Kyrsten Sinema

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1551, which improves the Section 45(J) nuclear production tax credit (NPTC), as authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation and thank Congressman Rice of South Carolina and Congressman Blumenauer of Oregon for their leadership on this issue. The NPTC encourages the development of advanced nuclear power plants that make strides in safety and reliability but is limited to the first 6,000 megawatts of new generating capacity constructed by 2020. Since passage of the Act, more advanced reactors, including small modular reactors (SMRs), have moved steadily through the research and development stage and could be ready for commercial deployment by the middle of the next decade. Once approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), these technologies will provide reliable, carbon-free baseload electricity with safety features that nearly eliminate the possibility of a radiological release. The first SMRs in the United States will most likely be in the West. Arizona energy providers like the Salt River Project and Arizona Public Service are both evaluating the potential use of small modular reactors as they replace aging generation capacity. When the NPTC expires in 2020, it will likely do so without reaching the megawatt cap. H.R. 1551 makes the remaining credit available beyond 2020, providing a powerful incentive for the next generation of advanced nuclear and SMR projects. I strongly support these efforts and encourage you to consider the positive impact these changes would have on incentivizing a new generation of safe, reliable, and carbon-free advanced nuclear power. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation and to move America toward energy independence.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Bishop and Ranking Member Grijalva for their leadership. I also thank Congressman LaMalfa, Congressman Schrader, and all of the other Members for their hard work on this issue. In particular, I thank Congressman Gosar, who is here today, Congressman Tipton, and Congressman O'Halleran for cosponsoring our bipartisan amendment. Mr. Chairman, the Sinema amendment ensures the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior are educated on how unmanned technologies are transforming the energy industry to improve maintenance, lower costs, and reduce the risk of wildfires. Unmanned technology is changing the way Arizonans do business. Currently, energy companies use manned helicopters to check transmission lines and direct repair and maintenance crews. This work ensures Arizona's electric grid remains resilient, reliable, efficient, and that it works when Arizona families and businesses need it. But utilities and cooperatives believe that unmanned technology can improve the way we manage our energy infrastructure. Unmanned technologies can monitor transmission lines quickly and safely in multiple locations, enabling more efficient operations and maintenance. They provide better situational awareness to crews and managers, reducing accidents and workplace injuries. It also improves vegetation management, disaster prevention, and disaster response. These are critical issues in my home State of Arizona. In rural areas, our transmission and distribution lines run through Federal land that are prone to wildfires. I am a cosponsor of the underlying bill because I recognize the importance of keeping these rights-of-way clear of dry brush and fallen trees. Streamlining the process that allows us to perform routine maintenance and prevent wildfires that too often endanger our communities is just commonsense. Our bipartisan amendment improves the underlying bill by ensuring that unmanned technologies integrate appropriately, quickly, and effectively into broader vegetation management, disaster prevention, and disaster response strategies. Unmanned technologies have the potential to improve efficiency, lower energy costs for Arizona families and businesses, and reduce the risk of dangerous wildfires by ensuring that rights-of-way are reliable and properly maintained. Federal agencies should be prepared to embrace these smart technologies. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support the Sinema amendment and the underlying bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Chairman, I just wanted to extend my thanks to my friend and colleague, Mr. Gosar from Arizona. I encourage my fellow Members to support the amendment and the underlying bill. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Chair, I thank Mr. O'Halleran for yielding and for his leadership on this important issue. Sexual abuse is abhorrent. It is particularly abhorrent when it is conducted by an individual in a position of authority: a coach, a trainer, a teacher. The community of Mesa, Arizona, which Mr. Biggs and I represent, was rocked by a tragic event in which a young athlete was abused for at least 3 years before receiving help. Had he or other young athletes experiencing similar nightmares had access to resources and support, perhaps the nightmare could have ended sooner, perhaps it could have been prevented. Our bipartisan amendment is simple. It builds on a very good bipartisan bill by requiring governing bodies to list dedicated information and resources for victims and families on official websites. No individual should suffer from sexual abuse. No family should go without support when they are in need. I thank the two gentlemen, my friends from Arizona, Mr. O'Halleran and Mr. Biggs, for cosponsoring this amendment. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on our amendment and to support the underlying bill.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 274.