Mike Bost
Representative for Illinois · Republican · United States
“(B) Elements.--The Secretary, in coordination with participating critical access hospitals, shall ensure that any contract, agreement, or other arrangement entered into under subparagraph (A) establishes criteria, as the Secretary considers appropriate, to ensure-- (i) the provision of timely, safe, and high-quality health care services t…”
“(B) Elements.--The Secretary, in coordination with participating critical access hospitals, shall ensure that any contract, agreement, or other arrangement entered into under subparagraph (A) establishes criteria, as the Secretary considers appropriate, to ensure-- (i) the provision of timely, safe, and high-quality health care services t…”
“(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 2306(h) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(2) If the Secretary furnishes an urn or commemorative plaque for an individual under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not provide for such individual a headstone or marker under this section, or any interment benefit under…”
“(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 2306(h) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(2) If the Secretary furnishes an urn or commemorative plaque for an individual under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not provide for such individual a headstone or marker under this section, or any interment benefit under…”
“(d) Update of Information on Providers.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, through the Office of Integrated Veteran Care or successor office, shall develop a process to ensure that third party administrators regularly, not less frequently than quarterly-- (1) update their lists of communit…”
“(d) Update of Information on Providers.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, through the Office of Integrated Veteran Care or successor office, shall develop a process to ensure that third party administrators regularly, not less frequently than quarterly-- (1) update their lists of communit…”
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“(2) Amendments reflecting end of concurrent receipt phase- in period.--Section 1414 of title 10, United States Code, is further amended-- (A) in subsection (a)(1)-- (i) by striking the second sentence; and (ii) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B); (B) by striking subsection (c) and redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and (C) in subsection (d), as redesignated, by striking paragraphs (3) and (4). (3) Section heading.--The heading of section 1414 of such title is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 1414. Members eligible for retired pay who are also eligible for veterans' disability compensation: concurrent receipt''. (4) Conforming amendment.--Section 1413a(f) of such title is amended by striking ``Subsection (d)'' and inserting ``Subsection (c)''.”
“``(D) Combat-related disability defined.--In this paragraph, the term `combat-related disability' has the meaning given that term in subsection (e) of section 1413a of this title and as determined under the criteria and procedures used for purposes of such section. ``(3) Exclusion of other retirees.--Subsection (a) does not apply to a member retired under chapter 61 of this title if the member is not covered by paragraph (1) or (2).''. (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Coordination with combat-related special compensation program.--Section 1414(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking ``qualified retiree under this section'' and inserting ``qualified retiree under subsection (a) or is entitled to a payment under subsection (b)(2)''.”
“``(C) Disability retirees with less than 20 years of service.--In the case of a member retired under chapter 61 of this title with a combat-related disability and who, at the time of the member's retirement, had less than 20 years of service otherwise creditable under section 1405 of this title or less than 20 years of qualifying and equivalent service computed under sections 12732 and 12733 of this title, the member may receive, without regard to sections 5304 and 5305 of title 38, the lesser of-- ``(i) both-- ``(I) the retired pay for which the member is eligible under chapter 61 of this title; and ``(II) veterans' disability compensation under title 38; or ``(ii) both-- ``(I) an amount equal to the product of the retired pay base computed under section 1406(b) or 1407 of this title and the retired pay multiplier determined under section 1409 of this title, as such base pay and multiplier would be computed if the member had 20 years of service creditable under section 1405 of this title; and ``(II) veterans' disability compensation under title 38.”
“``(B) Career retirees.--In the case of a member retired under chapter 61 of this title who has a combat-related disability that is not a qualifying service-connected disability (as defined in subsection (a)(2)) and who, at the time of the member's retirement, had 20 years or more of service otherwise creditable under section 1405 of this title or at least 20 years of qualifying and equivalent service computed under sections 12732 and 12733 of this title, the member may receive, without regard to sections 5304 and 5305 of title 38, both-- ``(i) the amount of retired pay to which the member would have been entitled under any other provision of law based on the member's service in the uniformed services if the member had not been retired under chapter 61 of this title; and ``(ii) veterans' disability compensation under title 38.”
