Brad Wenstrup

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1313 would amend title 38 to allow certain surviving spouses of service-disabled small-business owners to continue to be classified as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business for a 3-year period following the death of the veteran owner. Current law limits the continuation to just the surviving spouses of disabled veterans rated at 100 percent by VA. By changing the law, we will enable surviving spouses of the vast majority of small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans to make the transition from a preferred VA contractor to the private sector market. This small change will also provide a large measure of financial stability to surviving spouses. I see this as another commonsense bill, and I thank Mr. McNerney for bringing it to us. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to add extraneous material on H.R. 1313.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Buchanan).

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, H.R. 91, as amended. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Thankfully, many of the Nation's businesses offer discounts to our servicemembers and veterans. Unfortunately, unless a servicemember is a qualified military retiree, the DOD does not issue an ID card as proof of service. That means millions of veterans cannot take advantage of those discounts or proudly share evidence of their honorable service. This bill would change that by directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to issue a veteran's ID card to any veteran who requests such card and who is not entitled to military retired pay nor is enrolled in the VA health care system. The bill would require the card to display the veteran's name and photograph, and it would serve as proof that the veteran honorably served in the Armed Forces. This bill would also require the Secretary to determine a fee to be charged that would cover all costs of producing the cards and of managing the program. The bill also specifies that the card does not entitle the holder to any VA benefits. I thank my colleague Mr. Buchanan for his efforts on this commonsense legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 474) to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a five-year extension to the homeless veterans reintegration programs and to provide clarification regarding eligibility for services under such programs.

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and add extraneous material on H.R. 474.

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 474, the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act of 2015 would extend this very good job training and placement program for homeless veterans. This bill would also make some commonsense changes to the program's eligibility rules by making veterans housed under the HUD-VA supported housing program and formerly incarcerated veterans eligible for HVRP. Mr. Speaker, by making those eligibility changes, we will be offering training and placement services to groups of veterans who are largely unemployed and have significant barriers to employment. The program's history of a job placement rate of 70 percent has been recognized by many as among the best in the Federal Government and I believe warrants its continuation. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1382) to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in awarding a contract for the procurement of goods or services, to give a preference to offerors that employ veterans, as amended.

