozens of awards from a wide range of organizations including: the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation's Florida Preservationist of the Year; two national awards for editorial writing from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge; the Pensacola Kiwanis Club Civic Award; the BIP Awards' Professional Leader of the Year; Pensacola Junior College's Distinguished Citizen of the Year; the Law Day Liberty Bell Award; the PACE Pioneer Award; FSU Distinguished Alumnus; and three statewide awards from Florida Architects for his work in historic preservation. Mr. Speaker, throughout his long and distinguished life, J. Earle Bowden worked tirelessly on behalf of the Northwest Florida community that he loved. Although he was a man of letters, his impact on our community cannot be fully captured in words, and his legacy will forever live on in the many historical sites and natural resources that he worked so judiciously to protect. On behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the life and lasting legacy of J. Earle Bowden. My wife Vicki and I extend our deepest prayers and condolences to his wife Mary Louise Bowden; sons, Steven Earle Bowden (wife, Pamela House) and Randall Clark Bowden; granddaughter, Jessica Johanna Bowden; brother, Franklin Lamar Bowden; nephews, Franklin Lamar Bowden, Jr. and James Marlon Bowden; and the entire Bowden family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Ms. Catherine Beaudoin as the 2016 Okaloosa County, Florida Teacher of the Year. Throughout her time in Okaloosa County, Ms. Beaudoin has served her students, her colleagues, and her community as an outstanding educator, and I am proud to recognize her success and outstanding achievements. Ms. Catherine Beaudoin received her Bachelor's Degree in English and K-12 Education from Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, and was awarded the Excellent English Major Award for her creativity and strong work ethic. Upon graduation, Ms. Beaudoin moved to Okaloosa County, Florida, to pursue her career in teaching as a sixth and seventh grade Language Arts teacher at Pryor Middle School in Fort Walton Beach. During her time as an educator, Ms. Beaudoin has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty, leading her students and serving the Northwest Florida community in a myriad of roles. As the Sixth Grade SAILS Honor Program Coordinator for the 2013-2014 school year, she helped lead and facilitate the only advanced placement program for middle school students offered in Okaloosa County. Ms. Beaudoin has also served as a member of the Pryor Middle School leadership team, taking on the important responsibility of developing and presenting the school's Writing Plan to the Assistant Superintendent at the Principal's Quarterly Review. In addition, as a strong voice in the teaching community, Ms. Beaudoin is a member of several leadership groups within the Okaloosa County School district, including the OCSD Writing Implementation Group, ELA/Reading Best Practices, and ELA Textbook Adoption Committee. Aside from her academic leadership, Ms. Beaudoin has helped students throughout Okaloosa County, leading numerous extracurricular activities as coach of the Fort Walton Beach High School Junior Varsity Girl's soccer team and of the Pryor Middle School Girl's soccer team. Building on her success coaching soccer, this upcoming spring, Ms. Beaudoin will take on a position as coach of both the Boy's and Girl's tennis teams at Pryor Middle School. Mr. Speaker, teachers are amongst our most valuable public servants, and they play an integral role in shaping the future of our Nation. The Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year award is a true reflection of Ms. Beaudoin's tireless work ethic and steadfast dedication to the students of Okaloosa 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 Ms. Catherine Beaudoin for her accomplishments and her continuing commitment to excellence. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Ms. Beaudoin as the 2016 Okaloosa County, Florida Teacher of the Year and thanking her for 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. Mr. Speaker, due to attending the President's Bill Signing Ceremony of the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, I missed the following rollcall votes: No. 77 and No. 78 on February 12, 2015. If present, I would have voted: rollcall No. 77-- On Ordering the Previous Question, ``aye,'' rollcall vote No. 78--H. Res. 101--The rule providing for consideration of both H.R. 644-- Fighting Hunger Incentive Act of 2015, and H.R. 636--America's Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2015, ``aye.'' personal explanation

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to recognize the life and legacy of Northwest Florida's beloved Sue Pardue. For decades, Sue was a leader and integral part of the Northwest Florida community, and she will be missed by all who were fortunate to know her. Sue married her loving husband of more than 42 years, Alvin, in 1972, before moving to Pace, Florida, where they started a family and became an integral part of the Pace community. While raising her five children, Sue also took steps to further her education, receiving bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees from the University of West Florida. Sue used her education and kind-hearted nature serving as a counselor at many institutions in Northwest Florida, including Pace Assembly Ministries, Santa Rosa Correctional Institute, and Pensacola Family Care for Youth, amongst many others. While raising a family and working as a counselor, Sue also took an active role in many community organizations helping to serve the community that she loved. Sue was deeply devoted to serving the Lord, and she served for many years as head of the Children's Ministries at Pace Assembly of God and the