Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, March 14 will mark the end of the long and distinguished career of Douglas K. Vollmer, Associate Executive Director for Government Relations, for Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). Doug has spent nearly 35 years overseeing the congressional relations activities of PVA. His uncompromising leadership has advanced the cause of America's paralyzed veterans. In addition, his work on disability civil rights for all Americans highlighted a career which reflected the mission of his organization to provide opportunities that maximize the independence of its members. Doug is a native of Toledo, Ohio. He attended Northwestern University and received his undergraduate degree in 1967. Upon graduation, Doug entered the U.S. Navy and was commissioned in May 1968. Doug went on to serve with the River Patrol Forces and as a liaison officer with elements of the 5th Special Forces in the Republic of Vietnam from November 1968 to October 1969. He then spent 20 months serving on the staff of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence for the Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT). Following his service in the U.S. Navy, Doug received his Masters Degree from the University of Hawaii and pursued post-graduate studies at the University of Maryland. During his career at PVA, Doug has been involved with a broad range of issues affecting both the veterans' community and the larger community of people with disabilities. Since being named the PVA's Associate Executive Director for Government Relations in 1989, he has been involved in the passage of some of the most monumental legislation to be considered by the United States Congress including passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and healthcare eligibility reform for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He was instrumental in the battle to make Washington's Metro system accessible to wheelchair users; the fight to ensure access to commercial aircraft for people with disabilities; efforts to ensure fair housing policy became a reality for those in need; and he always played a leadership role in defining the VA's budgetary needs for America's disabled veterans every year. Doug's involvement in legislative issues for veterans with spinal cord injury and dysfunction resulted in numerous advancements in the areas of health care, benefits, and vocational rehabilitation. His unwavering commitment to assist both service connected and non-service connected PVA members was the hallmark of Doug's service to the PVA, and it reflected his belief that ``a veteran is a veteran.'' As a result, thousands of veterans--disabled and non- disabled--and their families benefited from his work. Since he began working for PVA, he has seen the VA grow from a regular federal agency to a cabinet-level department which enabled his advocacy for veterans to be recognized at the highest level of government. His close relationships with other leaders in the veterans and disability communities have been well established over the years and he has been a highly valued resource for policy makers at the executive level across the government and non-profit world. His long career of dedicated service is truly worthy of praise. As an executive at PVA, he created an environment for his subordinates that encouraged creative thinking, individualism, and productive team work. As the longest serving staff member at PVA, Doug has been the anchor for 15 PVA Presidents. He wrote hundreds of congressional testimonies and represented the organization at the White House, on Capitol Hill, and across the country. Notably, it was Doug who mentored his late friend Gordon Mansfield as PVA's Executive Director. Gordon went on to become the Deputy Secretary and Acting Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, following service as the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs, as well as the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Doug's impact on veterans--particularly those who have experienced spinal cord injury or disorder--and their families cannot truly be measured. Doug and Scottie, his wife of nearly 44 years, live in Washington, DC. They have one son, Zachary, who also lives and works in Washington, DC. The legacy that he leaves can be seen in the vast advancements in medical care provided by the VA and the fact that the United States is the world leader in access for all people with disabilities. Doug Vollmer has lived a life that truly has made a difference. For that, we are sincerely grateful.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and dedicated service of the Honorable Ray Wilson of Northwest Florida. Mr. Wilson was Okaloosa County's longest serving sheriff, and he is known throughout the area for his intelligence, his unwavering commitment to fairness and upholding the law, and his determination to serve and improve his community. All of Northwest Florida mourns his passing. Mr. Wilson was born in Campton, Florida, and was a lifelong resident of Okaloosa County. After graduating from high school and serving in the United States Army, Mr. Wilson returned to his native Okaloosa County and decided to run for sheriff. Law enforcement was in his blood, as his father, Lester Wilson was the Crestview Chief of Police. At the age of 28, Ray Wilson was elected, becoming the youngest sheriff in Florida history. Despite his young age, Mr. Wilson's astuteness and commitment to service were immediately evident. He genuinely loved serving his community and had an extremely successful 20-year career. Thanks to this kind of determination, he helped lead a