Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, due to attending the funeral of Colonel George E. ``Bud'' Day, I missed the following rollcall Votes: No. 428-447 on August 1, 2013 and August 2, 2013.

If present, I would have voted:

Rollcall Vote No. 428--Waxman of California Amendment to H.R. 1582, ``nay''.

Rollcall Vote No. 429--Connolly of Virginia Amendment to H.R. 1582, ``nay''.

Rollcall Vote No. 430--Murphy of Pennsylvania Amendment to H.R. 1582, ``aye''.

Rollcall Vote No. 431--H.R. 1582, Motion to Recommit, ``nay''.

Rollcall Vote No. 432--H.R. 1582, Energy Consumers Relief Act, ``aye''.

Rollcall Vote No. 433--H. Res. 322, On Ordering the Previous Question, ``aye''.

Rollcall Vote No. 434--H. Res. 322, Resolution Providing for the Consideration of H.R. 367, H.R. 2009, and H.R. 2879, ``aye''.

Rollcall Vote No. 435--H.R. 1897--Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2013, as amended, ``aye''.

Rollcall Vote No. 436--H.R. 2879, Stop Government Abuse Act, ``aye''.

Rollcall Vote No. 437--Scalise of Louisiana Amendment to H.R. 367, ``aye''.

Rollcall Vote No. 438--Smith of Missouri Amendment to H.R. 367, ``aye''.

Rollcall Vote No. 439--Latham of Iowa Amendment to H.R. 367, ``aye''.

Rollcall Vote No. 440--Nadler of New York Amendment to H.R. 367, ``nay''.

Rollcall Vote No. 441--Johnson of Georgia Amendment to H.R. 367, ``nay''.

Rollcall Vote No. 442--Jackson Lee of Texas Amendment to H.R. 367, ``nay''.

Rollcall Vote No. 443--Moore of Wisconsin Amendment to H.R. 367, ``nay''.

Rollcall Vote No. 444--H.R. 367, Motion to Recommit, ``nay''.

Rollcall Vote No. 445--H.R. 367, Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2013, ``aye''.

Rollcall Vote No. 446--H.R. 2009, Motion to Recommit, ``nay''.

Rollcall Vote No. 447--H.R. 2009, Keep the IRS Off Your Health Care Act of 2013, ``aye''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of one of America's greatest warriors, Colonel George Everett ``Bud'' Day. Colonel Day was a proud resident of Northwest Florida where he retired from the United States Air Force after courageously serving our Nation with honor and distinction in three wars across four decades.

Colonel Day's service began in 1942 when he voluntarily joined the United States Marine Corps and subsequently served 30 months in the South Pacific Theater during World War II as a non-commissioned officer. Following the War, Colonel Day attended Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa earning a Bachelor of Science degree and a Doctor of Humane Letters. He also earned a Master of Arts degree from St. Louis University, a Juris Doctor from the University of South Dakota, and a Doctor of Laws from Troy State University. Colonel Day was also admitted to practice law in South Dakota and Florida.

After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Colonel Day continued his quest to serve our Nation when he joined the Air National Guard after receiving a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1950. In 1951, Colonel Day was called to active duty in the United States Air Force and entered Undergraduate Pilot Training. Following his graduation from training, Colonel Day served two tours in the Far East as a fighter bomber pilot during the Korean War.

In April 1967, Colonel Day was assigned to the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Tuy Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. He later moved to Phu Cat Air Base where he organized and became the Commander of Detachment 1 of the 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron also known as the ``Misty Super FAC's.'' This new unit flew two-seated F-100F Super Sabre aircraft in a pioneering top secret mission as Fast Forward Air Controllers operating inside many high threat areas of Vietnam and Laos.