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a community leader, a U.S. Army veteran, a native Arizonan and a tireless advocate for economic, racial and social justice. Pete Garcia is truly an Arizona legend and his contributions to our community will live on for generations to come. Pete volunteered for the U.S. Army in 1962 and served in Germany. After his honorable discharge, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service while putting himself through Phoenix College. Pete worked for many non-profit organizations in Phoenix including Phoenix Job Corps, Valle del Sol, and perhaps most notably, Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC). Under his leadership at CPLC, the organization's operating budget grew from $3 million to over $60 million. In 2008 it was named the second largest Hispanic non-profit in the United States by Hispanic Business Magazine. During his tenure as President and CEO of the organization he received numerous awards and recognition, including being invited to participate in the Ditchley Foundation Conference in the United Kingdom three times. He was selected as a Johnson Fellow, named an AARP Inspire award recipient, received the Cesar E. Chavez Leadership Institute legacy award, Pioneer in Excellence by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and ``One of the Valley's Most Influential People'' by the Phoenix Business Journal, among many others. Pete was a dedicated husband to Sarah and a devoted father to Daniel, Hilario, and Illana. He was also a grandfather to Brenna, Morgan, Pete, Leila and Alya. In his spare time he enjoyed coaching his children's Little League teams, playing basketball, and playing with his own kids as well as other neighborhood children. After his tenure at CPLC ended, Pete went on to be a successful philanthropist in his ``retirement.'' He started a whole new foundation focused on educational opportunities for underserved students, which he named the Victoria Foundation in honor of his own mother. From 2008- 2017 Peter raised more than $4 million to enable students to attend ASU, UA, NAU GCU, Maricopa County Community Colleges and several out of state schools. The foundation offered scholarships to 80 community college students, 60 university students, and 4 medical school students. Pete also raised money through the Victoria Foundation to provide 300 bikes for inner city youths, stockings to the elderly at Christmas, and to provide turkey dinners to veterans on Thanksgiving. Pete leaves behind a legacy of generosity, advocacy, and hard work. Arizona is grateful for his contributions to our community, May his memory be a blessing to his friends and family.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 258.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an Arizona business leader, health care advocate, and dedicated community servant, Richard Boals. Mr. Boals has served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona since 2003, providing strategic leadership and vision for the company through critical times of change and transition in the industry. As a long-time advocate, Mr. Boals is active in the community and has been involved with countless professional and local organizations. His focus and dedication are aimed at youth and education, health, wellness and human services, economic and civic development, and arts and culture. Mr. Boals is on the board of directors for Arizona Commerce Authority, Greater Phoenix Leadership, Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business Center for Services Leadership, Arizona State University President's Club, Arizona State University Dean's Council of 100, and the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation. He is a member of the Translational Genomics Research Institute's board of directors, Arizona Educational Foundation's advisory board, and the Phoenix Police Reserve Foundation board of directors. He is chairman of the board of directors for TriWest Healthcare and O'Connor House. As a community and business leader, Mr. Boals has been honored with several awards: the ASU Alumni Leadership Award, the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation's Heroes of Education Award, the Victoria Foundation's Advocates for Education Award, the American Jewish Committee's National Human Relations and Centennial Leadership Awards, the Anti-Defamation League's Jerry J. Wisotsky Torch of Liberty Award, the Greater Phoenix Urban League's Whitney M. Young, Jr. Individual Award, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation's Globe and Anchor Award, and the Phoenix Business Journal's Silver Anniversary Honor Roll Award. Mr. Boals received his associate's degree from Phoenix College and bachelor's degree in accounting from Arizona State University. He has completed executive development courses at Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, Haas School of Business at the University of California, Harvard University and University of Michigan. Mr. Boals served four years in the United States Air Force before beginning his career at BCBSAZ. I congratulate Richard on an incredible career in the service of a healthier Arizona. I wish him and his wife Maryglenn a healthy and happy retirement filled with friends, family, and adventure.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 162.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, due to illness, I was unable to vote on roll call votes 138 through 158. Had I been present, I would have voted: nay on roll call number 138; nay on roll call number 139; aye on roll call number 140; aye on roll call number 141; aye on roll call number 142; aye on roll call number 143; aye on roll call number 144; aye on roll call number 145; aye on roll call number 146; aye on roll call number 147; nay on roll call number 148; aye on roll call number 149; aye on roll call number 150; aye on roll call number 151; nay on roll call number 152; aye on roll call number 153; aye on roll call number 154; aye on roll call number 155; aye on roll call number 156; aye on roll call number 157; and nay on roll call number 158.