Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Maria Foote as the 2013 Okaloosa County Educational Support Professional of the Year. I am honored to recognize her achievements and dedication to the students and teachers of the Northwest Florida community.

Since 2008, Mrs. Foote has worked as an English Language Learner (ELL) interpreter at Destin Elementary School. While serving the Okaloosa County School District, Mrs. Foote has never wavered in her commitment to the ELL program and her students. She works tirelessly to facilitate learning amongst students, teachers, and the community. In a school district that comprises a high ELL population, Mrs. Foote's role as an interpreter is extremely critical, as she translates conferences, documents, and provides academic support. Mrs. Foote also continuously accepts new challenges, and when the Okaloosa County School District began English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class for families, she was tasked as the liaison between ELL families and the district facilitator.

She has accepted and carried out this role with grace and excellence.

Out of her passion for service, Mrs. Foote's involvement extends beyond the classroom. She is active in fundraising activities to benefit the English Language Learner population, as well as readily answering calls for help after school hours. It is not uncommon for Mrs. Foote to go above and beyond for the families of Okaloosa County, as she places their needs before her own. The significant improvement and learning gains demonstrated by students working with Mrs. Foote truly exemplify her steadfast commitment to excellence and desire for her students to succeed. Instructors like Mrs. Foote leave a perpetual impact on their schools and community.

Mrs. Foote's efforts and hard work have not gone unnoticed. She has been widely recognized and honored for her accomplishments in the school and community and is the recipient of several awards, including Service Beyond the Call of Duty awarded by Northwest Florida State College and Taking the Lead Organizing Projects awarded by AmeriCorps.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Maria Foote on her achievements and contributions to the Okaloosa County School District. She is a dedicated teacher, an inspiration to her students, and an honorable public servant. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mrs. Foote, and we wish her all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Ann Thompson as the 2014 Santa Rosa County, Florida Teacher of the Year. Ms. Thompson has been an inspiration to her students, her colleagues, and her community, and I am honored to recognize her success and her many achievements.

The best teachers are those who not only educate, but those who strive every day to actively engage their pupils. Ms. Thompson embodies this spirit--she is an educator, a mentor, and a role model to those she serves. As a founding parent of West Navarre Intermediate, Ms. Thompson has played an integral role with the school for more than 14 years, the last 7 of which as an educator.

Throughout her career, Ms. Thompson has served in various capacities. Before joining West Navarre Intermediate, Ms. Thompson had a successful medical career for 25 years. However, she recognized that her true calling was teaching. With the goal of ensuring all children leave school reading at least on grade level in mind, Ms. Thompson earned the required teaching certification from the University of West Florida. Wanting to work in the very school that she helped build, Ms. Thompson has seen her dreams come true as a third grade teacher at West Navarre Intermediate.

The perspectives she gained from raising three children and serving in the medical field give her a unique experience base to better enrich her students education. Ms. Thompson's instructional techniques are calculated, research-based, and focused on the needs of the individual student by using exhaustive data analysis as well as daily observation. In doing this, Ms. Thompson recognizes the reality that each student is different, and she tailors her instruction to her pupils resulting in enhanced academic achievement.

Ms. Thompson's greatness extends well beyond her title as Teacher of the Year--it lies in the hearts and minds of the students who have been deeply affected. and I am proud to recognize the accomplishments that place her among the best of Northwest Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Ms. Ann Thompson as Teacher of the Year and thank her for her exemplary service in the Santa Rosa County School District. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mrs. Thompson, and we wish her all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Susan Rigby as the 2014 Escambia County, Florida Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Rigby has been an inspiration to her students, her colleagues, and our community; and I am honored to recognize her success and achievements.

In 1983, Mrs. Rigby graduated from the University of West Florida with a bachelor's degree in Business Management, and in 2005 she earned a master's degree from the University of West Florida in Clinical Teaching and Special Education. However, Mrs. Rigby's passion for teaching began well before 2005. Since 1989, Mrs. Rigby has served the students and community of Northwest Florida, both in the Escambia County and Santa Rosa County school districts. Mrs. Rigby initially served an ESE Teacher Assistant and Substitute Teacher for the Escambia County School District from 1989 to 1999. Since then, she has served twice as an ESE Teacher for Pine Forest High School, Math Teacher for Navarre High School, and is currently the an Algebra 1A Co-Teacher at Pine Forest High School.

The superb quality and effectiveness of the schools in Northwest Florida can no doubt be credited to educators like Susan Rigby. Mrs. Rigby understands the invaluable role teachers play in the lives of their students, and she possesses an unwavering commitment and fervor. She is an exemplary teacher who believes encouraging her students to reach their highest potential is most crucial to the learning experience. The enthusiasm demonstrated by Mrs. Rigby's students is truly a testament to her dedication and desire to see her students achieve both in and out of the classroom.