Women's Ministries at Pensacola First Assembly of God, while also holding a position on the church's board. In addition to her service at her church, Sue was deeply involved in many other organizations, including: Concerned Citizens for Gifted Children, Crisis Line Counseling, RSVP Advisory Board, Red Cross, Advisory Board for Children's Home, Advisory Board for Guardian Ad Litem, Pace Water System, Family Promise, Pregnancy Resource Center, and Santa Rosa County Bond Review Board. To some, Sue will be remembered as a devoted servant of Jesus Christ, working tirelessly to spread His word at her church and throughout Northwest Florida. To others she will be remembered as a highly educated, hard-working, and dedicated counselor. To her family and friends, she will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. On behalf of the United States Congress, my wife Vicki and I send our deepest condolences and prayers to Sue's husband, Alvin; her children, Donna, Deniece, Brian, Edwin, and Calvin; her seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and the entire Pardue family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Northwest Florida's Janis K. Simmons upon the occasion of her retirement from the Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), Santa Rosa County Extension Office, after more than thirty-two years of dedicated service. A lifelong resident of Florida's First Congressional District, Mrs. Simmons was born to Easter and Bennie Harris and was raised in Chumuckla, Florida. After graduating from Chumuckla High School, she attended Pensacola Junior College and began working for her father's business, Harris Masonry. After gaining valuable experience at Harris Masonry, Mrs. Simmons and her husband, Bobby, established Simmons Masonry, which they successfully operated for ten years. In 1982, the IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension Office welcomed Mrs. Simmons to its team. Mrs. Simmons served as the Jay Office Secretary for nearly thirty-three years and assisted the office in a myriad of ways. Throughout her career, whether it was through her work with the Santa Rosa Pest Management Association, her assistance with local farmers in processing their applications, bookkeeping, providing financial management, or maintaining permit files and regulations, her diligence never wavered, and she proved to be an invaluable asset to the Santa Rosa County Extension Service. IFAS employees will forever remember Mrs. Simmons for her willingness to help others and her famous spaghetti meals. As she leaves behind a career that has touched the lives of thousands in Northwest Florida, Mrs. Simmons looks forward to continuing to serve her church, Ebenezer Church, in a greater capacity, gardening, and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to congratulate Janis K. Simmons on her retirement and thank her for her service to Northwest Florida. My wife Vicki and I wish her and her husband, Bobby; sons, Steven and Dale; and grandchildren, Lela, Brayden, and Makenna all the best.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the new ranking member for her words. I look forward to working with her on legislation in the future. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the Second District of Indiana, from Elkhart, Indiana (Mrs. Walorski).

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, who, in his first week, has already jumped in with both feet. Mr. Costello has been to my office and started looking closely at the oversight agenda that we have.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. We have no additional speakers either, so we are prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud support of H.R. 203, the Clay Hunt SAV Act. This bill was introduced by my good friend and a very important member of the Veterans Affairs' Committee, Congressman Tim Walz from Minnesota. I am honored to join him and Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth from Illinois as an original cosponsor of this legislation. I am also grateful for the support of several of our military veterans' service organizations, including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Wounded Warrior Project. H.R. 203 is named after a true American hero, Clay Hunt. Clay was a Marine Corps veteran who served honorably in both Afghanistan and Iraq, where he was wounded in battle. Clay returned home grappling with posttraumatic stress disorder but refused to let his personal struggles prevent him from devoting his time to humanitarian work and advocacy on behalf of his fellow veterans. However, in March of 2011, at just 28 years of age, Clay took his own life. With an average of 22 veterans committing suicide each day, Clay was far from alone in his pain, and his family and friends are far from alone in their heartbreak over his loss. The last several years have seen significant increases in the Department of Veterans Affairs' mental health and suicide prevention budget, staff, and programs; however, we have not seen a corresponding decrease in the number of our Nation's heroes who take their own lives. What is more, for some groups of veterans, including female veterans and veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, suicide rates are actually getting worse. Mr. Speaker, we have got to do more to help these veterans access the supportive services and mental health care that they need to save their lives. With the passage of H.R. 203, we will. To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of VA programs and increase awareness of available services, H.R. 203 would require an annual third-party evaluation of VA's mental health care and suicide prevention programs and require that VA publish an interactive Web site to serve as a central source of information regarding VA mental health services. To increase VA's capacity to meet the mental