Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inquire as to whether my friend has any more speakers. If not, I reserve the balance of time, as we have no more speakers.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I once again encourage all Members to support the Senate amendment to H.R. 4057, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 4057) to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and members of the Armed Forces through the provision of information on institutions of higher learning, and for other purposes

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous material that they may have on the Senate amendment to H.R. 4057.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Speaker, the Senate amendment before us, H.R. 4057, is another bipartisan and bicameral product of the work of the House and the Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs to improve the effectiveness of GI Bill benefits for our veterans. I want to express my appreciation to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chairman Marlin Stutzman, Ranking Member Bruce Braley, and our new committee ranking member, Mike Michaud, for working with us to bring this amended bill to the House floor today. I also want to thank the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Senators Murray and Burr, for their support of this legislation as well. The Senate amendment responds to concerns about how to ensure that veterans make the best use of their hard-earned GI Bill benefits. Now, I think that by adding some very reasonable transparency requirements to information provided by schools we have met those concerns really without overburdening our colleges and universities with needless government regulations. The bill, as amended, has four major sections. The first one reflects our vice chairman of the full committee Mr. Bilirakis' original legislation, slightly modified, which would improve the ability of GI Bill users to choose the school that best meets their own educational needs. These provisions will help this generation of veterans make informed choices about how to use those educational benefits. I appreciate the bipartisanship manner in which our colleagues on both sides of the aisle have worked to reach an accord on the final provisions of this section. I also want to thank the veteran service organizations for their assistance, especially the Veterans of Foreign Wars, for they have been so supportive of this particular section. I also want to thank the higher education associations for their support as well. Now, section 2 contains additional provisions from the original bill that will prohibit schools from paying or offering any type of inducement to employees or students for recruiting veterans. It would also require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out enforcement of this provision in a manner that is consistent with the Higher Education Act. Section 3 would require VA to provide a point of contact dedicated to assisting schools with questions about VA education policy and processes. The fourth section would limit the total amount of bonuses or awards paid to VA employees to $395 million total in fiscal year 2013, which fully pays for the provisions in the Senate amendment. Finally, if properly implemented by VA, and if the multitude of Federal, State, and local agencies charged with overseeing the education industry properly enforce existing laws and regulations, there should be little need for further legislation in this area. Regardless, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs will continue to aggressively monitor the implementation of this legislation and the performance of the entire education industry to ensure that these provisions achieve the desired results. I encourage all the Members of this body to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I'm now happy to yield as much time as he might consume to the vice chairman of the full committee, Tarpon Springs' favorite son, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3202) to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that deceased veterans with no known next of kin can receive a dignified burial, and for other purposes.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous material that they may have on S. 3202.

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

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 such time as he may consume to the vice chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I yield myself such time as I may consume. S. 3202 is another bipartisan and bicameral product of the House and the Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs. It's going to improve the lives of veterans and their families. I want to again thank my colleague, the ranking member, Mr. Michaud, and all the members of the committee and the subcommittees for their advocacy of the provisions of this bill. I also want to thank from the other side of the Capitol complex Senator Murray and Senator Burr for their work on improving these provisions. It's great working with Members who show that, when it comes to veterans issues, both sides can really come together and agree on issues for the common good. The first title of this bill pertains to cemetery matters, as one of my colleagues has already said. In June of this year, an indigent veteran with no next of kin was buried in a cardboard box in my home State of Florida. I, like many of my colleagues, was shocked and appalled to hear of this news. As a result, several sections of this legislation directly address that specific issue, and it will ensure that all eligible veterans, regardless of their personal or financial situation, will receive a dignified burial at a VA national cemetery. This would include providing VA with the authority to provide a casket, urn, or other acceptable burial container when a veteran has no known next of kin and the VA is unable to provide one. This legislation would also provide for more efficient communication between VA and local medical examiners and other agencies to ensure that eligible veterans with no next of kin will be properly laid to rest in a national cemetery. It would also require the VA report to Congress on its compliance with industry standards for appropriate burial containers. Another section of title I, authored by Mr. Culberson of Texas, would direct VA to ensure that any memorial service respects the wishes of a deceased veteran's family to include the use of religious symbols or volunteer honor guards. Given the numerous difficulties many families face when dealing with the death of a loved one, ensuring that their wishes can be honored with a VA memorial service is the least we can do to honor the memory of that veteran. The