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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“Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4288. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________”
“Those of us who can remember Pat Tillman and remember what an amazing thing he did, to leave a career as a professional football player to serve this Nation and the flag [[Page H4479]] that hangs behind you, Mr. Speaker, is something that those of us who are big football fans and a big Pat Tillman fan understand. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4288, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection.”
“The community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Jose, California, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the ``Corporal Patrick D. Tillman Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic'' or the ``Pat Tillman VA Clinic''. Any reference in any law, regulation, map, document, paper, or other record of the United States to such community-based outpatient clinic shall be considered to be a reference to the ``Corporal Patrick D. Tillman Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic'' or the ``Pat Tillman VA Clinic''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Conaway) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. General Leave”
“As an Army Ranger, Pat deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004. (6) On April 22, 2004, Pat Tillman was killed by gunfire while on patrol in a rugged area of eastern Afghanistan. (7) Further investigation and subsequent reporting confirmed Tillman was killed via fratricide as he attempted to provide cover for fellow soldiers as they endeavored to escape from a canyon wherein they were trapped. (8) Pat Tillman is undeniably known as a national hero, was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart medals, and was posthumously promoted to corporal. SEC. 2. NAME OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMUNITY- BASED OUTPATIENT CLINIC, SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA.”
“Shortly thereafter, Pat was offered a scholarship to and played football for the Arizona State University Sun Devils. While there, he led Arizona State to the 1997 Rose Bowl after an undefeated season, earned three consecutive selections to the Pac-10 All-Academic Football Team, a 1st team Academic All-American honor, as well as the NCAA's Post-Graduate Scholarship for academic and athletic excellence. (3) Upon graduating college, Pat Tillman was selected in the 7th round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. (4) In July of 2002, less than 1 year after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Pat chose to suspend a lucrative career in the NFL to join the U.S. Army alongside his brother, Kevin. (5) Pat and Kevin were subsequently assigned to the second battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment in Fort Lewis, Washington.”
“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''. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 4288 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Patrick ``Pat'' Daniel Tillman was born on November 6, 1976, in San Jose, California. (2) From 1990 to 1994, Pat attended Leland High School in San Jose, California, where he subsequently helped lead his team to a Central Coast Division I Football Championship.”
“Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4647. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________”
“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.”
“Under intense fire, he destroyed an enemy bunker, directed the withdrawal of his men, coordinated artillery and air support, evacuated wounded soldiers, and led the recovery of casualties. {time} 1140 For this, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions saved countless lives and are a tribute to the highest ideals of military service. Captain Bucha's service did not end when he came home. For decades, he dedicated himself to serving veterans, focusing on those struggling with the invisible wounds of war. After experiencing post-traumatic stress himself, he became one of the Nation's strongest advocates for getting veterans out of the rut and back to living. He challenged the stigma surrounding mental health care and encouraged countless fellow veterans to seek help.”
“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.”
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection.”
“`Bud' Bucha Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center'' or the ``Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center''. (b) Reference.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the medical center referred to in subsection (a) shall be considered to be a reference to the Captain Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha VA Medical Center. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Conaway) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. General Leave”
“His family also commended the dedicated [[Page H4477]] neurologists, psychiatrists, and oncologists who supported him as his health declined. (15) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha spent the last two weeks of his life at the medical center of the Department in West Haven, Connecticut, and passed away from complications of Alzheimer's disease on July 31, 2024. In his final act of courage and service, he donated his brain to the Center for Human Brain Discovery at Yale University. SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF CAPTAIN PAUL W. ``BUD'' BUCHA VA MEDICAL CENTER. (a) In General.--The medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in West Haven, Connecticut, or any successor location for such medical center, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the ``Captain Paul W.”
“He used the term ``post-traumatic stress'' to acknowledge the impact of combat experiences on the mental health of veterans and he intentionally left out the word ``disorder'' to help destigmatize their struggle. (14) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha battled post-traumatic stress on his own for 42 years before courageously seeking help at the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in West Haven, Connecticut. In the final years of his life, Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha also received neurological care at that medical center. His family expressed deep gratitude for the compassionate and skilled care he received, especially recognizing the leadership of Dr. Huned Patwa, Chief of Staff, and Dr. Becky Rhoads, Executive Director.”
“``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.”