health care needs of our veterans, it would establish a pilot program that would repay education loans for individuals who have received a degree in psychiatric medicine and who agree to work at the VA for at least 2 years. To create a seamless transition from Active Duty to veteran status and increased community support for those in need, it would establish another pilot program to assist veterans during transition and require VA to collaborate with nonprofit mental health organizations in the community. Importantly, H.R. 203 would extend an additional 1 year of eligibility for VA health care services for certain combat veterans who have not yet enrolled and whose 5-year combat eligibility period recently expired. Before I yield, I want to take a moment to once again express my condolences to Clay's family and friends as well as the families and friends of our honored veterans who have lost their lives to suicide. I want to offer them my personal commitment to continue the aggressive pursuit to end veteran suicide. The passage of this bill today is just the first in what will be a continuing series of legislative and oversight efforts that our committee is going to undertake throughout the 114th Congress to improve access to mental health care for veterans in need, increase the efficiency and effectiveness of VA's mental health and suicide prevention programs, and increase meaningful partnerships with community providers who are often the first line of defense for their struggling veterans and the families of those veterans. This bill, which passed the House last Congress, will not single- handedly halt the scourge of veteran suicide, but it is an important step, and it is a step that we owe Clay and those like him who desperately need and certainly deserve our help. With that, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 203. Mr. Speaker, 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.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inquire of the ranking member how many speakers she has left.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 203) to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide for the conduct of annual evaluations of mental health care and suicide prevention programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to require a pilot program on loan repayment for psychiatrists who agree to serve in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I appreciate the comments from both sides of the aisle, and I look forward to working with all of our colleagues on future issues as they relate to the Department of Veterans Affairs and, in particular, the SAV Act. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Dale Patterson, Pastor of East Brent Baptist Church, upon the occasion of his retirement after 33 years at East Brent Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida, and for more than 50 years of ministry. Pastor Patterson is a native of Sumrall, Mississippi, and he started his long and distinguished career in the ministry in Mississippi, where he served congregations in Hattiesburg, Mendenall, Shuqualak, and Picayune, while also pursuing his education at Mississippi College, William Carey College, Mississippi State University, and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he received his master's and doctoral degrees. In 1981, Pastor Patterson and his family moved to Northwest Florida, where he took the important position of Pastor of East Brent Baptist Church. During his three-plus decades in Northwest Florida, Pastor Patterson became a staple of the community, leading his ministry based on a simple plan to minister to those within the church, while also reaching out to spread the Gospel to all the members of the community in need of the Lord's guidance. Under Pastor Patterson's leadership, and with the grace of God, East Brent Baptist Church has grown significantly over the past decades. Pastor Patterson supervised the purchase of property surrounding East Brent Baptist Church to expand the grounds and facilitate the construction of many new facilities, including the Family Life Center, the Worship Center, the G Building--used to house various events from Sunday School classes to GED classes and weddings--as well as the reutilization of existing property to provide recreational opportunities for children in the church community. In addition, during his tenure, East Brent Baptist launched Care Ministries, Inc. to help further spread the word of Jesus Christ far and wide. There is no question that Pastor Patterson's record of leadership and accomplishments at East Brent Baptist are myriad; however, he has also served in important leadership positions throughout the state and in the larger Southern Baptist Community. During his time in ministry, Pastor Patterson has served as President of the Associational Pastor's Conference, Moderator of Association and has served on State Board of Missions for Florida Baptist Convention. Pastor Patterson has also held the chairmanship of various committees, including: the Evangelism Committee, Mission's Committee, Sunday School Committee, Program Committee, State Order of Business, State Nomination Committee, State Loans and Grants Committee, Budget and Allocations Committee, and the Health and Hope Committee. Pastor Patterson's many accomplishments, however, are only a small window into the exceptional work that he has done serving the Lord and the congregation of East Brent Baptist Church, and his many successes in life are a testament to what can be achieved through faith and adherence to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, my wife Vicki and I wish Pastor Patterson, his wife Louise, and the entire Patterson family all the best as Pastor Patterson enjoys his retirement years spending time with his family and the many friends he has made throughout the Northwest Florida community.