John Salazar

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to John Hallmark Robertson, of Branson, CO, who passed away on August 17th, 2010. John was born in Branson, CO on February 14th, 1922 to Lon and Nettie (Hallmark) Robertson. He had two older sisters, Louise and Georgie, and grew up primarily in the area he ranched most of his life. He went to school at Tobe and Kim CO, graduating from Kim in 1941. Following graduation John enlisted in the Navy and served as sonar operator on an anti-submarine patrol in the South Pacific during WWII. After the war he came home and began work at putting together the ranch and home that he would enjoy for the remainder of his life. John married June Green of Branson, CO on September 14th, 1950 in La Junta, CO. Together they raised their five children on the ranch that John and his father started. The ranch was his livelihood, his treasure, his church, and his responsibility and he didn't take any of those lightly. John was proud of his children and their accomplishments and the fact that they all learned to stand up for themselves and their families. He enjoyed being around, playing with and talking to his 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was an ardent supporter of the opposition effort against the expansion of the Pinon Canyon maneuver site. He spent countless hours writing letters and poems that were printed regularly in many of the newspapers in the area in an effort to help people understand the potential atrocity. Although John preferred and felt it necessary to work every day, a hobby of sorts in later years came from his love of cutting wood and posts with his chainsaw. No matter the time of year or the temperature, relaxation for him consisted of gassing and sharpening up his saw and spending an entire morning in ``the cedars'' cutting wood or posts. He will be missed, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, Jim Carter died in Pueblo, Colorado, on July 28, 2010. Jim was born in Missouri, served in the U.S. Air Force in Germany subsequent to his graduation from college and was employed for many years by A.P. Green Refractories in Pueblo, Colorado. When A.P. Green Refractories decided to leave Pueblo, they offered Jim an opportunity to move to one of their eastern facilities. Having raised his children in Pueblo and having many friends in Pueblo, Jim decided that Pueblo was the home for his family and the right place for them to stay. Jim, along with his son, established Refractories West, Inc. which has continued to be an active employer in Pueblo. A few years ago, Jim turned the refractory operation over to his son but Jim could not completely disengage himself from the business opportunity that had occupied his energies for so many years. Due to Jim's love of his adopted community, he became active in many local organizations and was a leader in establishing Puebloans for Economic Progress and served as the first Chairman of PEP. Eventually, PEP was part of a consolidation that became the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation; Jim also served as Chairman of PEDCO and was an active board member for many years. Jim will be remembered as a valued member of the Airport Advisory Board for several years. His diligence, determination and knowledge have served the Pueblo Memorial Airport and the Advisory Board extremely well. Even Jim's illness did not thwart his drive and attentiveness to the best interest of the Pueblo Airport. No matter the obstacle, Jim could find a way over it, around it or through it and was forever zealous in his quest to do his best for the City of Pueblo.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1661, to honor the lives of the brave and selfless humanitarian aid workers, doctors, and nurses who died in the tragic attack of August 5, 2010, in northern Afghanistan, one of whom was my constituent, Dr. Thomas Grams. Dr. Grams practiced dentistry in Durango, Colorado, for many years. Several years ago, he retired from private practice so that he could dedicate his life fulltime to the assistance of residents in developing countries. Dr. Grams took countless trips to India, Nepal, and Afghanistan to provide care for the indigent residents of these countries. The focus of Dr. Grams' life was to provide service to others and his mission was to provide access to dental and health care in some of the most remote corners of the world. Dr. Grams represented Western Colorado and his entire nation with honor. He exemplified what is best in our country, a strong sense of compassion paired with the will and ability to help those in need. Dr. Grams' passion for service will be sincerely missed in both Durango and around the world by those he helped. Our Nation and our world have lost a strong voice for compassion and healing. In honor of Dr. Grams' legacy, as well as those who were lost with him, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1661.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. I want to thank the gentlelady from Texas and also the gentleman from Florida, who are my wonderful friends. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 5706, to name the Government Printing Office Public Document Distribution Center in Pueblo, Colorado, after former Congressman Frank Evans. From 1964 until 1978, Congressman Evans represented Colorado's Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. That is the seat I now currently serve. The tremendous impact of his leadership on our district can still be felt to this day. Congressman Evans was responsible for bringing the Government Printing Office to Pueblo, and I cannot think of a more appropriate way to recognize his hard work and commitment to western Colorado than to name this building in his honor. From the time Congressman Evans gained congressional approval for the building in 1970, it has employed anywhere from 25 to 176 Colorado workers. This year is the 40th anniversary of Congressman Evans' work to bring this building to Pueblo, and the GPO and its employees are more dedicated to serving the public than ever. Unfortunately, Congressman Evans passed away in June of this year, and my condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. I was honored to attend his funeral. He will be missed, but his memory lives on through the lives he touched and the legacy he left in western Colorado. In honor of Congressman Evans, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great leader in humanitarian aid, Dr. Thomas Grams. Dr. Grams was tragically killed last week in Afghanistan by the Taliban. Dr. Grams was in a remote region of Afghanistan fulfilling a medical aid mission with a group of nine other volunteers from the International Assistance Mission. Dr. Grams practiced dentistry in Durango, Colorado for many years. Several years ago, he retired from private practice so that he could dedicate his life fulltime to the assistance of residents in developing countries. Dr. Grams took countless trips to India, Nepal, and Afghanistan to provide care for the indigent residents of these countries. In particular, he was able to provide essential dental care for thousands of children in these countries. To the children he was known as ``Dr. Tom.'' Many of the children he treated had suffered for years with untreated dental problems. After their treatment when he returned to the villages and towns in future years, he would be able to see the lasting smiles on the children's faces. The focus of Dr. Grams' life was to provide service to others and his mission was to provide access to dental and health care in some of the most remote corners of the world. His enthusiasm and devotion to the places he visited enabled him to cultivate great trust within these communities. He leaves behind him a legacy of countless people, especially children, whose lives were made better by his service. Dr. Grams represented western Colorado and his entire nation with honor. He exemplified that which is best in our country, a strong sense of compassion paired with the will and ability to help those in need. Dr. Grams' passion for service will be sincerely missed in both Durango and around the world by those he helped. Our nation and our world have lost a strong voice for compassion and healing. We will remember Dr. Grams as a shining example of that which is best in humanity. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I would like to take a moment today to pay tribute to Specialist Faith Hinkley, a brave young woman from Monte Vista, Colorado. Specialist Hinkley died in Baghdad, Iraq on August 7, 2010, from injuries sustained from an insurgent rocket attack. Colorado, the San Luis Valley, and the country have lost a tremendously respected leader and soldier. Specialist Hinkley led a remarkable life. Growing up in Monte Vista, everyone around her admired her hard work and incredible talents. She played the clarinet in the marching band, was a member of the National Honor Society, and of the National Business Leaders of America. She was also a Rainbow for Girls Worthy Advisor. After her first year in college, she enlisted in the Army, and was trained in military intelligence. Her record in the Army again testifies to her incredible abilities. She was assigned to the 502nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade. While serving, her awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Those who knew Faith Hinkley testify to the warmth of her laughter, her beauty, her intelligence, and her care and concern for others. As a veteran myself, I honor her commitment, her passion, and her sacrifice for this country. Specialist Hinkley is an example to all of us who strive to serve the public. My sincere condolences go out to her family, especially her parents Dr. David and Annavee Hinkley and her siblings Matt and Shannon, and friends in this difficult time. She will be profoundly missed, and her legacy and inspiration will live on through all the lives she touched.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Laura Allen, a dedicated and invaluable member of my office for the past two years. While working in my office, Laura has proven herself to be a wonderful colleague and a thoughtful, dedicated staff member. I could not be more grateful for or appreciative of her hard work. While in my office, Laura served as a primary liaison between my congressional office and the residents of the 3rd District of Colorado. She was responsible for effectively communicating my positions to my constituents, while conveying their opinions to myself and my staff. For almost two years, she has been the reliable, considerate and friendly ``face'' of my office, greeting visitors, managing interns, facilitating meetings and handling stressful situations with ease and poise. Laura was also responsible for legislative work concerning drug policy, specifically methamphetamines. While handling this portfolio, she conducted legislative research, composed and introduced legislation, and participated in regular conference calls with a coalition of stakeholders. Her work was diligent and thoughtful. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Laura was a pleasure to work with. Her positive attitude and sense of humor will serve her well into the future. Laura Allen will always have a special place in my heart. My entire staff joins me in wishing her the best of luck as she begins her studies at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and with all her future endeavors.