Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hugh Hazelwood, the Vice President of New Business Development for LIBERTY Dental Plan located in Irvine, California. Together with his wife, Marsha, they strive to provide quality union negotiated benefits to union members throughout California and Nevada.

Liberty Dental Plan is currently 700,000 members strong and employs union members to take care of their brothers and sisters concerns and needs.

Hugh started his working career at a very young age in the family business in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Hugh learned early on that success is equated to giving back to worthwhile charities and the community and dedication to his employer.

Hugh's past volunteer endeavors have included The Association for the Research of Childhood Cancer, The Leukemia Society, and various food banks. He currently serves as a Vice President on the Board of Directors for Guide Dogs of America.

Marsha and Hugh were married on Valentine's Day in 1998, and enjoy working together. Liberty Dental Plan allows them the time and resources to give back to the community.

For his many years of dedicated service to the organized labor movement and to our community, I am pleased in joining others to honor Hugh Hazelwood as the Fellowship Honoree at the 28th Annual John S. Lyons Memorial Banquet in San Diego on September 11, 2010.

Madam Speaker, as the chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I ask all my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 226, to honor our great heroes of the Second World War.

We all know that this was the war that was carried out by the ``Greatest Generation.'' And the Spirit of '45 Memorial Day is to set aside for us and our children and our grandchildren and their children to think about the courage and the heroism and of course the victory of the troops who fought on the Allied side in the Second World War.

This day of remembrance was celebrated several months ago in San Diego on the aircraft carrier Midway, which is stationed as both a learning environment and as a tourist attraction in the San Diego harbor.

One of the great spirits of that day was the nurse, Edith Shain, who was the one who was pictured on the iconic Life Magazine cover of the sailor coming home and kissing the nurse that we all remember as emblematic of the joyous spirit at the end of the war. Edith would go around the country talking about our great heroes. Unfortunately, before we could pass this bill today, she passed away at the age of 91 a few weeks ago.

So in her spirit, and in the spirit of all of those incredible people of the ``Greatest Generation,'' we offer this resolution so our country can always remember their bravery and courage.

I rise in support of this resolution: H. Con. Res. 226 which supports the Spirit of '45, a year-long national campaign to raise public awareness of the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II and the Spirit of '45 Day.

1945 was a defining year in the last century. Even after victory in Europe, our nation still faced many hard-fought battles in the Pacific and the decision to drop the atomic bomb. In August of that year, Japan surrendered, the war was over, and America joined the world to begin the work of peace.

The United States started with the job of rebuilding allies and former enemies alike, leading the effort to form the United Nations, and helping millions of returning veterans begin their civilian lives with the G.I. Bill.

This resolution calls on Congress to support the observance of the ``Spirit of '45 Day.'' A national day of observance is planned for the second Sunday in August to ensure that future generations remember the inspiring courage, sacrifice, and service of what has been called the ``greatest generation.''

To raise awareness about this 65th anniversary, the Spirit of '45 has encouraged communities across the nation to hold commemorative events on August 14 of this year to honor the legacy of the World War II generation whose members are rapidly passing into history. Everyone is asked to collect first-hand memories of those who experienced August 14, 1945, memories that will be preserved on a web site and shared with schools, libraries, museums, memorials and the public as a permanent reminder of a time when people came together to face common challenges as a united country. Many of the memories can also be provided to the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress.

We officially kicked off this year's activities at a reunion of World War II veterans on the USS Midway in San Diego, on January 18. We were joined by families, students, active duty military personnel, and veterans of WWII and other conflicts.

Also joining us at that momentous event was Edith Shaht, the nurse who was photographed being kissed by a joyous sailor in Times Square on August 14, 1945. This photograph became an iconic reminder of the joy and enthusiasm felt by an entire generation who had sacrificed to bring an end to WWII, and who would take that same energy and devotion to rebuild in the war's aftermath.