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a community leader, a fighter for working families, and a tireless advocate for women. Rebekah Friend served as the Executive Director and Secretary/ Treasurer of the Arizona AFL-CIO since 2002, representing 180,000 union members through over 200 local union affiliates in Arizona. She is retiring this year and I want to personally thank her for her work and dedication to Arizona's labor community. She was the first woman to be elected president of the Arizona AFL- CIO in 2002 and the state federation's first female Secretary/Treasurer in 2005. I consider Rebekah a friend and a trusted advisor on any and all issues affecting Arizona workers. Since being elected to the State Legislature in 2004 I have counted on Rebekah to always tell me how policies will impact her members without pulling punches. Her integrity and honesty are just some of the reasons she has been a respected labor leader for so many years. For over 37 years, Rebekah has been a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and a committed advocate for working families. Throughout her career, she has played an integral role in developing legislation to improve the lives of working people in Arizona. She served as the first President of the Coalition for Labor Union Women in Maricopa County, lobbying state legislators on pay equity bills affecting female workers. Rebekah successfully chaired the Minimum Wage Coalition, which brought Proposition 202 to the ballot in 2006 and raised the minimum wage along with a cost-of-living adjustment every year. Rebekah has received numerous awards of distinction for her public service. In 2004, Rebekah was awarded the YWCA's Woman of the Year, their highest award for a civic leader. In 2016, Rebekah was awarded the Pima Area Labor Federation (PALE) Community Partnership Award. She has also received the Arizona Capitol Times Leader of the Year in Public Policy Award (2007). Recently Rebekah received the AFL-CIO 2017 MLK Unsung Hero Award for the work done on the BASTA Arpaio campaign. Rebekah has also served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Governor's Council on Workforce Policy, the Arizona Skill Standards Commission and the Governor's Prisoner Re-Entry Task Force. Rebekah is also a co-founder and board member of Emerge Arizona, which helps to identify and train Democratic women to run for elected office. Rebekah has also volunteered her time to assist local food banks and has done extensive mentoring with young women. I congratulate Rebekah on an incredible career in the service of working families and communities across Arizona. I wish her a well- deserved retirement filled with friends, family and relaxation.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a native Arizonan, a tireless community organizer and a valued member of the Southern Arizona political community. Laura Hogan passed away on February 24 in Tucson, Arizona. Laura was born in the small border town of Douglas, Arizona and she loved rural Arizona. She attended Michigan State University but returned to Arizona after graduation to work with former Superintendent of Public Instruction Carolyn Warner on educational policy and consulting. Laura's passion was the working families of Arizona. She served as Field Director for the Pima Area Labor Federation, helping to organize and mobilize the labor community in Tucson to support candidates at the local, county, state and federal levels. She took that experience to Arizona List in 2007 where she served as the Political Director since. She simply loved to train and support women in their run for elected office. She has mentored countless young women and helped them plan and achieve their dreams of public service. Laura was also active in the local Democratic Party, serving as the Chair of Legislative District 30 and a Vice-Chair of the Arizona Democratic Party. She was inducted into the Arizona Democratic Party Hall of Fame in 2016. I considered Laura a friend and a colleague in the Arizona political community. She was widely respected and admired for her hard work and dedication to her values. She will be greatly missed. I join the Arizona labor community, Democratic Party and Arizona List family in remembering Laura and working to ensure her legacy lives on through our work.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call Vote number 128 on Tabling the Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair, I mistakenly recorded my vote as yes when I should have voted no.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Chair, I thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for working with me, yet again, on this bipartisan bill to help entrepreneurs and startup companies create jobs and grow our economy. American startup businesses are growing both in number and diversity. Entrepreneurs are finding new and better ways to bring together talent, innovation, and investment capital in an increasingly competitive small business environment. The HALOS Act clarifies SEC regulations to ensure small businesses may participate in educational demo days without the burden of having to verify that attendees are accredited investors. Demo days provide invaluable opportunities for entrepreneurs to meet and exchange ideas with students, professors, business professionals, and potential future investors. The HALOS Act creates a clear path for startups to participate in demo days sponsored by a government entity, nonprofit, angel investor group, venture association, or other entity permitted by the SEC. Specifically, the act clarifies the definition of general solicitation to exempt communications and presentations at these events where advertising for the event does not make specific investment offerings and where no specific securities offering information is communicated at the event. This permits startups to connect with business experts, potential future investors, and other entrepreneurs, all while maintaining existing accredited investor verification requirements and exemptions under Regulation D for the actual purchase or sale of securities. It does not, in any way, permit the sale of securities to unaccredited investors at demo days. Companies such as Amazon, Costco, Facebook, Google, and Starbucks were all initially funded by angel investors. As we work to make America more competitive in the new global economy, we need to encourage the growth of innovative startups and job-creating small businesses. Again, I thank Representative Chabot for working with me on this commonsense, bipartisan bill. I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that Arizona startups have the support they need to grow their businesses and create jobs.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. ``. . . or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.''