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Chair, I want to take a moment to recognize my colleagues. Chairman Edwards has been a great champion of our veterans since his tenure here in Congress began. Also, I thank Ranking Member Wamp and Mr. Crenshaw for their valiant efforts in putting this bill together. I don't think that I have had a greater honor than to serve on a committee of this type where we all work together in a bipartisan manner. Chairman Edwards, Ranking Member Wamp, Mr. Crenshaw--all of us--have worked very hard for veterans and their families. All 17.5 million living veterans in the United States should applaud you for your diligent work as you fight for those who provide us freedom. Madam Chair, as the chairman mentioned, it is important to recognize the bipartisanship and fiscal responsibility of this bill. In completing BRAC 2005, the subcommittee was able to reduce the overall spending of this bill by three-quarters of a billion dollars. The bill includes a total of $57 billion, which is an increase of nearly $4 billion for veterans' medical care, disability, and educational benefits. Veterans in Colorado are a major winner in this bill again. Thanks to the President and to the subcommittee for their continued support of a new VA medical center in Denver, Colorado. I want to thank all of those Members who continue to fight the good fight for our veterans and military personnel.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire Colorado delegation, I request a moment of silence today to pay tribute to a dedicated public servant from the State of Colorado. Former Congressman Frank Evans passed away on Tuesday, June 8, 2010. Colorado and the city of the Pueblo have lost a tremendously respected leader. Congressman Evans led a remarkable life. A Pueblo native, Congressman Evans served in the Navy, flying planes in the Pacific theater of World War II. He returned to Colorado to get his law degree from the University of Denver, before being elected to represent Pueblo in the State Assembly in 1960. Named ``Outstanding Freshman of the Year,'' his colleagues and constituents alike were inspired by his dedication to public service. The tremendous impact his leadership has had on our district can still be felt to this day. Congressman Evans was responsible for bringing in the Government Printing Office Distribution Center to Pueblo, and he was the mastermind behind the popular Payment in Lieu of Taxes program that has brought Federal dollars for Federal lands to States like ours. When serving in Congress, Congressman Evans was a fervent advocate for the people and western way of life in the Third District of Colorado. Never losing sight of issues important to Coloradans, he was also a true gentleman. In the often contentious atmosphere of today's politics, Congressman Evans was an example to those of us who strive to serve the public. His close friend said of him: That was Frank, always a gentleman. He wanted the facts. He wouldn't go after somebody just for partisan reasons. Congressman Evans never forgot where he came from and he lived to serve others so that they could have a brighter future. I am proud to serve in his former seat, and grateful for his legacy. Our condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. He will be missed, but his memory will live on through all the lives he touched in western Colorado.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to a dedicated public servant from the State of Colorado. Former Congressman Frank Evans passed away on Tuesday, June 8, 2010. Colorado and the city of Pueblo have lost a tremendously respected leader. Congressman Evans led a remarkable life. A Pueblo native, Congressman Evans served in the Navy, flying planes in the Pacific Theater of World War II. He returned to Colorado to get his law degree from the University of Denver, before being elected to represent Pueblo in the State Assembly in 1960. Named ``Outstanding Freshman of the Year,'' his colleagues and constituents alike were inspired by his dedication to public service. From 1964-1978, the Congressman represented Colorado's third district in the U.S. House of Representatives, the seat in which I currently serve. The tremendous impact his leadership has had on our district can still be felt to this day. Congressman Evans was responsible for bringing the Government Printing Office Distribution Center to Pueblo, and he was the mastermind behind the popular Payment in Lieu of Taxes program that has brought federal dollars for federal lands to states like ours. When serving in Congress, Congressman Evans was a fervent advocate for the people and Western way of life in the 3rd district of Colorado. Never losing sight of issues that were important to Coloradans, he was also a true gentleman. In the often contentious atmosphere of today's politics, Congressman Evans was an example to those of us who strive to serve the public. His close friend said of him ``That was Frank. Always a gentleman. He wanted the facts. He wouldn't go after somebody just for partisan reasons.'' Congressman Evans never forgot where he came from, and he lived to serve others so that they could have a brighter future. I am proud to serve in his former seat, and grateful for his legacy. My condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. He will be missed but his memory will live on through all of the lives that he touched in western Colorado.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I would like to take a moment today to pay tribute to a dedicated public servant in the State of Colorado. Former State Representative Rafael Lorenzo Gallegos passed away on Monday, May 24, 2010. Colorado and the San Luis Valley have lost a tremendously respected leader. Representative Gallegos led a remarkable life. He served in the United States Air Force Reserve in the 1950s while he completed his high school education. He then went on to Colorado State University in Pueblo and then to the National Weather Service. He was elected Mayor of Antonito, Colorado in 2002 and went on to represent the San Luis Valley in the Colorado legislature from 2005 to 2008. While serving in the legislature, Representative Gallegos focused on issues important to southern Colorado. He was passionate about water and agriculture, and about taking care of our veterans. He also worked to bring economic development to the San Luis Valley. Always a friendly face, the former weather man was known throughout the Capitol for delivering the weather forecast every Friday on the House floor before members had to travel home to their districts for the weekend. First and foremost, Rafael Gallegos was a servant to his constituents, an example to those of us who strive to serve the public. He once said, ``I am there for the people. . . . Whatever I do and however I vote will be in this district's best interest.'' Representative Gallegos never forgot where he came from and he lived to serve others so that they could have a brighter future. My condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. He will be missed but his legacy will live on through all of the lives that he touched in Southern Colorado.