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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“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. 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.”
“6963. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection. Mr. BOST. 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.”
“(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 Mr. BOST. 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.”
“(a) Findings.--Congress finds that-- (1) Rodney Carroll Hamilton Sr. 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.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4474-H4475] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RODNEY C. HAMILTON SR. VA CLINIC Mr. BOST. 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.”
“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. Mr. BOST. 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. ____________________”
“Mike worked to ensure our servicemembers had the tools to succeed and was instrumental in establishing the Cobb County VA Clinic, which remains a vital resource for those who served our country. Mr. Speaker, recognizing Colonel Boyce through this legislation is a fitting tribute to an American hero whose service and advocacy inspired so many, including myself. I greatly appreciate his wife, Judy, for continuing his incredible legacy. Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5362, to honor this very deserving veteran. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to support this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore.”
“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. As he was to many, Mike Boyce was a friend of mine, who unfortunately passed away in 2022. Mike took his duties to our country and our community seriously. Like a true patriot, Mike spent much of his life in service to his community, State, and Nation. Throughout his service in the Marine Corps and later in elected office as the chairman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, Mike was a tireless advocate for the health and welfare of our Active-Duty servicemen and veterans.”
“Colonel Boyce's unwavering commitment to service and stewardship is a model to which we should all aspire. Naming the VA clinic that he helped bring to Marietta in his honor is a perfect way to demonstrate our appreciation for Colonel Boyce's life of service. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Loudermilk). Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee for bringing this bill to the floor. As the Representative of Georgia `s 11th Congressional District and a veteran of the United States Air Force, I proudly rise today in support of H.R.”
“In 2001, Colonel Boyce retired from the Marine Corps, but that did not mark the end of his service to country and community. He moved to Marietta, Georgia, and became a dedicated member of his local church, alongside several charities and veterans service organizations including Habitat for Humanity, the VFW, and The American Legion. In 2016, Colonel Boyce was elected as chairman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. During his time in office, he led the efforts to make Veterans Day a paid holiday for county employees, established a veterans service office in the county, and opened a VA clinic to expand access to care for local veterans. Colonel Boyce passed away in January of 2022 and was laid to rest with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.”
“Boyce, a dedicated Marine Corps veteran, public servant, and community leader. Colonel Boyce was born in Brawley, California, in September 1949 and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1971. With this degree in hand, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. After attending The Basic School and Army Field Artillery School, he was assigned to the First Marine Division in Camp Pendleton, California. He continued to wear the uniform for the next 30 years, reaching the rank of colonel with assignments in Hawaii, Japan, Turkiye, Bahrain, and Oman, where he supported operations including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Desert Fox. Colonel Boyce also deployed to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope during his time with the Marine Air Group 16.”
“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. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 5362, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5362 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs multispecialty clinic in Marietta, Georgia, after 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. {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.”
“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 Mr. BOST. 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. Mr. BOST. 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.”
“(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.”
“(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. (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.”
“(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. (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.”
“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. 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.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4473-H4474] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] COLONEL MICHAEL H. BOYCE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MULTISPECIALTY CLINIC Mr. BOST. 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.”
“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. ____________________”
“Speaker, I urge the House to pass this legislation, and I am so grateful for the bipartisan support. I also urge the Senate--I know Senator Cory Booker has taken the lead on this--to take this up quickly and honor our great hero, Tony Gallopo. Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers. I am ready to close, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6007 to honor this very deserving veteran, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. BOST. 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.”
“He never forgot the country he served, and he never forgot the flag he saluted every day with such great pride. It is Americans like him we should all look up to. It is Americans like him who built this great country for 250 years. It is why we should honor him today. This isn't partisan. It is just common sense. It is what we owe every person who ever wore the uniform and protected our great Nation. I thank his family--Betsy, Ashley, Sarah, and Ally--for sharing Tony with all of us. I know how hard it is right now without him, but his legacy goes on, and it looms large. He lives on. No one has forgotten him for a minute. When we go to The American Legion, we all talk about him. There are pictures everywhere, and he continues to be a light in New Jersey, in our country, and for all of us as somebody we should look up to. Mr.”
“Tony was instrumental in opening the Sussex County, New Jersey, Veterans Affairs Clinic in 2017, the CBOC. He and I worked side by side, cutting through red tape to get veterans real referrals, real specialists, and real healthcare--healthcare that they earned and deserved. Sadly, Tony passed away in 2020, leaving behind his wife, Betsy; his brilliant daughters, Ashley, Sarah, and Ally; and an incredible legacy of helping those in need. Today's vote on this bill will honor his name and his work at the very clinic he helped to build. I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, he literally helped build it. We sat at a picnic bench right outside the clinic many times talking about how we could make it better and how we could deliver more service to veterans. He never forgot that for a second.”
