Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from the Second District of Indiana (Mrs. Walorski)

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Mr. Walker. A little over 2 years ago, northwest Florida and our Nation lost a warrior and a patriot upon the death of Army Sergeant First Class William ``Kelly'' Lacey. Kelly was assigned to the 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division out of Fort Knox, Kentucky, and was killed on January 4, 2014, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, while in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Today I stand before you to honor this true American hero by designating the facility of the United States Postal Service, located at 3957 2nd Avenue in Laurel Hill, Florida, as the Sergeant First Class William ``Kelly'' Lacey Post Office. Kelly had served three tours in Iraq and was completing his second tour in Afghanistan when his life was tragically taken. During the mission that took his life, Kelly protected fellow soldiers during an attack where a car bomb had breached his base perimeter, allowing multiple combatants, many bearing suicide vests, to initiate an assault. Kelly took a guard tower and began providing cover fire, killing three assailants before a rocket-propelled grenade took his life. He was scheduled to return home just 2 weeks from the time of his death. We must never forget, nor take for granted, the many liberties we enjoy as Americans--liberties earned and fortified by soldiers like Kelly, who never hesitate when called upon. Kelly bravely dedicated his life to protect our freedom. While there is nothing we can do today to bring Kelly back to us and take away the pain that is felt by his loved ones that have been left behind, we can help memorialize his ultimate sacrifice. America's sovereignty and democracy is deeply rooted in the courageous acts of our men and women in the Armed Forces, who willingly serve knowing that at any time they could pay the ultimate sacrifice. Renaming the post office will help ensure that future generations forever remember that sacrifice and understand the true cost of freedom. I ask my colleagues for your support on this legislation.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and dedicated service of the Honorable Dennis ``Nick'' Nicholson. Northwest Florida suffered a tremendous loss with Commissioner Nicholson's passing on April 29, 2016; however, the legacy of this truly remarkable man will be remembered for many years to come. Commissioner Nicholson was a Georgia native born in Hiawassee on June 23, 1936 to Everett and Grace Nicholson. Raised in Ohio, he graduated from Canton Timken High School in 1954 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Commissioner Nicholson served his country with honor and distinction for 26 years, retiring at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Although his military service culminated at Hurlburt Field in 1981, Commissioner Nicholson's passion for public service continued. Following two terms on the Fort Walton Beach City Council, he was elected to serve on the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners from 1995 to 2002. Additionally, Commissioner Nicholson served on several local boards, including the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council and the Air Force Enlisted Village--home to surviving spouses of retired enlisted U.S. Airmen. He was also a dedicated member of the Fort Walton Beach Elks Club and a board member for the First United Methodist Church of Fort Walton Beach. Most will remember Commissioner Nicholson as a man of integrity and a consummate public servant who was instrumental in establishing the Emerald Coast Conference Center, constructing the handicapped access at Marler Park, and helping Okaloosa Island recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Opal in 1995. Those who are blessed to have known him best will also remember this lifelong Ohio State and Cleveland Browns football fan as a compassionate and devoted family man. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House of Representatives, I am privileged to recognize the Honorable Dennis ``Nick'' Nicholson and pay tribute to his honorable lifetime of service to the Northwest Florida community and our great Nation. Vicki and I extend our heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences to Josie, his best friend and wife of nearly 60 years; their four children. Deborah Demyan (Andrew) of Shalimar, Florida; Scott Nicholson (Michele) of Shalimar, Florida; Sandra Thompson, of Pensacola, Florida and Suzy Nicholson Hunt (Rich) of Destin, Florida; grandchildren: Shelby Demyan, Cody Nicholson, Hannah Miller (Marshall) of Annapolis, Maryland and Shane Nicholson; and the entire Nicholson family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4063) to improve the use by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of opioids in treating veterans, to improve patient advocacy by the Secretary, and to expand the availability of complementary and integrative health, and for other purposes, as amended.