“(a) Concurrent Receipt Generally.--Section 1414(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraphs: ``(2) Combat-related disability retirees.-- ``(A) In general.--A member retired under chapter 61 of this title with a combat-related disability who is entitled for any month to retired pay under chapter 61 of this title and is also entitled for that month to veterans' disability compensation under title 38, is entitled to be paid both without regard to sections 5304 and 5305 of title 38, as provided by subparagraphs (B) and (C).”
“Modification of requirements for Center for Innovation for Care and Payment of the Department of Veterans Affairs and transfer of authority. Sec. 675. Report on improvements to clinical appeals process. Sec. 676. Plan on increasing accessibility of care for veterans with spinal cord injury or disorder. TITLE I--COMPENSATION SEC. 101. MAJOR RICHARD STAR ACT.”
“Report on capital asset and information technology needs of the research and development program of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 663. Improving prevention, detection, and reporting of waste, fraud, and abuse in Department of Veterans Affairs capital asset projects and activities. Sec. 664. Report on long-term care physical infrastructure needs of Department of Veterans Affairs. Subtitle F--Other Health Care Matters Sec. 671. Prescription, delivery, distribution, and dispensation of controlled substance medications by covered health care professionals of Department of Veterans Affairs via telemedicine. Sec. 672. Copayments for limited supplies of medications. Sec. 673. Plan on establishment of interactive, online self-service module for care. Sec. 674.”
“Report on strategic plan for infrastructure and capital assets of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 656. Permanent extension of pilot program on acceptance by the Department of Veterans affairs of donated facilities and related improvements. Sec. 657. Authority to accept donations of construction services, minor construction or nonrecurring maintenance projects, and targeted contributions. Sec. 658. Report on use of additional authorities relating to recruitment and retention of personnel. Sec. 659. Reports on key capital asset investments, activities, and performance of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 660. Development of streamlined procurement model; report. Sec. 661. Submission and notification of cost estimates for medical facility leases. [[Page H4550]] Sec. 662.”
“Provision of data on educational assistance programs of Veterans Health Administration. Subtitle D--Optimization of Workforce Sec. 641. Department of Veterans Affairs strategic human capital plan. Sec. 642. Department of Veterans Affairs reduction in force notice requirement. Sec. 643. Detailed plans and justifications for reorganization of offices. Sec. 644. Rule of construction. Subtitle E--Veterans Infrastructure and Transformation Sec. 651. Short title. Sec. 652. Modification of authority for sharing of health-care resources of Department of Veterans Affairs to include flexible space utilization and streamlined service agreements. Sec. 653. Use of commercial construction and facilities code and standards. Sec. 654. Feasibility study for full-service hospital of Department of Veterans Affairs in certain States. Sec. 655.”
“Access to mental health residential rehabilitation treatment programs for veterans with spinal cord injury or disorder. Subtitle C--Staffing Matters Sec. 631. Treatment of psychologists. Sec. 632. Mentorship program for executive leadership teams at medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 633. Requirement for equivalent role postings for vacant positions at Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 634. Improvements to Department of Veterans Affairs hiring processes. Sec. 635. Department of Veterans Affairs telework policy. Sec. 636. Expansion of reimbursement of continuing professional education expenses. Sec. 637. Department of Veterans Affairs personnel transparency. Sec. 638. Modification of authority of licensure of health care professionals providing treatment via telemedicine. Sec. 639.”
“Audit of representative sample of veterans receiving care and services under Veterans Community Care Program. Sec. 607. Information on wait time and drive time options for receipt of care by veterans. Sec. 608. Establishment of period during which a referral under Veterans Community Care Program remains valid. Sec. 609. Updates to contracting requirements under Veterans Community Care Program. Sec. 610. Publication of community care network sufficiency and payment waiver requests and approvals. Sec. 611. Requirements relating to quality of community care providers. Sec. 612. Provider training. Sec. 613. Oversight authority over community care. Subtitle B--Mental Health Treatment Programs Sec. 621. Veteran participation in certain mental health programs. Sec. 622.”