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, to improve employment opportunities for veterans and business opportunities for the companies that employ them, H.R. 1382, as amended, would require the Secretary to consider the number of veterans working for an offerer in the decision to award a contract. Under the bill, the Secretary may give a preference to such employers based on the percentage of the workforce made up by veterans. The bill would also provide the Secretary with debarment authority for any offerer who willfully and intentionally misrepresents the number of veterans they employ. Mr. Speaker, the unemployment rate among certain age groups of veterans still exceeds their nonveteran peers, and this is one commonsense step to increase job opportunities for veterans of all ages. I thank Miss Rice for her hard work on this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Walorski amendment. Today, sadly, the threat from radical terrorism only continues to grow, and I take that threat very seriously. Unfortunately, the administration is still determined to close Guantanamo Bay detention facility, regardless of the risk that it poses to U.S. national security. As in previous conflicts, it is appropriate and lawful to hold detainees and, in this case, until al Qaeda and associated forces are defeated and surrender. Guantanamo is the safest and most appropriate location. It is secure and relatively distant from the United States and terrorist safe havens. Guantanamo also provides humane conditions for the detainees. They have appropriate access to health care, recreational activities, and cultural and religious materials. Members of the House of Representatives and others routinely visit Guantanamo and have seen the conditions in which the dangerous detainees are held. Additionally, data shows released Guantanamo detainees have a high rate of recidivism. New reports indicate that the U.S. military and intelligence community suspect that one of the Taliban Five has attempted to return to the fight. No one has escaped Guantanamo, unlike other terrorist detention facilities around the world, and the facility has not been attacked, unlike other facilities. I ask for your support.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Boy Scout Troop 6 as they achieve the distinguished Centennial celebration in the storied history of scouting in America. Formed in 1915, Troop 6 is the oldest continuously operating scout troop in the Dan Beard Council, and now marks its 100th year. Over those 100 years, scouting values have played an important role in our nation's history, contributing to the character development of millions of youth. Leading boys from the first steps of Tenderfoot through the rank of Eagle Scout, through merit badges, summer camps, and service projects, Troop 6 has instilled character and moral compass in countless young men over its 100 years. America and Ohio benefit from skills and values that scouting instills in our young men including self-reliance, a duty to God and country, appreciation of the outdoors, and committed citizenship. Our nation could benefit from more people taking the Scout Law to heart. Troop 6 has shown a dedicated commitment to our community and nation, leading numerous service projects and supporting our military members. Southwest Ohio is privileged to have such a distinguished scout troop. I look forward to Troop 6's next 100 years as they continue their legacy of service.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Dr. Rita Rice Morris on her twelve years of service to Shawnee State University. Dr. Morris, the longest-serving president in the storied history of Shawnee State University, is leaving behind a distinguished record of invaluable contributions to the institution, the community, and most importantly the students. During her tenure, Dr. Morris led the university through a period of unprecedented growth in enrollment, academic programming, and student services. Not constrained by the walls of Shawnee State, she oversaw the growth in partnerships and community support in Portsmouth and the region. Importantly, Dr. Morris touched the lives of young people by improving access to higher education at Shawnee State University. Her twelve-year presidency shepherded in a period of record-breaking growth in both enrollment and degree attainment. As Dr. Morris departs, Shawnee State University is a pioneering institution in new and innovative programs, including game design and digital simulation. We are all grateful for Dr. Morris' strong leadership at Shawnee State and in southern Ohio. Again, I congratulate Dr. Rita Rice Morris on her presidency, and I wish her the very best in her future endeavors.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, on March 27, another outstanding member of America's Greatest Generation departed from this world. Lieutenant John Leahr--Johnny, as he was known--a lifelong Cincinnatian, is an example of an American we should all strive to emulate. Lieutenant John Leahr was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American fighter pilots that flew missions protecting Allied bombers over the skies of Europe during World War II. On March 27, 2009, 6 years before Mr. Leahr's death, the Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Lieutenant Leahr had hoped that the successes of the Red Tails, as they were known, would shift the racial prejudices that African Americans faced before the war; but, after fighting fascism overseas, he had to continue fighting discrimination back home. Over the years, times changed, and the people of Cincinnati and our entire Nation began to recognize the heroism of Lieutenant John Leahr. I had the honor to get to meet John in recent years, and his story is remarkable, a story that needs to be told for unending generations. Today, I, with all of you, honor his courage and thank him for his unparalleled service.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a young woman and brave college athlete taken from us too soon. Her name is Lauren Hill. Many in Cincinnati know Lauren Hill's story of strength and resolve. Lauren stood as an inspiration to us all. Her dream was to play college basketball, and she committed to the Mount St. Joseph's women's team. Then cancer struck. Lauren was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Too many of us know the devastating feeling when a loved one receives a cancer diagnosis. Knowing that her days were limited, Lauren didn't let it stand in her way. She took her fight to the court. She played with a purpose. Her purpose was for others, not for herself. Although she passed away last Friday at the age of 19, she has left a legacy of hope for a cure. As thousands came to see Lauren play and to support her mission, she raised over $1 million through her nonprofit, a nonprofit to find cures for those that follow in her footsteps. Lauren Hill, you are an inspiration to the world. Number 22, God bless you.