Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 515.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Takano for yielding.

I rise today in support of my bipartisan legislation, H.R. 7277, the Improving Oversight of Veterans Community Care Providers Act.

This legislation will help ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs does a better job overseeing its Community Care Program, which many veterans in my State of New Hampshire and all across the country rely on to access high-quality care in their communities.

When veterans visit a community healthcare provider, they should be assured, at a minimum, that the provider has a medical license and is eligible to do business with the Federal Government. Unfortunately, as a December 2021 GAO report detailed, this has not always been the case.

GAO identified approximately 1,600 community care providers who were deceased, ineligible to work with the Federal Government, or who had revoked or suspended medical licenses at the time of the review.

That is 1,600 physicians and other healthcare providers who failed to meet some of the program's most basic requirements. This poses a potential threat to veteran health and well-being, and risks wasting tax dollars on inappropriate medical charges. My legislation will strengthen oversight of these community care providers.

Now, to VA's credit, the Department has updated several data systems to improve the credentialing process and to continuously monitor the eligibility of providers. But progress has been too slow, and this legislation is needed to hold the Department fully accountable.

This bill will require VA to implement a detailed plan with required milestones for identifying healthcare providers who are no longer eligible to participate in the Community Care Program.

Under the plan, VA will automatically check whether providers are designated as ineligible on other critical lists managed by the Department of Health and Human Services and CMMS.

VA will also be required to analyze the efficacy of allowing community care providers to self-certify their eligibility to participate in the program. We need VA to adopt a more complete method for credentialing providers that has ample checks and balances.

I thank Ranking Member Tracey Mann for working with me on this bipartisan legislation, which has also been endorsed by VFW, the American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans.

Once enacted, it will give much-needed protection to veterans to ensure they have high-quality healthcare they earned through their service to our Nation, without fear that they may be receiving care from an ineligible provider. So I urge all colleagues to support this legislation today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the opening ceremony of the New Hampshire Jewish Museum, or the NHJM. With a mission to collect, preserve, and display the Jewish history of our state, the NHJM will serve as both an educational center and a cultural preservation site intended to celebrate the important contributions of Jews to our state history. I'm thrilled to see that the NHJM's first exhibit will be dedicated to the life of New Hampshire hero, Dr. Benjamin Bronstein. A Lieutenant in the Navy Medical Corps, Dr. Bronstein was the first Naval officer to die in defense of our nation in WWII. In tandem with the recognition of Dr. Bronstein, the museum will also be honoring all New Hampshire Jewish veterans and current service members.

Established by the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire, the NHJM will provide Granite Staters with a comprehensive overview of Jewish history here in our state. Its curated exhibits will deepen community understanding of Jewish culture while working to deconstruct harmful stereotypes. By preserving Jewish heritage in our local communities, we inspire current and future generations to embrace and celebrate the unique diversity found throughout our state. The museum will assure the continuity of the Jewish people and broaden awareness of issues concerning Jews within the state and abroad.

The Museum of New Hampshire Jewish History is a welcome addition in honoring the state's rich and diverse culture, and I look forward to visiting soon to learn more about the amazing historical figures from the Jewish community whose contributions to our state have made it one of the best places to live, work, and play. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I congratulate the New Hampshire Jewish Museum on its opening, and I wish them the best of luck in the years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Etz Hayim Synagogue's 30 years of service to the town of Derry. As a primary hub for Jewish worship, education, and culture in southern New Hampshire, Etz Hayim has distinguished itself as a faith leader within the community and routinely confers with local houses of worship on matters of tolerance and social advocacy. Located on an interfaith campus close to the Derry Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, the Etz Hayim Synagogue remains a trusted partner for faith leaders across the state and collaborates with the Derry church to this day through their joint monthly free-meal program titled Elijah's Table.

Dating back to its roots as a Torah study group, the Etz Hayim Synagogue has remained committed to the values of inclusivity and civic-minded giving. As the welcome sign on their front door eloquently sums up, ``We welcome pilgrims, tourists, seekers, doubters . . . and YOU!''. This dedication to creating a welcoming community is a testament to Etz Hayim's effectiveness as both a house of worship and as a social resource center offering services to those in need. As houses of worship reevaluate their roles in our communities, Etz Hayim continues to innovate and expand its reach across southern New Hampshire, and I look forward to seeing all that this synagogue accomplishes in the years to come.