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

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4063, as amended, the Promoting Responsible Opioid Management and Incorporating Scientific Expertise--or the Jason Simcakoski PROMISE--Act. When our Nation's servicemembers transition from military life to civilian life, they carry with them the skills, experiences, memories, and relationships that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, many of them also carry significant pain as a result of injuries that they incurred while in service to this great Nation. Veterans, in general, experience chronic pain at a higher rate than their nonveteran counterparts. What is more, chronic pain is one of the most frequent conditions facing the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Effectively managing this pain, which often occurs alongside a number of other comorbid conditions, is a challenge for which the Department of Veterans Affairs has been increasingly turning to opioid-based medications to meet that challenge. Now, while opioids, when used appropriately, can be effective in treating pain, opioid medications are extremely high risk. Unfortunately, VA's own research has found that veterans are at an increased risk for many adverse outcomes that may accompany opioid use, including substance abuse, overdose, and self-inflicted injuries. Given that, VA's recent reliance on opioid medications to manage veteran pain is alarming. According to a CBS News report on VA data, the number of opioid prescriptions written by VA providers rose an astonishing 259 percent from 2002 to 2013. During that same time period, VA's total patient population increased only 29 percent. The sad reality behind an overreliance on opioids became apparent at the VA Medical Center at Tomah, Wisconsin, last year. In response to a series of complaints made in 2011 and 2012, the VA Office of the Inspector General conducted a review of alleged inappropriate prescribing of controlled substances and abuse of authority at the Tomah VA Medical Center. The IG found that the number of opioids prescribed in Tomah was ``at considerable variance'' with the other VA medical facilities in that region and was a cause for ``potentially serious concerns.'' It is no wonder that the veterans being treated in Tomah commonly referred to it as ``Candy Land'' and to the facility chief of staff as the ``Candy Man.'' Jason Simcakoski was one veteran who was being treated by the Tomah VA Medical Center. In August of 2014, Jason died from the combined effect of the multiple prescription medications he received as an in-patient. He put his trust in a system that ultimately failed him. He left behind a young daughter and a grieving family, some of whom are with us today. Unfortunately, the failures in Tomah, the failures that led to Jason's death, are not isolated. There are countless others just like him in the VA across this country. Chronic pain and the conditions that frequently accompany it are undoubtedly complex, and concerns about an overreliance on opioids are certainly not unique to the Department of Veterans Affairs. But the VA alone has the responsibility to treat our Nation's most heroic citizens, meaning VA does have a unique responsibility to act responsibly. The bill before us would help the Department do just that by improving and expanding opioid safety initiatives, strengthening the VA/Department of Defense joint working group on pain management, mandating that VA medical facilities disclose information to State- controlled substance monitoring programs, and requiring VA review, investigate, and report on the use of opioids among veteran patients. The manager's amendment to H.R. 4063 would require the Department and DOD to update their joint clinical practice guidelines for the management of opioid therapy to reflect the latest medical practices. The bill would also direct VA to ensure that every employee who prescribes opioids receives education and training on pain management and safe prescribing practices and every VA medical facility has a designated pain management team. It would further require VA to maximize the availability of Food and Drug Administration-approved opioid receptor antagonists to ensure that veterans most at risk of opioid overdose have access to and training on potentially life-saving drugs that can counter the devastating effects of an opioid overdose. I am grateful to the vice chairman of the full Veterans' Affairs Committee, Gus Bilirakis, for sponsoring this legislation. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting it. I reserve the balance of my time. Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 9, 2016. Hon. Jeff Miller, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to you concerning the bill H.R. 4063, the Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act. There are certain provisions in the legislation which fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services. In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill the Committee on Armed Services does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions. Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4063 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry, Chairman.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) of the 12th District of Florida, the vice chairman of the full committee, somebody who has been a stalwart on this and many other veteran issues.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I wish that we did not have to discuss this tragedy today on the floor. Jake is not with us, not by his choice. His wife is a widow; his daughter is now fatherless; his parents lost a son. Why? Why did he die of a drug overdose inside of the very hospital in which he sought protection? Mr. Speaker, I hope that all Members will support this legislation today. It is not that it will bring Jake back, but it may prevent this from occurring to another veteran in the future. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the City of Crestview, located in the Florida Panhandle. Situated on the peak of a long woodland range between the Yellow and Shoal rivers and one of the highest points in the state, Crest View, or Crestview as it would soon be combined, first earned its place on the map as a railroad depot. Outgrowing neighboring communities in both size and population, with a school, four general stores, and post office, where its first citizen Hamner F. ``Doc'' Powell served as shipping clerk and railroad agent, Crestview reached a population of 100 in 1889. With a growing community, Crestview's early residents soon built a congregational church, where members of the community could practice their faith, as well as a drug store, hotel, and numerous small businesses. During this time, industry in the area experienced a boom, particularly the turpentine and lumber industry, which brought jobs and prosperity to the area. Although the Crestview community continued to grow, the city did not formally incorporate until April 11, 1916, when a group of citizens gathered at the congregational church to vote on the question of incorporating the Town of Crestview. With Crestview's residents voting in favor of incorporation, the newly formed Crestview Town Council met for the first time on April 18, 1916, with the city's first Mayor W.R. White presiding over the meeting. The previous year, following the creation of Okaloosa County in 1915, Florida State Representative William Mapoles, known as ``The Father of Okaloosa County,'' moved to Crestview from Laurel Hill and became the driving force behind the movement to eventually establish Crestview as the county seat in 1917. Throughout the one hundred years to follow, businesses flourished, and Crestview became Okaloosa County's largest municipality and the only municipality between Pensacola and Tallahassee with a Sister City (Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile, France). Crestview also became a major transportation hub and has also long been home to servicemembers and veterans. Crestview's citizens make every effort to ensure that those who wear the uniform are thanked for their service and sacrifice. In fact, Crestview opened its first recreation center for enlisted servicemembers in 1941. Home to tens of thousands, as the northern gateway to the Department of Defense's largest and most dynamic Air Force Installation in the United States--Eglin Air Force Base, the Crestview-area family expanded when it welcomed 6,000 new residents to the community upon the arrival of the U.S. Army's 7th Special Forces Group. There is no question that the residents of Crestview are a resilient people, and even through the most challenging of times, they have united as a community to develop and maintain its place as a key area for business in the State of Florida and throughout the entire Gulf Coast region. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pleasure to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of Crestview, Florida. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating all of those who have been fortunate to call Crestview home throughout the last century, and we wish them and the city continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor Colonel Rocky McPherson, United States Marine Corps (Ret), for his more than fifty years of dedicated service to the State of Florida and our great Nation. A 1966 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Rocky received his commission in the United States Marine Corps. For more than 30 years, his military career took him around the globe, which began upon commission with the first of two combat tours and included a myriad of command and leadership roles. In his first combat assignment, Rocky deployed to Vietnam and served as an Infantry Officer with A Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. When he returned home, he attended the Air Force flight school at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas. Having earned his wings, he moved on to his next assignment, mission qualification in the all-weather attack aircraft A6 Intruder. As a newly minted pilot, Rocky returned to Vietnam aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) as a Squadron Landing Signal Officer. During this second combat tour, he recorded numerous sorties over Vietnam and had over 160 carrier landings. His two combat tours earned him the distinction as the only Marine officer with both ground and aviation combat tours during the Vietnam war. For the next several tours, Rocky remained stateside. He served as the Marine Corps Representative at the United States Air Force Academy and at Marine Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He then commanded the Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 121 aboard the USS Ranger (CV-61); took on the responsibility of training and operations for more than 400 tactical aircraft as Deputy Wings Operations Officer in El Toro, California; and commanded the Marine Air Training Support Group at Whidbey Island, Washington, before returning abroad as Chief of Staff to III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) in Okinawa, Japan. Rocky made his final stop at Marine Corps Headquarters as Manpower Division Deputy Director before retiring as Colonel in 1995. Colonel McPherson's commitment to public service did not end there, however. From 1999 to 2007, he continued to serve in support of our Nation's heroes and in particular the more than 1.5 million veterans and their families in Florida, as the Executive Director of Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. During his tenure, he oversaw the most significant expansion of state veterans' nursing homes and was a driving force behind the Florida World War II Memorial and monument and the expansion of Bushnell National Cemetery. Additionally, he helped to ensure that wounded service members returning home from the Global War on Terror received the support and care they had earned. Florida