Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I might consume. General Leave

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining?

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members would have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous material on the bill under consideration

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield 2 minutes to the chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Mr. Stutzman, from the great State of Indiana.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. If I might inquire how many further requests for time the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud) has.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, if we could go ahead and do the colloquy at this time, that way we'll make sure it's in the Record.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank the gentleman for the question. It allows me to reassure those veterans and family members in the strongest terms possible that this language, which does appear in section 1787(b)(3) of title 38 of the U.S. Code, absolutely does not--does not--require that any suit be filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act in order to secure this medical care as long as they meet the other requirements of the bill. As you have noticed, that provision only requires exhaustion of ``reasonably available'' remedies. In the legislation, we are explicit that we want this care to be provided for family members even though at the present time, there is insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the illnesses or conditions listed in the bill are attributable to those exposures. For this and other reasons surrounding litigation under the Federal Tort Claims Act, such an FTCA remedy can't be considered to be ``reasonably available.'' To require exhaustion under the Federal Tort Claims Act would go completely against the intent of this piece of legislation to make this medical care available to these family members for these conditions so long as VA is considered the final payer as far as other third-party health plans.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 1627) to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for certain requirements for the placement of monuments in Arlington National Cemetery, and for other purposes.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I will reserve the balance of my time at this point.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have one other speaker that had a late train that I was trying to wait on, but apparently he is not going to be able to make it. So I am prepared to close after Mr. Michaud closes.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Northwest Florida's Sam Hazewinkel as a member of the 2012 United States Olympic Team. The Olympics are a truly special event where nations from around the world come together to compete as their fellow countrymen cheer them on, and when Sam steps to the mat in the 55 kilogram freestyle wrestling category to represent our nation, all of Northwest Florida will be cheering him on. From an illustrious wrestling family, Sam is the first ever second generation Olympic wrestler in U.S. history. His father, Dave, and uncle, Jim, both represented our country in Greco Roman wrestling at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics. Dave introduced his son to wrestling at a young age, and coached Sam while he competed at Pensacola Christian Academy. At Pensacola Christian, Sam compiled a perfect 140-0 record on his way to three Florida state championships. His success gained him a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, where he was a four time All-American, and he finished his collegiate career with an impressive 132-10 record. While Sam excelled on the mat, he also learned the importance of perseverance. Sam finished in third place in the NCAA championships in his Freshman, Sophomore and Junior seasons, and in his Senior season he came agonizingly close to capturing a national championship before losing in overtime of the final match. During his collegiate career, Sam also competed for a spot on the Olympic team, finishing in third place in the 2004 Olympic Team Trials. In 2008, Sam competed again for a spot on the Olympic team, only to fall short in the finals and finish as runner-up. Some may have given up after coming so close on two occasions, but Sam remained dedicated and never gave up on his Olympic dream. He switched from Greco Roman to Freestyle wrestling, but he came into the 2012 trials as the underdog. Sam reached the finals determined to win, but he started off the best-of-three finals with a loss in the first match. In the second match, he battled back from an early deficit to pull out a win in overtime to force a decisive third match. He won the third and final match in dramatic fashion, in overtime, to fulfill his Olympic dream and cement his legacy as a role model for hard work, dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to rise on behalf of Florida's First Congressional District to recognize Northwest Florida's own Sam Hazewinkel and wish him the best as he represents our country and competes for an Olympic gold medal.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound gratitude and sincere respect that I rise to pay tribute to the courage and selfless service of Marine Corporal Daniel Palmer of Milton, Florida. In 2010, then Lance Corporal Palmer was severely wounded on patrol in Afghanistan, while assigned to Third Battalion, Sixth Marine Regiment, Lima Company. After spending the last year in rehabilitation at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, I am happy to say that on July 27, Northwest Florida will finally be able to welcome home their native son and an American hero. Cpl Palmer is a 2004 graduate of Central High School in Allentown, Florida. While working at his family's masonry business in 2008 at the age of 22, he surprised his parents, Joey and Flora Jean Palmer, with his decision to join the U.S. Marine Corps. Cpl Palmer chose the Marine Corps because of its reputation for toughness and pride. Cpl Palmer's older brother, Scott, says Daniel has always been energetic and competitive and was proud of his decision to join the Marine Corps from day one. On March 20, 2010, LCpl Palmer was leading a team of Marines on patrol when he stepped on a concealed improvised explosive device. Although he was severely wounded by the blast and shrapnel from the bomb, his first concern was the safety of his fellow Marines. When one of the Marines on his team started to run toward LCpl Palmer after the blast, LCpl Palmer shouted orders to his team to take cover rather than rushing out into the open and risk setting off another bomb or exposing themselves to small arms fire. LCpl Palmer's toughness and concern for others didn't stop there. His first words to his family after he was injured were, ``[D]on't worry about me. I don't want you to feel sorry for me or anything. I did what I did serving my country.'' He spent the next two years convalescing at military hospitals, all the while comforted by the tender devotion of his loving wife, Becky, at his side. Although Cpl Palmer is thousands of miles away from Afghanistan, his thoughts are still with his fellow Marines who are in harm's way. ``Keep praying for all the boys who are still over there,'' he will tell you, ``there's still a bunch of people over there risking their lives every day.'' It has been said that the story of America's quest for freedom is inscribed on our history in the blood of our patriots. Today, the blood shed by America's patriots in defense of freedom is also inscribing the histories of nations like Afghanistan. Cpl Palmer's service in the military of our great country bears testament to his belief in the fundamental truth that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with the unalienable right to liberty. Cpl Palmer sacrificed a great deal attempting to secure for the Afghan people the blessings of freedom. We must never forget his contribution toward that honorable end. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I stand here today to honor Cpl Daniel Palmer and all of the heroes serving our great nation around the world. My wife, Vicki, joins me in offering our profound thanks to Cpl Palmer and his family and our prayers for his speedy recovery. May God continue to bless him, his family and the United States Armed Forces.I66F