On August 26, 1967, flying under the call sign ``Misty-01'' and after flying more than five thousand hours defending our great Nation, Colonel Day was shot down over North Vietnam and began sixty-seven long and brutal months as a Prisoner of War. Despite severe injuries from his ejection over enemy territory and repeated torture, Colonel Day was always defiant to his captors who labeled him a ``hard resistor'' and often singled him out for exceptionally harsh treatment. During one such event in which Colonel Day participated in a forbidden religious service amongst his fellow prisoners, Colonel Day defiantly stared down the Vietnamese guards who tried to stop the service ultimately singing our National Anthem in protest. Colonel Day's resistance, leadership, and bravery in the face of deadly enemy pressure saved the lives of countless fellow aviators who were still flying over Vietnam, and he served as an inspiration to his fellow servicemembers who were also held as Prisoners of War.

In March 14, 1973 Colonel Day was released after an unimaginable two thousand twenty-eight days of captivity. His heroism, determination, and courage were further echoed by the presentation of our Nation's highest award, the Medal of Honor by President Gerald Ford on March 6, 1976.

Colonel Day retired from the Air Force on December 9, 1977 as the Vice Commander of the great 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. By the end of his career, Colonel Day was the Air Force's most highly decorated officer having been awarded nearly seventy military decorations and awards with an astounding fifty earned for actions in combat. A patriot in the truest sense of the word, Colonel Day never stopped looking out for his brothers in arms.

Following his retirement, Colonel Day continued to be a very passionate and active leader in the community and throughout the Nation. Colonel Day had a very successful law practice often championing veterans and military retiree issues. His leadership was instrumental in protecting the earned health care benefits of military retirees both in litigation before the federal court system and through his successful advocacy of the Congress which ultimately resulted in the restoration of military medical benefits.

Colonel Day's most important legacy is that of a family man and as a great neighbor and friend to so many in our community. Colonel Day's enduring impact on his community and Nation will be felt for generations to come. Though many have bravely served their country before Colonel Day, and many continue to honorably serve, few have endured as much as Bud Day for duty, honor, and love of country.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to honor the life and service of an American hero, Colonel George Everett ``Bud'' Day. Our community and countless others will miss his unwavering perseverance and optimism, but his legacy will endure for years to come. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our most sincere condolences to Colonel Day's wife, Doris; their four children, Steven; George, Jr., Lieutenant Colonel (USAF retired); Sonja; and Sandra; their fourteen grandchildren; and the entire Day family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and dedicated service of Northwest Florida's Dr. Reed Bell, who passed away on July 28, 2013. Dr. Bell's mission was to better the lives of children, and still today, his name is synonymous with pediatric health. The entire Northwest Florida community mourns the loss of this talented, kind-hearted man.

Dr. Bell was born on December 24, 1926 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. Growing up, he attended Pensacola High School, where he was a model scholar-athlete. He was the captain of both the football and basketball teams, elected king of the high school's coronation, and graduated as Salutatorian. Dr. Bell then took his athletic talents to the University of Florida, where he was awarded a football scholarship. However, shortly thereafter, he answered the call of his Nation by serving in World War II. When he returned home, Dr. Bell opted to attend the University of the South, where he further applied his natural leadership abilities by again captaining both the basketball and football teams.

Despite his athletic successes, Dr. Bell was destined to serve his community through his knowledge of medicine and his love of children. He graduated from Duke's College of Medicine in 1953 and performed his residency in pediatrics and fellowship in endocrinology at Baylor University in 1957. Returning to his native Pensacola, Dr. Bell began practicing as a board-certified pediatrician and pediatric endocrinologist. In 1969, however, Dr. Bell founded the Sacred Heart Children's Hospital, the only facility of its kind in the area. To support this great endeavor, founded at the hospital where he himself was born over forty years prior, he served as the Medical Director, formed a pediatric residency program, and established a neonatal intensive care unit to better serve the children of our community. In a

further testament to his strength as a leader and his humanitarian nature, Dr. Bell also co-founded the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida.