“His leadership led to the defeat of a superior Vietnamese stronghold, leaving 156 enemy dead. Come morning, he guided the medical evacuation of three air-ambulance loads of seriously wounded personnel. (9) President Richard Nixon presented the Medal of Honor to Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha in a ceremony at the White House in 1970. (10) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha originally wanted to turn down the Medal of Honor because he did not feel deserving. In Vietnam, he asked his men to trust him and, in turn, promised to bring them home safe. 10 of his men were killed on the night of March 18, 1968. Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha ultimately accepted the Medal of Honor in their memory, saying it belongs to his men. (11) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha resigned his Army commission in 1972. (12) Paul W.”
“``Bud'' Bucha distinguished himself with extraordinary heroism while leading 89 men on a reconnaissance mission near Phuoc Vinh, Vietnam, from March 16th through 18th, 1968. As part of the Tet Offensive, his unit was dropped by helicopter and his men set out to repel attacks by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces. As the sun set on March 18, 1968, he and his men advanced into a dense jungle and found themselves outgunned by approximately 1,500 enemy troops. Under attack, he crawled 40 yards through the hail of fire and singlehandedly destroyed a machine-gun bunker with grenades, all while sustaining a shrapnel wound. He then orchestrated an overnight offensive, directing his men to spread out, throw grenades, and unleash heavy fire. He made the enemy believe they were a much larger force.”
“``Bud'' Bucha reported for duty with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to prepare for deployment to Vietnam as part of Operation Eagle Thrust in November 1967. (7) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha was appointed commander of Company D, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment. His company was the last rifle company to be formed during an Army expansion. He jokingly recalled that his recruits were men who had flunked basic infantry tasks, former prisoners, and ``guys with master's degrees in Elizabethan literature''. He took pride in his company, dubbed the ``clerks and jerks''. They went on to become one of the most decorated units by the end of the war. (8) Paul W.”
“``Bud'' Bucha, the son of a colonel in the Army, spent his childhood in California, Germany, Indiana, Japan, and St. Louis, Missouri. (4) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha turned down several scholarships for both academics and athletics and instead enrolled in the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He went on to be a two-time All-American and captain of the West Point swim team. In 1965, he graduated in the top 5 percent of his class and number two in Military Order of Merit. (5) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha earned a Masters of Business Administration from Stanford University in 1967, all while completing Airborne and Ranger training between academic years. (6) Paul W.”
“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''. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 4647 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha was born on August 1, 1943, in Washington, DC. (2) Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha, a recipient of the Medal of Honor and an advocate for veterans, is an American hero. (3) Paul W.”
“Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Fine). The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6963. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________”
“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.”
“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.”
“He served in Lafayette city government from 1968 to 1972 and later founded the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Action Coalition, giving local veterans a stronger voice and fighting to make sure their needs were met. That advocacy helped lead to one of his most lasting accomplishments, the establishment of the VA clinic in Lafayette. When the clinic opened in 2016, it brought VA care closer to home for veterans across the region and reflected years of work by Rodney Hamilton and others who believed Lafayette veterans deserved better access to the care they had earned. Naming this facility in his honor would recognize a marine, a Purple Heart recipient, and a community leader whose work continues to serve veterans today. {time} 1130 H.R.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. [[Page H4475]] Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 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 sponsored by Representative Higgins. At just 17 years old, Rodney Hamilton enlisted in the United States Marine Corps out of Lafayette, Louisiana, to serve his country. He would go to serve in the Korean war, where he was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart. As a fellow marine, I know that the Marine Corps leaves a mark on every man and woman that earns the title. For Rodney, this sense of duty did not end when he returned home. He came back to Lafayette and continued serving by working to improve the lives of fellow veterans across southwest Louisiana.”
“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. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection.”
“(b) Designation.--The community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lafayette, Louisiana, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the ``Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic''. (c) Reference.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the clinic referred to in subsection (b) shall be considered to be a reference to the Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Conaway) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. General Leave”
“was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 24, 1932, and his family moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, in the summer of 1948; (2) in 1949, at age seventeen, Rodney Hamilton joined the reserve components of the Marine Corps at the urging of his football coach Lou Campbell while attending Lafayette High School; (3) Rodney Hamilton served the United States during the Korean War, was wounded in combat in September 1951, and was awarded the Purple Heart; (4) Rodney Hamilton loved the Marine Corps and was proud of all Marines who served the United States; (5) Rodney Hamilton was a member of the Marine Corps League, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Veteran's Action Coalition of Southwest Louisiana, where he served as Founder and Chairman Emeritus; (6) Rodney Hamilton served as a full-time elected official in the Lafayette City Government from 1968 through 1972 as a Trustee of Public Property; (7) Rodney Hamilton made numerous contributions to help make Lafayette a better place, including leading efforts to secure and build the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lafayette, which opened in 2016; (8) due to the dedication of Rodney Hamilton in realizing the community-based outpatient clinic in Lafayette, the street on which the clinic is located was named in his honor and now bears signs saying, ``Veterans Way, Honorary Rodney Hamilton''; and (9) Rodney Hamilton passed away at the age of 88 on November 30, 2020.”