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Northwest Florida's Justin Gatlin as a member of the 2012 United States Olympic Team. Every 4 years, our nation joins together to root on the athletes that represent us at the Summer Olympic Games and for those of us from Northwest Florida, we will be rooting even harder when Justin competes in the 100 meter sprint to bring the gold back home. From an early age, Justin displayed an incredible God-given talent for track and field. He grew up in Pensacola, Florida and ran both sprint and hurdles to help lead Woodham High School to a state championship, before accepting a scholarship to the University of Tennessee. At Tennessee, Justin won six consecutive NCAA titles in two years, before turning pro at age 19. In 2004, Justin qualified for the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece by winning the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100 meters and finishing runner up in the 200 meters. In Athens, Justin became the youngest ever to win the gold medal in the 100 meters, while also bringing home a silver medal as part of the U.S. 4x100 meter relay team, and a bronze medal in the 200 meters. He followed up his successful Olympic performance a year later by becoming the first American sprinter to win both the 100 and 200 meter races at the national championships since Kirk Baptiste in 1985. That same year he became only the second sprinter in history to win gold medals in the World Championships in the 100 and 200 meters, and his victory in the 100 meters by .17 seconds was the largest winning margin in World Championship history. After four years away from the track, Justin returned in 2010 to seek another gold medal. He won his first event in 2010 and finished runner up in the 2011 USA Track and Field Championships. In 2012, Justin has already had a successful season, winning the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100 meters in a personal best 9.80 seconds, proving that he is ready to help the U.S. team go for gold in London this summer. Justin's victory in the Olympic Trials, 8 years after his first Olympic triumph, is an example of the success that can be achieved by working hard even after you reach the pinnacle of your career. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to rise on behalf of Florida's First Congressional District to recognize Northwest Florida's own Justin Gatlin and wish him the best as he represents our country and competes for another Olympic gold medal.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Flinn family for being selected as the Santa Rosa County, Florida Outstanding Farm Family for 2012. Shannon Flinn first began farming with his father in his native Illinois. From a young age, he has always been actively involved in all aspects of farming and personifies the spirit of American ingenuity that has helped make our Nation prosperous. His hands-on experience helped develop a natural aptitude for finding unique solutions to complex problems. In 1972, Shannon moved to Santa Rosa County, Florida, and in 1989, he and his wife, Audra, were married. Audra plays an instrumental role in their success, especially during the planting and harvesting seasons. The Flinn family embodies the industrious nature and household unity that characterizes our Nation's family farmers. Today, along with their three children, the Flinns farm peanuts, cotton, corn, and soybeans on 500 acres of land in Northwest Florida. Sheldon, 16 years of age, is known as an excellent operator and is skilled at using essential farm equipment to plow, plant, and harvest the crops. Aaron, still relatively young at the age of 11, is a helpful worker who has already developed the patience required to think through problems that routinely arise on the farm. Megan, their oldest child, currently attends nursing school, but still finds time to help out on the farm when she is able. The Flinn family is also very active in their local church and Cobbtown Christian Academy, where Sheldon and Aaron attend school. Shannon also serves on both the Santa Rosa County Farm Bureau Board and the Jay Peanut Farmers Cooperative Board of Directors. Mr. Speaker, our great Nation was built by farmers and their families. The Santa Rosa County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year Award is a reflection of the Flinns' tireless work and their dedication to family, faith and farming. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Flinn family for this great accomplishment. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes for their continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the Senate itself hasn't been able to pass a budget for almost 4 years, and they cannot pass an appropriations bill on time, so I do support the advanced appropriation that this House supported and that ultimately was signed into law. With that, I encourage all Members to support H.R. 4114. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this point, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous materials that they may have on H.R. 4114.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I rise in support of H.R. 4114, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2012. This critically important piece of legislation authorizes a cost-of- living increase for disabled veterans in receipt of disability compensation payments from VA, veterans clothing allowance payments, and other compensation for survivors of veterans who die as a result of their service to this country. The amount of the increase will be determined by the Consumer Price Index, which also controls the cost- of-living adjustment for Social Security beneficiaries. I want to thank my colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Runyan), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, for introducing this important piece of legislation and for working with me and the ranking member to move it forward. I want to urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 4114, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield as much time as he might consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Runyan), the subcommittee chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, not only the author of this particular piece of legislation, but since coming to this Congress, he has become one of the most ardent supporters of our veterans.