Dr. Bell's exceptional abilities were not localized to Northwest Florida alone. In 1986, then-President Ronald Reagan appointed him as the founding Director of the National Institute of Health Office of Substance Abuse Prevention, the federal government's first substance abuse prevention program. This appointment marked another example of Dr. Bell's exceptional ability to lead and help his fellow man. It would be exhausting to list the many awards and accolades he received throughout his career, which further represents his tremendous strength of character. However, these pale in comparison to his sheer love of family, service, and community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the life of Dr. Reed Bell. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers and sincerest condolences to his wife, Nell; six children, Rev. William R. Bell, Jr.; Mitzi Peters; Terry Bush; Former Florida Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Bell; Lance Bell; and Brian Bell; 20 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He will truly be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Madam Speaker, due to being unavoidably detained, I missed the following Rollcall Vote: No. 427 on July 31, 2013. If present, I would have voted: Rollcall vote No. 427--H.R. 850, Nuclear Iran Prevention Act, as amended, ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. Bluford Ward, who passed away on July 25, 2013. During his life, Bluford made it his mission to engage with his neighbors, reaching out to hear their concerns and assist them in any way he could. The loss of this great man is felt across the entire Northwest Florida community.

Bluford was born on August 18, 1939 and was raised in the small and historic Coon Hill community of Santa Rosa County, Florida. He attended Allentown High School where he met and married his beloved companion of fifty-four years, Betty Crutchfield.

In his lifetime, Bluford was a trusted and valuable employee for many local companies. In his earlier years, he worked for American Cyanamid. He also worked as a car salesman for several dealerships in both Florida and Alabama. It was a position that suited him well, providing him an opportunity to talk with his ``neighbors'' about the concerns of the day, as well as helping them find the best deal possible. An avid hunter, Bluford served as a hunting guide in Colorado and Wyoming. He built a reputation on working and tooling hunting rifles and scopes and worked at a variety of sporting stores, including Mike's Outdoor Sports, Scott's Outdoor Sports, and most recently Owen's Outfitters. Outside of the workplace, Bluford loved tinkering around the house and maintaining a vegetable garden.

Bluford will always be remembered as a good neighbor, outdoorsman, and one of Central High School Jaguars biggest fans But above all, he was a dedicated family man and a devoted Christian. Bluford is survived by the love of his life, Betty; their three daughters: Sherry (Reed) Compton of Auburn, Alabama; Jennifer (Lee) Langham of Jay, Florida; and Terry (Bart) Bray of Jay, Florida; four granddaughters: Chloe Compton, Arissa Bray, Paige Bray and Kolby Bray; five sisters, and one brother, numerous nieces, nephews, and man's best friend, Hope.

Family, friends, and neighbors mourn the loss of a man with a genuine smile, loving heart, and unwavering compassion.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the life of Bluford Ward. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers and sincerest condolences to his wife, Betty, his family, and friends. He will be truly missed.

Madam Speaker, I would like to dedicate my time to one of America's greatest warriors, Colonel George E. ``Bud'' Day, who passed away this past weekend.

A veteran of three wars, a POW at the infamous Hanoi Hilton, and a Medal of Honor recipient, Colonel Day set the standard for service to country. A patriot in the truest sense of the word, Colonel Day never stopped working and looking out for his brothers in arms. After the military, he spent 40 years as an advocate for his fellow veterans.

Colonel Day was a loving husband, a father, a grandfather, and someone I was honored and very humbled to represent here in Congress. Our community and countless others will miss his unwavering perseverance and optimism.

Colonel Day's legacy will endure for years to come. I ask that we keep him and the entire Day family in our prayers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 70th anniversary of Naval Air Station Whiting Field.

Rich in its military history, Northwest Florida is home to several military installations that continue to play an essential role in contributing to our Nation's defense, including Naval Air Station Whiting Field located in Santa Rosa County. For seventy years, Whiting Field has provided support and training for some of our military's best aviation warfighters, and Northwest Florida is grateful and proud of its service to our community and our Nation.

In 1943, just months after the death of its namesake, Captain Kenneth Whiting, Whiting Field was already turning into a key naval air training facility. The need to quickly train elite aviators for missions led to Whiting Field becoming an efficient military flight school in a matter of months. The commissioning ceremonies for NAS Whiting Field were held on July 16, 1943, only six days after the invasion of Sicily. Whiting Field then became a leading training facility for our Nation's aviators that helped carry the United States to victory in World War II.