is proud of being home to our Nation's servicemembers and veterans, and Rocky understands the critical importance that the military missions based in the state play in providing for our strong national defense. To that end, he has spent the last decade of his career in support of Florida's military installations as part of Enterprise Florida, Inc. He played an integral role in standing up the Florida Defense Support Task Force, created by Florida Statute, to preserve, protect, and enhance Florida's military missions and installations and currently serves as its Vice President of Military and Defense Programs, Strategic Partnerships. Rocky also assisted in creating and publishing the Florida Military Friendly Guide, a summary of all laws and programs in Florida benefitting active duty, Reserve and National Guard personnel and their families, as well as production of the Florida Defense Industry Economic Impact Analysis. Furthermore, he played an integral role in establishing the first-ever program for applying state resources to non-conservation lands transactions in Florida Statute to protect military missions from non-compatible development and other encroachment threats to the military value of Florida installations. He has been an active and valued voice on the State Advisory Council for the Association of Defense Communities. Without question, Colonel Rocky McPherson can hang his hat up on a career he can be proud of. He has proven to be an accomplished leader who has dedicated his life to serving the State of Florida and the United States of America, and his unwavering commitment to men and women in the Armed Forces and veterans' community will be felt for years to come. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pleasure to honor Colonel Rocky McPherson, United States Marine Corps (retired). My wife Vicki joins me in thanking Rocky and his wife, Connie, for their dedicated service. This includes Connie's 12 years in the United States Marine Corps. We wish them; their three children, Ashley, Nathan, and Courtney; grandchild; and all of the McPherson family all the best for continued success. Semper Fi.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Captain Keith ``Judge'' Hoskins, Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Pensacola, on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Navy. For more than 27 years, Captain Hoskins has served our Nation with honor and distinction as a combat pilot during Operations Decisive Edge, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, as a member of the Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron the Blue Angels, as an action officer and executive officer in various high-level functions, as third battalion officer at the United States Naval Academy, and most recently as Commanding Officer of NAS Pensacola. A native of Parkville, Missouri, Judge was born into a military family, learning the importance of selfless service at a young age from his father, who served in the United States Army. After graduating with a degree in electrical engineering technology from Missouri Western State University, Judge completed Aviation Officer Candidate School in September 1989, and in February 1992, he was designated a Naval Aviator. Early in his career, Judge participated in vital national security missions, when, as a member of the ``Sidewinders'' of VFA-86, he completed a deployment onboard the USS America, flying combat missions in support of Operations Decisive Edge and Southern Watch. Like millions of Americans across the country, Judge was inspired as a child by the Blue Angels, but unlike most of us, he didn't just dream about becoming a Blue Angel--he actually did it. After returning stateside and serving a year as an instructor pilot for the ``Gladiators'' of VFA-106, Judge joined one of the Navy's most visible squadrons--the Blue Angels. During his three seasons as member of the Blues, Judge served as the narrator, opposing solo, and lead solo pilot, and, in addition, he also served as the Blue Angels' operations officer in his final season. Upon his return to the fleet, Judge was assigned to the ``Fist of the Fleet,'' serving as the operations and maintenance officer of VFA- 25. Like so many of our Nation's brave Naval Aviators, the place where Judge truly shined was on the battlefield, and during his time at the ``Fist of the Fleet,'' Judge flew combat missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Southern Watch, and Iraqi Freedom. Through these combat missions and deployments, Judge demonstrated time and again the type of brave and selfless service that exemplifies our Nation's servicemembers. Throughout his career, Judge has also shown tremendous leadership outside the cockpit, helping fight the Global War on Terror in multiple capacities. During a tour at U.S. STRATCOM, Judge served as an action officer and executive officer in the Plans and Policy Directorate, where he wrote, assessed, and disseminated policy at the highest level as STRATCOM was in the midst of restructuring to fight the Global War on Terror. Judge's excellence and leadership at STRATCOM were recognized by his selection as the aide de camp to the STRATCOM Commander. After his time at STRATCOM, Judge once again returned to combat posture, leading a command tour with ``The Valions'' of VFA-15, as they served a combat deployment onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following the completion of his command tour, Judge helped to mold the next generation of Naval Officers, serving as the third battalion officer at the United States Naval Academy, and as the national director of the NROTC program at the Naval Service Training Command. In 2013, Judge was named the 56th Commanding Officer of NAS Pensacola. As the Cradle of Naval Aviation, Pensacola and the entire Northwest Florida community are immensely proud of our area's tradition of military service and support for those who wear the uniform. NAS Pensacola is also the proud home of the Blue Angels, and