“Today, this House will come together and do something simple but important: honor a great American hero. Mr. Speaker, Tony Gallopo, as you have heard, was a brave Navy veteran, vice commander of the New Jersey Department of The American Legion, and [[Page H4473]] commander of American Legion Post 86 in Newton, New Jersey. He spent time in Bergen County and Sussex County. He was a firefighter. He was a man who served and then came back and served more. For years, my good friend did what a lot of people talk about but few actually do. He fought every single day to make sure our veterans got the healthcare they earned and deserved and to make sure they were looked out for. He never forgot anyone, and that is why he was such a special man. We all miss him.”
“Gallopo passed away in 2020, but his memory lives on in the countless veterans who have access to healthcare within their local community because of his work. There is no better way to express our gratitude for Mr. Gallopo's lifetime of service to his fellow veterans than to rename the clinic he tirelessly fought to open in his honor. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer), who is the author of this legislation. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my very good friend from New Jersey as well as my friends on the other side for their support. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 6007.”
“Gallopo was a tireless advocate, and his dedication to caring for his fellow veterans was unparalleled. Mr. Gallopo hosted roundtables for both students and returning veterans to help them succeed in seeking better job opportunities. His leadership in evaluating student applicants to our Nation's service academies on his congressional district's Service Academy Nomination Selection Committee helped to cultivate the next generation of servicemembers. Mr. Gallopo was instrumental in the expansion of healthcare for veterans in his community. His advocacy helped lead to the opening of a Sussex County VA community-based outpatient clinic. Mr. Gallopo's critical role in opening this clinic will continue to benefit veterans in northern New Jersey for generations. Mr.”
“Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6007, to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, after Anthony ``Tony'' Gallopo. I am pleased to have co-led this effort with my colleague from New Jersey, Representative Gottheimer, and pleased to speak in support of this bill today. Mr. Gallopo was a keystone in the northern New Jersey community. Born in 1961, he grew up in Bergen County, New Jersey, and led a life dedicated to service. Mr. Gallopo was active in his local fire department before enlisting in the Navy. After serving as a seaman, Mr. Gallopo returned home to become a leader locally in Sussex County, serving as vice commander of the New Jersey Department of The American Legion and commander at American Legion Post 86. Mr.”
“Even after decades of public service, he continued asking what more could be done for veterans until he passed in 2020. 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. Mr. CONAWAY. 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. {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.”
“Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection. Mr. BOST. 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.”
“The Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the ``Anthony `Tony' J. Gallopo VA Clinic''. 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 Mr. BOST. 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.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4472-H4473] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ANTHONY ``TONY'' J. GALLOPO VA CLINIC Mr. BOST. 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''. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 6007 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. NAME OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMUNITY- BASED OUTPATIENT CLINIC, NEWTON, NEW JERSEY.”
“Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 970, 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. 970. [[Page H1441]] 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 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.”
“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.”
“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. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection.”
“``(b) Amount Described.--The amount described in this subsection is the amount equal to-- ``(1) $500,000; multiplied by ``(2) the average percentage by which the Consumer Price Index changed during the five fiscal years preceding the review under subsection (a). ``(c) Consumer Price Index Defined.--In this section, the term `Consumer Price Index' means the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 19 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1980A the following new item: ``1980B. Periodic review of automatic maximum coverage.''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) and the gentleman from California (Mr.”
“(a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 19 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 1980B. Periodic review of automatic maximum coverage ``(a) In General.--On January 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, the Secretary shall-- ``(1) complete a review of how the amount specified in section 1967(a)(3)(A)(i) compares to the amount described in subsection (b); and ``(2) submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate the results of the review, which may serve as a guide for coverage increases within the existing administrative incremental structure.”
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill [[Page H1440]] (H.R. 970) to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to periodically review the automatic maximum coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program and the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program, and for other purposes. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 970 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 ``Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025''. SEC. 2. PERIODIC REVIEW OF AUTOMATIC MAXIMUM COVERAGE UNDER SERVICEMEMBERS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE AND VETERANS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE.”
“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. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Barrett). 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. 877, as amended. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Illinois? There was no objection.”
“Section 3902(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``by paying the total purchase price of the automobile or other conveyance'' and inserting ``by paying the total purchase price of the automobile or other conveyance, and the total shipping price to deliver the automobile or other conveyance to the veteran''. SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN LIMITATION OF PENSION PAYMENTS. Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``November 30, 2031'' and inserting ``March 31, 2032''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. 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”
“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. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 877 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 ``Deliver for Veterans Act''. SEC. 2. AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO PAY COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DELIVERY OF AN ADAPTIVE VEHICLE TO AN ELIGIBLE PERSON.”
“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 motion will be postponed. ____________________”
“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. 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. 1039, as amended. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. [[Page H1439]]”
“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.”
“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.”