I would like to again congratulate Etz Hayim Synagogue for its 30 years of service to the town of Derry and thank the leadership team who have revitalized Jewish culture in southern New Hampshire through their tireless advocacy. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I commend Etz Hayim Synagogue for its continued dedication to uplifting Jewish tradition and wish them another successful 30 years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Red Parka Pub celebrating 50 years of business in the Mount Washington Valley. This incredible milestone is a testament to the staff and ownership who have been serving up quality home cooked meals with a smile for half a century. Known for its live music acts, comfortable patio seating for hot New England summer days, and active involvement in the community, it's no wonder that the Red Parka Pub remains a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Dating back to the pub's opening on November 3, 1972, the ownership realized that the Red Parka could serve as more than a family-style restaurant and took an active role in the community by promoting numerous causes and hosting fundraisers meant to give back to the state of New Hampshire. Today, that spirit of service lives on in the Red Parka Pub Challenge Cup, considered to be one of the longest continuously running dual giant slalom races in the country. This race has raised more than $250,000 for the Eastern Slope Ski Club over its history, including a whopping $21,000 last year.

The management team have taken an active leadership role in the hospitality industry as well, forming the Valley Originals as a coalition of independently owned restaurants. This coalition annually contributes $335,000 to the community, and the management team here at Red Parka still serve in the leadership of the coalition to this day.

Under the leadership of General Manager Terry O'Brien and co-owner Jean Melczarek, the Red Parka Pub has established itself as a mainstay in the town of Glen, and I would like to commend them both for their incredible dedication to this storied pub. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I congratulate the Red Parka Pub on 50 years of service and wish them another successful 50 years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today alongside my colleague Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster to honor Elliot Berry and his forty- seven years of service to New Hampshire Legal Assistance. Through his impactful career, Elliot embodied the highest values of service to our state's most vulnerable community members.

Witnessing the systematic and legal challenges faced by the residents he served, Elliot dedicated his efforts to not only helping his clients navigate the system but making positive changes to our state's housing policies. New Hampshire residents enjoy more protective renter's rights and housing laws thanks to Elliot's work. These protections will continue to benefit hundreds of families across New Hampshire long after his retirement, making our state safer and more economically viable for the future.

In 1975, Elliot began his journey with New Hampshire Legal Assistance after graduating from Boston College Law School and starting out as a VISTA volunteer. Throughout thousands of cases for individual clients, appeals, and class-action lawsuits, Elliot stayed resolute in his commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities. This spirit of service was exemplified in Elliot's challenges to a series of local zoning laws proposed in the 1990s that precluded the development of low-to-moderate income housing units. Elliot's advocacy extended past housing issues to include representing incarcerated men and women across New Hampshire, resulting in the construction of a new prison facility for women in Concord and improved access to mental health and drug counseling services for men and women.

Elliot's belief in the right to safe and affordable housing distinguishes him as a true champion for low-income families, and the legacy of his service will continue to improve the lives of residents across the Granite State for years to come.

On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First and Second Congressional Districts, we thank Elliot for his many years of service, and for being part of what makes the Granite State such a special place to live. We are honored to recognize and congratulate Elliot on his retirement and wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Red Ribbon Week. In 1988, the National Family Partnership dedicated the week of October 23-31 to raising awareness about the dangers of drug use and the harm that drug trafficking brings to our communities. For the past 34 years the NFP has continued their work, raising awareness for families and schools in neighborhoods across New Hampshire.

For all too many New Hampshire families--including mine--the nation's drug crisis is deeply personal. Many of us have lost neighbors, friends, and loved ones to overdoses and the harmful effects of drug use in recent years. We have learned that the pain of addiction hurts not just one member of our community, but us all.

