Mark Takano

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to express my support for S. 5314, a bill to designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center, introduced by Senator Lankford of Oklahoma. This legislation is a fitting tribute to the long and dedicated service of former U.S. Senator James Inhofe, whose legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to serving Oklahoma's veterans and ensuring that they receive the care and services they have earned. Born and raised in Tulsa, Senator Inhofe served in the Army before becoming a Senator. He demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service to his community until his death earlier this year. As we continue to make investments and support construction projects to improve veterans' access to care at VA facilities, we will remember Senator Inhofe's tireless support of the new VA facility that is currently under construction and that will soon bear his name. Mr. Speaker, I support S. 5314 and ask that my colleagues do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close. I ask all my colleagues to join me in passing S. 5314 to designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for S. 3938, a bill to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Lynchburg, Virginia, as the Private First Class Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic. I thank my colleague Senator Warner for introducing it. Private First Class Doss served with extraordinary courage during many of World War II's fiercest battles. His actions saved the lives of hundreds of his fellow soldiers, despite never being an active combatant, and his story is nothing short of heroic. I am proud to support this bill to honor his service. The son of a decorated World War I veteran, Mr. Doss was raised in Lynchburg, Virginia, as a devout Seventh-day Adventist. A cornerstone of his faith was pacificism, but despite this, he enlisted into the Army in April of 1942 following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. During our Nation's darkest hour, he made the patriotic decision to balance his religious belief in nonviolence with a calling to protect his Nation by pursuing a nonarmed role as an Army medic. Assigned to 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 307th Infantry Division, Private First Class Doss soon found himself in some of the Pacific theater's most intense combat. Notably, he was awarded two Bronze Star Medals for exceptional valor in Guam and the Philippines, aiding wounded soldiers under fire. Private First Class Doss and the members of the 77th Infantry Division were assigned a major role during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the bloodiest conflict in the Pacific. The nearly 3-month-long battle resulted in roughly 49,000 American casualties, including 13,000 servicemembers who were killed in action. Private First Class Doss demonstrated extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Okinawa, saving upwards of over 100 soldiers over the course of the conflict while routinely placing himself in the line of fire. Many of the casualties he saved were during operations during the notorious Maeda Escarpment, commonly called Hacksaw Ridge. Time and again in the conflict, Private First Class Doss exposed himself to heavy rifle and mortar fire to provide aid to wounded soldiers and evacuate them to safety. Even when Private First Class Doss sustained his own injuries, he never gave up on providing aid to his fellow soldiers. While tending to wounded soldiers during a night raid, Private First Class Doss was seriously wounded in the legs from a grenade blast. To avoid having another medic risk his life to save him, he valiantly cared for his own wounds and waited 5 hours before a medical evacuation team could reach him. Noticing a critically wounded soldier nearby, Private First Class Doss crawled off the litter he was laying on and ensured his evacuation team cared for that man first. In all, Private First Class Doss saved the lives of 75 wounded infantrymen. For his tremendous bravery and heroism, Private First Class Doss was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman on October 12, 1945. The immense courage, sacrifice, and patriotism that Private First Class Doss displayed while serving in the Pacific theater are in many ways unfathomable. As a nation, we owe him a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid, but we should commit to honoring his legacy. I can think of no better way to ensure that his service is remembered for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I support this important piece of legislation, and I ask that my colleagues do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in passing S. 3938 to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Lynchburg, Virginia, as the Private First Class Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for H.R. 4955. This bill will designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, as the Henry Parham VA Clinic. I thank my colleague, Representative Lee, for introducing this bill. A member of a segregated Army unit, Private First Class Parham was likely the last surviving African-American D-day combat veteran. His heroic actions during perhaps the most famous military operation in American history are worthy of our continued gratitude. It is my pleasure to support this bill to do just that. Mr. Parham was born in Emporia, Virginia, in November 1921 and was the son of a sharecropper. With limited educational opportunities in Emporia for African Americans, Mr. Parham moved to Richmond as a teenager to begin work as a porter for Trailways buses. Following American entry into World War