Judge became the first former Blue Angel to command NAS Pensacola. During his long and distinguished career, Judge has logged more than 3,400 flight hours, 570 arrested landings, and he has been awarded numerous decorations including: the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Air Medal (three awards with combat ``V''), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards with combat ``V''), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and many unit commendations and awards. Captain Keith ``Judge'' Hoskins embodies the selfless commitment to service, sacrifice, and exceptional skill of our Nation's servicemembers. Throughout his career, he has contributed greatly to keeping our Nation safe and protecting the freedom and liberty of all Americans, and he has also inspired countless others to pursue a career of service through his leadership and example. On behalf of the United States Congress and the people of Florida's First Congressional District, my wife Vicki and I thank Judge for his service and leadership, we congratulate him on his retirement, and we wish him all the best for continued success in his post-Naval endeavors. Bravo Zulu.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4336) to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the burial of the cremated remains of persons who served as Women's Air Forces Service Pilots in Arlington National Cemetery, 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 and add extraneous material on H.R. 4336, as amended.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Ms. McSally), the sponsor of this legislation, a combat veteran herself, a pilot of the A-10 Warthog from the Second District of Arizona.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge all Members to support H.R. 4336, as amended. This bill, which was introduced by our colleague, the gentlewoman from Arizona (Ms. McSally), would ensure that Active Duty designees, including women Air Force pilots, are eligible for inurnment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Active Duty designees are members of civilian groups who served alongside the regular Armed Forces during World Wars I and II. These brave men and women were often located in combat zones, where they risked their lives to protect the freedom that we should never take for granted. Their contributions to the war effort was so vital that they have been granted the most prestigious title our Nation can bestow--that of veteran. As such, they are eligible to be laid to rest in any cemetery administered by the National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, Arlington National Cemetery is run by the Department of the Army. Between 2002 and last year, the Army inurned Active Duty designees with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery. Unfortunately, last March, then-Secretary McHugh, reversed this policy, which means that many of those courageous individuals can no longer choose to be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. H.R. 4336, as amended, would reverse this decision and require the Army to provide Active Duty designees inurnments with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery. Mr. Speaker, it is our duty as a Nation to ensure that those who have served our Nation are treated with the utmost respect and dignity, especially after they pass on. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4336, as amended. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Sixth District of Colorado (Mr. Coffman), another combat veteran and a member of our Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Abraham), a veteran himself and the chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs on the Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from the 12th District of Illinois (Mr. Bost), a marine and a member of our Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the Second District of Texas (Mr. Poe).

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from the 27th District of the Lone Star State, Texas (Mr. Farenthold).

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2814) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Sevierville, Tennessee, the Dannie A. Carr Veterans Outpatient Clinic.

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.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I do rise today in proud support of H.R. 2814, to name the Department of Veterans Affairs CBOC in Sevierville, Tennessee, the Dannie A. Carr Veterans Outpatient Clinic. I thank the bill's sponsor, my colleague and friend, Congressman Phil Roe from Tennessee, for recognizing an American hero through this legislation today. Specialist Fourth Class Dannie Arthur Carr was born in June of 1947 in Sevierville, Tennessee. During the Vietnam war, Specialist Carr served with distinction in the United States Army. It is only appropriate that his service and his life also be recognized by designating the VA community-based outpatient clinic in Sevierville, his hometown, the Dannie A. Carr Veterans Outpatient Clinic. H.R. 2814 satisfies the committee's naming criteria and is supported by the entire Tennessee congressional delegation, veterans service organizations, including The American Legion, AMVETS, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Blinded Veterans Association. I understand that the resolutions in support of this action and in honor of Specialist Carr have also passed the municipalities of Pittman Center, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevier County in Tennessee. Once again, this bill is sponsored by my good friend from Tennessee, Dr. Roe. He himself is an Army veteran and a senior member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. I am grateful to him for his hard work and advocacy on behalf of our Nation's veterans through his bill and through his valuable participation on our committee. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2814. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.