Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, due to being unavoidably detained, I missed the following Rollcall Votes: No. 24 and No. 25 on January 27, 2014 (today). If present, I would have voted: Rollcall Vote No. 24--H.R. 2166, Good Samaritan Search and Recovery Act, as amended, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 25--H.R. 3008, To provide for the conveyance of a small parcel of National Forest System land in Los Padres National Forest in California, ``aye.''

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness and deepest sympathy that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen American hero. Army Sergeant First Class William Kelly Lacey of Niceville, Florida was killed on January 4, 2014, in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, while in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. SFC Lacey was assigned to the 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Knox, Kentucky. SFC Lacey was a native Northwest Floridian who came from a family deeply committed to military service, with both his father and older brother serving in our Armed Forces. He was born at Eglin Air Force Base in Valparaiso, Florida and raised in Niceville, Florida, where he graduated from Niceville High School. SFC Lacey was proud of his family's service record, and in 2003, he continued this noble tradition by joining the Army with the goal of attaining the same rank as his father, which he achieved within the past months. During his time in the Army, he served as a paratrooper with the Army's 82nd Airborne Division and as a wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 1st Infantry Division. SFC Lacey served three tours in Iraq and was completing his second in Afghanistan when his life was taken. SFC Lacey was described by his friends and family as an easy-going and fun-loving individual, but on the battlefield, he was a fearless warrior who, according to one of his commanders, ``always ran towards the gun.'' He dedicated his life to military service to ensure those who would do our Nation harm were defeated and that our Constitutional rights were upheld. We will never forget his ultimate sacrifice toward that honorable end. To SFC Lacey's loving wife, Ashley; his daughter, Lily, and stepdaughters, Caiden, Trinity, and Brandy-Lynn; his mother, Pam; his father, John, and stepmother, Karla; and two older brothers; three younger stepbrothers; his extended family, and friends, my wife Vicki joins me in offering our most sincere condolences and prayers. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful United States Congress and Nation, I stand here today to honor Sergeant First Class William Kelly Lacey and all of the heroes we have lost. May God continue to bless them and the men and women of our United States Armed Forces.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I attended the funeral of Army Sergeant, First Class William Kelly Lacey, a fallen soldier from my district, and missed the following rollcall votes: Nos. 22 and 23 on January 16, 2014. If present, I would have voted: rollcall vote No 22--On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 3362, Exchange Information Disclosure Act, ``nay;'' rollcall vote No. 23--H.R. 3362, Exchange Information Disclosure Act, ``aye.'' Personal Explanation

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to commemorate the life of Walter Leroy ``Dick'' Richardson and recognize the Naval Air Station, Pensacola Headquarters as the W.L. Richardson Building 1500. Walter Leroy Richardson was born August 21, 1889 in Princeton Depot, Massachusetts and was later married to Ethel Wilkerson. He enlisted as a Ship's Cook (4th class) in the U.S. Navy on November 1, 1911, where he served on the USS Mississippi. Having developed a passion for photography in his youth, Richardson was able to continue his hobby of photography on the USS Mississippi while it was anchored in Pensacola. During the Navy's first few weeks of aviation-related activities in Pensacola in 1914, Richardson often captured aviation activities on film, and the Navy recognized that his photographs were a valuable tool for training and documenting aircraft testing, accidents, and other activities. Before long, the Navy designated Richardson as the Navy's first official photographer. At the start of World War I, the Navy used photography for aerial reconnaissance, and Richardson was soon commissioned and charged with organizing the first Naval School of Photography. Richardson is now known as the ``Father of Naval Photography and Naval Aerial Photographers.'' He served as photographer aboard the USS Birmingham during the Mexican Intervention in 1914, and he also invented the first handheld oblique camera for aerial photography. Pushing the limits of what a camera in the air could do, he even survived a crash aboard the first U.S. Navy zeppelin, the USS Shenandoah in 1922. He subsequently was honorably discharged from military service on January 1, 1926. Walter Leroy Richardson passed away on June 14, 1945 and is interred at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Washington D.C. Walter Leroy Richardson's pioneering spirit and dedication to his craft and country make it an honor to dedicate Naval Air Station Building 1500 in Pensacola, Florida to his proud legacy. Building 1500 was built by the U.S. Army in 1939 and was later turned into a Naval School of Photography. The school was later renamed the Defense Photography School and relocated to Fort Meade, Maryland. Building 1500 was selected for renovation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2010 and then designated as headquarters for Naval Air Station, Pensacola. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation, I stand here today to commend Walter Leroy ``Dick'' Richardson, his lasting impact on the United States Armed Forces, and the recognition of his legacy through the dedication of Building 1500 as the W.L. Richardson Building 1500 on board Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary of Robert and Carolyn Black of Valparaiso, Florida. A tireless and dedicated member of my staff who has been with me since the beginning of my time here in Congress, Bob is the epitome of an unwavering public servant, and I am grateful to have known him and his wife Carolyn for over twelve years. I am proud to honor the Blacks and congratulate them on this remarkable milestone. Bob and Carolyn, both born into military families, have called many places home; however, it was each of their homes in Ohio in the 1960s that would prove to be particularly special to them. Their parents were both stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base outside of Springfield, OH, and as neighbors, Carolyn was literally ``the girl next door.'' Bob and Carolyn attended the same school, Greenon High. Bob's wit and intellect won over Carolyn's heart and became a perfect match to her grace and charm. As high school sweethearts, on November 23, 1963, Bob and Carolyn were married. The son of an Air Force Pilot, Bob followed in his father's footsteps and was commissioned in the United States Air Force. Over the course of the last fifty years since their paths first crossed, Bob and Carolyn's journey would include assignments throughout the U.S. and around the world. Bob was steadfast in his commitment to support the varied missions of the United States, whether it be operating C-130s or C- 141s, fulfilling his test pilot obligations, or commanding troops responsible for safe passage of everything from penguins to Presidents. Carolyn, having been daughter to a pilot herself, was equally steadfast in her commitment to the mission of a military wife and mother. She focused her troops on the active exploration of what each new location had to offer, the intentional effort to forge strong relationships with one another, and the importance of an open mind. It is unquestioned that the success of their partnership is possible because of the strength and love Bob and Carolyn share. Bob's last assignment as the Vice Commander of the Air Force Development Test Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida brought them to the Gulf Coast in 1992. Bob retired from the Air Force as a Colonel in October 1994, though, with Carolyn's continued support, he continues to contribute to the defense of our country, including his role on my staff as my Senior Military Advisor. Bob and Carolyn have accomplished much together, but their greatest achievement is their five daughters. They are the proud parents of Christine (and Brian McCann), Shana (and Christopher Swartz), Kelly (and Shawn Swartz), Sarah Kate, and Anna Lauren, and proud grandparents to Jack, Kate, Alden, and Bridget. All five daughters have continued their parent's commitment to family, community and compassion through their professions, such as nursing, medical research and specialty healthcare for Veterans as well as their personal endeavors such as programs for special needs children and Scouting leadership. Needless to say, Bob and Carolyn enjoy spending time with their family and the beauty of the Emerald Coast. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am humbled to recognize the dedicated service of Bob and Carolyn to the Northwest Florida community and this great Nation. My wife, Vicki, and I congratulate the Blacks, our dear friends, on their Golden Anniversary and wish them and their family all of God's blessings. May He grant them many more years of good health and happiness.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate the First Congressional District of Florida's Booker T. Washington High School Wildcats for winning their first Class 2A State Swimming Championship. This victory marks the swim team's first state title, as well as, the first title for a girls swim team in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties. Truly an outstanding team effort put forth by the swimmers, under the leadership of their talented coach, Ms. Megan Oberholtzer, there is no question that several performances contributed to the overall title. Jacquie Kinman and Chloe Berens swam the 100-yard breaststroke, which ended up putting the team in first place as they entered the final event. Brooke Ferrara, Miss Kinman, Rachel Martin and Brianna Mount swam the 400-yard freestyle relay in the All-American consideration time of 3:31.98. Miss Ferrara and Miss Kinman also joined Sophia Diagne and Abigail Goram in the 200 medley relay winning with the All-American consideration time of 1:47.16, and Miss Mount, Miss Martin, Miss Goram, and Miss Kinman won the 