Mark Walker

Mr. WALKER

Mr. WALKER. 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 bill under consideration.

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4960, a bill introduced by the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Hartzler) to name the post office at 511 East Walnut Street in Columbia, Missouri, in honor of Specialist Sterling William Wyatt. Sterling Wyatt was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri. Even before he graduated high school, Wyatt had shown great service and achievement. He participated in the youth group and operated the sound equipment for his church. He made the rank of Eagle Scout. He earned a black belt in tae kwon do, and he received a certification as a nurse attendant. After graduating high school in 2009, Wyatt continued his service, enlisting in the United States Army, where he was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, and was ultimately deployed to Afghanistan. On July 11, 2012, when on patrol in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Wyatt's vehicle was attacked by an IED, and he was killed in action at age 21. Specialist Wyatt made the ultimate sacrifice in his service of his nation. In recognition of his heroism, Specialist Wyatt was awarded the Medal of Valor, the Bronze Star, and the National Defense Service Medal, among others. We commend him for his service and honor him for his sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Hartzler for introducing the bill and look forward to hearing more about the bill from her in the next few minutes. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Hartzler), the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time

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

Mr. WALKER

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3230) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 915 Center Avenue in Payette, Idaho, as the ``Harmon Killebrew Post Office Building''.

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3230, a bill introduced by the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Labrador), to name the post office at 915 Center Avenue in Payette, Idaho, in honor of Harmon Killebrew. Harmon Clayton Killebrew was born in Payette, Idaho, in 1936. He began his career playing major league baseball in 1954. He played over 22 seasons with multiple teams, and when he retired in 1975, he had the fifth most home runs in major league history. Killebrew was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984. In 1976, Killebrew cofounded the Danny Thompson Memorial, an annual golf tournament that raises money for cancer research. Sadly, on March 17, 2011, at the age of 74, Killebrew passed away. He left an incredible legacy, one we continue to honor with this bill. I thank the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Labrador) for introducing this bill and look forward to hearing more from him about Killebrew in a few minutes. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Labrador), the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALKER

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 899) to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that the requirements that new Federal employees who are veterans with service- connected disabilities are provided leave for purposes of undergoing medical treatment for such disabilities apply to certain employees of the Veterans Health Administration, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 899, the Veterans Providing Healthcare Transition Improvement Act introduced by the junior Senator from Hawaii. S. 899 is the Senate version of H.R. 2648 introduced by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Stivers). In 2015, Congress enacted the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act. The Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act provides 104 hours of paid sick leave to newly employed veterans with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. The sick leave is used to attend medical treatment related to the service-connected disability and must be used within 12 months of beginning employment. The law, however, did not explicitly apply to veterans hired into certain medical occupations at the Department of Veterans Affairs. When the VA has applied the provisions of the act to these occupations, this bill would ensure new veterans hired in these positions continue to receive paid sick leave to treat their service- connected disability. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Stivers) for sponsoring the House version of this bill and for his dedication to caring for our Nation's veterans. I would also like to thank Chairman David Roe and his staff at the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs for working with us to bring this bill to the floor. I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, June 19, 2018. Hon. Trey Gowdy, Chairman, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 2648, the ``Veterans Transition Improvement Act,'' and its Senate companion, S. 899. There are provisions in the legislation that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this legislation, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bills, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bills which fall within its jurisdiction. I also request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions. Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 2648 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of this legislation on the House floor. Sincerely, David P. Roe, M.D., Chairman.

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Stivers), the champion of this bill and the sponsor of its House companion.

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALKER

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, everyone knows that the government has a spending problem. We have a moral responsibility to take every opportunity to help right the ship. In recent years, rescissions have been used as budget gimmicks to hide higher spending in appropriations bills. Today, the rescissions of unspent funds will instead be used for deficit reduction for the American taxpayers. At the Republican Study Committee, we have been working with the Office of Management and Budget on these spending cuts since last Fall. I am glad that those conversations led to something tangible in the form of the largest rescissions package in American history. I commend President Trump, Director Mulvaney, and House Leadership for their efforts in developing this package and securing the votes to bring this across the finish line. True, today's package is just a drop in the barrel of our total debt but this should be just the first of many rescissions packages. The members of the Republican Study Committee hope that this is true and that as we pass several rescissions packages, we can begin to bend the trajectory of our spending curve in the right direction.

