Mike Bost
Representative for Illinois · Republican · United States
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week. This week means some very special things to me. I know this business firsthand. I was born and raised in the trucking business. My grandfather started a trucking business in 1933.”
House of Representatives14 September 2026Source ↗
“I grew up in it, from washing trucks to I have never had a car license. When I was 16 years old, I got my license as a tractor-trailer license because it was before CDLs. Therefore, I started delivering goods and running and working in the business. I know the business well. It is not an easy job. It is early mornings. It is late nights.”
House of Representatives14 September 2026Source ↗
“Yes, they get paid, but some of those things they give up can't be gotten back, like time with their families. We do want to say thank you to them for every mile they drive. Thank you for supplying all of these store shelves and growing our economy, and thank you for keeping America moving every single day.”
House of Representatives14 September 2026Source ↗
“Those organizations represent veterans, survivors, Gold Star families, wounded veterans, military families, advocates, and professionals who work directly with the people this bill would help.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, veterans groups from The American Legion to the Wounded Warrior Project support this bill. Survivor groups like the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors support this bill. Caregiver organizations, like the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, support this bill. They all want this bill to pass.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I don't think that the ranking member is caught up on current events. Just recently, just to confirm what we already knew, the VA officials confirmed that they are moving ahead with the changes on tinnitus, sleep apnea, and disability benefits.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
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“Yes, they get paid, but some of those things they give up can't be gotten back, like time with their families. We do want to say thank you to them for every mile they drive. Thank you for supplying all of these store shelves and growing our economy, and thank you for keeping America moving every single day.”
House of Representatives14 September 2026Source ↗
“I grew up in it, from washing trucks to I have never had a car license. When I was 16 years old, I got my license as a tractor-trailer license because it was before CDLs. Therefore, I started delivering goods and running and working in the business. I know the business well. It is not an easy job. It is early mornings. It is late nights. It is long stretches far from home and a whole lot of responsibility. That is another reason why we need to make sure that the people who are doing it are well trained, are people who understand our language, who understand what it is to speak that language, and understand, when you are rolling down the road, how to be safe with 80,000 pounds-plus of vehicle.”
House of Representatives14 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week. This week means some very special things to me. I know this business firsthand. I was born and raised in the trucking business. My grandfather started a trucking business in 1933. My dad and my uncle moved and grew that business, and I spent my life growing up in that business. I drove my first tractor-trailer across a lot when I was 9 years old. Now, I also first drove my first end-loader through the side of a new garage at about 6, but that is another story. I spent my whole life around the trucking industry. I went off to the Marine Corps, but I came back home and ran the business for 10 years. My brother and my cousin now run it still. It started out as W.J. Bost & Sons, and it is now Bost Trucking.”
House of Representatives14 September 2026Source ↗
“I would encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“If you don't believe this marine is serious about helping veterans--and I am telling you I took a lot of crap this week--I can tell you this: I will stand and always stand for my veterans. I am the son of a veteran. I am the grandson of a veteran. I am the nephew of a veteran. I am the father of a veteran, and I am the grandfather of two of them. Mr. Speaker, I have heard a lot this week. I am going to tell you, we have worked hard and did the best we can to put the best bill forward. It is the best bill that has been around in decades. Do we want the bureaucrats to make the decision and not support those areas where we are trying to help our veterans? You can love it. You can hate it, but I am telling you, this is the best thing we can do for veterans right now.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Also, whether they want to admit it or not, the problem with most of these organizations that were in opposition is because they didn't want the offset. That offset, as I have told you this morning, as the VA has said exactly what we said, they are going to implement it. The question for my colleagues is very simple: Do they want to use their Article I power to make decisions, as we should in Congress, to direct that money to our veterans and where they need it? We have sat and looked at these over and over again. We have also passed some of these bills and sent them over to the Senate to die because they don't have an offset. This isn't an easy game, and it is not a game.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Those organizations represent veterans, survivors, Gold Star families, wounded veterans, military families, advocates, and professionals who work directly with the people this bill would help. When the ranking member claims that veterans do not want this package, that ignores millions of voices in the veterans' community who are asking Congress to act. This bill includes longstanding priorities for veterans and, importantly, it does so in a way that is paid for and capable of actually moving from here to the Senate and to the President's desk. At some point, we have to decide whether we are going to keep talking about these promises or actually move a package that can become law. I believe that this package is a serious, responsible step forward, and I reject the idea that veterans do not want this Congress to act on this bill.