Whiting Field's storied history that includes a pilot training grounds and prisoner-of-war camp for German soldiers during World War II, a once home to the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team and the Navy's first jet training unit has today become the busiest Naval Aviation Station in the world where more than twelve hundred service personnel complete their essential flight training annually. It is situated on 12,000 acres, with 13 outlying fields and three separate and fully operational airfields. Whiting Field supports six Training Squadrons and two Instructor Squadrons, which comprises 141 T-6Bs and 124 TH-57s. Eleven percent of all of U.S. Department of Defense's flying hours are flown there, amounting to approximately 1.5 million annual flight operations. In fact, the majority of naval aviators can claim that they performed a substantial portion of their initial flight training at Whiting. Many helicopter students could say the same, resulting in hundreds of flights occurring each day. I am proud to have such a wonderful facility in Northwest Florida that is responsible for producing some of the best aviators in the world.

On behalf of the United States Congress, I am pleased to recognize Whiting Field for reaching this important milestone. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating the military and civilian personnel at Whiting Field and wishing them continued success in their mission to provide the best services and material support for training U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and International student aviators.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Keith Campbell family as the 2013 Santa Rosa County, Florida, Outstanding Farm Family.

The Campbell family's extensive history in farming began in Scotland before they immigrated to South Carolina and then eventually to Chumuckla, located in Northwest Florida, in the early 1800s. A sixth generation farmer on his father's side and a fourth on his mother's side, Keith began farming with his grandfather, W.T. Stewart, in 1983 and has since taken over the complete operation. The once 500 acre farm has grown to more than 1,300 acres and produces a variety of crops, including cotton, peanuts, and wheat. The Campbell family also raises livestock--approximately sixty beef cattle--and maintains an apiary for honey production and crop pollination.

Always seeking better ways to improve the efficiency of his farming operation, Keith has reaped the benefits of technological advances that reduce costs while increasing total crop yield. For instance, the adoption of herbicide-resistant crops in the 1990s allowed him to reduce soil erosion, business costs, and the amount of herbicides used. In the more recent years, precision tools such as field mapping and GPS equipment guidance have allowed for a further stimulation of the farm's operating effectiveness.

In addition to Keith's wife, Robynn, several other members of the family contribute to the overall success of the farm, including their daughters, Ashleigh, a teacher at Bennett C. Russell Elementary School and Brittney, a student at the University of West Florida; their nephew, Dale Campbell, who helps out after school; and Ashleigh's husband, Adam Bondurant, a senior at the University of West Florida. Their neighbors are also crucial to the farm's growth and development. Keith has spread his ideas on efficiency throughout the Santa Rosa County farming community, by initiating equipment sharing and custom planting programs with his fellow farmers.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the Keith Campbell family as the 2013 Santa Rosa County, Florida, Outstanding Farm Family. There is no question that the Campbell family and its farm will continue to be an important component to the success of farming in the First Congressional District of Florida for many generations to come. My wife Vicki and I wish the Campbell family all the best as they continue to serve the citizens of Northwest Florida.

Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing H.R. ___, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act, to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts and agreements for the transfer of veterans to non- Department medical foster homes for certain veterans who are unable to live independently.

Medical foster homes are private homes in which a trained caregiver provides twenty-four-hour, around-the-clock, care to a few individuals.

They are designed to provide a non-institutional long-term care alternative to those who prefer a smaller, more home-like and familial care setting than many traditional nursing homes are able to provide.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, has been helping to place veterans in medical foster homes for over a decade.

VA, as part of the placement process, inspects and approves all medical foster homes, limits care to no more than three veterans at a time, and provides veterans living in such homes with home-based primary care services.

VA also provides safeguards to ensure veterans receive safe, high- quality care by requiring medical foster home caregivers to pass a federal background check and VA screening, agree to undergo annual training, and allow VA medical foster home coordinators and members of a VA home care team to make both announced and unannounced home visits.

Today, according to VA, over four hundred approved caregivers provide medical foster home care in their homes to over five hundred veterans daily in over thirty five states.

The problem, however, is that VA does not have the authority to pay for the cost of the medical foster home.