truly first-class sheriff's department that made Okaloosa County a safer place for all residents and visitors. In fact, Mr. Wilson's impact on the history of Okaloosa County was so strong that he was bestowed a Civic Leader Award by the sheriff's department in 2012, more than 35 years after leaving his post. In addition to his service and leadership in law enforcement, Mr. Wilson was a man of great faith and a minister of the Gospel. He was also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress it is an honor for me to recognize the life and service of the Honorable Ray Wilson. My wife Vicki and I send our prayers and condolences to his wife, Virginia; children, Stuart, Scott, and Sharon; his six grandchildren; and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. MILLER of Florida. If the National Park Service said Escambia County was doing this because they had an intent of doing some type of dredging project, they are absolutely incorrect.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank the chairman for yielding to me. Mr. Chair, I do want to say that this is a simple solution to a very important property rights issue in northwest Florida. Pursuant to a 1947 Federal deed, Escambia County, Florida, was given authority to transfer property on Santa Rosa Island but could not issue title to that land. Instead, the county began leasing the property to individuals who would pay a lease fee instead of being charged a property tax. In the years since 1947, Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach have grown into bustling communities and fine tourist destinations. Additionally, numerous pending cases in the judicial system seek to allow local authorities to levy taxes now on those properties that currently are being leased. As a result of these developments, local stakeholders, including the boards of commissioners of both Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, asked me to introduce this piece of legislation. Mr. Chairman, this is a fairness issue. It will allow leaseholders the option of attaining fee simple title to their property while also protecting current agreements governing conservation, public access, and recreation. Additionally, the bill would help ease management of the island by allowing conveyance of certain land currently owned by Escambia County to Santa Rosa County. It is important to note that the bill does not address the issue of property taxes on those properties. It simply seeks to permit leaseholders the option to attain title to their property so that leaseholders and local governments can jointly address any local tax issues that may arise in the future. Contrary to a statement released by the White House yesterday, this bill does not remove any protections from Santa Rosa Island. Rather, it restates those protections that are currently in place with Santa Rosa County and Escambia County that are critical to this barrier island. I also want to take note that this bill in no way affects the right to public beach access, nor does it change the boundaries of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, nor does it impact the mission of the National Park Service. And contrary to what the ranking member said, Escambia County has absolutely no intention of dredging a bay. This is not going to happen.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Escambia County is protected on both sides of the land that they have currently now under lease by the National Park Service, the Gulf Islands National Seashore, so I urge all of my colleagues to support this commonsense bill.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and dedicated service of Mr. Rodney Lee ``Rod'' Kendig. Mr. Kendig was a committed public servant and a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. All of Northwest Florida mourns his passing. Rod Kendig was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and graduated from Newton High School in Newton, New Jersey. After finishing his high school studies, he received a degree from the College of Wooster and a graduate degree from the University of Maryland. In 1978, while working for the National Association of Counties in Washington, D.C., Mr. Kendig was hired as Escambia County Administrator, and he moved with his family to Pensacola, Florida. After several successful years as Escambia County Administrator, Mr. Kendig continued his public service to the Northwest Florida community as City Manager for the City of Pensacola. The position of Pensacola City Manager was a particularly important position that helped set the agenda for the Pensacola City Council. During his nine years on the job, he oversaw a number of important local projects, including: the construction of a new airport terminal and control tower at Pensacola Airport, a large expansion of Pensacola's city limits, construction of the Vickery Community Center, and acquisition of the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum, amongst many other accomplishments. Mr. Kendig continued his success in the private sector, joining the local firm Baskerville-Donovan, where he was instrumental in facilitating plans to move the city's wastewater treatment plant out of downtown Pensacola. Mr. Kendig was also committed to serving the community away from the job. Along with his wife Paula, he volunteered with the Children's Home Society, and they served as a foster family for dozens of local children. The Kendigs fell in love and adopted one of the foster babies with special needs. Mr. Kendig became a community leader and advocate for children's health and education issues, serving on the Arc Gateway Board of Directors, the State Partnership