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. I will respond to a few claims that the veterans do not want this package. It is just not true. The ranking member can disagree on the bill. He can disagree on the offset. He can argue that they would have written the package differently, but I do not think it is accurate to suggest the veterans' community, as a whole, is somehow united against this legislative package.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), the Representative from Florida's 12th District.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I don't think that the ranking member is caught up on current events. Just recently, just to confirm what we already knew, the VA officials confirmed that they are moving ahead with the changes on tinnitus, sleep apnea, and disability benefits. VA has made no move to withdraw the sleep apnea and/or those from the changes that will then save the money that then the bureaucrats will control. So as we are moving forward--I mean, the ranking member can keep saying things that aren't true, or he can admit this is an issue, and that is where we are coming up with the revenue. That being said, let me tell you the next person I want to yield time to has worked on the Major Richard Star Act for years, as did his father before him. With that, Mr.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“The question is whether the savings associated with the proposed deployment and changes by the VA should remain in their control and the bureaucrats' control, or do we make it through our Article I power to reinvest into our veterans and their families. H.R. 9237 chooses veterans. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to look at the testimony of Josh Jacobs, Biden Under Secretary for Benefits, and Nina Tann, President Trump's Executive Director of the Compensation Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Taylor), a good friend.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“In testimony before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee in January 2026, VA officials stated that the Department intended to continue moving forward with respiratory ear-body system, rulemaking, and anticipated completing those efforts by the end of year 2026. That testimony was not given by career staff acting alone. In fact, just this morning, VA officials confirmed that they are planning to move forward with the proposed rule on sleep apnea and tinnitus. The testimony represents the official position of the Department at the time it was delivered to Congress. The question before us is not whether Congress created these proposed changes. We did not. VA's announcement makes their intention clear. This is moving forward regardless, but Ranking Member Takano would rather play politics.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the ranking member knows VA has an obligation to update disability conditions based on the latest science and medicine. In his opening, he said that I am not a doctor. He is right. I am a marine. I am a truck driver, and somehow I have been blessed to serve our veterans as the chairman of the committee. He is not a doctor either. Likewise, he has been blessed by his community to be here, but what I do want to say is, for the record, the proposed changes for sleep apnea and tinnitus aren't developed by Congress. They were developed by VA physicians. They are doctors--medical experts, doctors--and researchers under the Biden administration as part of the ongoing disability rating modernization efforts.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“9237 asks a simple question: Do we have veterans' backs? Do we have the backs of fellow Americans who raise their right hand to serve in defense of this great country, the Gold Star families who carry the cost of their loved one's sacrifice, or caregivers who every single day care for a disabled veteran family member? For me, the answer will always be ``yes,'' both during service and after. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, veterans groups from The American Legion to the Wounded Warrior Project support this bill. Survivor groups like the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors support this bill. Caregiver organizations, like the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, support this bill. They all want this bill to pass. Chairman Moran and I have worked for months to try to enact a law that will help the greatest number of veterans. I believe we have offered that kind of package today. I want to take a moment to share what we have heard directly from veterans. Mission Roll Call, a national nonpartisan organization dedicated to serving veterans and their families, recently conducted a survey on my bill. They found 71 percent of veterans support the bill. I think that is a clear choice. Mr. Speaker, as our Nation observes its 250th birthday, H.R.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“As Congress continues its consideration of this legislation, we urge Members to preserve and strengthen key protections: no retroactive harm to veterans currently receiving compensation; prospective application only to future claims or future requests for increased ratings; full transparency from VA, the White House, and the Administration regarding any independent regulatory or policy action; and a final package that ensures expanded benefits are delivered responsibly and effectively. We are committed to working with Congress, VA, the Administration, coalition partners, and the broader veteran community to improve the pay-for, identify any credible alternative path forward, and secure the strongest possible outcome.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Given that reality, we believe the practical question before Congress is whether this process should continue so these resources can be reinvested in veterans, caregivers, families, and survivors, or whether the opportunity to enact this package is lost while unresolved funding questions remain. We support advancing the Take Care of America's Veterans Act because the bill represents a net expansion of benefits and support for the veteran community and contains protections intended to prevent reductions for current beneficiaries. The goodness and positive impact of this package should not be lost in the debate over its financing.