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the City of Portsmouth on their bicentennial anniversary and celebration. For 200 years, Portsmouth has stood proudly along the Ohio River, a gateway to the region and a testament to the work ethic of Southern Ohioans. Since incorporation in 1815, Portsmouth has been an industrial power house. A leader throughout the years in the rail, steel, and notably shoe wear industries, the people of Portsmouth know the value and pride from a hard day's work. They were the backbone of America's industrial boon. Today, Portsmouth stands firmly with one foot rooted in our shared history and one foot striding into the 21st Century. The well-known flood walls are a towering testament to the storied history of the region and its people, which include panels of the Hopewell culture, the NFL charter team Portsmouth Spartans, and a litany of community leaders throughout the city's history. Famous sons include Roy Rogers and Branch Rickey. The city is home to Shawnee State University, hosts thousands of cyclists for the Tour of the Scioto River Valley, and celebrates annually at the River Days festival. I am honored to represent Portsmouth today, an area of the state with such a rich history and strong community. Again, I congratulate Portsmouth on this historic milestone, and I wish the city the very best over their next 200 years.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Thank you, Congressman Stewart. I thank you for your service to our Nation in the Air Force and your service to our Nation here in Congress. I thank you for organizing this event here on the floor tonight. As my colleagues have highlighted this evening, on the eve of Prime Minister Netanyahu's address to Congress, we stand with Israel and the Israeli people, shoulder to shoulder, in the face of growing Islamic extremism. The United States was the first country to recognize Israel upon its founding in the years after World War II. Madam Speaker, it took us just 11 minutes to recognize the new nation cradled along the Mediterranean, in the land of Judea. Time and time again since then, Israel has been besieged, but our relationship has always stood firm, and that is because our friendship is built on the shared values of democracy, free enterprise, respect for life, and a commitment to a lasting peace. Madam Speaker, I contend that when your very existence is in question and your neighbors vow to wipe you off the map, it is more than helpful to have a committed ally; it is necessary for your very survival. Whether by the threat of terror tunnels and rocket barrages or the looming nuclear aspirations of Iran, now is not the time to turn away from our friend Israel. In these challenging times, I am disappointed when I hear disparaging comments coming from our own government directed towards our friends in Israel. I am disappointed when an anonymous senior Obama administration official describes the Prime Minister with words I can't repeat in this Chamber. I am disappointed when National Security Adviser Susan Rice calls the visit of our ally ``destructive.'' I am disappointed when my colleagues publicly turn their back on our ally and boycott the Prime Minister's speech. To them, I say: ``Let us make it clear that we will never turn our backs on our steadfast friends in Israel, whose adherence to the democratic way must be admired by all friends of freedom.'' These aren't my words, Madam Speaker. These are the words of John F. Kennedy 56 years ago, and they still ring true today. In stark contrast to the resolute JFK, the President is asking Congress to stand silently to the side in his quest to negotiate with Iran. I cannot do that. In these perilous times, we can't afford silence. Iran's unhindered quest for a nuclear weapon and support for global terrorism threatens the stability of the Middle East, the security of our allies in the region, and the very existence of Israel. Just last week, Iran conducted military drills to sink a replica Nimitz class aircraft carrier. While it made for some great propaganda film, I can't say it builds my confidence in Iran as negotiating in good faith. These hostile actions shouldn't be rewarded with further appeasement. Madam Speaker, I daresay that this administration is more willing to negotiate with Iran than with Congress. If this administration was as firm in negotiating with Iran as with veto threats, we might actually stop Iran from getting the bomb. We have a close ally in a dangerous region of the world and must stand strong. We are seeing too vividly the threat of radical Islam as its depravity sweeps across the Middle East. There is no more urgent of a time than right now for Congress to unequivocally stand with Israel. Tomorrow, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will be in this very Chamber speaking to Congress. The subject matter is timely: the threat of a nuclear Iran. In recent years, I have heard the leaders of Ukraine and South Korea address Congress, and we will soon hear from leaders of Afghanistan and the Vatican as well. I understand that President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan was invited in exactly the same manner as Prime Minister Netanyahu. It is curious as to why we don't hear the same roar of disapproval. We know that a nuclear Iran would tilt the balance of power across the region and across the world, throwing weight to the ill intentioned and the evil terrorist actors. This is a message that bears repeating again and again, whether by me or by the Prime Minister of Israel or by anybody who recognizes the threat. As steadfast allies in our commitment to freedom, democracy, and peace, I welcome Prime Minister Netanyahu tomorrow.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Madam Speaker, it is shocking: human trafficking is the fastest growing business of organized crime and the third largest criminal enterprise in the world. In my home State of Ohio, the most common age a child becomes victimized by trafficking is 13 years old. At 13, a child should be looking forward to their first days of high school, not living in fear. In 2014 alone, in Ohio, 98 arrests were made in human trafficking investigations, involving 181 potential victims. Today, the House is fighting back. The anti-trafficking bills this week will take aim at modern trafficking networks and the criminals who seek to abuse the lives of their victims. These bills encourage States to adopt safe harbor laws, enhance services for homeless youth, and further protect children in our Nation's foster system. We must help survivors reclaim their lives through heightened public awareness and increased collaboration among governments. Our Founders declared inherent and inalienable the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Human trafficking violates these core rights. A strong commitment to every human life will help the millions who suffer in the dark shadows of this heinous crime.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. ``Neither House, during the session of Congress, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.''