Edith was a devoted spokesperson for the Spirit of '45, and I am sad to say that Edith recently passed away on June 20, 2010, at the age of 91. Although Edith is not here today to join us as we pass this resolution, I am pleased to know that by honoring the Spirit of '45 we are honoring the devotion of Edith Shain and millions of others like her whose dedication and actions changed the world.

The Spirit of '45 campaign focuses on how to assure that our ``latest generation'' of veteran gets the kind of welcome home as did their forefathers of the World War II generation, through education and training under the newly-passed ``Post 9/11 G.I. Bill,'' employment opportunities, and ensuring they receive the care and support to reconnect with their families and communities.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the legacy and ideals of the Spirit of '45 by supporting this resolution.

Madam Speaker and colleagues. I rise today to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus by Turkey. On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus in flagrant violation of international law.

The continuing presence of the occupied areas of Cyprus and the human rights violation of the Cypriot people is unacceptable! A solution cannot be achieved without the removal of all Turkish troops and settlers, and the return of all Cypriot citizens to their ancestral homes. Despite numerous U.N. resolutions calling for the return of the refugees to their home and properties and for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus, Turkey continues to illegally occupy the northern part of Cyprus.

We should honor the Cypriots who continue in their tight for justice! Cyprus and the U.S. share a deep and abiding commitment to upholding the ideals of freedom, democracy. justice, human rights, and the international rule of law. The international community has a moral and ethical obligation to stand with the Cypriots to reunify their island and end the military occupation.

I ask my colleagues to stand with me and Cypriots to mark this important anniversary and take a stand for human rights and freedom.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 434, I was away from the Capitol in my capacity as Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 435, I was away from the Capitol in my capacity as Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Stated against:

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 436, I was away from the Capitol in my capacity as Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4505) to enable State homes to furnish nursing home care to parents any of whose children died while serving in the Armed Forces.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4505.

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

I rise in support of this bill, legislation to support the families of fallen service men and women. The bill offers access to State veteran homes to parents who have lost a child serving in the Armed Forces. While this service is currently available to some parents, we must recognize that any parent who has lost even one child should be given our support and care.

Madam Speaker, it is easy to understand the profound sacrifices that members of the armed services make daily in the service of their country. However, sometimes we forget that their fathers, mothers, husbands, wives and children also sacrifice deeply. When we memorialize the service of a dead servicemember, we must not forget the pain and sacrifice that their family has also endured.

Madam Speaker, this bill represents an important step forward in honoring the sacrifices of not just our servicemembers, but their families as well. I urge the support of my colleagues.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 4505, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1446) recognizing the residents of the City of Tracy, California, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the city's incorporation, for their century of dedicated service to the United States.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H. Res. 1446.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise to join the City of Tracy, California, in celebrating its 100th anniversary of its incorporation.

I join the resolution's sponsor, Mr. McNerney, in recognizing Tracy residents for their century of dedicated service to the United States.

The city of Tracy has endured one of the Nation's highest per capita casualty rates in the war in Iraq. Today, I urge the House to recognize the servicemembers and veterans of the city of Tracy.

Though many return to their homes and their families, those who make the ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten. Forever memorialized in their city's monument, the fallen of Tracy stand as a reminder of the tragedies of war and the respect that all veterans are owed.

Most recently, with solemn grief and unwavering pride, the name of Marine SSgt Daniel Hansen was added to the memorial. The city of Tracy has supported generations of men and women, willing to make the same sacrifice as Staff Sergeant Hansen.

I join Mr. McNerney in also thanking the sons and daughters of Tracy who do not enter the armed forces, yet are committed to supporting the 42,000 veterans living there today.

The resolution's sponsor is Mr. McNerney from California, and I yield such time as he may consume to him to explain the bill.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1228) honoring the veterans of Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three and their families, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on House Resolution 1228, as amended.

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

Madam Speaker, I want to thank first the Committee on Armed Services for working with us to bring this bill to the floor. This resolution recognizes and honors the veterans of Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three and their families and is sponsored by Mr. Boozman of Arkansas. The resolution recognizes the extraordinary courage of the nearly 3,000 veterans of Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three, also known as HAL- 3, who served in Vietnam from 1967 to March of 1972.