As the representative for New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I remain firmly committed to improving the drug-detection capabilities of our law enforcement officials and

will not stop calling for the resources to help those struggling with addiction to lead productive, healthy lifestyles. This is why I was proud to introduce the Dark Web Interdiction Act of 2022 as well as the National ACERT Grant Program Authorization Act. These bills work to strengthen our law enforcement's ability to go after those trafficking drugs on the dark web, as well as providing funding for law enforcement and service agencies to support children who have experienced a traumatic event, like witnessing a drug overdose by a loved one, to support their wellbeing and future success in life.

The mission of Red Ribbon Week to bring these issues into the light and to educate our youth about the dangers of drugs is critical to begin healing our state and our country. I am honored to work with the many New Hampshire partners taking on this challenge, including our healthcare and recovery workers, Drug Free Communities, First Responders, and law enforcement from the local state and federal level including the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. Each partner carries on the mission to stop illicit substances from harming our communities, while never giving up hope for those in recovery.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank the National Family Partnership and the Drug Enforcement Agency for your work on this issue and hope my fellow Granite Staters will join me in recognizing the 2022 National Red Ribbon Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of my constituent, Matthew Boyon, and his family. Matthew is currently a student at Londonderry High School and has suffered from eczema his whole life. In honor of Matthew and the more than thirty-one million Americans with eczema, I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize October as National Eczema Awareness Month.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections. There are seven forms of eczema, including the most common and chronic form, atopic dermatitis, and no known cure. Adults and children with eczema are at risk for, and frequently also experience additional comorbid health conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, and bacterial, viral and fungal skin infections.

Additionally, adolescents with atopic dermatitis are more likely to report suicidal ideation compared to their nonaffected counterparts and sleep disturbances reported in 67 percent of children with atopic dermatitis. Parents of children with atopic dermatitis are 4 to 8 times more likely to average fewer than 6 hours of sleep per night.

The impacts of living with eczema go beyond just health concerns. More than 66 percent of children with atopic dermatitis report being absent from school more than one day per year as a result of their illness and nearly forty percent of school-aged children and teens diagnosed with atopic dermatitis have experienced bullying due to their disease.

The economic impacts of eczema are also staggering. 5.9 million workdays are lost due to eczema annually and the annual economic burden of eczema, including direct medical costs, indirect costs from lost productivity, and quality of life impacts, is estimated at $5.3 billion.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank the Boyon family for bringing awareness to this condition and hope my fellow Americans will join me in recognizing National Eczema Awareness Month.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of William Tebo and his 78 years of service to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Since age 16, the WW2 veteran has

dedicated his time to the historic shipyard, from his first job to his role as secretary, treasurer, vice executive director, executive director, and tour guide.

In 1945, Bill enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and was assigned as a submariner to the USS Sea Owl, a ship he was familiar with as he had worked on the Sea Owl's construction in Portsmouth. Bill continued his service in Key West, Florida operating a recommissioned U-2513 German U-boat, an experience that made him one of the few members of the U.S. Navy qualified to operate both U.S. submarines and German U- boats.

Bill's continued service to the oldest active shipyard in the Nation has ensured that it both functions as an effective repair station for our military's submarines as well as a historic landmark in Portsmouth. The shipyard's Heritage Center contains many pieces of naval history, including the launching cage used to christen the 1938 USS Squalus, a piece that Bill tracked down himself.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate Bill for 78 years of service and thank him for his outstanding contributions to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of my bipartisan legislation, H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act.

It is a bill that improves policies and procedures to better protect VA whistleblowers. It also promotes independence and removes conflicts of interest at VA's Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection.

Whistleblowers play a critical role in holding the Federal Government and its agencies accountable for waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. When employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs witness issues that put the health, safety, and well-being of veterans at risk, VA staff should feel encouraged to speak out without fear of retaliation. This would encourage corrective action to be taken and no harm to the whistleblower.

In reality, however, too often the messenger is punished. The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations that I chair has done years of work on this issue.

Alongside Ranking Member Tracey Mann, we have conducted multiple hearings looking into this problem. Our efforts have highlighted the individual stories of whistleblowers who have lost their jobs or faced other retaliatory actions as a result of their disclosures.