bill would also protect the honor of those buried in America's national cemeteries by prohibiting anyone convicted of a tier III sex offense and sentenced to life in prison from being laid to rest there. Because VA national cemeteries are such sacred grounds, it is important that we preserve the honor of those buried there by excluding those convicted of the most heinous of crimes. This legislation would provide a pathway toward the establishment of the Clark Veterans Cemetery, located in the Philippines, as a permanent cemetery restored, operated, and maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission. As the American Battle Monuments Commission currently operates and maintains other overseas veterans cemeteries, it is the most appropriate entity to accomplish the important task of honoring our fallen veterans who have been laid to rest at Clark. Title II of this legislation contains provisions that will enhance our ability to provide for the health care needs of our veterans. It includes a measure which would direct VA, in coordination with the Department of Defense, to establish and maintain an open burn pit registry for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits during deployment. Many of our servicemembers and veterans have returned home from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan with serious questions and grave concerns about the possible long-term health effects of burn pit exposure. It is my hope that by establishing this registry we can provide them the answers and assurances they seek and develop better ways to care for them and future generations of America's warriors. Under this title, VA would also be authorized to provide transportation services to and from VA facilities for veterans with health care appointments and in connection with vocational rehabilitation or counseling. Veterans who live in rural communities, who are elderly, who are visually impaired, or who are immobile due to disease and disability often face significant challenges in traveling to access services that VA can provide. It is our intent that VA will use this authority to complement, and not replace, existing programs such as the valuable Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network; and as such, this authority is being provided for 1 year. Title III of the bill would require the Department of Labor to conduct a 2-year pilot program offering Transition Assistance Program training at off-base facilities in three to five States with high rates of unemployment among veterans. With the permission of the Department of Defense, National Guard and Reserve, facilities could be used. Veterans and spouses would be eligible for the program, which would be designed to train those veterans who did not participate in the Active Duty Transition Assistance Program or who just need to refresh their job-hunting skills. Additionally, this title would require that judges of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims reside within 50 miles of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area during their service. Such a requirement would put the veterans court in line with other Federal courts located in the District, which already have a residency requirement in place. Finally, this legislation includes four measures to name VA medical facilities in Georgia, Florida, Washington, and Ohio after prominent veterans or civilians who have performed outstanding services to veterans in the communities in which the VA facility is located. I want to encourage all Members to support the bill as amended. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, might I inquire of the time remaining.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Helen Guettler McEntyre upon her retirement after forty-two years of dedicated service to the citizens of Washington County, Florida as Tax Collector. Mrs. McEntyre is a Florida native who was born in Fort Pierce. As one of sixteen children in a large, loving family, she was taught the value of hard work and honesty in all she did. The strong foundation of principles she gained as a child contributed to the way she operated as Tax Collector--with integrity and dignity. Mrs. McEntyre began her lifetime career in public service on October 1, 1970. Throughout her forty-two year career in the Tax Collector's Office, she worked tirelessly to ensure efficiency and success for Washington County. Her final accomplishment before retiring was implementing driver's license services from the Collector's office, which further reflects her willingness to improve services for the citizens of Washington County. Mrs. McEntyre is truly an exemplary public servant, and Northwest Florida is grateful for the integral role she has played in our community. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Helen Guettler McEntyre for her exceptional public service to Washington County. My wife Vicki and I wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize Ernie Lee Magaha for his service as the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for Escambia County, Florida. For more than fifty-five years, Mr. Magaha has served the people of Escambia County with constant professionalism and an unwavering commitment to service. Mr. Magaha is a native northwest Floridian and a graduate of Century High School. After graduating from Century, Mr. Magaha enlisted in the Army and served our nation with honor and distinction in the South Pacific during World War II. In 1947, Mr. Magaha was honorably discharged from the Army, and he enrolled at Auburn University, where he graduated with a degree in Economics in 1950. After graduating from Auburn, Mr. Magaha returned to northwest Florida, where he married his wife, Lucile, and together they raised their two sons Ernie Lee, Jr. and James. In 1951, Mr. Magaha was hired as the Florida State Auditor in Escambia County. He worked in this position in the State Comptroller's Office until 1956, when he decided to run for elected office. Mr. Magaha's commitment to public service was evident to the voters of Escambia County, and in 1957 he took office as the Clerk of the Court. When Mr. Magaha was elected as the Clerk of Court, there were only three employees. Escambia County and the Clerk's office have grown immensely in Mr. Magaha's fifty-five years in office. Today, the Clerk's office serves a population of nearly 300,000 citizens. Thanks to Mr. Magaha's constant leadership, the Clerk's office has maintained an excellent service record and is an integral part of the northwest Florida community. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Ernie Lee Magaha for his years of outstanding leadership and service to Escambia County. My wife Vicki and I wish Mr. Magaha and his family all the best.