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

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I think it's rather interesting that my colleague would talk about the supposed great things that are in the ObamaCare bill and not talk about how it's going to be paid for--in fact, the largest tax increase on the American people that this Congress has ever placed on their backs. They would make you believe that it was all free, but it's not. It's going to cost somebody, and that's going to be the American citizens. I also want to talk about the Miami project very quickly. I had to go down and actually visit and then pressure the VA Secretary to make sure that the director of the Miami Medical Center left her job because she was not doing what she was supposed to do. In fact, this was, in a way, a skirting of the rules and of the laws by splitting a project into two, thus costing the taxpayers of the United States considerably more money, including the cost of the rental of the trailers that are being used as temporary operating rooms. We continue to wait for the Department of Veterans Affairs to actually make an official request for us to come forward and take care of this problem that exists in Miami, specifically because of, I think, poor administrative oversight not only at the administrative level in Miami but with the VISN Director in VISN 8 as well. General Leave

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4114) to increase, effective as of December 1, 2012, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans, and for other purposes.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Northwest Florida's beloved James ``J.E.'' Blankenship. Mr. Blankenship served the Northwest Florida community for more than 40 years in the Holley-Navarre Fire District. In addition to his service to the community, Mr. Blankenship was also a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather; he is survived by his wife, Kathey (Taffy), his sons, Jeremy and Jody (Carisa), and his grandchildren, Dakota, Haleigh, Morgan and Caden. Mr. Blankenship was born in Troy, Alabama on July 17, 1949. In 1963, he became one of the original members of the Holley-Navarre Fire District volunteer force, while working at the manufacturing company Solutia, where he retired from in 2005 to start his own small business. Mr. Blankenship continued to serve the people of Holley-Navarre as the Fire District transitioned from a volunteer to a professional force, and he did not take his duties to protect the community lightly. J.E. was an inspiration to his fellow firefighters, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that the Holley-Navarre Fire District had the necessary training and tools to serve the community. Through his tireless work on behalf of the Holley-Navarre community, Mr. Blankenship rose to become Assistant Fire Chief, and in 2003 he became a Fire Commissioner. His position as a Fire Commissioner ensured that Mr. Blankenship was able to continue his work serving the community by overseeing the budget and operations of the department. To some, J.E. Blankenship will be remembered as a man of conviction and a steadfast advocate for fire safety in his community. To others, he will be remembered as an inspirational leader who fought to ensure that the fire department was equipped to meet its mission. To his friends and family, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and proud grandfather. His immense contributions to the Northwest Florida community will not be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress it is an honor to recognize the life of J.E. Blankenship and his living legacy. My wife Vicki and I offer our sincere condolences to the entire Blankenship family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedicated public service and esteemed legal career of Judge Paul A. Rasmussen upon his retirement from Florida's First Judicial Circuit Court in Escambia County. Judge Rasmussen spent his career serving the people of Northwest Florida, and I am proud to recognize his dedication and service. Judge Rasmussen first came to Florida in 1968 with the United States Navy to attend Aviation Officer Candidate School at Naval Air Station Pensacola. After graduating and completing his training at Naval Air Station Glynco, in Georgia, he went on to serve four years on active duty with the Navy, completing successful tours of duty in Guam and Vietnam. After Judge Rasmussen was honorably discharged from the Navy, he returned to Florida where he attended the University of Florida College of Law. Following his graduation from law school, Judge Rasmussen began his public service as a State's Attorney in Pensacola. He later