“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''. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 6963 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF RODNEY C. HAMILTON SR. VA CLINIC IN LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that-- (1) Rodney Carroll Hamilton Sr.”
“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. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. ____________________”
“Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to support this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5362. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.”
“{time} 1120 Before his retirement in 2001, Colonel Boyce held multiple senior leadership roles, including head programmer for the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Air Warfare Division, head of operational plans at Marine Corps Forces Pacific, and deputy commander of Marine Corps Base Hawaii. After his military service, Colonel Boyce returned home and continued to serve his community as chairman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. In this role, he advocated for veterans by establishing the county's first [[Page H4474]] veterans service office and led efforts to construct a VA clinic. Colonel Boyce's lifelong commitment to veterans and leadership makes this recognition a fine tribute to an extraordinary American. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5362 honors a true American leader who put service above self.”
“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.”
“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. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection.”
“The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Conaway) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. General Leave”
“(11) Colonel Mike Boyce died on January 25, 2022, in South Bend, Indiana, and is survived by his wife, Judy Moon Boyce, and his children Alison Boyce Cotsonika, Kevin Reid Boyce, and Sean Michael Boyce. SEC. 2. NAME OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MULTISPECIALTY CLINIC, MARIETTA, GEORGIA. The Department of Veterans Affairs multispecialty clinic located at 1263 Cobb Parkway NW, Marietta, Georgia, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the ``Colonel Michael H. Boyce Department of Veterans Affairs Multispecialty Clinic'' or the ``Colonel Michael H. Boyce VA Clinic''. Any reference to such multispecialty clinic in any law, regulation, map, document, paper, or other record of the United States shall be considered to be a reference to the Colonel Michael H. Boyce VA Multispecialty Clinic.”
“(9) Colonel Mike Boyce was an active member of American Legion Post 29, the Marine Corps League, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the Military Officers Association of America. (10) Colonel Mike Boyce served as the chairman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners from 2016 until 2020. During that time, he led the effort to make Veterans Day a paid holiday for county employees and was instrumental in establishing the first Veterans Service Office in Cobb County. He also led the effort to have the first Department of Veterans Affairs clinic established in Cobb County so veterans would have an easier experience seeking medical care.”
“(6) Before his retirement in 2001, Colonel Mike Boyce served as Head Programmer for OPNAV N88, the Deputy Commander of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Head of Operational Plans at MARFORPAC, and served in Bahrain and Oman in support of Operations Desert Thunder and Desert Fox. (7) After his service, Colonel Mike Boyce moved to Marietta, Georgia, and was active in his community. Colonel Mike Boyce served multiple charities including Habitat for Humanity, MUST Ministries, and the United Service Organizations. (8) A dedicated member of his church, Colonel Mike Boyce served in the men's ministry, youth programs, led Bible studies, and helped create the veterans' ministry.”
“Army Field Artillery School in 1972, Mike Boyce was assigned to the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California. (4) Throughout his service, Colonel Mike Boyce was also assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station New River, the 1st Marine Air Wing in Okinawa, the 4th Marine Air Wing at Naval Air Station Andrews, Korea, and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. (5) After completing attache training, Mike Boyce was assigned to Ankara, Turkey, in support of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Provide Comfort. He was later assigned to Marine Air Group-16 for deployment to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope.”
“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''. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 5362 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Colonel Mike Boyce was born on September 1, 1949, in Brawley, California. (2) Mike Boyce graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1971, and was commissioned as a 2d Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1971. (3) After completing Marine Corps Basic School and the U.S.”
“Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6007. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________”
“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.”
“{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.”
“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.”
“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. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection.”
“Any reference to such clinic in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States shall be considered to be a reference to the Anthony ``Tony'' J. Gallopo VA Clinic. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Conaway) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. General Leave”