US CONGRESS · SITTING

Mike Bost

Representative for Illinois · Republican · United States

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

“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 ↗

The complete record

Every one of 105 lines we hold for Mike Bost, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 3.

This is not an official version of US Congress proceedings. It reproduces the published record and links to it; the official version is the one US Congress publishes.

“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. 6007.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (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''.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 970, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“The bill would help us do that by ensuring that the VA sends Congress the results of the VA review so that we can decide whether to adjust the maximum coverage for VA life insurance programs. We are duty bound to ensure that the families of our veterans are taken care of after their loved one passes away. This commonsense bill would provide us with the data to help Congress do just that. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 970, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 970 offered by my colleague from Washington (Ms. Strickland). H.R. 970 would require the VA to regularly review and compare the maximum coverage for VA life insurance programs to keep them in line with the average cost-of-living changes. The maximum coverage of these programs is provided by law and under current law does not automatically adjust for changes in cost of living. Any increases in the maximum coverage for these programs require congressional action. We must ensure that we have all the data we need to make an informed decision on whether the maximum coverage has kept pace with the cost of living.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“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. 970.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“I thank the DAV and the VFW for supporting this bill last Congress and for their tireless work on the Hill advocating for this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 877, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“While this might not be an issue for some veterans, other veterans are unable to get a vehicle adapted for them because there are no resources capable of making the vital modifications nearby. Delegate Moylan's bill would correct this issue by including shipping costs in the $24,000 the VA provides to support veterans who are having trouble accessing the resources they need for any adapted vehicle. In a time when bureaucracy is getting in the way of doing what is best for our veterans, Congress must intervene to eliminate the red tape and provide the necessary assistance our veterans deserve. This bill would do just that and would save hundreds of dollars for disabled veterans across the country. It would also ensure that the disabled veterans have the ability to get to a job and earn money to support themselves and their families.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 877, as amended, offered by my friend and colleague, the delegate from Guam (Mr. Moylan). H.R. 877, as amended, would allow the VA to pay for the shipping price of specially adapted vehicles for disabled veterans. Currently, service-connected disabled veterans who are unable to drive due to their disability can work with the VA to get a vehicle that is adapted for their use. This is an important program and helps disabled veterans in their daily lives by allowing them to drive to medical appointments, to the grocery store, and to work. Unfortunately, shipping costs are not currently covered, creating a financial burden on veterans who want to make their lives better.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“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. 877, as amended.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 877) to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide or assist in providing a vehicle adapted for operation by a disabled individual to certain eligible persons, by paying expenses associated with the delivery of such vehicle, and for other purposes, as amended.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I join with the ranking member and ask all of my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Representative Barrett's bill would ensure that VA sends veterans and survivors understandable notice letters so they can make informed decisions about their claims. Further, this modernization bill is supported by the administration. Mr. Speaker, I thank our veterans service organizations for their support of this commonsense bill. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 1039, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“At a recent hearing, we heard from veterans' advocates that the VA needs help from outside experts, given the huge number of letters that VA must draft. We still hear from veterans that many of VA's letters are too long, filled with legal jargon, and contain information that is not relevant to their claims. These complex letters sometimes cause veterans and survivors so much confusion and stress that they just abandon their claims. As a veteran myself, I continue to receive long and complex letters. You shouldn't have to be a Member of Congress or an attorney to understand how the VA claims process works. H.R. 1039, as amended, would ensure that none of VA's notice letters discourage veterans from accessing the benefits they have earned.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1039, as amended. This bill was introduced by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barrett), my friend and fellow veteran, and I am proud to be a cosponsor. H.R. 1039, as amended, would require VA to contract with a research entity to improve the notice letters VA sends to veterans and survivors who file claims for VA benefits. The VA provides veterans and their survivors information throughout the VA claims process. It is important for these notice letters to be understandable so that the veterans and survivors know their rights and how to navigate the claims process. I am pleased to see that the VA has recently improved some of their notice letters. However, hundreds of other VA letters are still difficult to understand.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“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. 1039, as amended.