The resolution also serves to honor the enormous sacrifice of the 44 members of HAL-3 who gave their lives while serving alongside their comrades in support of military operations in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. This remarkable unit earned six Presidential Unit Citations, five Navy Crosses, 31 Silver Stars, 219 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 156 Purple Hearts, among numerous other awards and unit citations, making it possibly the most decorated Navy squadron during the Vietnam War.

Between 1967 and 1972, HAL-3 flew over 130,000 hours of combat and logistical support, inflicted thousands of casualties on enemy forces, performed 1,530 medical evacuations, carried more than 37,000 passengers, and delivered more than 1 million pounds of cargo to their destinations. The unit's expert maintenance and support personnel worked tirelessly to ensure that the squadron's aircraft were operationally ready and that its crews were provided with the daily support needed to accomplish their dangerous and critically important missions.

This resolution serves to honor the families of the HAL-3 veterans for their support and to express our condolences to the families and comrades of those killed in action. Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three left behind a combat and humanitarian record recognized as bringing great credit upon the United States Navy and its role in the Vietnam War. Passing this resolution is the least we can do to honor the service and enormous sacrifice of the Americans that constituted such a valorous unit in naval aviation history.

House Committee on Armed Services, House of

Representatives,

Washington, DC, June 28, 2010.

Hon. Bob Filner,

Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of

Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Filner: I am writing to you concerning H.

Res. 1228, honoring the veterans of Helicopter Attack Light

Squadron Three and their families. This measure was referred

to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the

Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently

determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of

such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the

committee concerned.

Our Committee recognizes the importance of H. Res. 1228,

and the need for the legislation to move expeditiously.

Therefore, while we have a valid claim to jurisdiction over

this legislation, the Committee on Armed Services will waive

further consideration of H. Res. 1228. I do so with the

understanding that by waiving consideration of the

resolution, the Committee on Armed Services does not waive

any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters

contained in the

resolution which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction.

Please place this letter and a copy of your response into

the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure

on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in

which you have worked regarding this matter and others

between our respective committees.

Very truly yours,

Ike Skelton,

Chairman.

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

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4307) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community- based

outpatient clinic in Artesia, New Mexico, as the ``Alejandro Renteria Ruiz Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic''.

I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, sponsored by Mr. Teague of New Mexico, that names the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Artesia, New Mexico, as the Alejandro Renteria Ruiz Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.

Alejandro Ruiz of Loving, New Mexico, enlisted as an infantryman in the United States Army in 1944. He went on to serve with the 27th Infantry Division in the Pacific theatre of operations during the Second World War.

While advancing with his unit on the island of Okinawa, Private First Class Ruiz and his fellow soldiers came under intense automatic weapons fire from an enemy fighting position on the slopes of a narrow ravine.

In response, Ruiz exposed himself to the hail of bullets on his own initiative and stormed the enemy position. After being repulsed once, he returned to gather more ammunition and made a second assault on the pillbox, singlehandedly neutralizing the enemy position and saving the lives of his fellow soldiers.

For his actions on Okinawa, Private First Class Alejandro Renteria Ruiz was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, which was presented to him by President Truman on June 26, 1946, at the White House in Washington, DC.

Mr. Ruiz went on to serve in the Korean War and eventually retired from the Army as a Master Sergeant in the 1960s.

I'm sad to say that Mr. Ruiz passed away shortly before this bill was formally introduced, but I am very proud to honor his legacy of courage and patriotism by supporting H.R. 4307.

I urge the House to join Mr. Teague in support of this bill and help to commemorate the valor of this great American.

I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Teague) to explain the bill.