Mr. WALKER

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. Our national debt stands at over $21 trillion. This is not a surprise to anybody. It should frighten us enough to immediately alter the behavior of this House. Congress approved the largely unpaid $1.3 trillion omnibus, several supplementals, and exploded 2 years of spending caps all in the last few months. Unsustainable, mandatory, and undisciplined discretionary spending designed decades ago has created a debt monster that is seemingly unstoppable. Over the last few months, we have heard a great deal with our Democratic friends and their newfound concern about the rising deficits and debt. So my question is: How many would join us in supporting the balanced budget amendment? Many Democratic Members in the past were willing to vote for what 49 out of 50 States already have, a balanced budget. In fact, in 1996, a balanced budget amendment garnered 72 Democratic votes in the House, including our esteemed colleague across the aisle, Mr. Hoyer. In 2011, the same version we are voting on today got 25 Democrat votes in support. I wonder how many have the courage to support it now. We know what it takes. We should roll back wasteful spending, including rescinding appropriations that aren't needed. We need to reform our entitlement programs, including getting able-bodied adults back to work. This is about hope, not judgment. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment that is our moral obligation to ensure the American Dream remains attainable for our children and for future generations.

Mr. WALKER

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passionate and committed volunteers of the Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell, in Burlington, North Carolina. It is fitting to recognize these individuals during April, National Volunteer Month. Hospice of Alamance-Caswell is the only non-profit hospice care center in the Burlington area. This organization depends on the efforts of volunteers and could not survive without their hard work. For decades, volunteers have donated their time to patients and family members, selflessly giving to those in need. These volunteers have demonstrated a commitment to the mission: to offer the right care, at the right time, in the right way. In addition to medical treatment, volunteers provide assistance and comfort for the families of patients. Through each step, administrative support, fundraising, patient care and companionship, these individuals are there in times when they are needed most. It is a privilege to honor the volunteers of the Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell. Through their hard work, compassion, and desire to serve, they demonstrate the charitable spirit we are so fortunate to have in North Carolina.