II, Mr. Parham was drafted into the Army at age 21. His unit, the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, had the mission of protecting ground forces by raising the hydrogen- filled balloons to disrupt and down enemy aircraft. The 320th, an all-Black unit, initially trained in Tennessee before being sent to England in 1943 to prepare for the D-day invasion. Landing on Omaha Beach hours after the first wave of American troops, Private First Class Parham and his unit encountered heavy German fire and casualties spread across the battlefield. Private First Class Parham survived the assault at Omaha Beach, and his service continued in the months to come. Private First Class Parham and the 320th remained at Omaha Beach for 2 months following the June 6 invasion. This unit played a critical role in protecting supply lines and troop movements for follow-on operations in the region. The actions of Private First Class Parham and the 320th were crucial to the ultimate defeat of Nazi forces and Allied victory in Europe. Private First Class Parham and the 320th returned to the United States in November of 1944. They were stationed in Hawaii. The unit began preparing for deployment to the Pacific as part of the planned invasion of Japan. They were still in Hawaii when atomic bombs were dropped on Japan in August 1945, ending the war. After World War II ended, Mr. Parham and his wife, Ethel, settled in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for years in the region. Following his retirement, both Mr. and Mrs. Parham became active volunteers at local VA hospitals and with The American Legion. Mr. Parham, like so many members of the Greatest Generation, answered his Nation's call to serve to protect democracy at home and abroad. During a time of racial division, Mr. Parham remained committed to a country that often treated him as a second-class citizen. His actions with the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion on D-day and the months that followed are deserving of our continued gratitude and respect. What is more, his work with fellow veterans as a volunteer in his post-military life demonstrated a lifelong commitment to our Nation's heroes. There is perhaps no better way to honor Mr. Parham than to ensure that this community facility bears his name and helps to educate the public about his service. Mr. Speaker, I support this important piece of legislation. I ask my colleagues do the same, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Lee), the author of H.R. 4955 and my very good friend who serves on the Oversight and Accountability Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in passing H.R. 4955, a bill to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, as the Henry Parham VA Clinic, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for H.R. 8667, a bill to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Cadillac, Michigan, as the Duane E. Dewey VA Clinic introduced by Representative Moolenaar. Risking his own life to protect his fellow marines, Corporal Dewey demonstrated incredible bravery while serving in the Korean war. His heroic service deserves to be memorialized in his home State of Michigan, and I am proud to support this bill to do just that. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mr. Dewey was a foundry worker at National Motor Casting at the beginning of the Korean war. Determined to support his Nation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in 1951 for an indefinite enlistment. Corporal Dewey completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. He then underwent intensive combat training in Camp Pendleton, California. At the completion of his training, Corporal Dewey deployed to Korea as a member of weapons platoon Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines in September 1951. Corporal Dewey and the members of Company E participated in the United Nations summer-fall offensive of 1951 and in the second winter during the Korean war. On April 16, 1952, Corporal Dewey and the roughly 80-member Company E found themselves under attack near Panmunjom, a village at the border between what is now North Korea and South Korea. Outnumbered by nearly 700 enemy forces, Corporal Dewey directed his machine gun squad to provide continuous suppressive fire. As Corporal Dewey was being treated for wounds sustained by a grenade explosion, another grenade landed in their vicinity. Despite his injuries, Corporal Dewey immediately alerted his machine gun squadron and the hospital corpsmen treating his wounds that a grenade had just landed. Corporal Dewey launched himself on top of the grenade to minimize impact to his fellow marines, sacrificing his own safety and saving the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. The grenade exploded, lifting him off the ground and leaving serious wounds throughout his body. Corporal Dewey was evacuated to hospitals in Japan and then back to the United States for treatment and rehabilitation for his serious shrapnel and gunshot wounds. He was released from Active Duty on August 19, 1952. For his heroic actions, Corporal Dewey was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1953. He was the first person to be awarded the Medal of Honor by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who famously told Dewey that he ``must have a body of steel.'' The uncommon valor Corporal Dewey displayed while serving in Korea is worth our continued recognition and appreciation. His service is a reminder of the sacrifices that Americans from all walks of life have made in defense of our freedoms. It is fitting to honor his legacy by naming the VA clinic in Cadillac, Michigan, for Corporal Dewey. Mr. Speaker, I