“TITLE VI--VETERANS' ASSURING CRITICAL CARE EXPANSIONS TO SUPPORT SERVICEMEMBERS Subtitle A--Improvement of Veterans Community Care Program Sec. 601. Codification of requirements for eligibility standards for access to community care from Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 602. Requirement that Secretary notify veterans of eligibility for care or denial of request for care under Veterans Community Care Program. Sec. 603. Consideration under Veterans Community Care Program of continuity of care and need for caregiver or attendant. Sec. 604. Discussion of telehealth options under Veterans Community Care Program. Sec. 605. Extension of deadline for submittal of claims by health care entities and providers under prompt payment standard. Sec. 606.”
“Sec. 403. Department of Veterans Affairs acquisition reform and cost assessment. Sec. 404. Improvement of telephone communication by Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 405. Advancing Department of Veterans Affairs emergency response to crisis. Sec. 406. Membership of Department of Veterans Affairs Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee. Sec. 407. Scheduling of appointments under the Veterans Community Care Program. TITLE V--MEMORIAL AFFAIRS Sec. 501. Expansion of eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs memorial headstone or marker for certain individuals. Sec. 502. Department of Veterans Affairs provision of additional burial benefits when an urn or commemorative plaque is furnished. Sec. 503. Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Program.”
“326. Establishment of Veterans Health Administration Policy Advisory Commission. Sec. 327. Access to health care. Sec. 328. Research on health conditions of descendants of toxic-exposed veterans. Sec. 329. Veterans Spinal Trauma Access to New Devices Act. Sec. 330. Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program to award grants for the provision of service dogs to veterans. Sec. 331. Authorization of major medical facility project of Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2027 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Sec. 332. Bowel and bladder care program of Department of Veterans Affairs. TITLE IV--ORGANIZATION Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations to the Office of Information and Technology of the Department of Veterans Affairs for certain purposes. Sec. 402. Establishment of Under Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer.”
“Implementation of and report on efforts of Department of Veterans Affairs to improve health care appointment scheduling. Sec. 319. Pilot program on coordination of care between Department of Veterans Affairs and Medicare program. Sec. 320. Fisher House availability. Sec. 321. Agreements between medical facilities of Department of Veterans Affairs and rural medical facilities. Sec. 322. Study on quality of care difference between mental health and addiction therapy care provided by health care providers of Department of Veterans Affairs compared to non- Department providers. Sec. 323. Lactation spaces in medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 324. Research related to menopause, perimenopause, and mid-life women's health: report; plan. Sec. 325. Pilot program on provision of opioid rescue medications to veterans. Sec.”
“Establishment of the Blast Overpressure Task Force of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 312. Extension of sharing of Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Health Care Resources; resource sharing oversight and implementation plan. Sec. 313. Timely reporting of the death of a veteran. Sec. 314. Expansion of access by veterans to critical access hospitals and affiliated clinics under the Veterans Community Care Program. Sec. 315. Pilot platform for services for veterans; collection from veterans of information related to social determinants of health. Sec. 316. Improvements to Department of Veterans Affairs prosthetic and rehabilitative items and service. Sec. 317. Improvement of submission of medical documentation to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs by community care providers. Sec. 318.”
“Inclusion of adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities in medical services furnished to eligible veterans by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 306. Modifications to and reauthorization of Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 307. Reports on the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Sec. 308. Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program to provide grants to mental health care providers for the provision of mental health care for veterans. [[Page H4549]] Sec. 309. Furnishing of certain health services to veterans in the Freely Associated States. Sec. 310. Modification of Precision Medicine for Veterans Initiative; reporting on suicide by veterans and members of the Armed Forces. Sec. 311.”
“Expansion of entitlement for payment for licensing or certification tests for veterans entitled to educational assistance. Sec. 210. Increase of amount of educational assistance paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for first year of a full- time program of apprenticeship or other on-job training. Sec. 211. Improving emerging technology opportunities for veterans. TITLE III--HEALTH CARE Sec. 301. Extension and modification of transportation grant program of Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 302. Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act. Sec. 303. Veterans TBI Breakthrough Exploration of Adaptive Care Opportunities Nationwide Act. Sec. 304. Department of Veterans Affairs assignment of traveling physicians to serve territories and possessions. Sec. 305.”