Mr. WALKER

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in remembrance of Steven Lindo Hall from High Point, North Carolina. As we honor the life of Steven Hall, I offer my deepest condolences to his colleagues, family, and friends. During his senior year of high school, Steve joined the U.S. Army Reserves out of a deep love for his country and abiding desire to serve. He graduated in 1981 from T. Wingate Andrews High School, where he played and then attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. On September 12, 1987, he married the love of his life, Jennifer Mowery Hall. She supported him through all his endeavors, as he was her strength in a picture of Christ's love for the church as a biblical marriage should be. As busy as he was helping and serving others, he always made time for her. Steven joined the Greensboro Police Department as his first job after graduating. One of his first assignments at the Department was to the Greensboro Housing PNRC, where he worked to serve the families in underprivileged neighborhoods in the city. While on that assignment, he worked with the UNCG Pi Kappa Phi, Congressman Howard Coble, and the Police Department to form a youth basketball league in the area. After a time working with the D.A.R.E. drug prevention program, he became a School Resource Officer at Western Guilford High School, where he served from 1994 until 2006. During this time, he served a year as the president of the North Carolina Association of School Resource Officers (NCASRO). During his spare time, he worked as a substitute teacher at High Point Central and other local high schools. In 1988, Steve worked with a group of men from the High Point area to found the High Point Little League, where he was a volunteer coach. He also coached at Southwest Guilford High School and at his own high school. He served as an advisor to the UNCG and High Point College chapters of Pi Kappa Phi and as a board member of the Hartley Drive YMCA. He was a member at the High Point Elks Lodge, where he served on the board and eventually became the Exalted Ruler in 2017. He and his wife raised his sons Miller and Tucker in their home on Suncrest Drive. He always encouraged his sons to be active, to volunteer and help others, and to be outgoing and kind. He always told them to hold the door for others and clean up messes no matter who made them. He was proud that his children attended Wesleyan Christian Academy and loved going to their various sporting events. He was a member at Christ United Methodist Church, where he often served on the multiple boards and served as a Sunday school teacher and an Upward basketball coach. He attended the church with his family and instilled in them his deep Christian faith. His job as an SRO--and much of his life--was put on hold in 2006 when he received orders to deploy to Afghanistan as a part of the War on Terror. He served two tours of duty there between 2006 and 2010. His service in the reserves continued from his enlistment until he retired from the Army in 2014. He worked out his time with the Greensboro Police Department until his retirement in 2013. He spent the remainder of his time with his family. He enjoyed family vacations at Holden Beach, trips to Clemson to watch football games with his older son, and road games where he cheered his younger son on playing lacrosse. He received many awards including the GPD Police Officer of the Year and Knights of Columbus Police Officer of the year. His awards in the U.S. Army include the NATO Afghanistan Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, US Navy Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Bronze Star. Everyone knew Steven by his smile and sense of humor. At every event he was the center of attention, though never by choice. He loved children and devoted most of his service, time, and energy to their safety, well-being, and happiness. He loved his country and was willing to give his life every day for its prosperity. He thought of others before himself and taught his children to do the same. He cared deeply for his wife, parents, and siblings and worked for their security. And he loved God, as everyone who met him could see from the joy in his face. Mr. Speaker, throughout his life Steven Hall showed dedication to his country, community and family. During his service in the United States Army and the Greensboro Police Department he demonstrated humility, putting the needs of others before his own. The testimony of Steven embodies the greatest qualities of humanity. The life of Steven Hall encourages us all to exemplify the commandment, not to be served, but to serve. On behalf of North Carolina and the United States of America, we are honored for the faithful service of Steven Lindo Hall.

Mr. WALKER

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, Reverend Billy Graham was the premier example of how faith, hope and love can transcend political parties, backgrounds, cultures and affiliations. Rev. Graham preached to tens of millions. He preached Christ. His death and resurrection. Despite holding favor and serving as a spiritual advisor to presidents, kings and queens--and having a world renowned impact and legacy--Graham always remained grounded in humility. That speaks to his character. But it speaks to Christ's spirit in Rev. Graham. Even as he preached to stadiums filled with tens of thousands, you knew that Rev. Graham cared about you as an individual, your life and your future. Earning the titles ``America's Pastor'' and ``North Carolina's favorite son,'' a small-town pastor from North Carolina, who grew up on a dairy farm, preached the love and name of Jesus Christ. Never wavering, he changed the world--bringing thousands of lives to salvation and eternal life. For me, Rev. Graham will always be remembered for his focus on redemption and the idea that there is limitless hope, opportunity and freedom for every human life. Though I am not worthy to carry the old worn out Bible of Billy Graham, I am honored to be presenting the resolution to authorize Rev. Graham's body to be the fourth American to lie in honor at the United States Capitol, the epicenter of our government. For almost a century, Rev. Graham changed lives and influenced our nation for the better. Though Reverend Graham never chased the honor of men, next week he will lie in honor for two days. We take comfort knowing that Rev. Graham has entered paradise and lives forever to honor the name above all names, the name of Jesus.

Mr. WALKER

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 107, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WALKER