So, the veteran who chooses to live in a medical foster home must pay out of pocket with personal funds--regardless of whether or not such veteran is eligible for VA-paid nursing home care.

This creates a situation where many service-connected veterans with limited financial resources, who would prefer to live in a medical foster home, go to a nursing home institution instead because VA will cover the cost of the nursing home, but not the medical foster home.

And, while traditional nursing homes will always be a vital component of long-term care, medical foster homes provide a worthy alternative for many veterans.

According to the Department, many more veterans would elect to receive care in a medical foster home should VA be granted the authority to pay for such care.

As the veteran population continues to age, the need for long-term care services will continue to grow.

I am sure we all agree that one thing we owe our veterans, particularly those who are service-connected and in need of long-term care, is the luxury of choice--the choice to decide where and how to receive the care they need.

The Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act which would authorize VA to enter into a contract or agreement with a certified medical foster home to pay for the residential long-term care of service-connected veterans who are eligible for VA-paid nursing home care and would expand the long-term care choices offered to veterans beyond traditional services.

In addition to being beneficial for the health and well-being of veterans, the average cost of a medical foster home is approximately half the monthly cost of a nursing home, making this legislation a very cost effective health care option.

This is a commonsense, veteran-centric bill that will free many veterans from financial turmoil, and allow them to make their own decisions about what kind of long-term care they want to receive.

I strongly encourage my colleagues to join me in co-sponsoring the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act.

Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness and deepest sympathy that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen American soldier. Army Staff Sergeant Jesse Lamar Thomas, Jr. of Pensacola, Florida died on June 10, 2013, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, while in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. SSG Thomas was assigned to the 66th Transportation Company, 39th Transportation Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Kaiserslautern, Germany.

SSG Thomas enlisted into the Army in October 17, 2003, and most recently served his country as a Human Resources Specialist, where he always fought for the resources and well-being of his fellow soldiers to ensure they had the tools required to accomplish the mission. SSG Thomas is remembered by his Company Command as a great mentor, a dedicated noncommissioned officer, and a true professional committed to a life of service to his fellow soldiers, to the United States Army, and to the United States of America. SSG Thomas is also remembered as a talented musician and a man with a deep dedication and love for his family and God.

SSG Thomas lived to support and lift up those around him. He dedicated his life helping to ensure those who would do our Nation harm were defeated, while also working to secure the blessings of freedom for the Afghan people. We will never forget his service toward that honorable end. To SSG Thomas' loving wife Michelle; his children Jamie, Justin, and Jordan; mother, Irma Jean; his siblings, Sheldra, Geneen, Shandrea, and Darrin; his extended family and friends, my wife Vicki joins me in offering our most sincere condolences and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful United States Congress and Nation, I stand here today to honor SSG Jesse Lamar Thomas, Jr. and all of the warriors we have lost. May God continue to bless them and the men and women of our United States Armed Forces.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of John D. Kimbrough, who passed away on June 12, 2013. During his distinguished career in education and his military service, John Kimbrough served as a mentor and an inspiration to countless individuals throughout the Gulf Coast. The loss of this great man is felt across the entire northwest Florida community.

Mr. Kimbrough was born February 17, 1945 in Chumuckla, Florida. In a true testament to his love of country, Mr. Kimbrough chose to serve in the United States Army. While serving, Mr. Kimbrough was part of the Reinforcement Control Group based in St. Louis, Missouri and also served in Korea. After returning from his tour of duty, Mr. Kimbrough attended the University of West Florida. A born teacher, he used his degree to educate students in math and science and also served as a coach to further nurture and inspire the students of northwest Florida.