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker I rise today in support of H.R. 5220, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act. On behalf of the more than 2,000 Special Olympians from my district I am so proud to honor the legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who dedicated her life to providing opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I also want to recognize the remarkable talent and dedication these athletes bring to their sports. Earlier this year I was lucky to meet Erin Holloway, a Colorado Special Olympian who visited my office in January. This remarkable young woman has competed in almost every Special Olympic sport over her 30 years in the program, before settling on golf and equestrian as her favorites. In 2005, she became the first Special Olympian inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. She credits the Special Olympics program with giving her confidence in her abilities, teaching her to live independently, and the knowledge that she is a good person. Erin's remarkable story is a testament to the impact this program has had on the lives of thousands of Americans. This is an important program, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. SALAZAR

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

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. I thank the chairwoman. I want to remind the ranking member that the individual who actually ran against me who was the Department of Natural Resources director, Greg Walcher, for Colorado was one of the ones who helped to implement this program in Colorado, a very strong supporter. This was done in a bipartisan way, and most recovery programs are actually starting to be modeled after the Upper Colorado Fish Recovery Program. This is a way to keep fish from going on the endangered species list, and so I am very proud of this program. We do have goals. By the year 2023, everything should be in place. The infrastructure should be in place so that we can maintain the numbers of the endangered fish in the Upper Colorado River and the San Juan.

Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the distinguished chairwoman of the subcommittee for moving this important bill forward. I would like to share with you and my esteemed colleagues the importance of the Upper Colorado River and San Juan River Basin Endangered Fish Recovery Program. This program is a premiere example of how to recover endangered fish species while also providing more than 3 million acre-feet of water per year to Federal, tribal, and non-Federal water projects. It has been cited as the most successful fish recovery program in the United States and is used as a model for other recovery programs developed across the country. Today I am happy to see that the House is passing H.R. 2288, to ensure the program can finish the restoration projects identified for complete success. This bill extends the authorization of the program until the year 2023. At that time, the fish species in concern will be fully recovered, and the infrastructure will be in place to ensure continued success. The projects completed to date on the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins are examples of outstanding cooperation among a diverse group of local, State, Federal Government agencies, environmental groups, water users, farmers, ranchers, and utility consumers. People ask why they've never heard of the recovery program, and that is because it has been so successful. The fish identified as being under threat have been substantially maintained. This bill is critical for the continued and final success of the projects necessary for recovery of the endangered fish. I would also like to note that when this program was enacted, it was done with the understanding that power revenues would be used to pay for the costs of implementing the two fish recovery programs. Due to PAYGO rules, the legislation now lets the power customers only pay a part of the cost of these programs while national taxpayers cover the rest. The original program was agreed to based upon the understanding that power customers would pay for the fish recovery programs, and I hope that they will work with the rest of the parties to fulfill this funding obligation after 2011. Mr. Speaker, this is a prime example of how one ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is one of the most successful recovery programs in the entire country, and I want to thank the chairwoman, and I want to thank Ranking Member McClintock for working with us on this legislation.

Mr. SALAZAR. I just wanted to thank the gentleman for joining us yesterday in Colorado for a specific water hearing that the gentlelady held in Greeley, Colorado, a prime example of how we can all work together to make sure that agriculture can maintain its water rights. So that is why I am so supportive of this program.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Chair, this amendment is critical to creating the job force that would actually help increase the number of people that are trained for renewable and alternative energies. With that, Madam Chair, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Tennessee, Chairman Gordon.