“Monthly housing stipend under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for individuals who pursue summer programs of education solely through distance learning. Sec. 204. Clarification regarding inclusion of medically necessary automobile adaptations in Department of Veterans Affairs definition of ``medical services''. Sec. 205. Digital communications: Solid Start program; educational assistance. Sec. 206. Improvements to Transition Assistance Program and Skillbridge. Sec. 207. Transition Assistance Program: presentation in preseparation counseling to promote benefits available to veterans. Sec. 208. Elimination of requirement that on-campus educational and vocational counseling is provided by certain Department of Veterans Affairs employees. Sec. 209.”
“Improvements to temporary licensure requirements for contract health care professionals who perform medical disability examinations for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 110. Disability examinations: study on access in rural areas; review of training; review of inadequate or unnecessary examinations. Sec. 111. Improvements to processing and outreach regarding claims involving military sexual trauma. Sec. 112. Independent assessment of notices that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs sends to claimants. Sec. 113. Independent assessment of forms that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs sends to claimants. TITLE II--EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY Sec. 201. Vets Opportunity Act. Sec. 202. Improvements to process for making payments to automobile sellers for automobiles purchased for certain disabled veterans. Sec. 203.”
“(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. TITLE I--COMPENSATION Sec. 101. Major Richard Star Act. Sec. 102. Love Lives On Act. Sec. 103. Extension of increased dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Sec. 104. Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2026. Sec. 105. Claims: prohibition on denial solely for certain reason; improved efficiency of adjudications and appeals. Sec. 106. Annual report on causes of death among veterans. Sec. 107. Plan for use of automation tools to process claims under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 108. Reforms relating to Department of Veterans Affairs disability ratings. Sec. 109.”
“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. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the amendment printed in part B of House Report 119-749 is adopted, and the bill, as amended, is considered read. The text of the bill, as amended, is as follows: H.R. 9237 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Take Care of America's Veterans Act''.”
“FEDORCHAK and Mr. FROST changed their vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.'' So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________”
“Gooden Goodlander Gosar Gottheimer Graves Gray Green, Al (TX) Griffith Grijalva Grothman Guest Guthrie Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Harder (CA) Haridopolos Harrigan Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hayes Hern (OK) Higgins (LA) Hill (AR) Himes Hinson Horsford Houchin Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Hudson Huffman Huizenga Hurd (CO) Issa Ivey Jack Jackson (IL) Jackson (TX) Jacobs James Jayapal Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (LA) Johnson (SD) Johnson (TX) Jordan Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Kean Keating Kelly (IL) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (NY) Kennedy (UT) Khanna Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim Knott Krishnamoorthi Kustoff LaHood LaLota Landsman Langworthy Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Latta Lawler Lee (FL) Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Letlow Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Loudermilk Lucas Luna Luttrell Lynch Mackenzie Magaziner Malliotakis Maloy Mann Mannion Massie Mast Matsui McBath McBride McCaul McClain McClain Delaney McClellan McClintock McCollum McCormick McDonald Rivet McDowell McGarvey McGovern McGuire McIver Meeks Mejia Menefee Menendez Meng Messmer Meuser Mfume Miller (IL) Miller-Meeks Mills Min Moolenaar Moore (AL) Moore (NC) Moore (UT) Moore (WI) Moore (WV) Moran Morelle Morrison Moskowitz Mrvan Mullin Murphy Neal Neguse Nehls Newhouse Norcross Norman Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ocasio-Cortez Ogles Olszewski Omar Onder Owens Pallone Palmer Panetta Pappas Patronis Pelosi Perry Peters Pettersen Pfluger Pingree Pocan Pou Pressley Ramirez Randall Raskin Reschenthaler Riley (NY) Rivas Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose Ross Rouzer Roy Ruiz Rulli Rutherford Ryan Salinas Sanchez Scalise Scanlon Schakowsky Schmidt Schneider Scholten Schrier Schweikert Scott (VA) Scott, Austin Self Sessions Sewell Sherman Shreve Simon Simpson Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smith (WA) Smucker Sorensen Soto Spartz Stansbury Stanton Stauber Steil Steube Stevens Strickland Strong Stutzman Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Takano Taylor Tenney Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Thompson (PA) Tiffany Timmons Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Trahan Tran Turner (OH) Underwood Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Van Epps Van Orden Vargas Vasquez Veasey Velazquez Vindman Wagner Walberg Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Westerman Whitesides Wied Williams (GA) Williams (TX) Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Yakym Zinke NOT VOTING--13 Boebert Davis (NC) Dingell Hunt Mace Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Moulton Nadler Perez Quigley Salazar Stefanik {time} 1050 Mrs.”