Further, whistleblowers often wait years to be made whole after experiencing retaliation under current Department policies and procedures.

The testimony from three previous VA employees disclosed VA whistleblowers are likely to face retaliation, including the loss of their position, and are forced to wait years for justice.

This bipartisan bill will make major changes to how whistleblower claims are handled, strengthening accountability through the process. The bill ends VA's authority to investigate whistleblower retaliation complaints and, instead, relies on the independent U.S. Office of Special Counsel to ensure objectivity over the process.

OSC is an independent Federal investigative agency that has high trust within the whistleblower community. They have the resources and autonomy needed to do this work.

It will also require VA's Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection to strengthen accountability over settlement agreements for VA employees who suffered retaliation which provide financial restitution and guarantees of reemployment.

Further, the bill will reaffirm OAWP's responsibility to provide resources to VA employees on whistleblower rights, including training. These reforms will ensure whistleblowers feel safe reporting issues within the Department.

We can't continue to allow whistleblowers to be punished for speaking out, and we have to make sure we are doing all we can to protect VA whistleblowers. It is not only the law; it is also the right thing to do to protect whistleblowers from retaliation.

My colleague and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Congressman Tracey Mann, co-led this bill with me to promote independence and strengthen the mission of VA's whistleblowers office. I thank Congressman Mann and his staff for their dedication and hard work on this issue.

I thank all the members of the Veterans' Affairs Committee for their support of this bill last week, and I appreciate the support from the whistleblower advocacy groups, including the Project on Government Oversight, the Whistleblowers of America, and the Government Accountability Project, as well as VA's labor union, AFGE.

So once this is enacted, this bill will ensure that the protections are on the books at the Department of Veterans Affairs that will strengthen independence and the mission of VA's whistleblower office.

Madam Speaker, I urge the full House to support passage.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery on its 25th Anniversary. This incredible milestone is a testament to the impact of the cemetery on the state, and the vital role that it plays in the lives of veterans, their families, and our community.

The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery is a source of pride to veterans, their families, and New Hampshire. It expresses the state's gratitude for veterans' service to the country by providing and maintaining a dignified final-resting place to honor all veterans and eligible dependents. It gives families the comfort to connect with their lost loved ones and conveys the importance and the value of the veterans' service to our community. Honoring our veterans is not a duty reserved for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or the 4th of July--it's an ongoing appreciation. This site allows us to honor, remember, and pay our respects.

As Granite Staters seek comfort and guidance, and learn how to best help their neighbors, the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery remains an important resource here in New Hampshire. The cemetery's Memorial Brick Walkway, 20 Points of History, and Veterans Heritage Learning Center provides insights into the role our local heroes played in New Hampshire, American, and global history. The grounds are a living memorial educating and allowing New Hampshire residents to make personal connections to those who have served.

I would like to thank The New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery Association for its dedication to our heroes and congratulate them on 25 years as a symbol of our appreciation for our veterans' service. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I congratulate the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery for its outstanding contributions to the state and wish them continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 50 years of operation of the Dover Adult Learning Center (DALC), one of my state's leaders in providing high quality education. For the past 50 years, DALC has supported community members to reach their full personal, educational, and career potentials. Their efforts are ensuring our current and next generation grows up with the support and mentorship needed to live fulfilling lives.

Since 1968, they have strengthened New Hampshire's workforce and economy. Today, their multiple locations serve as one of the largest adult literacy populations in the state. DALC's commitment to a respectful and responsive environment fosters life-long relationships that lasts years after students graduate. They have proved an important reminder on the power of community in helping those overcome educational and civic participation barriers. Through education, training, and employment, DALC has become a respected leader in the learning space throughout the First District.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the dedicated staff at the Dover Adult Learning Center for Youth for their 50 years of dedication to this important educational work.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the South Hampton Baptist Church on its 250th Anniversary. This incredible milestone is a testament to the impact of the church on the town of South Hampton, and the vital role that faith plays in the community.

The town of South Hampton and the church have undergone tremendous change since 1772, but the values and faith of the towns' founders can still be seen in the community today. As one of the oldest churches in New Hampshire, South Hampton Baptist continues to involve itself in the town through volunteerism and community get-togethers to celebrate the history and legacy of this house of worship.