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida

Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the retirement of Anne Bodenstein after an extensive career of service to the citizens of Santa Rosa County, Florida. Ms. Bodenstein's career with the Office of Supervisor of Elections began in 1992, when she volunteered and dedicated her time as a poll worker and as Polling Place Coordinator. Her involvement with the electoral process continued and she was selected to serve as Inspector, and later as Clerk in her local precinct. Her commitment and strong work ethic were recognized by many, including Governor Jeb Bush, who appointed her as the Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections to fill the remainder of her predecessor's term. Her abilities were also recognized by the Santa Rosa County electorate, who eventually elected her to the Office of Supervisor of Elections, a role which she has held since January 2005. While serving as Supervisor of Elections, Ms. Bodenstein led a permanent staff of six and orchestrated upwards to 500 Election Day employees. She also oversaw the implementation of four separate voting machine upgrades during her tenure. Ms. Bodenstein is truly an exemplary public servant with numerous commendable accolades, including 1996 Santa Rosa County Employee of the Year. The Northwest Florida community is grateful for the integral role she has played in our electoral process. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Anne Bodenstein for her exceptional public service to Santa Rosa County. My wife Vicki and I wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary M. Johnson on the occasion of her retirement from service as Santa Rosa County, Florida Clerk of Circuit Court. Mrs. Johnson is a native Northwest Floridian who studied at Harold School and Milton High School in Santa Rosa County, Florida. In 1960, while still a student at Milton High, Mrs. Johnson was hired to work in the Clerk of Court office. After graduating from high school in 1961, Mrs. Johnson joined the clerk's office full time. While working there, Mrs. Johnson married her husband, Tom, and together they raised their daughter, Lorinda. Thanks to Mrs. Johnson's acumen and work ethic, she rose through the ranks and quickly became an integral part of the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court office. Mrs. Johnson served in various capacities for three separate clerks of court, before being elected as Clerk herself in 1994. Technology had changed many thing at the clerk's office by the time Mrs. Johnson decided to run; however, Mrs. Johnson's vast knowledge of procedure and her ability to lead and manage a large staff of 125 individuals was unquestioned. The Clerk of Courts plays a vital role in county government, and it takes a truly committed and capable individual to lead the department and ensure that everything runs smoothly. For 18 years as Clerk of Circuit Court, and 52 total years in the clerk's office, Mrs. Johnson displayed the hard work, dedication and commitment to public service necessary to ensure that the Clerk of Court continued to serve the people of Santa Rosa County. All of Santa Rosa County thanks her for her tremendous service to her community. During her retirement, Mrs. Johnson hopes to spend as much time as possible with her two lovely grandchildren and to spend more time volunteering at her local church. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Mary M. Johnson for her outstanding public service to Santa Rosa County. Mrs. Johnson is a truly committed public servant and has played an integral role in Northwest Florida's community for more than 50 years. My wife Vicki and I wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Judge Thomas T. Remington upon his retirement after sixteen years as Okaloosa County Circuit Judge. Judge Remington's career in public service began in 1966 with his commissioning as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. In 1967, he served in Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade. His military badges and decorations include the Combat Infantry Badge, the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with Combat Distinguishing Devices, and two Purple Hearts. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Judge Remington served as Assistant Public Defender for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. In 1971, after being admitted to practice in all State and Federal Courts, he served as Assistant Public Defender for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. His success in that role earned him the position of Assistant State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. In 1973, he became a partner in the law firm Smith, Grimsley & Remington, P.A. in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. In 1976, he was appointed Acting State Attorney to conduct a special grand jury investigation. From 1977 to 1992, Judge Remington belonged to the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers. From 1980 to 1984, he served on the First Judicial Circuit Trial Court Nominating Commission, and from 1988 to 1990, he served as Chairman of the First Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee. Judge Remington's career as a judge began in 1993, when he became a Walton County Circuit Judge in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. In 1996 Judge Remington was elected Circuit Judge for Okaloosa County and has held that position since then, even serving as Chairman of the Okaloosa County Judicial Task Force in 1997. Without question, Judge Remington's positive contributions to Northwest Florida and to our nation have been immense, and his mark on the judicial landscape will remain for years to come. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to congratulate Judge Thomas T. Remington on his retirement and thank him for his service. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing Judge Remington; his wife, Dinah Smith; their children, Scott A. Remington, Mary Remington Williams, and Sara (Betsy) E. Hart; as well as their nine grandchildren, all the best.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Judge Jack R. Heflin upon his retirement after 24 years as Circuit Judge in Okaloosa County, Florida. In his first years after his graduation from Indiana University, Judge Heflin worked as a purchasing agent for Bell Telephone Labs and Western Electric Company. His career in public service began in 1967 with his commissioning as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He served in uniform until receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of captain in 1971. Subsequent to his service in the Air Force, he attended law school at the University of Florida, earning his Juris Doctor in 1973. Judge Heflin entered private practice upon being admitted to the Florida Bar in 1973 and specialized in the areas of commercial law, family law, bankruptcy law, and general practice. He has maintained a focus on domestic violence since 1973. In 1988, Judge Heflin was appointed to serve as Circuit Judge for Pensacola and has served in his current role as Okaloosa County Circuit Judge since 1991. Without question, Judge Heflin's positive contributions to northwest Florida and our nation have been immense, and his mark on the judicial landscape will remain for years to come. Northwest Florida is a better, safer place because of his service. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to congratulate Judge Jack R. Heflin on his retirement and thank him for his service. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing Judge Heflin; his wife, Linda; and their daughters, Heather, Hillary, and Harmony, all the best.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Groner's roots trace back to Marshall, Texas, where he was the youngest of five siblings. He attended the College of Marshall and graduated from Baylor University. He then joined the United States Marine Corps, and while stationed in Vermont, he met his wife Louise, or as Mr. Groner proclaimed ``the prettiest girl in Vermont''. Shortly after their marriage, Mr. Groner served with honor and distinction as a pilot in the South Pacific Theatre during World War II. Upon his return, Mr. Groner joined the Vermont Air National Guard and interned at a Vermont hospital. As a boy, Mr. Groner's father instilled in him the belief that health care is a profession closely connected with faith, and in addition to his passion for flying, his care for others and faith in God never faded. When Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida was in need of leadership, Pat Groner answered the call, and, along with his wife and their daughter Jodee, moved to Florida. As CEO of Baptist Healthcare, Mr. Groner implemented numerous programs that are now standard operating procedure in hospitals across the country. Baptist Hospital had the first post-operative recovery room in Florida and was one of the first hospitals in the nation to have an intensive coronary care unit, an outpatient surgical care unit, and Life Flight. During his time at Baptist, Mr. Groner also envisioned a place where seniors could enjoy the advantages of a resort lifestyle coupled with quality amenities, services, and health care and the perfect location. Despite working full-time as CEO, Mr. Groner was dedicated to bringing this vision to fruition, and under his leadership, the Pensacola retirement community, Azalea Trace, opened in 1980. Today, it remains a first- class and well-respected adult retirement community. In addition to his leadership in the American Hospital Association, the Southeastern Hospital Conference, and the American College of Healthcare Executives, Mr. Groner was co-founder and president of the Hospital Research and Development Institute, co-founder of the Voluntary Hospitals of America, Vice-President and Treasurer of Multi- Hospital Insurance Group, and long-time board member for