support this important piece of legislation, and I ask my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in passing H.R. 8667 to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Cadillac, Michigan, as the Duane E. Dewey VA clinic, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for H.R. 9124, a bill to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Auburn, California, as the Louis A. Conter VA Clinic, which was introduced by Representative Kiley of California. Lieutenant Commander Louis A. Conter, the last remaining survivor of the attack on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, embodied the highest ideals of military service and American valor. I am proud to support this bill to honor his service. During the fateful attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, he helped evacuate shipmates who were blinded, wounded, and burned. In the days following the attack, he helped recover bodies and put out smoldering fires. Lou Conter's heroic actions saved the lives of many of his shipmates. Mr. Conter continued to serve with distinction throughout World War II as a naval aviation pilot, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for rescuing 219 Australians trapped by Japanese troops in New Guinea. Later, during the Korean war, he served as both an intelligence officer and naval aviation pilot aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard. In addition to the Distinguished Flying Cross, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal and became the first recipient of the USS Arizona Medal of Freedom. After retiring from Active Duty, he continued to serve the Nation as a military intelligence adviser to three Presidents: Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson. In the 1950s, he helped establish the Navy's survival, evasion, resistance, and escape, or SERE, training program. Following his retirement from the Navy in 1967 after 28 years of service, Lieutenant Commander Conter remained active in his community. He generously shared his experiences at veteran ceremonies and delivered lectures to students. His passing on April 1 of this year marked the end of a life dedicated to service and preservation of American military history. He is very deserving of this recognition for his decades of service to a grateful nation. Mr. Speaker, I support this important piece of legislation, and I ask my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, I support this important piece of legislation, and I ask that my colleagues do the same. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in passing H.R. 9124 to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Auburn, California, as the Louis A. Conter VA clinic, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for S. 141, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. If that title sounds familiar, it is because all of my Democratic colleagues already voted for this bill. We passed the House version in November, and then we had to work to overcome Senate Republican holds on the House bill. Despite those holds, no substantive changes were made to the bill as a result of these negotiations. Many of my Democratic colleagues have important provisions in this bill, and what was agreed to during the time the bill was held up were some technical changes that were agreed to by the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees, though this resulted in the slightly updated bill being incorporated into a Senate amendment that was included in the shell of the companion to the original bill, Representative Julia Brownley's bill, the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, which she worked on for many years. Mr. Speaker, it has been quite a long and winding journey for this bill, which was unfortunate, but I am glad we can at least pass some significant legislation for veterans this Congress, even if it comes at the last possible moment. When reasonable minds work together, we can find consensus and deliver something for veterans. Hopefully that lesson will be taken to heart as we head into the next Congress. I support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to reaffirm their support, and let's get it to President Biden's desk. Mr. Speaker, I support S. 141, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in passing S. 141, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for S. 2513, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act. I thank Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Luttrell and Ranking Member Pappas for working in a bipartisan manner on the House companion to this package, which passed this body in September of last year. I also commend Representative Ciscomani and Representative McGarvey for their contributions to this bill. Mr. Speaker, this bill makes several important changes that will help to streamline the medical disability exam process for veterans. It will also help to strengthen recruitment, hiring, and retention at the Board of Veterans' Appeals by creating a new internship program for law students and will expand the reimbursement programs for current employees to include student loans, professional development activities, bar exam fees, and dues. Mr. Speaker, this bill also increases by one the number of temporary judges appointed to the Court of Appeals for Veterans' Claims, allowing the court to process cases faster and grant veterans and survivors the relief they deserve. Unfortunately, this is a much-pared-back provision from the version originally considered by the House last year. This bill languished because Senate Republicans refused to expand the court, albeit on a temporary basis, until this moment. How