I thank the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Teague) for bringing us this important resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1017) to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 and title 38, United States Code, to require the provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans at all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and to expand access to such care and services, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act, H.R. 1017, as amended, which emphasizes the critical need for robust chiropractic services within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In the theater today, Madam Speaker, servicemembers may carry up to 55 pounds of combat equipment and armor. Consistently supporting such a heavy load places a serious strain on the backs and joints of our servicemembers, thereby causing musculoskeletal injuries. In fact, the VA reports that musculoskeletal disorders are the single most common ailment facing returning veterans. Among veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom who have received treatment from the VA, over 52 percent have been diagnosed with such a disorder; however, the VA is not presently equipped to serve this clear need.

Current law specifies that the VA must have at least one chiropractic care program in each of the 21 Veterans Integrated Service Networks, or VISNs. Today, in-house chiropractic care is available at just 32 major VA facilities. This leaves veterans living near the remaining 121 centers without access to chiropractic care at a VA facility.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 1017 would make chiropractic care available to all veterans at all VA medical centers by phasing in the establishment of such chiropractic care programs. The VA would be required to offer chiropractic care at 75 medical centers by the end of 2011 and at all VA medical centers by the end of 2013. This bill provides an opportunity to significantly expand access to chiropractic care for one of the most prevalent disorders facing veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

I urge the support of my colleagues and reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I just want to point out that we are approaching the Memorial Day recess. Probably all of us will be at veterans memorials and parades, saluting them on Memorial Day, and we will all say, of course, that we support our veterans.

What we are doing today, as we have done throughout the year, is to say we have a series of bills that will in fact add to the benefits and the well-being of our veterans, and that is the best way to celebrate Memorial Day.

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

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1017) to amend the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 and title 38, United States Code, to require the provision of chiropractic care and services to veterans at all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and to expand access to such care and services, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act, H.R. 1017, as amended, which emphasizes the critical need for robust chiropractic services within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In the theater today, Madam Speaker, servicemembers may carry up to 55 pounds of combat equipment and armor. Consistently supporting such a heavy load places a serious strain on the backs and joints of our servicemembers, thereby causing musculoskeletal injuries. In fact, the VA reports that musculoskeletal disorders are the single most common ailment facing returning veterans. Among veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom who have received treatment from the VA, over 52 percent have been diagnosed with such a disorder; however, the VA is not presently equipped to serve this clear need.

Current law specifies that the VA must have at least one chiropractic care program in each of the 21 Veterans Integrated Service Networks, or VISNs. Today, in-house chiropractic care is available at just 32 major VA facilities. This leaves veterans living near the remaining 121 centers without access to chiropractic care at a VA facility.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 1017 would make chiropractic care available to all veterans at all VA medical centers by phasing in the establishment of such chiropractic care programs. The VA would be required to offer chiropractic care at 75 medical centers by the end of 2011 and at all VA medical centers by the end of 2013. This bill provides an opportunity to significantly expand access to chiropractic care for one of the most prevalent disorders facing veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

I urge the support of my colleagues and reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I just want to point out that we are approaching the Memorial Day recess. Probably all of us will be at veterans memorials and parades, saluting them on Memorial Day, and we will all say, of course, that we support our veterans.

What we are doing today, as we have done throughout the year, is to say we have a series of bills that will in fact add to the benefits and the well-being of our veterans, and that is the best way to celebrate Memorial Day.

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

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 278) expressing the sense of Congress that a grateful Nation supports and salutes Sons and Daughters in Touch on its 20th Anniversary that is being held on Father's Day, 2010, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, the District of Columbia.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on House Concurrent Resolution 278.

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

Madam Speaker, H. Con. Res. 278 is a resolution expressing the sense of Congress that a grateful Nation supports and salutes the Sons and Daughters in Touch on its 20th anniversary being held on Father's Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 278, a concurrent resolution expressing the Sense of Congress that a grateful Nation supports and salutes the Sons and Daughters in Touch on its 20th Anniversary being held on Father's Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. This is very important legislation that I would like to bring to your attention today.

I want to recognize and applaud the outstanding efforts of the sponsor of this legislation, my colleague Representative Deborah Halvorson a stellar member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Sons and Daughters in Touch is a national organization consisting of 3,000 Americans whose fathers were killed or went missing during the Vietnam War. Throughout the Vietnam War 58,236 Americans were killed, 153,452 were wounded and 2,489 of these brave servicemen still remain missing. These numbers are mind-boggling and we owe it to these families to continue to support and recognize those that served and gave their lives to protect this Nation.