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, Dave Jones lived a life of service to freedom, to his faith, and to his family. Dave's wife Sally was a patient of mine, and I've had the opportunity to get to know their family over the past few years. Dave passed away late last month--a loss not only for his family, but also for fellow members of his church and the people of Cincinnati's East End who he served through his church's outreach program. Dave served in the military, returned home, raised a family, and ran a successful insurance business. Dave was a rugged man, but a tender husband, father and grandfather. At their church Dave and Sally taught Sunday School. Dave and Sally raised five sons and are proud grandparents to three girls and two boys. Today we share their sorrow, but also share the faith that Dave is enjoying his eternal reward. Dave Jones' legacy will continue through his children and grandchildren who learned firsthand from Dave's daily demonstration of faith through action, dedication to others, and love of family. It has been a true honor to know Dave and to represent him in Congress. Godspeed.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I missed two votes on September 18, 2014, due to being unavoidably detained at an earlier event. If I were present, I would have voted on the following: Thursday, September 18, 2014: Rollcall No. 512: On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 4, ``nay.'' Rollcall No. 513: On Passage of H.R. 4, ``yea.''

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the President's request to train vetted, moderate Syrian rebels, as I believe it is only one step in the right direction and it's supported by military experts. Tremendous oversight is going to be necessary in this effort. And unfortunately I fear, as do many experienced generals and military personnel, that it's part of a strategy that's insufficient to secure America's national security. The President's stated objective is to destroy ISIL. However, I believe that this overall strategy, and the means requested, are not enough to meet this objective. The current strategy relies on U.S. airpower in support of local forces. This is not a counterterrorism effort, and to destroy ISIL, it's necessary to have strong coordinated ground troops. The local ground forces the President is planning to rely on appear currently unready and they will need to operate with a strong central command and control. The President's strategy does not provide for U.S. Special Forces and the backing of our grounds troops, even though our military leaders have repeatedly suggested the exact recommendation. Our security is too important to base military strategy on political calculations. Our strategy must be firmly rooted in what is necessary in order to complete the mission and to ensure our security. From Clausewitz to Powell, military leaders have preached the necessity of decisive force. I served in Iraq. We heeded this wisdom and committed to win with decisive force. We acted on military reality and not political risk. We can do this again and fulfill the American objective to destroy ISIL, but we must commit ourselves to do what is necessary. Not only what it takes, but whatever it takes.

Mr. WENSTRUP

Mr. WENSTRUP. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the President's request to train vetted moderate Syrian rebels, as I believe it is only one step in the right direction and it is supported by military experts. Tremendous oversight is going to be necessary in this effort and, unfortunately, I fear, as do many experienced generals and military personnel, that it is part of a strategy that is insufficient to secure America's national security. The President's stated objective is to destroy ISIL; however, I believe this overall strategy and the means requested are not enough to meet this objective. The current strategy relies on U.S. airpower in support of local forces. This is not a counterterrorism effort, and to destroy ISIL it is necessary to have strong coordinated ground troops. The local ground forces the President is planning to rely on appear currently unready, and they will need to operate with a strong central command and control. The President's strategy does not provide for U.S. Special Forces in the backing of our ground troops, even though our military leaders have repeatedly suggested that exact recommendation. Our security is too important to base military strategy on political calculations. Our strategy must be firmly rooted in what is necessary in order to complete the mission and to ensure our security. From Clausewitz to Powell, military leaders have preached the necessity of decisive force. I served in Iraq. We heeded this wisdom and committed to win with decisive force. We acted on militarily reality and not political risk. We can do this again and fulfill the American objective to destroy ISIL, but we must commit ourselves to do what is necessary--not only what it takes, but whatever it takes.