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1039) to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center for an assessment of notice letters that the Secretary sends to claimants for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, and for other purposes, as amended.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“This study would help uphold that sacred obligation. Mr. Speaker, I thank my fellow veteran, Mr. LaLota, for his leadership on this bill on behalf of our veterans. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 586, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Today, we are still learning about the full extent of the health risks these veterans faced, some of which weren't understood at the time. One risk may have come from something as simple and routine as eating local food during their deployment. Certain uncooked fish consumed in Southeast Asia are known to carry a parasite called a liver fluke. The parasite can cause infection and long-term scarring that may lead to bile duct cancer. This is a rare but serious illness here in the U.S. and one more commonly found in the region where our veterans served. This bill would require VA to study whether bile duct cancer is linked to service in Vietnam and whether this rare condition should be considered service-connected. One of VA's most important missions is to care for the injuries veterans sustain while they serve this country.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 586, as amended, offered by Representative LaLota from New York, my friend and fellow veteran. Representative LaLota's bill would require VA to conduct a study and produce a report on the frequency of bile duct cancer for veterans who served in and around the Vietnam war. Mr. Speaker, it goes without saying that many Vietnam veterans suffered greatly in service to their country. Thousands of Vietnam veterans still live with invisible and visible wounds of war today. My own uncle is one of them. He served in Vietnam and, like so many others, suffered debilitating injuries from his service. Sadly, many never received the treatment or recognition they deserved when they came home.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 586, as amended.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 586) to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to study and report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma in veterans who served in the Vietnam theater of operations during the Vietnam era, and for other purposes, as amended.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“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 Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, very clearly, I say to our veterans and the taxpayers that a partial claim bill would cure the problems that veterans are having with their home loans. If the ranking member and the other side of the aisle will work together with us, with the partial claim program, we can actually do that. By going down the path that he has just said--he says he is for the veterans. Apparently, he is only for the veterans today because the veterans of tomorrow will not have the program because it will break the bank. This is actually sensible. It is a way that we can do this. We can make sure our veterans are taken care of. We need to pass the bill that we were just discussing, which is H.R. 1228. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to support this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Now, I am proud to co-lead this bill with Representative Ciscomani on behalf of the surviving families of our Nation's heroes, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1228. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“This decision to hide the Office of Survivors Assistance near the bottom of the VA organizational chart reflected the Biden-Harris administration's lack of commitment to the surviving loved ones of our veterans. During the Biden-Harris administration, the Office of Survivors Assistance did not have a direct line to the Secretary on the care, services, and benefits offered by the VA offices, including those outside the VBA's Pension and Fiduciary Services that they did in the original bill of 2008. Mr. Ciscomani's bill will correct the Biden-Harris administration's disservice to survivors and would ensure survivors have a seat at the table again. The current administration supports this bill and is therefore as committed as I am to ensuring that the needs of the veterans' surviving families are prioritized by the VA.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1228, offered by my friend and colleague Representative Ciscomani of Arizona. This bill would ensure that VA prioritizes its care, services, and benefits for surviving family members of veterans as much as VA does for veterans. This bill would do so by requiring that the VA Office of Survivors Assistance conducts its mission within the Office of the VA Secretary. In 2008, Congress created the Office of Survivors Assistance to serve as the Secretary's principal adviser and resource on all VA benefits and services for veterans' surviving loved ones. However, the Biden-Harris administration moved this office from the Secretary's office to the Veterans Benefits Administration Pension and Fiduciary Service.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“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. 1228.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. General Leave”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1228) to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the organization of the Office of Survivors Assistance of the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Speaker, I encourage all of our colleagues to vote for that bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Speaker, if the ranking member is so concerned about the veterans, I ask him and his side of the aisle why my Democratic colleagues haven't introduced a solution to aid veterans and still make sure that it actually deals with the veterans' problems, not just all of a sudden spends not only more money than they have to fix their problem, but creating a problem for other veterans because Democrats are going to drain this system. {time} 1630 Now, I welcome the ranking member and other colleagues on the other side of the aisle to cosponsor Mr. Van Orden's legislation and get it out of the House to the Senate. Instead of complaining, the ranking member should join us in this legislation. I, once again, encourage people to get back to the issue at hand and support the bill that we were debating before. Mr.