curious. Nevertheless, I do support this expansion, and I hope that we can do more in the future. I support S. 2513, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in passing S. 2513, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, as California's fire season draws to a close, I rise to express my deepest gratitude to CAL Fire, Riverside County, and the city of Riverside firefighters for their unwavering dedication to keeping our community safe. This past season, the Canyon Crest, Hawarden, Minton, and Eagle fires scorched for than 2,500 acres in Riverside County. As we see the intensity and frequency of fire emergencies grow, our local firefighters have consistently risen to the occasion, to working around the clock, putting their health and safety on the line, and tirelessly battling the flames to protect our homes and families. I also acknowledge the tremendous contributions of former Riverside Fire Chief Michael Moore, who retired after more than 40 years of dedicated service this past September, and I extend my congratulations to Chief Steve McKinster as he assumes the leadership of the Riverside Fire Department.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the service of Julian A. Purdy, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Policy of Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) in the U.S. Department of Labor. The Deputy Assistant Secretary previously served on our Committee's staff, and has proven his dedication to America's veterans, servicemembers, and their families over his impressive career thus far. Mr. Purdy's career began with his time as a Counterintelligence Agent and Human Intelligence Collector in the U.S. Army Reserves from 2004- 2012. During this time, Mr. Purdy deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He balanced his obligations in the Reserves with service-oriented civilian careers, including working as an instructor for future military intelligence Soldiers. Following his military service, Mr. Purdy began a career within the Federal Government, first with the House of Representatives. As a Legislative Assistant for Rep. Adam Smith (WA-9), he managed a diverse portfolio of policy issues, including veteran affairs, gun reform and criminal justice. While serving as a Professional Staff Member on the House VA Committee's Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, Mr. Purdy was responsible for policy related to veteran transition, education, employment and housing. Since arriving at the DOL, Mr. Purdy has led numerous critical projects, including overseeing President Biden's White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Further, he spearheaded the DOL signing MOUs with HBCUs to ensure veterans attending HBCUs leverage the programs available through American Job Centers. Additionally, Mr. Purdy led the Office of Strategic Outreach in aligning with the White House's Defense Industrial Base strategy by addressing critical labor shortages. This effort included supporting the Department of the Navy to strengthen national security through workforce solutions for building submarines and warships. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Purdy for his outstanding professional achievements and his dedicated service to our Nation and its Veterans.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the service of James D. Rodriguez, the U.S. Department of Labor's Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS). The Assistant Secretary has been a critical resource for the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and we all owe him our gratitude for his life of public service. Mr. Rodriguez enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1988. Over the course of his 21-year career in the USMC, Mr. Rodriguez deployed several times, including as part of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. Mr. Rodriguez's post-military career has centered around supporting our Nation's Veterans. After separating from the USMC, he entered the private sector, spearheading Government Relations initiatives with companies like BAE systems and Deloitte. While at BAE, Mr. Rodriguez served as a liaison for the White House Joining Forces initiative while developing a program to hire Veteran employees. The program ultimately led to the hiring of more than 1,500 Veterans. In 2014, Mr. Rodriguez transitioned to a new role at the Department of Defense, serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Office of Warrior Care Policy. Here, he developed a strategic roadmap to align business processes and procedures for WCP while working alongside international partners to enhance warrior care. In his current role with DOL, Mr. Rodriguez is responsible for preparing America's veterans, service members and their spouses for meaningful careers. During his tenure with DOL, he expanded DOL VETS' Vision statement to be inclusive of our reserve & Guard components and Military Spouses while aligning with the White House's Defense Industrial Base strategy to address critical labor shortages. He further served as the Department's Designee for the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and co-chaired for the White House's taskforce on suicide prevention. For his efforts supporting Veterans and labor initiatives, Mr. Rodriguez recently received the University of Maryland's Global Campus' 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Award, the highest alumni award granted at UMGC. Beyond his professional accolades, Mr. Rodriguez is a proud father to two daughters, Courtney and Casey Rodriguez, and a husband to Vanessa Rodriguez--who is also a Marine Veteran. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Rodriguez for his outstanding professional achievements and his dedicated service to our Nation and its Veterans.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember a giant of the legal world, Ted Olson. It may seem odd that a Democrat would stand on the floor of the House of Representatives to honor this rock-ribbed Republican lawyer. Remember, this is the man who successfully argued Bush v. Gore, and later represented the Bush administration before the Supreme Court. Mr. Olson's conservative vision did not come at the expense of those who some of his peers sought to relegate to the margins. He stood up for people like Dreamers and LGBTQ+ Americans because he understood that everyone had the right to pursue the American Dream. I am personally grateful that he took up and won Hollingsworth v. Perry, the case that overturned California's Proposition 8 and restored marriage equality to my home State of California. As we honor Mr. Olson, I remain hopeful that my Republican friends will honor his vision for conservatism, one that brings people together and not divides them.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 9495. As Members of Congress, it is our duty to stand against terrorism and stand up for our common values, but this bill does neither. What does it do? What it does is grant sweeping draconian powers to the executive branch to essentially shut down any nonprofit. On what basis would future administrations, Democratic or Republican, be able to exercise such power? On a mere accusation. I repeat, an accusation. All nonprofits could be under scrutiny. These are decent people who are advocating on issues from religious freedom to animal welfare. Mr. Speaker, why would conservatives, the very same people who gnashed their teeth at executive overreach, support such a measure? Why would they suddenly about-face and sacrifice the values they claim to stand for? It is because this is a gift to the President-elect, Mr. Trump, wrapped up in a bow right before the holidays. On the campaign trail, he has made no secret of who he would seek to go after. This is bigger than the President-elect because now every President who would be king would be free to seek vengeance on their political opponents for every perceived slight. I caution my colleagues to consider how far-reaching the consequences of this bill would be. This bill would apply to all future Presidents. At a time when we should be strengthening our checks and balances and shoring up our guardrails, this legislation would do the opposite. Mr. Speaker, in the strongest possible terms, I urge my colleagues to vote against this executive branch power grab.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. In closing, Madam Speaker, I support S. 3126, the Mark Our Place Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3126, the Mark Our Place Act. I thank Senator Mike Braun for introducing this bill and Representative Morgan Luttrell for introducing the House companion. This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish a headstone, marker, or medallion signifying the status of a deceased member of the Armed Forces as a Medal of Honor recipient regardless of when the member served. In spite of what the President-elect may think, the Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. Since 1976, VA has provided distinctive government- furnished headstones and markers for Medal of Honor recipients to recognize this prestigious honor. Under current law, only Medal of Honor recipients who served after 1917 are eligible for such markers, meaning many recipients, principally from the Civil War era, have not been able to receive the full array of honors from VA. This will remedy that situation and allow descendants of those recipients who served prior to 1917 to request appropriate markers to honor their loved ones. Madam Speaker, I support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Davis), my good friend and also a veteran who is a member of the House Agriculture Committee and House Armed Services Committee.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2181, as amended, the Keeping Military Families Together Act. I thank Senator Gary Peters for introducing this bill and Representative Chris Pappas, the ranking member of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, for introducing similar legislation in the House. This bill extends two Department of Veterans Affairs burial benefits provided to spouses and dependent children of veterans or Active Duty servicemembers. Specifically, the bill requires VA to provide memorial headstones or markers for spouses or dependent children of veterans or servicemembers who were serving on Active Duty at the time of the spouse's or child's death. Additionally, the bill authorizes burial in any open national cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration for a spouse or dependent child of veterans or servicemembers who were serving on Active Duty at the time of the spouse's or child's death. Madam Speaker, these burial authorities were set to expire at the end of October, and many families would have been faced with extremely difficult decisions about where to inter their loved ones. Thankfully, we were able to extend these authorities for an additional year in the most recent continuing resolution. However, families of veterans need more certainty. While I am disappointed that we couldn't extend these authorities permanently, as Senator Peters and Ranking Member Pappas had originally intended, the additional 7 years presented in this bill will still allow for some time for some long-term end-of-life planning for many families. Madam Speaker, I support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.