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Veterans do not need a bill that makes Members feel good for a day and then dies in the Senate. They need legislation that can pass. Mr. Speaker, veterans groups agree. I include in the Record a letter from 20 different veterans organizations in support of this legislation. Richard Star Act would be funded through the defense authorizing committees and fu11y end the unjust wounded veteran tax on combat-injured warriors. Pay-as-you-go rules would be waived for these earned benefits. There would be complete clarity from the Administration and VA about whether long-anticipated VASRD changes will proceed independently of this bill.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“This is not about denying these conditions exist. Let's be clear. This is not cutting benefits. No one will lose their benefits who are receiving them. {time} 0920 It is about making sure the VA rating schedule follows modern science and using those savings to fund the expansion of benefits and other VA programs. Mr. Speaker, if we don't pass H.R. 9237 today, VA can make these rating changes as planned but the savings would go back to one place: Big Government. I want those savings to go instead into the pockets and the benefits for millions of veterans and their families. Mr. Speaker, as a United States Marine Corps veteran, you can bet your bottom dollar that I believe that this bill would not harm a single veteran, and I would not bring it forward to this floor if I thought it would.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“The Take Care of America's Veterans Act would expand benefits and push VA to do better. Mr. Speaker, I also want to address how this bill is funded, as I have heard a lot of misinformation about this point. H.R. 9237 would codify VA's own pending regulation on how to evaluate sleep apnea and tinnitus' effect on a veteran's workplace earnings. This regulation was proposed by the Biden-era VA in 2022, created by VA's team of doctors and researchers. It was part of VA's efforts to modernize its disability rating schedule created in the 1940s. President Biden's Under Secretary for Benefits, Josh Jacobs, testified in favor of these changes at his confirmation hearing. Earlier this year, VA's executive director of compensation confirmed plans to finalize these changes this year.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“These American families have not seen a meaningful increase in decades. Mr. Speaker, this bill also includes the Veterans' ACCESS Act. Veterans should be able to access healthcare in their own communities. Too many veterans still face delays, confusion, and barriers when trying to use VA community care. This bill would also improve mental health care and community-based suicide prevention. A veteran's healthcare should be driven by the veteran's needs, not by government control. H.R. 9237 would improve education benefits and vocational training to help veterans transition into civilian life. It would modernize the VA's claims and appeals process so veterans have a system that works for them. It would streamline the way VA handles construction, leasing, contracting, IT, and finances.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on H.R. 9237.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“The bill, as amended, shall be debatable for 1 hour, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, or their respective designees. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each will control 30 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. General Leave”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1423, I call up the bill (H.R. 9237) to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, and other Federal laws, to improve benefits for veterans and the administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“In 2002, Pat enlisted in the United States Army. He served with the 75th Ranger Regiment. During his second deployment--I will say that again--his second deployment, while serving in Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Pat's unit came under attack. Pat died in action while providing cover for his fellow soldiers. Because of his courage, his fellow soldiers were able to escape danger. For his bravery and sacrifice, Pat was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Silver Star. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4288 is a fitting tribute to Pat Tillman, a son of San Jose, a professional athlete, an Army Ranger, and an American hero who gave up fame and fortune to serve the country he loved. By naming the VA clinic after him, we would ensure that his story of courage, service, and sacrifice will continue for decades.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“He had a successful career ahead of him and could have made millions of dollars by continuing to play professional football. Yet, after the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, Pat Tillman made a different choice. When his country needed him, Pat answered the call. He put the needs of his country above his own dreams, above his own career, and above the life of comfort and success that he already earned. Mr. Speaker, that is the definition of an American hero. When terrorists struck the Twin Towers, Pat, like so many other Americans, ran toward the fight. Pat once said: ``A lot of my family has . . . gone and fought in wars. And I really haven't done a damned thing as far as laying myself on the line like that, and so I have a great deal of respect for those that have and what the flag stands for.'' Those were not empty words.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4288, to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in San Jose, California, as the ``Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic,'' sponsored by Representative Panetta. Pat Tillman was born and raised in San Jose, California. He first made his name on the football field at Leland High School, helping lead his team to a Central Coast Division I championship. He carried that same drive and determination to Arizona State University, where he excelled both as a student and as an athlete. Mr. Speaker, after being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 1998, by 2000, Pat had become the team's star safety. He had achieved what so many young athletes dreamed of. He was playing in the NFL.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 4288.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4288) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in San Jose, California, as the ``Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic''.