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember William Cole Dotson, 92, Captain, USN (Ret.). Bill Dotson peacefully passed away on February 2, 2018, at his home in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Bill was born and raised in Hodgenville, Kentucky, the oldest of three siblings. Growing up during the Great Depression, he worked hard to help his family make ends meet, and never lost his affection for Hodgenville, his grandparents' farm, and the people who always knew him as ``Billy Cole.'' The values of thrift, work and self-reliance he developed there defined him throughout his life. Capt. Dotson had a long, distinguished naval career, holding command positions both at-sea and ashore. He enlisted during World War II, served in 1944 and 1945 and then was selected to attend the U.S. Naval Academy where he graduated in 1949. Bill served on the USS Fred T. Berry (DDE-858) from 1949 to 1951 where he was deployed to Korea. From 1951 to 1952 he was assigned to the USS Ingersol (DD-652). In 1952 he completed submarine training and from 1953 to 1955 was aboard the USS Tirante (SS-420). From 1955 to 1957, he taught NROTC at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, while concurrently earning a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He met his wife Katherine there in 1955. They were married the following year and became lifelong companions, having four sons and traveling the world with the Navy. From 1957 to 1958, he was an Engineering Officer on the USS Trumpetfish (SS-425) and from 1958 to 1960 he was the Executive Officer of the USS Sennet (SS-408). In 1962 he completed the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and then began service as Commanding Officer of the submarine USS Medregal (SS-480). From 1964 to 1967 he was the Head of the Plans and Programs Section of the Fleet Ballistic Missile Project Office in Washington, D.C. From 1967 to 1969, he was the Readiness Officer for COMSUBFLOTSIX. From 1969 to 1971, he was the Commanding Officer of the USS Observation Island (AG-154) which successfully conducted operational testing of the Poseidon missile. For his outstanding performance and inspiring devotion to duty as Commanding Officer, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Award. From 1971 to 1973, he was the Torpedo Systems Division Head at the Naval Ordnance Systems Command. From 1974 to 1976, he was the Chief of Staff at COMNAVMARIANAS in Guam. In this position he supervised the urgent Vietnamese refugee program, involving the processing, care, and onward routing of some 110,000 refugees after the fall of Saigon in 1975. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his exceptional performance and leadership of the program. He was also awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his meritorious work in planning, directing and coordinating all aspects of the island's preparation for Typhoon Pamela and the ensuing recovery operations. That storm disabled Guam's power, water, and telephone systems and badly damaged thousands of homes. In 1976 he and his family returned to the mainland and he served as Commanding Officer at NAVSEACENLANT in Norfolk, Virginia earning the Meritorious Service Medal. He served in this position until he retired in 1979. After his Navy retirement, Captain Dotson continued to support the Navy's mission in the private sector, applying his expertise to a variety of logistical and training projects. In his leisure time, he was an active Rotary Club member and bridge player and helped Katherine with her participation in weekend art festivals. Committed to the value of higher education, Bill took deep satisfaction in supporting the educational goals of his family and helped many earn undergraduate and graduate degrees. In 2011, Bill and Katherine relocated to North Carolina to be near their family. Bill delighted in the company of his children and six grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Katherine, he is survived by his sons, Mike, Jeff, Doug and Greg, their loving spouses, Patti, Maura, and Janine, and his grandchildren, Marli, Reed, Dahlia, Skyler, Julian and Bryce.

Mr. WALKER

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the North Carolina A&T State University football team, winner of the 2017 Celebration Bowl and the HBCU national championship. This win capped off a historic year for the undefeated Aggies, a first in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference history, and marks their second championship in 3 years. In the final minutes, the Aggies marched 56 yards in seven plays. The drive was capped off with a fake spike and a quarterback sneak on the goal line for the game-winning touchdown by Lamar Raynard. MVP Marquell Cartwright, who followed the great Tarik Cohen, rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns. With the guidance of Coach Broadway on the field and the leadership of Chancellor Harold Martin in the classroom, North Carolina A&T is leading the way in showing the great value and the importance of our Nation's HBCUs. I am proud to represent this distinguished school of academic and athletic excellence, leaving only one question remaining, Mr. Speaker: Can I get an ``Aggie Pride''?

Mr. WALKER

Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mayor Pro-Tem Yvonne Johnson, from Guilford County. I am honored to acknowledge Mrs. Johnson as she receives The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Awarded for exemplary service to the community and the State of North Carolina that is considered above and beyond the call of duty, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor. Mrs. Johnson has continually worked to make a positive impact in North Carolina. The citizens of Greensboro, Guildford County, and the entire state of North Carolina are truly fortunate to have Mrs. Johnson, an outstanding representative of our community and country. I join with her family, friends, and the Sixth District in thanking Mayor Pro-Tern Yvonne Johnson for her dedicated service to the city of Greensboro and the United States of America.