“248] YEAS--418 Adams Aderholt Aguilar Alford Allen Amo Amodei (NV) Ansari Arrington Auchincloss Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Balint Barr Barragan Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Beatty Begich Bell Bentz Bera Bergman Beyer Bice Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC) Bilirakis Bishop Bonamici Bost Boyle (PA) Brecheen Bresnahan Brown Brownley Buchanan Budzinski Burchett Burlison Bynum Calvert Cammack Carbajal Carey Carson Carter (GA) Carter (LA) Carter (TX) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu Ciscomani Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Cline Cloud Clyburn Clyde Cohen Cole Collins Comer Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crane Crank Crawford Crenshaw Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davidson Davis (IL) De La Cruz Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier DesJarlais Dexter Diaz-Balart Doggett Donalds Downing Dunn (FL) Edwards Elfreth Ellzey Emmer Escobar Espaillat Estes Evans (CO) Evans (PA) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Fields Figures Fine Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Fletcher Flood Fong Foster Foushee Foxx Frankel, Lois Franklin, Scott Friedman Frost Fry Fulcher Fuller Gallagher Garamendi Garbarino Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gill (TX) Gillen Gimenez Golden (ME) Goldman (NY) Goldman (TX) Gomez Gonzalez, V.”
“Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill. The question was taken. [[Page H4614]] The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 418, nays 0, not voting 13, as follows: [Roll No.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4613-H4614] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] COLONEL MICHAEL H. BOYCE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MULTISPECIALTY CLINIC The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfinished business is the question on suspending the rules and passing 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'', on which the yeas and nays were ordered. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr.”
“Pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX, the previous question is ordered on the motion to recommit. The question is on the motion to recommit. The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the noes appeared to have it. Mr. DELUZIO. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question are postponed. ____________________”
“9237 to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith, with the following amendments: Page 17, strike lines 9 through 17. Page 17, line 18, redesignate subsection (c) as subsection (b). Strike section 108 and insert the following new section: SEC. 108. RESCISSION OF ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT FUNDS FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, of the unobligated balances of amounts made available under title II of the Act entitled ``An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14'', approved July 4, 2025 (Public Law 119-21; 139 Stat. 112) (commonly known as the ``One Big Beautiful Bill Act''), an amount sufficient to offset the costs of carrying out the amendments made by this Act is hereby rescinded. The SPEAKER pro tempore.”
“I would encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hurd). All time for debate has now expired. Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the previous question is ordered on the bill, as amended. The question is on the engrossment and third reading of the bill. The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, and was read the third time. Motion to Recommit Mr. DELUZIO. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will report the motion to recommit. The Clerk read as follows: Mr. Deluzio of Pennsylvania moves to recommit the bill H.R. 9237 to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The material previously referred to by Mr. Deluzio is as follows: Mr. Deluzio moves to recommit the bill H.R.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“The package has support from a wide range of organizations, including The American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Mission Roll Call, Wounded Warrior Project, Military Officers Association of America, AMVETS, Concerned Veterans for America, Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors, Gold Star Spouses of America, the Veterans Survivor Coalition, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans Justice Alliance, the National Association of State Approving Agencies, the ALS Association, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Air Force Sergeants Association, American Optometric Association, Avalon Action Alliance, Career Education Colleges and Universities, Commissioned Officers Association of the USPHS, K9s for Warriors, Korean War Veterans Association, Military Chaplains Association, National Defense Committee, National Military Family Association, USCG Chief Petty Officers Association, Americans for Prosperity, National Federal Development Association, National Taxpayers Union, and the Association of Mature American Citizens.”