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Rick Lavis, a tireless and respected voice for Arizona agriculture. Rick, a native Arizonan who grew up in downtown Phoenix, was called to public service early in his life. He served as an aide to U.S. Senator Paul Fannin (R-AZ) before working at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Rick returned to Phoenix in 1980 to advocate for Arizona's cotton growers and the broader agricultural community. As the Arizona Cotton Growers Association's top staffer, Rick worked tirelessly to pass the Groundwater Management Act of 1980, landmark legislation that still governs Arizona water today. Rick served Arizona as an expert in water, air quality, the environment, and the cotton industry. Rick is survived by his wife, Marti, two sons, Danny and Ben, and two grandchildren, Addison and Nicholas. I was fortunate to have worked with Rick both during my time in the Arizona Legislature and when I came to Congress, and I am honored to call him a friend. I am thankful for Rick's dedication to service and appreciate his determination and willingness to make our state and country a better place for all Arizonans. Please join me in honoring his memory.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Mary Cameli of the Mesa Fire and Medical Department. Mary was one of the first women to join the department in 1983 and is now the first woman to lead as fire chief. She has dedicated her career to serving our state and championing the needs of Arizona's firefighting community. Prior to Mary's selection as chief, she was an assistant fire chief overseeing the Emergency Medical Services Division, Planning and Research Division, Personnel and Wellness, and the CMS Healthcare Innovation Grant. During her time as assistant fire chief, the department received numerous health care innovation awards and built five new fire stations. Mary is a tremendous leader who works well with rank and file members, other city departments, and community groups. Her work is a testament to her dedication to her fellow firefighters, emergency personnel, and the State of Arizona. We are lucky she will continue to serve our community as fire chief.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Patrick Mitchell. Pat, a Yuma, Arizona native, dedicated his life to public service. He graduated from the University of Arizona and received a law degree from Arizona State University. He served the City of Phoenix as a member of the Public Employees Relations Board and was appointed special assistant attorney general for the State of Arizona, Department of Health. Pat was a trusted advisor to many, working on presidential campaigns for Kansas Senator Gary Hart and Iowa Senator Paul Simon. He joined former Arizona Senator Dennis DeConcini's staff where he handled constituent and policy issues for 13 of Arizona's 15 counties. Pat also served as a political advisor to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and Congressman Mo Udall and as chief of staff to New York Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. I am thankful for Pat's dedication to service and appreciate his determination and willingness to make our state and country a better place for all Arizonans. Please join me in honoring his memory.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Private First Class (PFC) Daniel Hunt. PFC Daniel Hunt served our country as a member of A Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division with the United States Army. Daniel was born February 10, 1933 to Ownie and Lillie (White) Hunt, the youngest of 17 children. Daniel and two of his brothers, John and Charles, served in the Korean War. Daniel never returned. PFC Daniel Hunt was killed on September 28, 1951 while serving his country on Heartbreak Ridge in South Korea, where his remains were recovered earlier this year. Daniel was missing in action for over 65 years and is going home to Arizona to be buried with full military honors. I am incredibly thankful for PFC Daniel Hunt and his family's sacrifice to our country. Daniel is survived by his many nieces and nephews. Please join me in honoring his memory.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the contributions of a great Arizonan and a former member of this House: Congressman Jim Kolbe. On October 28th, 2016, Congressman Kolbe will be inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. This is a well-deserved and appropriate honor for a man who has done so much for our state and country. Jim Kolbe joined the United States Navy in 1967 and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his service in Vietnam. He retired from service in 1977 as a Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserves. For 22 years, Jim Kolbe served the 8th district of Arizona in the House of Representatives. First elected to Congress in 1985, he consistently put the needs of his constituents first, ahead of party or partisanship. During his time in Congress, Congressman Kolbe worked on the federal budget and was responsible for deciding the budget that funds most U.S. foreign aid programs and counterterrorism activities. Members of Congress have long admired Congressman Kolbe's determination to work across the aisle to create solutions and promote Arizona issues. I am thankful that Jim has been a friend to me during my time in public service. I appreciate his determination and his willingness to work with me and many others to make Arizona a place of opportunity for all its citizens. Please join me in recognizing the years of exemplary service of Congressman Jim Kolbe.