Blue Cross- Blue Shield of Florida. Outside of his contributions the health care profession, Mr. Groner had an unwavering commitment to serve his community through the March of Dimes, YMCA, Community Mental Health Center, Pensacola Rotary Club, Action 76 Taskforce on Higher Education, Fiesta of Five Flags, and various United Fund organizations. Mr. Groner also had a special interest in education and the State university system, where he served as a member of the Florida Board of Regents. Mr. Groner's contributions to healthcare and the Northwest Florida community are exemplified by the copious honors and awards bestowed on him. Among his many honors, Mr. Groner was inducted into the Health Care Hall of Fame by the American College of Health Care Executives. He was also awarded the Kiwanis Man of the Year Award, Pensacola Junior Chamber of Commerce Good Government Award, Pensacola Chamber of Commerce Pioneer Award, Freedom Foundation George Washington Medal, and Liberty Bell Award. There is no question that in his 33 year career as CEO and his many years serving our community, Mr. Groner has made an everlasting impact on Northwest Florida and on the health care profession. To some, Mr. Groner will be remembered as courageous pilot who answered the call of duty during one of our nation's most trying times or as pilot of the Piper Twin Commanche, Poppa Golf that he flew with his son and frequent co-pilot, Chip; to others, he will be remembered for his contributions to the health care industry; and to his family, he will be remembered as a man devoted to his faith and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Northwest Florida mourns the loss of a great man, and Mr. Groner's contributions and service to the community and this great nation will not be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the exemplary life of Mr. Pat Neff Groner. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers to Louise, Jodee, Chip, and their entire family. He will be truly missed by all.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at noon tomorrow.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I appreciate the kind remarks by my good friend, the ranking member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. I once again encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I am grateful to my good friend from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz) for bringing this legislation to the floor and honoring such a fine gentleman. I also again want to thank the ranking member for helping us work so quickly to bring this legislation to the floor. I would also note that, in closing, a preliminary cost estimate provided by CBO, H.R. 6443 represents only a minimal cost to the Federal Government. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members would have 5 legislative days to revise and extend and add any extraneous material for H.R. 6443.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The legislation before us would name the VA community-based outpatient clinic in Sunrise, Florida, the William ``Bill'' Kling VA Clinic. William, better known as Bill, served as a Navy radar technician during the Second World War. When he moved to Plantation, Florida, in 1973, Bill continued his service--this time as an advocate for his fellow veterans. He spent eight years as Florida's Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and twenty- seven years as the President of the Broward County Veterans Council. Bill was also a proud and active member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Jewish War Veterans of the United States. In each of those capacities, he worked tirelessly to ensure that the struggles and triumphs of veterans in Broward County, in Florida, and around the county were properly recognized and respected. He was instrumental in the opening of a VA CBOC in Oakland Park more than two decades ago and, when that facility became unserviceable, played an active role in relocating it to Sunrise. Thanks in part to his efforts, the Broward County CBOC reopened in Sunrise in 2008 and has been helping to improve the health and daily lives of Broward County veterans each day since. Today, the entrance to that ninety-eight thousand square foot clinic bears a plaque dedicated to Bill. Given the leadership he has unquestionably shown on behalf of his fellow veteran Floridians, it is only proper that that facility should now also bear his name. H.R. 6443 has received the unanimous support of Florida's Congressional delegation and Florida's major veterans service organizations (VSOs). Among the VSOs who have provided letters of support in favor of this legislation are: the Vietnam Veterans of America Florida State Council, the American Legion Department of Florida, and the Jewish War Veterans of the United States. Mr. Speaker, at this time I have no further speakers, but I do want to reserve the balance of my time so the gentleman from Maine can recognize the sponsor of the legislation.