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Chair, I would like to thank Chairman Gordon for this wonderful bill that will actually create jobs. My amendment adds training for energy auditors, field technicians, and building contractors to promote the use of energy retrofits and energy-efficient technology to the list of programs that may be included in the Department of Energy's STEM education activities. Madam Chair, I have long been an advocate for clean energy and a balanced approach to meeting our energy needs while preserving our natural resources. As we continue to expand our use of renewable sources of energy, it is important that we have a well trained and knowledgeable workforce in place to take advantage of every job opportunity that is created. Alternative energy is an economic boon for rural districts like the one I represent. The Third Congressional District of Colorado is leading the way with innovations in solar, wind, and woody biomass. In the San Luis Valley, where I live, there is currently an 8-megawatt solar farm with an additional 1,000 megawatts of solar in the works. However, it is critical to reduce the cost to America's families and our impact on the environment that the men and women who build, repair, and refurbish our homes and infrastructure incorporate green technology in their operations. In a recent study, scientists at the Department of Energy's Berkeley Laboratory examined the workforce needs of the energy-efficiency services sector. They found that the rate of employment growth will depend in part on how effectively the Nation deploys training and education programs for the energy-efficiency workforce. It is estimated that the size of the energy-efficiency sector workforce is currently at about 120,000 full-time workers. That number would go as high as 400,000 when including part-time workers. If we want to ensure the growth of job opportunities, we must secure the training programs that will allow Americans to take advantage and excel in these fields. By doing so, we will not only take important steps to reduce energy consumption, but we will enhance national security by reducing the country's dependence on foreign sources of energy. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to lend their support to my amendment and the underlying legislation. The America COMPETES reauthorization is an important job creation tool, and will put the necessary funding and focus where it's needed most. With that, Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 5116.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, heros come in all shapes and sizes and I rise today to honor eight-year-old Dillon Earl of Fruita, Colorado for heroic acts that saved lives on Sunday, April 25. While the two were on their way to church, Dillon's grandmother Lisa DeKruger had a seizure behind the wheel of her truck. Luckily for both of them, Dillon's quick thinking and bravery under pressure saved both their lives and those of other drivers on the road. When he noticed something was wrong with his grandmother, eight-year- old Dillon reached for the brake and guided the truck to the side of the interstate. With the assistance of another driver, he called 9-1-1 and got his grandmother the urgent medical attention she needed. The impact of Dillon's actions has only begun to sink in for his grandmother who recently told him, ``I guess Grandma owes you lots of candy for the rest of your life.'' Throughout this incredible incident, Dillon has shown humility and a maturity beyond his years. His remarkable courage and concern for his loved ones are an inspiration to all of us. This brave young man from Mesa County Colorado has made his family, his community and his Congressman very proud. I wish him and his family continued health and happiness.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Art Isgar, a respected leader in his community of southwest Colorado. Arthur Richard Isgar died in Durango on March 17th, 2010. It was a privilege to know Art Isgar and his wonderful family and I offer my condolences to them at this time of loss. Art Isgar was born in Oxford, Colorado, on October 6th, 1915. One of seven boys, he spent his childhood in rural La Plata County. At times, he lived with members of the Southern Ute Tribe which was an experience that left him with a deep appreciation of other cultures. As a child he also spent time in the mining camps of the San Juan Mountains near Silverton and Telluride. Supporting himself from the age of 13, Art Isgar learned to make his way in the world by working on farms and delivering mail on horseback. In 1946 he got married to Ann Wise. They took the train from Durango to Silverton and returned home in time to milk the cows. Art went on to become a defender of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in its time of need. With their hard work, the Isgars' ranch grew into one of the largest in La Plata County. Art was president of the La Plata County Cattlemen's Association and helped lead the fight to create the Animas- La Plata Project. He was also instrumental in the effort to bring Fort Lewis College to its current site in Durango. Art Isgar was also deeply involved in politics working with the Democratic Party to bring the State convention to Durango in 1960, a convention that presidential hopeful John F. Kennedy attended. Art's life was a life of service to his family and his community. The legacy of Art Isgar continues in his amazing family. Art Isgar's son, Jim Isgar, continues the proud tradition of public service established by his father, serving as a State Senator and now as the State Director for the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development. At the end of the day, after all of his community service, Art Isgar still had his feet on the ground. He was always a farmer who found his greatest joy out irrigating his fields. Even at the age of 93 that is where he could be found. Madam Speaker southwest Colorado has lost a great leader. I wish his family well in this time of loss. Art Isgar will be missed but his legacy will live on through his amazing family and all the lives that he touched in his time in southwest Colorado.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support S. 1963 the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009. As a veteran, I am proud to lend my support to this landmark bill. With its provisions for women, homeless and rural veterans, S. 1963 addresses many critical sectors of the veteran's community. Mr. Speaker, Colorado is home to over 427,000 veterans, 70,000 of which live in my district. These veterans and their families face many of the same issues as their urban counterparts but must also deal with unique issues of accessibility and availability of resources. This historic bill contains provisions that will be of particular importance to America's rural veterans. I am encouraged that the bill specifically looks to improve health care for veterans living in rural areas and will provide financial assistance to help transport veterans to local VA hospitals and clinics. S. 1963 will create a demonstration project to examine the feasibility and advisability of alternatives for expanding care for veterans in rural areas in addition to establishing goals for the recruitment of personnel in rural areas. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation.