Recognizing the members of AMVETS for their service to the Nation and supporting the goal of AMVETS National Charter Day.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 308) recognizing the members of AMVETS for their service to the Nation and supporting the goal of AMVETS National Charter Day.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 308, legislation recognizing the members of AMVETS for their service to the Nation and supporting the goal of AMVETS on National Charter Day.

I want to recognize the gentleman from New York (Mr. Bishop), the sponsor of this legislation, and thank him for his work on this resolution.

From its origins in the middle of World War II, AMVETS has a long and distinguished history of service to our Nation. They held their first national convention in Chicago in October of 1945, and just 2 years later, on July 23, 1947, President Harry Truman signed the AMVETS Charter. Originally organized for World War II veterans, AMVETS had their charter amended in 1966 to include veterans who served honorably during the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War, and again in 1984 to include those who served honorably during peacetime as well.

From its humble origins, AMVETS has grown to a national organization, Madam Speaker, with over 250,000 members, in addition to another 60,000 members of its ladies auxiliary.

As chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I can attest to the important role that AMVETS plays in Washington advocating for stronger Federal policies supporting veterans, their surviving spouses and dependents. Their legislative staff is among the finest, and they have played a key role in many important public policy debates. Members know that they can count on AMVETS for advice, counsel and support as we continue developing national policies to benefit our veterans.

Madam Speaker, I want to recognize and commend AMVETS National Commander John Sisler of Groveland, Illinois, who presented AMVETS legislative goals at our joint Senate-House Committee on Veterans' Affairs hearing earlier this year. He should be proud of the fact and of the success of AMVETS that they have achieved and continue to achieve, not just in Washington but also in communities across America. In addition to providing benefits and services to their fellow veterans, they also play an important role in the civic life of their communities.

I urge support for H. Con. Res. 308.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of our time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I too want to thank the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud) and the staff, Pat Ryan, chief of staff and general counsel, and Mary Ellen McCarthy who has done a very good job, and Kingston Smith on my right here. This is truly an effort to try to write legislation that really will make a difference. These four bills, and some of the others that are pending which will soon be before the body, really do advance the ball on behalf of our veterans.

I thank them for their cooperation and their partnership on this. That is what it is all about, ``to try to care for him who has borne this Nation's battle, and for his widow and for his orphan,'' to quote President Lincoln.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 308, a bill that I introduced to honor the AMVETS veterans service organization's National Charter Day. AMVETS is an organization that is truly dedicated to helping this Nation's veterans, and I am pleased to see that this Congress is now acting to support this group which consistently works to help the men and women who have selflessly served this country.

I am proud to recognize AMVETS for its dedication to bettering the lives of veterans throughout this country. As we continue our military operations overseas, we must not forget that honoring veterans and their service must be something that we do every day, not just on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. We must always look to recognize and pay tribute to the sacrifices made to the individuals that have stared down the many faces of tyranny with undying dedication to our country.

On July 23, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law 216 making

AMVETS the first World War II organization to be chartered by Congress. Today the organization is open to anyone who has served or is currently serving in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard and the Reserves.

AMVETS has a long history of helping veterans; and in a recent year, AMVETS processed more than 24,000 VA claims that resulted in veterans receiving approximately $400 million in owed benefits. As Members of Congress, we all know how important it is to provide this kind of service to America's deserving veterans.

I am pleased that the House will soon adopt this resolution honoring AMVETS National Charter Day, and I hope that this Friday, as we celebrate national recognition of this organization, all Members of Congress will take the time to support their local members of AMVETS.

I am proud to support the five AMVETS posts located in my district, and I am sure that my colleagues share in the feeling of appreciation I have for the thousands of AMVETS members and their families who are dedicated to helping America's veterans.

Madam Speaker, I urge swift passage of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 308. This measure recognizes the members of AMVETS for their efforts on behalf of military families and service to our Nation.

During and following their military service, members of AMVETS have routinely worked to provide important services to their local communities and to their fellow veterans. They have truly been guided by the AMVETS motto: ``We fought together, now let's build together.''

This motto definitely rings true back in my home State of Maine, which is home to a very active and successful AMVETS chapter.

Madam Speaker, AMVETS has designated July 23 as its National Charter Day, with the goal to encourage public awareness of their commitment and service to veterans, their families and our country.

I commend and applaud AMVETS for their past, present, and future service. I am pleased to support House Concurrent Resolution 308, and I ask other Members to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez).

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Bishop).

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

In closing, I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for his continued fighting for veterans issues. Also, I want to thank staff on both sides of the aisle for bringing these bills before us today. The staff has done a tremendous job in making sure that we have these bills before us in the proper form.

Also, I want to thank the veterans and the VSOs for all their work in helping keep Congress's feet to the fire in supporting issues important to our veterans in this country.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, we are incredibly blessed in this country to have a group of veterans service organizations looking out for the best interest of our veterans. For almost 60 years, American Veterans, commonly referred to as AMVETS, have been making a difference in the lives of those who have given so much for this country, our veterans and their families.

Through their national service foundations, AMVETS has service officers throughout the country who provide guidance and action on compensation claims and help them at no charge to our veterans.

Additionally, their Members and those of the AMVETS Auxiliary volunteer countless hours at our veterans and military hospitals throughout this country. During this time of increased military deployment, it is so important to have a network of veterans who help our injured soldiers and to whom they can turn for help and assistance.

Throughout my 7 years in Congress, I have met with AMVETS on a regular basis as they advocate for funding for veteran services, needs for homeless veterans, for better education benefits for our veterans, and many other issues. They have been there. Without them, we would not be where we are. They have been a voice for our veterans and continue to be there for our veterans. They have an incredible history, and I would like to take this opportunity not only to thank them for all they do for our veterans, but also to congratulate them on their upcoming National Charter Day.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H. Con. Res. 308, which is at the desk.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to the concurrent resolution be printed in the Record.