“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.”
“If my colleagues won't listen to my concerns here, I urge them to listen to the veterans, dependents, caregivers, survivors, and advocates in their districts. We cannot today, tomorrow, or ever balance budgets on the backs of veterans who have already sacrificed so much for their country. Instead, we must honor the contract we made with our Nation's veterans and reject the false choice Chairman Bost has foisted upon us. I join the millions of veterans across the country who vehemently oppose H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, and urge everyone to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. BOST. 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.”
“I am quoting from the comments: ``This creates two tiers of veterans.'' ``Veterans should not have to take a reduced amount to provide savings to pay for fellow veterans. The U.S. Government should honor their commitment to us.'' ``This is a false choice. Find the funds without making veterans literally pay the cost.'' ``If they truly cared, they wouldn't rob all veterans to pay for this as there are plenty of other ways to fund this act.'' ``Pitting veterans against veterans.'' ``You taught us to take care of each other; this bill contradicts that.'' [[Page H4613]] There are thousands more just like this from veterans in each of our districts telling us to vote ``no'' on this bad bill.”
“I don't know how you all can live with yourselves. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time. {time} 1010 Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Throughout this process, I have tried to stay up to date on what veterans are saying online about the so-called Take Care of America's Veterans Act. I found the discussions to be enlightening. Before my colleagues say I have cherry-picked those comments, I urge them to pull out their phones and take a look at the comment sections on any social media post discussing this bill. It will become clear to you that opposition to this legislation is coming from veterans on both sides of the aisle. Let's take a look.”
“That is why I say vote ``no.'' In addition, the chairman and his colleagues fail to acknowledge that the existing veterans who have yet to file a claim for tinnitus or sleep apnea--I am talking about a group of people not the current servicemembers, but veterans who have yet to apply for a rating--these two groups of veterans, that is, current servicemembers and veterans who have yet to file, will be treated worse than those that came before them. This contract will unilaterally be changed on them and for the worse. How my Republican colleagues are okay with treating two veterans with the same exact condition differently is beyond me. Mr. Speaker, this is the largest cut to veterans' disability benefits in history being used to pay for this bill when Republicans are not demanding offsets for $95 billion next week.”
“Let me just say a ``yes'' vote on this bill is a message that we are sending to the servicemembers currently serving in and around the waters of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz and our servicemembers that are stationed at bases who have already faced incoming missile fire and have been subjected to the blasts that have surely affected their eardrums, we are saying to them that they will not be able to apply to make claims based on tinnitus, much less sleep apnea. That is the message a ``yes'' vote will send to them.”
“This is because anytime a veteran applies for a rating increase or applies for a new rating for some other condition, VA can and does review previous ratings, sometimes even lowering them. It is foolish to think that VA won't apply the new rules for sleep apnea and tinnitus when veterans have their ratings reviewed. Further, his remarks fail to take into consideration two other critically important populations here. First, these cuts would make servicemembers currently serving who may be incurring these injuries right now ineligible to receive compensation for service-connected tinnitus or sleep apnea. Those servicemembers President Trump keeps sending into harm's way in this foolish war with Iran would be ineligible for these benefits. That should give us all pause.”
“Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am ready to close. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. TAKANO. I yield myself such time as I may consume. In listening to the chairman today and at the Rules Committee several weeks ago, it is clear to me that he has been picking his words very carefully. He has been very specific that this bill, the so-called Take Care of America's Veterans Act, would not impair current veterans. I am not sure if the chairman fully understands how the disability benefits system works or if he truly believes what he is saying, but what he is saying isn't even remotely the full truth. The bill can and will lead to cuts for those who already have service-connected disability ratings for sleep apnea and tinnitus.”