for School Readiness, and the Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County. Mr. Kendig was also an avid reader and supporter of literacy and local libraries, and he was elected to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the West Florida Public Library System. Mr. Speaker, Rod Kendig was an exceptional public servant, loving family man, and a great community leader. His impact on Northwest Florida will never be forgotten. My wife Vicki and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to his wife, Paula; mother, Jane; children, Kathy, Andrea, Adam, Christy, Chelsey, and Jacob; grandchildren; Jennifer, Melissa, Billy, Nina, Paul and AJ; great grandson, Grady; sister, Brenda; and the entire Kendig family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Northwest Florida's beloved Nelleann ``Nell'' Ruth Hamm Bell who passed away on January 31, 2014. Mrs. Bell was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a leader in the community. Northwest Florida mourns her loss. Mrs. Bell was born in Birmingham, Alabama, where she lived before moving with her family to Pensacola, Florida. She and her husband, Dr. Reed Bell, both attended Pensacola High School and graduated in 1947. They later married and started a family. Mrs. Bell supported her husband and help raised their six children, as Dr. Bell served as the Medical Director of the Sacred Heart Children's Hospital. In the late 1970s, Mrs. Bell became heavily involved in politics and civil society. She founded the Pensacola chapter of the Florida Federation of Women for Responsible Legislation, and thanks to her dedicated leadership, she became the organization's president. In this capacity, she worked with other organizations, such as the Eagle Forum, to promote pro-family legislation. Mrs. Bell was also deeply committed to improving the lives of people in her local community, and she made an immense impact on countless individuals through her founding of Our Mother's Home, a maternity home for unwed mothers. In addition to her leadership and service, Mrs. Bell was a woman of tremendous faith who was fully committed to serving the Lord. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the life of Mrs. Nell Bell. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers and sincerest condolences to her six children, Rev. William R. Bell, Jr.; Mitzi Peters; Terry Bush; Former Florida Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Bell; Lance Bell; and Brian Bell; 20 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; family and friends. Mrs. Bell will be truly missed, and her contributions to Northwest Florida will never be forgotten.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Hastings for his support in including H.R. 322, the Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection Act, as title I of the sportsmen's package. I also want to thank the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus colleagues and the leadership of Chairman Bob Latta and Bennie Thompson for their efforts to protect sportsmen's rights and preserve our Nation's heritage. Title I of this measure simply clarifies the existing intent of law regarding EPA's authority under the Toxic Substances Control Act with respect to traditional ammunition and fishing tackle that contain lead components. This legislation would prevent the EPA from expanding its regulatory authority under TSCA into an area where fish and wildlife agencies are better positioned to manage. What the several antihunting and antifishing groups who insist on the expansion fail to recognize is that the ammunition, firearms, and tackle industries, along with sportsmen and -women, are the ones that are footing the bill to manage, protect, and create the same species' habitat that they claim they are trying to save. There is no sound evidence of traditional ammo and fishing tackle with lead components causing harm to wildlife populations or human health that would warrant a complete ban. I would also say that one of my colleagues came to the floor earlier and said that this particular piece of legislation would in fact prevent States like California from banning lead ammunition. That is not true. Doing so in disregard of the intent of the law, the EPA would devastate countless domestic manufacturing facilities, drive up the cost for law enforcement and for our military, destroying thousands of jobs and hurting wildlife conservation funding--all at the expense of the taxpayer, and that is a cost that should not be borne.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Thank you to all the Members who have come to the floor today to support this bill. I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER

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

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from the Third District of the State of Pennsylvania, Mike Kelly, who is a stalwart supporter of the veterans in the State of Pennsylvania and also the United States.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members would have 5 legislative days with which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials that they may have on this legislation.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from the 18th District of Pennsylvania, Dr. Murphy, a Navy Reservist himself.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have one more speaker at this time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank my good friend from Pennsylvania (Mr. Doyle) for being in the forefront on this particular issue. At this time, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from the 12th District of Pennsylvania (Mr. Rothfus).