200 freestyle at 1:36.57, again, an All- American consideration time. Exceptional individual swimming achievements included Miss Mount's second place finish in the 50 freestyle in 23.57 seconds and Miss Kinman's second-place finish in the 100 breaststroke in 1:04.77, both All-American consideration times. Finally, Miss Ferrara finished third in the 50 freestyle and 100-yard backstroke with All-American consideration times, 23.68 and 56.56 respectively. The Washington Wildcats ended their undefeated season with a final team score of 233, triumphing over the second-placed team by 17 points. I commend the team for challenging themselves and setting an example for their fellow students and youth in our community. Washington High's victory at the 2013 Florida Swim Team Championships is a testament to the commitment and dedication of all the members of the team, and it is a great reflection on the entire Washington High and Northwest Florida community. On behalf of the United States Congress, my wife Vicki and I congratulate the Wildcats for this extraordinary accomplishment and wish them continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pace High School ``Pride of the Red, White, and Blue'' Marching Band as the 2013 Class 5A Florida Marching Band Grand Champions. For more than 40 years, the Pace High School Band has regaled crowds at Pace High sporting events, played at parades and events in Northwest Florida and represented the school at competitions on the local, state, and national levels. Today, more than 200 students make up Pace's band program, which includes three concert ensembles, a marching band, a jazz ensemble, chamber ensembles, an indoor percussion ensemble, and a winterguard program. This diverse and versatile repertoire highlights the hard work and dedication of the students and faculty of the Pace High Band and is the one of the keys to their success. The 2013 Florida Marching Band Championships, held on November 23 at Tropicana Field in Saint Petersburg, FL, played host to more than 80 talented bands from across the state of Florida. The Pace High School ``Pride of the Red, White, and Blue'' Marching Band began their preparations for this prestigious event more than six months ago and worked tirelessly to perfect their show, entitled ``Once Upon Another Time,'' which featured pieces celebrating different eras in American history with sections on the industrial revolution, the civil rights era and the space race. The assiduous work of the ``Pride of the Red, White, and Blue'' paid off during the Class 5A semi-finals, where the band was awarded the highest scores in the Visual, General Effect, and Music categories and the highest overall score of any of the 80 bands competing in the various class semi-finals. The ``Pride of the Red, White, and Blue'' then followed their success in the semi-final round with another near- flawless performance in the finals, where they scored 92.38 out of 100 to take home the Class 5A championship. Pace High's success at the 2013 Florida Marching Band Championships is a testament to the commitment and dedication of all the members of the band, and it is a great reflection on the entire Pace High and Northwest Florida community. On behalf of the United States Congress, my wife Vicki and I congratulate the ``Pride of the Red, White, and Blue'' on their state championship and wish them all the best as they continue to proudly represent our area.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the service, dedication, and accomplishments of Ms. Dolores Dunn, Staff Director for the Subcommittee on Health of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, upon the occasion of her retirement from the U.S. House of Representatives. Ms. Dunn graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland in 1978. In 1981, she began her congressional staff career in the office of the late Congressman Bob Stump, where she worked for twenty-two years to serve the citizens of the 3'' Congressional District of Arizona. In 2003, she joined the staff of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Due to her steadfast commitment to her work and her expertise in veterans' health, Ms. Dunn was named Staff Director of the Subcommittee on Health in 2007. For Ms. Dunn--the daughter of an Army nurse who served in World War II and the sister and aunt, respectively, of female combat veterans who served in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom--the Committee's work is a personal calling. Throughout her tenure on the Committee staff, Ms. Dunn faithfully served three different Committee Chairmen--Chris Smith, Steve Buyer, and myself--as well as countless other Members. I know I speak for us all when I say that her wise advice and sage counsel was instrumental in assisting us in honoring the service and sacrifice of America's servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Ms. Dunn was a key contributor in the drafting and passage of landmark pieces of veterans' health legislation and personally contributed to the creation of policies that continue to improve the daily lives and ongoing well-being of veterans and their families. Her skilled leadership and accomplished service on behalf of veterans was recognized in 2012 when she was awarded the Military Order of the Purple Heart Exemplary Service Award and an Award of Appreciation from the National Association of Veterans' Research and Education Foundations. Over a long and multifaceted career of distinguished service in the halls of Congress, Ms. Dunn has been a tireless advocate for the interests of American's veterans and taxpayers, embodying excellence and commitment in service to her fellow citizens. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, it gives me great pride to honor the selfless service of Ms. Dolores Dunn. My wife, Vicki, joins me in honoring her for her thirty-two consecutive years of exemplary service to our Nation, thanking her for her unyielding dedication to America's veterans, and wishing her and her husband, Richard, all of the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Bagdad, Florida Volunteer Fire Department and recognize the selfless service, sacrifice, and dedication of its members, past and present, in protecting the citizens of the Northwest Florida community. Formally established in 1963, the Bagdad Volunteer Fire Department was initially founded in 1962 as a Fire Rescue team of ten men led by Chief Dan Fowler. Despite having little equipment and no firehouse, this team of dedicated individuals was inspired by the need for a department to provide for the safety and rescue needs of Bagdad and the surrounding Santa Rosa County community. Bagdad Elementary School opened its doors as a meeting place for the volunteers to discuss business and other issues, while the Florida Department of Forestry provided the team's first truck that was stationed at the Chief's home. With the continued support of the local community and to meet the growing needs of its citizens, the department built its first firehouse in 1965 on donated land and acquired a second fire truck. A third truck was acquired in 1975, and the 1980's brought the deployment of a pager system and acquisition of a fourth and more modern fire truck. Today, the department comprises 25 volunteers, 2 Class-A 1,000 gallon pumpers, an E-1 rescue truck, an E-1 brush attack truck and a 17.5-foot rescue boat. Throughout the course of Bagdad Volunteer Fire Department's fifty- year history and transformation, what has remained constant is the clear vision of the required capabilities needed to successfully meet the safety needs of the growing community, as well as, the passion and dedication of its numerous volunteers. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pleasure to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Bagdad, Florida Volunteer Fire Department. My wife Vicki joins me in thanking all of the volunteers for their faithful service and wishing them and the department continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. John Herber of Northwest Florida for being named ``Teacher of the Year'' by People Magazine. Mr. Herber was one of only six teachers throughout the United States that was bestowed this honor. For fifteen years, Mr. Herber has been an inspiration to his students, his colleagues, and his community, and I am pleased to recognize his commitment and dedication to molding the minds of our Nation's future leaders. A native of Tomahawk, Wisconsin, Mr. Herber earned his teaching degree from the University of West Florida in Elementary Education. Ever since, his passion for education has only grown, along with the tremendous impact he has made on the Northwest Florida community. Mr. Herber has served the students and families of Escambia County, Florida at Lincoln Park, Warrington, Brentwood, and Weis Elementary Schools. For the past seven years, he has taught fifth-graders at Oakcrest Elementary School. Mr. Herber creates an enjoyable environment for learning. His classroom, adorned with science experiments, is evidence of his unique hands-on approach. His pupils' enthusiasm and passion for learning are a testament to Mr. Herber's talent and leadership. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Herber dedicates time on the football field as a school football coach. There is no question that the amount of time and energy Mr. Herber invests in the school and his students has contributed to the school's high ratings and improved student performance. The superb quality and effectiveness of the schools in Northwest Florida can no doubt be credited to educators like Mr. Herber. He understands the invaluable role teachers serve in the lives of their students, and blessed with the support of his wife Sammi, he possesses an unwavering commitment to excellence. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize John Herber's achievements in teaching and elementary education. My wife Vicki and I wish Mr. Herber and his wife continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 1471) to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of the Army to reconsider decisions to inter or honor the memory of a person in a national cemetery, and for other purposes.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous material and include that material on S. 1471.