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“The West Haven VA Medical Center became an important part of that journey. It was there that Captain Bucha received treatment, continued his advocacy, and ultimately spent his final days. Naming this facility in his honor would ensure that future generations of veterans remember Captain Bucha and his service, not only for his actions in combat, but for what he continued to do for his fellow veterans long after his time in uniform was over. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4647 honors a Medal of Honor recipient, a tireless advocate, and a man whose life was defined by service to others. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4647, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4647, the Captain Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025, sponsored by Representative DeLauro. This bill would designate the West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut as the Captain Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha VA Medical Center. Captain Paul ``Bud'' Bucha was an American hero whose life exemplified courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans, both on the battlefield and at home. After graduating from West Point, Captain Bucha was sent to Vietnam where he commanded his company during an intense recon mission. In March 1968, Captain Bucha displayed extraordinary courage while leading his company against a larger enemy force.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“``Bud'' Bucha was an active member of several veterans service organizations (commonly referred to as ``VSOs''), including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. He generously served on the board of directors of Homes for Our Troops, a VSO that builds specially adapted custom homes for severely injured veterans. He also served as Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment and Training Services at the Department of Labor. (13) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha used his voice for veterans struggling with mental health. He believed that all veterans, whether they have ``4 stars or no stripes, man or woman'', would be touched by post-traumatic stress.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4647) to designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in West Haven, Connecticut, as the ``Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center''.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today, we are actually naming many clinics. This one in Lafayette, the sponsor, Representative Higgins, feels that this is vitally important. With the hecticness around here today, we are hoping that he does make it to make comments on this bill, but we need to move on with our business. Mr. Speaker, I have no more Members wishing to speak, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“6963 is a fitting tribute to Rodney Hamilton, Sr., a man who served his country in war, returned home to serve his community, and never stopped standing up for his fellow veterans. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 6963, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 6963.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6963) to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lafayette, Louisiana, as the ``Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic''.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to support this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5362, Colonel Michael H. Boyce Department of Veterans Affairs Multispecialty Clinic, sponsored by Representative Loudermilk. Colonel Michael H. Boyce dedicated almost three decades to our Nation as a United States marine, serving in key leadership and operational roles around the world. Throughout Colonel Boyce's career, he served with the First Marine Division, the First, Second, and Fourth Marine Aircraft Wings, and the First Marine Expeditionary Brigade. He also served overseas in Turkiye, Bahrain, Oman, and Somalia in support of operations to include Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Restore Hope, Desert Thunder, and Desert Fox.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 5362.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5362) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs multispecialty clinic in Marietta, Georgia, as the ``Colonel Michael H. Boyce Department of Veterans Affairs Multispecialty Clinic''.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“By naming the Newton VA community-based outpatient clinic in his honor, Congress would ensure that Tony Gallopo's legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the veterans in his community lives on for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, individuals like Tony Gallopo are heroes in our communities, and I am honored to help ensure that Congress recognizes that and never forgets these great American stories. I thank Representative Gottheimer and the entire New Jersey delegation for leading this effort to recognize an extraordinary advocate for our Nation's veterans. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 6007, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“{time} 1110 He was instrumental in helping establish the VA community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, which opened in 2017 and brought VA healthcare closer to veterans in that community. His advocacy helped reduce barriers to care and expand access to essential health services for countless numbers of veterans and their families. His community as a whole is better because of all his efforts. Whether mentoring fellow veterans or advocating for expanding healthcare access, he remained committed to ensuring that those who served our Nation will never be forgotten. Even after decades of public service, he continued asking what more could be done for veterans until he passed in 2020.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 6007 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, as the Anthony ``Tony'' J. Gallopo VA Clinic. Tony Gallopo proudly served our Nation in the United States Navy. He served courageously and with honor. His service to our Nation did not end there. Following his service in the Navy, Mr. Gallopo dedicated his life to serving his fellow veterans, working to ensure those who wore the uniform received the care and services and support they earned. Mr. Gallopo became a trusted advocate for veterans throughout Sussex and Warren Counties, devoting countless hours to improving their quality of life and expanding access to VA healthcare.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