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Arizona State Senator Carolyn Allen. Carolyn was born in Missouri but quickly grew to love Arizona in the warmer winter months with her husband, Jack. Carolyn became active in our community and was soon serving on local boards and commissions in the arts and in politics. Prior to her first election to the AZ House of Representatives in 1994, she was Development Director of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the Scottsdale Cultural Council. She served as Executive Director (and later President of the Board) of the Scottsdale Arts Center Association. While serving 8 years in the AZ House, she was House Majority Leader as well as Chairman of the Health Committee and sponsored major legislation in mental health care, air quality and civil rights issues. She was later elected to the Arizona State Senate and there too, she chaired multiple committees. She often said she was most proud of passing legislation protecting the McDowell Mountain Preserve and her courageous ``no'' vote on controversial immigration legislation in 2010. I had the honor of serving with Carolyn in the Legislature and I always admired her tenacity, honesty and integrity. She was the kind of public servant I aspire to be. While serving in the Legislature, she also served numerous community organizations through board membership and volunteerism. There are too many to list them all, but Carolyn's passions benefitted medical research, women's health, environmental conservation, and prison reform. Carolyn lived a brightly colored and productive life and gave so much to her community through thousands of volunteer hours for causes she championed. Despite suffering from crippling rheumatoid arthritis for more than 40 years, she soldiered on without complaint and set the bar very high for those who will follow. Her many friends will not forget her vibrant personality and determination. I miss my friend Carolyn Allen, but I am grateful that we were friends.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time for our Nation to raise awareness about the recurring tragedy of suicide. Last month, the VA released an updated comprehensive study on veteran suicide, finding an estimated 20 veterans lose their lives to suicide every day. Twenty veterans a day should be a call to action for our country and for this Congress. We must do more. Typically, time in this House Chamber is split; Republicans have 1 hour and Democrats have another. But I believe this issue is too important to be overshadowed by partisan politics, and that is why tonight I have invited Members from both sides of the aisle to show our commitment to solving this problem together and find real solutions for our veterans. This is the fourth year that I have held this event in this Chamber to raise awareness and send a clear message that the epidemic of veteran suicide must end. We have so much more work left to do. Tonight I hope that we, as a body, will demonstrate our ongoing support for the individuals, organizations, and agencies devoted to preventing the epidemic of veteran suicide. We challenge the VA, the Department of Defense, and our fellow lawmakers to do more. Today, Mr. Speaker, we are failing in our obligation to do right by those who have served our country so honorably. Finally, we send a message to military families who have experienced this tragedy. Our message is simple: Your family's loss isn't forgotten. We work for the memory of your loved ones, and we will not rest until every veteran has access to the care that he or she needs. I have often shared the story of a young veteran from my district, Sergeant Daniel Somers. Sergeant Somers was an Army veteran of two tours in Iraq. He served on Task Force Lightning, an intelligence unit. He ran over 400 combat missions as a machine gunner in the turret of a Humvee; and part of his role required him to interrogate dozens of terrorist suspects. His work was deemed classified. Like many veterans, though, Daniel was haunted by the war when he returned home. He suffered from flashbacks, nightmares, depression, and additional symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, made worse by a traumatic brain injury. Daniel needed help. He and his family asked for help, but, unfortunately, the VA enrolled Sergeant Somers in group therapy sessions, which Sergeant Somers could not attend for fear of disclosing classified information. Despite repeated requests for individualized counseling, or some other reasonable accommodation to allow Sergeant Somers to receive appropriate care for his PTSD, the VA delayed providing Sergeant Somers with appropriate support and care. Like many veterans, Sergeant Somers' isolation got worse when he transitioned to civilian life. He tried to provide for his family, but he was unable to work due to his disability. Sergeant Somers struggled with the VA bureaucracy. His disability appeal had been pending for over 2 years in the system without any resolution. Sergeant Somers didn't get the