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Therein lies the problem with our colleagues across the aisle. Rather than being wise and trying to fix it for the veterans and for the veterans in the future, Democrats instead do a political thing during an election year that ends up costing the taxpayers. I will say it again that veterans are taxpayers. This is why, under my leadership, House Republicans have a solution, the alarm on the Biden administration program and the risk it could bring to VA home loans. This is also why House Republicans have a solution in this problem, H.R. 1815, introduced by my friend, Representative Van Orden. Mr.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, once again, we are seeing fear-mongering from the other side of the aisle. VA's decision to phase out the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase program, or VASP program, is an important step by the Trump administration. Last Congress, the Biden-Harris administration, during an election year, created VASP instead of implementing a partial-claim program. This decision added billions of dollars to the VA budget without any assurance to the taxpayer that this was a good decision. The average amount that a veteran had to pay back in their mortgage was less than $25,000. Instead of solving the problem, VA chose to purchase the entire loan, which, on average, was about $321,000. In no way does this make sense to solve a $25,000 problem with a $320,000 solution.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Speaker, I would remind everyone that the enemy does not care if you are a National Guardsman or -woman. They don't care if you are a selected reservist or Active Duty. They are simply aiming at the American flag on your shoulder. By passing this bill, we are going to ensure parity between the reservists and Active-Duty servicemembers. It is long due for a change, and I extend my personal gratitude to Mr. Tremelling for bringing this critical matter to my attention, and I thank Chairman Bost for his steadfast leadership and support. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 983.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“I am honored to represent the brave men and women serving at Fort McCoy and Volk Field, whose daily sacrifices safeguard our Nation and its values. My legislation will help veterans utilizing the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves by including them in the in-State tuition waiver that all other beneficiaries currently receive. These reservists face the same dangers and make identical sacrifices as our Active-Duty counterparts when deployed. Their courage and dedication deserve equal recognition. Mr. Speaker, of the last eight servicemembers killed in the line of duty, six of them were reservists, the two remaining being my fellow Navy SEALs, who were lost in the Red Sea. Their loss underscores the serious consequences of the decisions made by the previous administration. Mr.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“I will place copies of this exchange in the Congressional Record during consideration of this legislation on the House floor. Sincerely, Mike Bost, Chairman.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“983, the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025. I acknowledge that provisions of the bill fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services. I agree that your forgoing further action on this measure does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services over the subject matters contained in this bill or similar legislation in the future. In addition, I would support your request to have the Committee on Armed Services appropriately consulted on any issues in this bill or similar legislation that fall under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services. I am grateful for your willingness to work with us in a collegial manner to move this legislation forward.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“This is being done based on our mutual understanding that doing so will in no way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services with respect to the appointment of conferees, or to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill or similar bills. I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming this understanding, and would request that you include a copy of this letter and your response in the committee report or in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of this bill. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ______ April 7, 2025. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Rogers: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 983, offered by my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden). This bill would reduce tuition costs for Montgomery GI Bill Selected reservists by making them eligible for the same in-State tuition waivers. When a veteran uses other education benefits offered by VA, they are able to receive an in-State tuition. It is time to include MGIB Selected Reserves as another benefit that uses in-State tuition. Last Congress, under the Republican majority, the House passed legislation that would streamline benefits and protect taxpayers. This bill would continue that mission in the 119th Congress. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 983, and I reserve the balance of my time. April 1, 2025. Hon.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“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. 983.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. General Leave”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 983) to Amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disapprove courses of education offered by a public institution of higher learning that does not charge the in-State tuition rate to a veteran using certain educational assistance under title 10 of such Code, and for other purposes.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“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 Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, at this time, I encourage all of our Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗
“Speaker, this legislation aligns perfectly with President Trump's mission to make the VA truly work for our veterans. I urge all Members to support H.R. 981.”
House of Representatives7 April 2025Source ↗

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