“I continue to ask the chairman in advance of a $95 billion supplemental for Pentagon spending, farm assistance, and intelligence operation, on none of this are the Republicans seeking an offset? Only the chairman in this particular case when it comes to our veterans is demanding that veterans pay for veterans. We could pass this bill without having to ask veterans to pay for veterans--actually, for disabled veterans to pay for veterans. Mr. Speaker, I would ask the chairman again: Does he plan to seek an offset or demand an offset for the $95 billion supplemental for Pentagon spending, farm assistance, and intelligence operations, none of which Republicans are intending to pay for? Their rules and their policy is to make veterans pay for veterans. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BOST. Mr.”
“Vets of the Freely Associated States Act, empowers the VA to provide telehealth services and mail prescriptions to veterans residing in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. These Pacific Island countries are among our closest allies whose citizens serve in our military at exceptionally high rates, yet they lack access to basic care and benefits. This legislation will help remedy that inequity. The Take Care of America's Veterans Act is not just important. It is urgent. Our veterans deserve the best we can offer, and this package delivers on that promise. I thank Chairman Bost for his leadership and dedication to veterans everywhere. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the passage of H.R. 9237. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.”
“The legislation represents a meaningful step forward closing resource gaps that have persisted for far too long. Among its provisions are vital improvements for veterans affected by traumatic brain injuries, expanded survivor benefits, and increased access to medical care in the U.S. territories and the Freely Associated States. I am proud to note that two bills I authored are included in this package. First is the Territorial Response and Access to Veterans' Essential Lifecare, or TRAVEL Act. This provision, which already passed in the House, establishes a VA program enabling physicians to travel to the U.S. territories and deliver essential medical care directly to veterans. The second bill, the U.S.”
“We are talking about $95 billion--none of them with an offset. Yet, we are asking our veterans to pay for this bill. Only in the case of veterans is the chairman looking for an offset. I defy the chairman to tell me whether he will ask for an offset for the $95 billion supplemental that goes to Pentagon spending, farm assistance, and intelligence operations. I eagerly await to hear his answer. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the Northern Mariana Islands (Ms. King-Hinds), my good friend. Ms. KING-HINDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to lend my voice in strong support of H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America's Veterans Act. This comprehensive package is designed to address the critical needs of our Nation's veterans.”
“It also strengthens access to community care, as mentioned, and mental health treatment. It allows military widows to remarry and maintain their benefits. It cuts through the VA red [[Page H4612]] tape and strengthens the claims appeals processes. This is not about a cutting of benefits. It is about advancing services with some modernization initiatives, as well. We owe our veterans more than the words of gratitude. We owe them this action. We owe them the Take Care of America's Veterans Act. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I will point out that yesterday, House Republicans released a $95 billion supplemental for the reconciliation bill they want to bring forward next week for Pentagon spending, farm assistance, and intelligence operations all without offsets.”
“And by the way, it is supported by The American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, Wounded Warrior Project, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Korean War Veterans Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, Gold Star Spouses of America, and the list goes on. Very importantly, it includes the Major Richard Star Act. Voting against this bill is voting against the Major Richard Star Act, which ends the unfair wounded veterans tax for eligible combat-injured retirees. These veterans were medically retired because their service was cut short by injuries sustained defending our country. They should not be forced to give up a portion of their military retirement pay simply because they also receive VA disability compensation. This bill corrects that injustice.”
“Our veterans answered the call to serve, sacrificed on behalf of this country, and defended the freedoms every American enjoys. They have earned a Department of Veterans Affairs that delivers the care, benefits, and support that they were promised without unnecessary delays or bureaucratic obstacles, and that includes community care, Mr. Speaker. That is one of the aversions and obstacles and reasons for opposition because Democrats are pretty much against community care initiatives. This bipartisan package brings together more than 60 commonsense proposals that truly make this happen.”
“That is to say not just for me but for so many folks across the 18th Congressional District of Texas. I keep hearing my colleagues on the other side of the aisle saying that we have to find money to offset to be able to pay for some of the other benefits in this bill. Yet, if we are pinching pennies, let's tell the President to end his war in Iran, which has cost taxpayers billions and billions of dollars. It is time for this Congress to do right by our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote against H.R. 9237. Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser), from the Ninth District. {time} 1000 Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act.”