entered private practice with then future Judge John T. Parnham, now retired from the bench in the First Judicial Circuit. Judge Rasmussen also served as legal counsel to the city of Gulf Breeze and the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. In 1990, Judge Rasmussen was elected to Florida's First Judicial Circuit Court where he has served the people of Northwest Florida for the past 22 years. In 1998, he was recognized by the Children's Home Society of Florida as Child Advocate of the Year. Judge Rasmussen's service to Northwest Florida does not stop at the bench. He is also actively involved throughout the community, most notably as a Sunday School Teacher at First Baptist Church of Pensacola and as a committeeman for Boy Scout Troop 10 in Pensacola. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Judge Paul A. Rasmussen for his many years of service to the people of Northwest Florida and his dedication to his family and community. Throughout his career, Judge Rasmussen has served with honor and distinction, and his unwavering commitment to the fair administration of the law and to public service is a shining example of our legal system working at its finest. My wife Vicki and I wish him, his wife, Jean, their children and grandchildren all the best.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 434, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Amendment No. 11 Offered by Mr. McClintock

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, due to a death in my family, I missed the following Rollcall Votes: No. 379 through No. 411 during the week of June 18-June 21, 2012. If present, I would have voted: Rollcall Vote No. 379--S. 684, To provide for the conveyance of certain parcels of land to the town of Alta, Utah, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 380--S. 404, To modify a land grant patent issued by the Secretary of the Interior, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 381--On Ordering the Previous Question, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 382--On Agreeing to the Resolution, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 383--DeFazio (OR) Amendment, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 384--Markey (MA) Amendment, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 385--Grijalva (AZ) Amendment, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 386--H.R. 2578, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 387--H.R. 2578, To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act related to a segment of the Lower Merced River in California, and for other purposes, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 388--H.R. 2938, Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 389--H. Res. 691, On Ordering the Previous Question, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 390--H. Res. 691, On Agreeing to the Resolution, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 391--On Walz of Minnesota Motion to Instruct Conferees, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 392--Hastings (WA) Amendment, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 393--Waxman (CA) Amendment, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 394--Connolly (VA) Amendment, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 395--Green (TX) Amendment, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 396--Rush (IL) Amendment, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 397--Holt (NJ) Amendment, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 398--Connolly (VA) Amendment, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 399--Amodei (NV) Amendment, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 400--Markey (MA) Amendment, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 401--Landry (LA) Amendment, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 402--Rigell (VA) Amendment, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 403--Holt (NJ) Amendment, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 404--Wittman (VA) Amendment, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 405--Bass (CA) Amendment, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 406--Capps (CA) Amendment, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 407--Speier (CA) Amendment, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 408--DeLauro (CT) Amendment, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 409--On Motion to Recommit with Instructions of H.R. 4480, ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote No. 410--H.R. 4480, Strategic Energy Production Act of 2012, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 411--On McKinley of WV Motion to Instruct Conferees, ``aye.''