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of S. 1471, the Alicia Dawn Koehl Respect for National Cemeteries Act. This bill would grant authority to the Department of Veterans Affairs to reconsider the decision to inter or memorialize an individual within a national cemetery in situations where it is later discovered that the deceased committed a capital crime. Currently, section 2411 of title 38, United States Code, prohibits the interment or memorialization of persons who committed a Federal or State capital crime. Nonetheless, situations have arisen where the entity, such as a funeral home, or the individual who is charged with scheduling the interment or memorialization of a decedent either does not know of the decedent's crime or does not truthfully report such crime to Federal cemetery officials. In situations where a funeral home had no knowledge that a decedent was involved in a capital crime at the time of the burial request, VA actually lacks the statutory authority to reconsider interment or memorialization decisions. Simply put, individuals who are buried or memorialized within national cemeteries cannot be disinterred on the basis of subsequently received information. Mr. Speaker, S. 1471 would provide this authority to VA, as well as to the Department of Defense, in the case of Arlington National Cemetery. VA supports this bill, as it would provide the Department with the ability to redress interment cases where eligibility is invalidated by information that is learned after a burial. This bill would also specifically direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of Michael Lashawn Anderson from Fort Custer National Cemetery, as it was Mr. Anderson who murdered Alicia Dawn Koehl prior to taking his own life. In that case, the funeral home charged with Mr. Anderson's burial was unaware of the incident. Thus they did not properly report the crime, and Fort Custer National Cemetery provided the military funeral. The interment of Mr. Anderson was brought to the attention of the Indiana congressional delegation; and I want to thank my colleague from Indiana (Mrs. Brooks) for highlighting this tragic incident and for offering companion legislation to S. 1471. I also want to thank our colleagues in the Senate for addressing this need and for passing S. 1471. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation. At this time, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Brooks), the Member who brought this matter to the committee's attention.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I, too, encourage our colleagues to join in support of S. 1471. 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 ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials they may have on H.R. 1402, as amended.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1402) to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly assistance allowance to disabled veterans training or competing for the Paralympic Team and the authorization of appropriations for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide assistance to the United States Paralympics, Inc., as amended.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), vice chairman of the full Committee on Veterans' Affairs, somebody who has been a very strong supporter of veterans issue since the day he became a Member of this Congress.

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

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3521, the Department of Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Lease Authorization Act of 2013, as amended, would authorize 27 major medical facility leases requested by VA in the fiscal year 2013 and 2014 budget submissions. It would also make a number of congressional findings and establish certain requirements for the budgetary treatment of such leases to ensure that the legislation itself meets both the spirit and the intent of the House CutGo rule. As we all know, when the committee was considering legislation to authorize VA's major medical facility leases last year, the Congressional Budget Office raised concerns about how to properly account for VA's lease authorizations. In response to CBO concerns, section 3 of the bill would require VA to record an obligation at the time a contract is signed in an amount equal to either the total payment that would be made under its full term or an amount equal to the sum of the first annual lease payment and any specified cancelation costs. For the last year, I have remained committed to working closely with VA, CBO, and our colleagues from both sides of the aisle and both sides of the Capitol to find a way forward for VA's major medical facility lease program on behalf of the veterans of this country, especially those in the 27 communities that will be impacted by the leases included in this piece of legislation. To that end, I am grateful for the hard work and the leadership of our ranking member, Mike Michaud of Maine, and the other committee members in advancing this piece of legislation to the floor. At this time, I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3521, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany), who has been an advocate for this issue for quite some time and who has two of these facilities in his district.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3521) to authorize Department of Veterans Affairs major medical facility leases, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 3521, as amended.

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