Many students and teachers whose lives were touched by Mr. Kimbrough mourn the loss of a man of devotion and unwavering compassion. Perhaps the greatest mark he left was his persistent service to his fellow man; when it came to repairing things, there was never a problem he could not solve. His contributions and service to our community along with his selfless and dedicated service to our great Nation will forever be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the exemplary life of Mr. John D. Kimbrough. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers and sincerest condolences to his wife, Addie; son, JJ; daughter-in-law, Kendra; grandson, Lucas; and all of his family and friends. He will be truly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pensacola Ice Flyers for their recent victory in the Southern Professional Hockey League's President's Cup Championship series and offer my congratulations to the team members, owners, coaching staff, and front office staff:

Team members, Steve Bergin; Dan Buccella; Jordan Chong; Joe Caveney; Brent Clarke; Brad Cooper; Ron Cramer; John Dunbar; Nick Dupuis; Gerry Festa; Jeremy Gates; Mitchell Good; Patrick Knowlton; Kevin Kozlowski; Justin MacDonald; Mike MacIntyre; Ross MacKinnon; Ryan Salvis; Tyler Soehner; and Brandon Vossberg; Owners, Greg Harris; and Tim Kerr; Coach, Gary Graham; Equipment Manager, Mark ``Bonez'' Bradtmueller; Athletic Trainer, Jen Lorenzo; and front office staff, Tina Burnham; Patrick Casey; Kayleigh Kerr; Josh Kersh; Willa Licata; Chuck McCartney; and Brittany Tindell.

The Pensacola Ice Flyers were founded in 2009 and named to honor Pensacola's long and proud history as the ``Cradle of Naval Aviation.'' From the beginning, the Ice Flyers have been strong competitors in the Southern Professional Hockey League, SPHL, making it to playoffs in each year of their existence. Last season, the Ice Flyers made it all the way to the championship series, before narrowly losing in the final game.

After coming agonizingly close to victory last season, the Ice Flyers entered into the 2012-13 season with only one goal: to win it all. The Ice Flyers enjoyed a successful regular season, finishing with the third best record in the league. The team also enjoyed tremendous support from the Pensacola community, drawing more than 100,000 fans to their home games this season.

The President's Cup series between the Ice Flyers and the Huntsville Havoc was a closely contested affair. In the first game, the Ice Flyers prevailed at home in overtime 2-1; however, the Havoc fought back just three days later to claim a series tying 2-1 victory, sending the series back to Pensacola for a third and final game.

A passionate crowd of nearly 4,700 fans showed up at the Pensacola Bay Center to watch as the Ice Flyers faced the Havoc in the third and final game of the President's Cup series on April 14, 2013. The Ice Flyers took an early lead after just two minutes and seven seconds of play, and they never looked back en route to a 2-0 shutout victory to claim the crown and bring the President's Cup to Pensacola. With their victory, the Ice Flyers became just the third professional hockey team from Florida to capture a championship, and they became the first team from Pensacola to bring a professional sports trophy to the area.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize the players, coaches, staff, and fans of the Pensacola Ice Flyers for their championship winning season. The entire Northwest Florida area looks forward to many more winning seasons to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the First Congressional District of Florida's Pensacola Catholic High School Crusaders for winning its second-straight Class 4A Florida High School Sports Association Baseball Championship and offer my congratulations to the team members, coaches, trainer, and school principal:

Team members, Tanner Halstead (#3); Gavin Wehby (#4); Drew LaBounty (#5); Zane Gill (#7); Jon Jon Burkett (#8); Clarke Berry (#9); Brandon Wiley (#10); Gregory Ciangiotto (#11); Evans Bozeman (#12); Avery Geyer (#13); Bronson Chancellor (#14); Chandler Burns (#15); Cooper Jones (#16); Cody Henry (#17); Zach Allen (#21); James McGhee (#22); Jacob Knorr (#23); Michael Neal (#31); Brandon Lockridge (#32); Nick Helton (#40); Zach Wyant; Kai Wilson; Hunter Wilson; and Jason Borcz; Coaches, Richard LaBounty; P.J. Smith; Sonny Reedy; Glenn Currie; Keith Haynes; Jak-y Kohr; Christian Macon; and Russell Deason; Trainer, Lexi West; and Principal, Sister Kierstin Martin.