It has been estimated that among the 58,236 Americans lost in Southeast Asia, that more than one-third were fathers. It has been noted that more than 20,000 American children were left fatherless during this time.

This Father's Day weekend, Sons and Daughters in Touch will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Hundreds of sons and daughters who lost their fathers in the Vietnam War will join together on the Nation's Capitol to hold a series of remembrance ceremonies to continue the healing process for these families.

The sponsor of this resolution is one of our new Members, Mrs. Halvorson of Illinois, who has taken such a very dynamic part in our deliberations on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman for an explanation of the bill.

Madam Speaker, again, I thank the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Halvorson), who put together this important resolution that we are considering.

I urge my colleagues to unanimously support H. Con. Res. 278, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 278) expressing the sense of Congress that a grateful Nation supports and salutes Sons and Daughters in Touch on its 20th Anniversary that is being held on Father's Day, 2010, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, the District of Columbia.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on House Concurrent Resolution 278.

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

Madam Speaker, H. Con. Res. 278 is a resolution expressing the sense of Congress that a grateful Nation supports and salutes the Sons and Daughters in Touch on its 20th anniversary being held on Father's Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 278, a concurrent resolution expressing the Sense of Congress that a grateful Nation supports and salutes the Sons and Daughters in Touch on its 20th Anniversary being held on Father's Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. This is very important legislation that I would like to bring to your attention today.

I want to recognize and applaud the outstanding efforts of the sponsor of this legislation, my colleague Representative Deborah Halvorson a stellar member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Sons and Daughters in Touch is a national organization consisting of 3,000 Americans whose fathers were killed or went missing during the Vietnam War. Throughout the Vietnam War 58,236 Americans were killed, 153,452 were wounded and 2,489 of these brave servicemen still remain missing. These numbers are mind-boggling and we owe it to these families to continue to support and recognize those that served and gave their lives to protect this Nation.

It has been estimated that among the 58,236 Americans lost in Southeast Asia, that more than one-third were fathers. It has been noted that more than 20,000 American children were left fatherless during this time.

This Father's Day weekend, Sons and Daughters in Touch will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Hundreds of sons and daughters who lost their fathers in the Vietnam War will join together on the Nation's Capitol to hold a series of remembrance ceremonies to continue the healing process for these families.

The sponsor of this resolution is one of our new Members, Mrs. Halvorson of Illinois, who has taken such a very dynamic part in our deliberations on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman for an explanation of the bill.

Madam Speaker, again, I thank the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Halvorson), who put together this important resolution that we are considering.

I urge my colleagues to unanimously support H. Con. Res. 278, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3885) to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program on dog training therapy.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3885.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3885, the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act.

I want to thank the ranking member of the Health Subcommittee, Congressman Brown from South Carolina, for bringing us this legislation.

Madam Speaker, we all recognize how damaging the invisible wounds of war can be. The need for effective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder and for other conditions, such as depression and substance abuse, is apparent, I think, to all Americans. This act recognizes and meets this need by exploring an innovative and promising new form of treatment, using the training of service dogs as a therapeutic medium.

The bill would require the VA to establish a pilot program where veterans with PTSD, or with other postdeployment mental health conditions, would help train service dogs. Through this pilot program, we can test the potential therapeutic benefits to participating veterans. Similar programs are already in existence within the Palo Alto VA Health Care System and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence of participants who have reported improved emotional regulation, regular sleep patterns, feelings of personal safety, and reduced levels of anxiety and social isolation. Moreover, these participants tout a strong sense of purpose that they derive from their participation in the program.

Madam Speaker, this bill will allow us to further study this innovative new treatment modality beyond the existing anecdotal evidence, and it will help us assess its place in the VA health care system.

I urge the support of all of my colleagues, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I would urge unanimous support for the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.