help that he needed in time. On June 10 of 2013, Sergeant Somers wrote a letter to his family. In this letter he said: ``I am not getting better, I am not going to get better, and I will most certainly deteriorate further as time goes on.'' He went on in the letter to say: ``I am left with basically nothing. Too trapped in a war to be at peace; too damaged to be at war. Abandoned by those who would take the easy road, and a liability to those who stick it out and, thus, deserve better. So you see, not only am I better off dead, but the world is better without me in it. This is what brought me to my actual final mission.'' We lost Daniel Somers that day, and no one who returns home from serving our country should ever feel like he or she has nowhere to turn. Mr. Speaker, and Members, I am committed to working on both sides of the aisle to ensure that no veteran feels trapped like Sergeant Somers did, and that all of our veterans have access to appropriate mental health care. Sergeant Somers' story is familiar to too many military families. Sergeant Somers' parents, Howard and Jean, were devastated by the loss of their son, but they bravely shared Sergeant Somers' story and created a mission of their own. Their mission is to ensure that Sergant Somers' story brings to light America's deadliest war, the 20 veterans that we lose every day to suicide. Many of my colleagues have met with Howard and Jean. They are working with Congress and the VA to share their experiences with the VA healthcare system and find ways to improve care for veterans and their families. Our office worked closely with Howard and Jean to develop the Sergeant Daniel Somers Classified Veterans Access to Care Act. The Sergeant Daniel Somers Act ensures that veterans with classified experiences can access appropriate mental health services at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our bill directs the Secretary of the VA to establish standards and procedures to ensure that a veteran who participated in a classified mission, or who served in a sensitive unit, may access mental health care in a manner that fully accommodates his or her obligation to not improperly disclose classified information. The bill also directs the Secretary to disseminate guidance to employees of the Veterans Health Administration, including mental health professionals, on such standards and procedures on how best to engage veterans during the course of mental health treatment with respect to classified information. Finally, the bill directs the Secretary to allow veterans with classified experiences to self-identify so they can quickly receive care in an appropriate setting. The Sergeant Daniel Somers Act passed the House in February, but now we are waiting for the Senate to take action. No veteran or family should go through the same tragedy that the Somers family experienced, and we owe it to our veterans to pass and sign this bill into law. While we are waiting for Congress to act, Arizona is taking action. We are doing it ourselves. Our office took immediate action when we heard from brave whistleblowers about the tragedy at the Phoenix VA. We have now held nine veterans clinics, helping over 1,000 veterans and military members access the benefits they have earned. Our team helps veterans with everything they need, from housing to job placement, to education. Mr. Speaker, I will speak more about the work we are doing in Arizona, but I would like to yield to my colleague from New York (Mr. Gibson), who has bravely served our country.

Ms. SINEMA

Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Levin for yielding, and I thank Congresswoman McSally for working with me on introducing this bipartisan legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3590, the Halt Tax Increases on the Middle Class and Seniors Act. As the cost of health care shifts onto households, Congress must act to make sure that hardworking families can make ends meet. This bill provides commonsense and needed relief for hardworking Arizona families. It lowers the adjusted gross income threshold for claiming the medical expense deduction back to 7.5 percent and prevents a looming tax hike on Arizona seniors. According to a 2014 CRS report, medical expenses are the second largest deduction for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of under $50,000. Middle-income families who itemize deductions are more likely and more able to claim this deduction than high-income earners. According to 2014 IRS data, 98 percent of those claiming this deduction have incomes less than $200,000, and 84 percent claiming this deduction make less than $100,000 a year. More than half of those who claim this deduction earn less than $55,000 a year. So if we talk dollars, 94 percent of the dollars that go back to hardworking families to cover medical expenses went to filers who earn under $200,000 a year. While the annual growth in healthcare spending has slowed to historically low rates, the out-of-pocket costs for hardworking families continue to rise. This legislation provides modest relief for middle class families and seniors, and that is why it is strongly supported by the AARP. Again, Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Arizona for her bipartisan work on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3590.