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 357) to amend title 38, United States Code, to require courses of education provided by public institutions of higher education that are approved for purposes of the educational assistance programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to charge veterans tuition and fees at the in-State tuition rate, as amended.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 357, as amended, is a bipartisan package of legislation that relates to improving employment and training opportunities for America's veterans. While there are many worthwhile provisions in this bill, I want to focus on section 4 primarily, which deals with instate tuition for veterans, and section 14, which ensures privacy of veterans who are being treated at a VA medical facility. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's veterans have always been a source of strength for America's economy. The post-9/11 GI Bill has given thousands of our veterans the opportunity to attend college or receive other types of vocational training at little to no cost to the veteran themselves. Every dollar that we provide in education and training benefits to veterans under the GI Bill goes right back into our economy when these veterans graduate and enter the workforce. I think we can all call that a great investment. However, there are many veterans, through no fault of their own, who are forced to pay exorbitant tuition rates to schools simply because of the transit nature of their military service, and that precludes them from meeting some of the burdensome State residency requirements. Mr. Speaker, as most American families know, the difference between instate versus out-of-state tuition at most public schools is immense. According to the College Board, the average instate tuition and fees at public institutions is now $8,655 a year. Out-of-state students pay an average of $21,706 per year. Since the post-9/11 GI Bill will only pay for tuition and fees at the instate rates at public schools, out-of-state student veterans could incur significant debt to make up that difference. I believe that this practice has got to end. The men and women who served this Nation did not just defend the citizens of their own home States, but the citizens of all 50 States. The educational benefits they receive from the taxpayers should reflect the same reality. Mr. Speaker, many States are out in front on this issue, including my home State of Florida, and I applaud the 22 States that currently offer some form of instate tuition to veterans, regardless of their residency. Other State legislatures again, as I said, including my home State of Florida, are currently reviewing legislation to provide this benefit. It is my hope that the House passes this bill, and it will encourage those States to move forward. To that end, section 4 of the bill would require that, in order for public colleges and universities to be eligible to receive payments from a veteran's GI Bill benefits, they must enroll these veterans at instate tuition and fee rates. There are important limitations to this requirement. First, States would be permitted to require that student veterans show intent to become full-time residents of the State in which they are attending school. Secondly, the instate requirement would only apply to veterans who are attending college within 3 years of their discharge from Active Duty. These limitations will ensure that this policy not only targets the population of veterans that are most adversely affected by residency requirements following their military separation, but also fairly recognizes States' legitimate interest in subsidizing public education for its taxpaying citizens. Mr. Speaker, I also want to highlight section 14 of the bill, which incorporates the text of a bill that I introduced called the Veterans' Privacy Act. In June of 2012, a covert camera disguised as a smoke detector was installed in the room of a brain-damaged veteran who was being treated at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa. Upon discovering the hidden camera, the veteran's family was understandably outraged. When the veteran's family asked about the camera, VA officials first stated that the camera did not exist. Then they changed their story and admitted that the ``smoke detector'' was actually a video camera. When further asked if the camera was recording, the VA told the family that the camera was only monitoring the patient; it was not recording. Only after inquiries by local media and the Veterans' Affairs Committee did VA admit that the camera was, in fact, recording the patient. VA then removed the camera from the patient's room. In the wake of this incident, I sent a letter to VA asking for its legal authority to place a camera in a patient's room without their consent. The VA replied that the hidden camera did not violate the law. I am deeply disturbed at VA's actions and response to the privacy interests of this veteran and can't help but wonder whether similar incidents are occurring across the country. That is why I authored this section, which should direct VA to prescribe regulations ensuring that when veterans receive care from VA, their privacy will not be violated by unauthorized video surveillance. Mr. Speaker, as I said, there are many other worthwhile provisions in this bill, and I defer to my colleagues on the floor this afternoon to highlight other remaining provisions. I thank my good friends and the ranking member of the committee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano), and everybody who is here today who are cosponsors of this bill and helping us to move forward. I am also grateful to Leader Cantor and Speaker Boehner for their help in bringing this legislation to the floor. With that, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 357, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Coffman), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida, Gus Bilirakis, the vice chairman of the full committee and sponsor for veterans not only in his community but around this country.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and dedicated service of Northwest Florida's George Touart who passed away on January 24, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout his long career in public service, George Touart mentored and inspired many individuals throughout Escambia County, Florida. The loss of a passionate and hardworking man is truly felt among the Northwest Florida community for which he cared so deeply. George graduated Pensacola High School in 1966. At the University of Southern Mississippi, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Community and Regional Planning and was an active member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He then received his Master's degree in Public Administration from Troy State University. Before returning home to Florida, George served as a city councilman in Pascagoula, Mississippi, a public information officer for the Mississippi State Highway Department, and as county administrator for two Mississippi counties. In April 2002, the Escambia County Board of Commissioners appointed George as the Escambia County Administrator. He served in this capacity until December 2007 and then later served as the Interim County Administrator from December 2012 to January 2014. It was during George's role as County Administrator of Escambia County that his admirable dedication proved instrumental in helping the citizens of Northwest Florida recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Under George's unwavering and efficient leadership in working with both FEMA and the State of Florida, repairs were made to infrastructure, communication was restored, and grants were obtained, all contributing to the county's overall recovery. His hard work garnered national recognition for Escambia County by FEMA. Not only did George exhibit great strength in a time of adversity, but he also provided personal comfort and reassurance to many affected citizens of the community. During his tenure in office, George also worked with the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce to bring several economic initiatives to Escambia County, such as Navy Federal Credit Union Expansion, Project Evergreen, and Project Pearl. He can also be credited for completing the Escambia County Jail transition under budget as well as negotiating the Interlocal Agreement between Escambia County and the City of Pensacola. Resonating from within, George had a true sense of community and civic duty. Aside from his leadership with the county, he was involved in a myriad of civic organizations throughout his life, including: Conquistadores, the Masonic Lodge and the Hadji Shrine, Five Flags Rotary, Irish Politician's Club, Moss Point Young Men's Business Club, Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Escambia County, and Baptist Hospital Board of Directors. Additionally, George was a member of Perdido Bay United Methodist Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and hunting. Those whose lives were touched by George mourn the loss of a devoted man with an unwavering commitment to service. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the life of George Touart. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our sincerest condolences and prayers to his wife, Barbara; sons, Matthew and Jacob; daughters, Christy and Amber; seven grandchildren, Meagan, Zackary, Brennan, Ivey, Jack, Mylah, and Carter; and parents, Clyde and Mary. He will truly be missed.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, due to being unavoidably detained, I missed the following rollcall vote: No. 31 on January 29, 2014. If present, I would have voted: rollcall vote No. 31--H.R. 2642-- Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 Conference Report, On Passage, ``nay.''

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, due to being unavoidably detained, I missed the following rollcall votes: No. 26, No. 27, No. 28, No. 29, and No. 30 on January 28, 2014 (today). If present, I would have voted: rollcall vote No. 26--H. Res. 465, On Ordering the Previous Question, ``aye;'' rollcall vote No. 27--H. Res. 465, On Agreeing to the Resolution, ``aye;'' rollcall vote No. 28--On Approving the Journal, ``nay;'' rollcall vote No. 29--H.R. 7, On Motion to Recommit, ``nay;'' rollcall vote No. 30--H.R. 7, No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, On Passage, ``aye.''