As Granite Staters come out of the pandemic looking for comfort, guidance, and how to best help their neighbors, the South Hampton Baptist Church remains an important resource and a partner for many families here on the Seacoast. The history and insights into early American life found in this church give congregants a glimpse into the past, while the volunteerism and public service they perform allows them to look toward the future of South Hampton.

I would like to thank Pastor Jeremy J. Pataro for his dedication to the town of South Hampton and congratulate him on maintaining 250 years of tradition. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I congratulate the South Hampton Baptist Church for its outstanding contributions to the state and wish them another 250 years of success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Red Arrow Diner in Manchester, New Hampshire. As one of the most popular diners on the East Coast, the Red Arrow Diner enjoys a special place in the folklore of our state and remains a popular destination for locals, celebrities, politicians, and tourists alike.

Dating back to the diner's opening in October of 1922, the Red Arrow cemented its legacy in downtown Manchester as a quaint, family-friendly locale with a knack for home-cooked meals guaranteed to please even the most skeptical palate. This tiny little diner on Lowell Street flourished into a major chain that today employs one hundred and seventy-five people and has expanded operations to Concord, Londonderry, and Nashua. Despite this massive growth, the Red Arrow remains committed to the values of its founders: serving customers with a smile and delivering consistent, quality home cooked meals.

The Red Arrow Diner's success can be attributed in large part to the efforts of Carol Lawrence, her father George Lawrence, and Amanda Wihby. Their vision for this diner has made the Red Arrow a must-visit destination for visitors from out of state, and their dedication to the state of New Hampshire will ensure that the Red Arrow remains a vital part of our state culture for another 100 years. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I thank the Red Arrow Diner and its management for 100 years of outstanding contributions to our state.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Bost for getting these bills to the floor, including this important piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan legislation, H.R. 8260, the Faster Payments to Veterans' Survivors Act. It is a bipartisan bill that ensures that VA quickly identifies, locates, and pays surviving family members the life insurance benefits they are owed.

VA's insurance service already has some tools in place to identify, locate, and pay hard-to-find beneficiaries, but more can be done to prevent these survivors from needlessly waiting during what is likely a difficult time, both emotionally and financially.

My bipartisan bill, the Faster Payments to Veterans' Survivors Act, will make much needed reforms to allow VA to better identify and locate surviving family members of recently deceased veterans.

By making these reforms, we will make sure they receive the payments and benefits they were owed in a timely manner.

According to the VA, the Department owed more than $155 million to 15,000 individuals at the end of September 2020.

For a widow or widower who is struggling to make ends meet, a life insurance payment of $10,000 makes a world of difference.

Alfred, a constituent of mine in Rochester, New Hampshire, and a Korean war veteran, shared how much this bill will mean to his family. His father-in-law, a veteran of World War II, passed away last year. Alfred's spouse waited for months to receive the survivors benefits owed to her by VA. He contacted our office for help remedying the issue. We were able to help them, but no family should have to jump through hoops for months following the loss of a loved one.

This bill directs the Department to improve and better publicize an online tool that families of veterans can use to search for past due benefits. It expands access to internal and external data sources that will help VA track down veterans' survivors. It makes sure the Department is adequately staffed to perform these searches.

The bill also shortens the unnecessarily long timeframe in which VA is authorized to designate and pay alternate beneficiaries and ensures that procedures for paying alternate beneficiaries are consistent across several different life insurance programs. All of these steps will lead to faster payments to veterans' survivors.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina for co-leading this bipartisan bill. I appreciate the strong bipartisan support from my colleagues and from veterans service organizations, including the VFW, American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, Modern

Military Association of America, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Once enacted, the Faster Payments to Veterans' Survivors Act will have a real and positive impact on the financial well-being of thousands of veterans' families.

Our veterans serve our country and sacrifice so much, and their family members contribute and sacrifice right alongside them. It is of utmost importance that we honor those commitments and support their family members.

The bill passed the Veterans' Affairs Committee unanimously in July, and I urge the full House to support its passage today.