The Catholic Crusaders ended a spectacular season with thirty wins and no losses to clinch this year's state championship. The final game was played against Miami Monsignor Pace High School at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida, on Tuesday, May 21, with the Crusaders earning an eighth inning victory by a score of seven to five. Many of the exceptional plays leading up to the victory occurred in the eighth inning itself. Junior James McGhee hit a two-run double in the top of the eighth inning, and senior pitcher Cooper Jones handled all three outs himself in the bottom of the eighth, striking two batters out and fielding a ground ball to the pitcher's mound to close out the game.

This extraordinary triumph marks a proud moment in the sports history of Northwest Florida and builds upon its already strong baseball tradition. The Crusader's winning streak has risen to thirty- five, which it was reported has not occurred in the Pensacola area since Escambia High School reached that level in the 1965-1966 season. Perhaps more impressive is the fact that no team in Pensacola history, prior to this one, has ever ended a season undefeated.

On behalf of the United States Congress and the citizens of Northwest Florida, I congratulate the team, students, and faculty of

Catholic High School for its extraordinary victory. My wife Vicki joins me in offering our best wishes to the school and its talented athletes for their continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the enduring spirit and gratitude of the people of the United States and France as exemplified through the mutual friendship of the sister cities of Crestview, Florida, and the French island city of Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile.

The island of Noirmoutier, located off the west coast of France near Nantes and Saint-Nazaire, maintains an inextricable link with our Nation's military history. On July 4, 1943, while America was celebrating the date of its independence, an American B-17 crash-landed right on the beach of the small Noirmoutier village of la Gueriniere. This Flying Fortress was returning to England after a bombing run on the Nazi-held airfield outside Saint-Nazaire during World War II. Though the crew survived, the Nazi occupation forces on Noirmoutier got to the Americans before the island's underground partisans could rescue them, and the crew was imprisoned for the duration of the war.

To this day, the people of Noirmoutier refuse to clear the wreckage of the B-17. Even for the island's youngest generation, it acts as a vivid reminder of the sacrifices made by France's American allies toward the cause of liberating France, and Europe, from the scourge of Nazi occupation, deprivation, and brutality. On Commemoration Day, Sunday, June 30, 2013, a monument will be unveiled on Noirmoutier dedicated to the courageous crew of that fateful B-17 and to all Americans who worked so selflessly to obtain France's liberation from the Nazis.

On behalf of the United States Congress and the citizens of Northwest Florida, I am privileged to recognize the friendship between the people of Northwest Florida and Noirmoutier and join them in honoring the service and sacrifice of all men and women who sacrifice their lives in the name of freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 671) to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the disability compensation evaluation procedure of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for veterans with mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous material they may have on H.R. 671, as amended.

I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 671, as amended, will demand that the Department of Veterans Affairs place an immediate and concerted focus upon updating and improving its regulations for processing claims based upon military sexual trauma, commonly known as MST.

Reported incidences of military sexual trauma have risen markedly in recent years, a disturbing trend affecting both women and men serving in the military. I have spoken with many servicemembers who have suffered MST, and one sentiment is commonly echoed--these servicemembers feel a sense of betrayal and lack of trust. They have said that they feel betrayed by their fellow military attacker; and, without proper handling of the crime, they also feel betrayed by their command and their service branch.

The Department of Defense must take the lead on this issue and must address military sexual assault and trauma throughout the ranks in the strongest possible terms. Additionally, our veterans who have suffered military sexual trauma who live with this sense of betrayal must be confident that they will not be further traumatized by the Department of Veterans Affairs when they seek necessary and proper assistance.

Survivors of MST must not be subjected to outdated and antiquated regulations of the Department.

VA's approach to claims of MST and its processing thereof require immediate and thoughtful review, and that is the intent of H.R. 671, as amended.

I want to thank Congresswoman Pingree for bringing this important bill to the committee. And I commend Subcommittee Chairman Runyan and Ranking Member Titus for their bipartisan work on bringing this bill to the floor today.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield as much time as he might consume to the subcommittee chairman of Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Runyan).

I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, we are ready to close if the ranking member is ready as well, so I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I think the words speak for themselves as well as the comments that have been made here on the floor. I would just close with this: that I urge all of my colleagues to support the Ruth Moore Act. I support H.R. 671, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.