Aside from her involvement at Pine Forest High School, Mrs. Rigby dedicates her time to various community events such as Relay for Life, We Believe in Children 5K, as well as projects that benefit underprivileged classrooms. Mrs. Rigby's efforts and devotion have not gone unnoticed, and she has been honored for her years of teaching secondary education. In 2004, she was awarded the University of West Florida, Outstanding College of Education Student. She was also the recipient of the Pine Forest High School Teacher of the Year, as well as the Walmart Selection Teacher of the Year in 2005.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Mrs. Susan Rigby as the 2014 Escambia County Teacher of the Year. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mrs. Rigby, and we wish her all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Heather Erickson as the 2013 Okaloosa County, Florida Teacher of the Year. For eight years, Ms. Erickson has been an inspiration to her students, her colleagues, and her community, and I am honored to recognize her success and myriad of achievements.

After receiving her bachelor's degree in Education from William Smith College in 2005, Ms. Erickson moved to Northwest Florida to begin her teaching career. After teaching kindergarten and second grade at Holley-Navarre Primary School for six years, Ms. Erickson joined Elliot Point Elementary School, where she currently serves as a kindergarten teacher.

Northwest Florida has been blessed with an abundance of exemplary educators who teach students of all ages. As a kindergarten teacher, Ms. Erickson understands and values the critical role she plays in the journey and development of her young students. Throughout her teaching career, Ms. Erickson has shown an unwavering commitment to inspiring her students and pushing them to their highest potential. Most recently, she has demonstrated her leadership as Data Team leader, and she has made a tremendous impact on Elliot Point Elementary.

Outside of her classroom, Ms. Erickson dedicates her time and teaching experience to mentor other teachers and support school activities. In addition to her involvement at Elliot Point Elementary, Ms. Erickson is a member of the Okaloosa County Educations Associations, as well as, the National Educators Association.

Ms. Erickson has been widely recognized and honored for her years of exemplary work, dedication, and inspiration as an educator. She was awarded both the Holley-Navarre Primary School Teacher of the Year, as well as, the Elliot Point Teacher of the Year. In both 2007 and 2009, Ms. Erickson was a recipient of the Santa Rosa Education Foundation Grant, which she utilized to improve the reading and math curricula in the community.

While Ms. Erickson is an exceptional educator, she credits her success and achievements to the amazing students she has had the privilege of teaching. The most rewarding aspect of her profession is that she is able to watch her students grow as they learn.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Heather Erickson as the Okaloosa County, Florida Teacher of the Year and thank her for her commitment to service to Northwest Florida. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Ms. Erickson, and we wish her all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Melissa Dicesare as the 2012-2013 Walton County, Florida Teacher of the Year. For more than thirteen years, Ms. Dicesare has been an inspiration to her students, her colleagues, and her community, and I am honored to recognize her success and myriad of achievements.

After earning a bachelor's degree in Secondary English Education and master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida, Ms. Dicesare joined the Northwest Florida school system as an English teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School for three years. Ms. Dicesare then joined Niceville Senior High School for eight years and eventually South Walton High School, where she currently serves as an English teacher and Leadership Sponsor.

Teachers are among our nation's most valuable public servants. They are responsible for helping mentor our students and for ensuring that our youth have the proper tools they need to succeed. It is unquestionable that Ms. Dicesare values the important influence and role teachers play in the lives of their students. To Ms. Dicesare, being a teacher is about being a positive force in bettering the lives of her students and always inspiring them to strive for excellence. She challenges her students to think critically. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong character with integrity and resolve, and she speaks of the importance of becoming productive members of society. Aside from her students, Ms. Dicesare mentors young aspiring teachers, and by sharing her wisdom and experience with her fellow colleagues, Ms. Dicesare improves the quality of her own classroom, as well as the entire school.

In addition to being named Walton County, Florida Teacher of the Year, Ms. Dicesare has previously earned recognition as the Okaloosa County, Florida First Year Teacher of the Year; Sallie Mae First Year Teacher Award; Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction; United States Achievement Academy Leadership Award; Beta Club Helping Hand Award; 2005 Niceville High School Outstanding Educator Award; and 2000-2008 Who's Who Among America's Teachers.

Ms. Dicesare's unbridled compassion and enthusiasm exemplify the essential characteristics of a successful teacher. They are evidenced by the numerous accolades she has received, and the impact of her achievements is alive in the hearts and minds of the students who have been deeply affected by her unwavering dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Melissa Dicesare as the Walton County, Florida Teacher of the Year and thank her for her leadership and commitment to service to Northwest Florida. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Ms. Dicesare, and we wish her all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Randal Messer as the 2012-2013 Walton County Educational Support Professional of the Year. I am honored to recognize his achievements and dedication to the students and teachers of Northwest Florida.

Mr. Messer has spent more than 25 years working to help better the lives of Northwest Florida school children, including 22 years at West DeFuniak Elementary, where he currently serves as the School Plant Manager and Technical Contact. In his role at West DeFuniak, Mr. Messer is responsible for ensuring that the students, faculty and staff of the school have a comfortable, clean and safe environment to pursue their work. He is also responsible for maintaining the facilities and technological equipment.

Mr. Messer has an unwavering commitment to carrying out his responsibilities, and he has voluntarily pursued various certifications and additional training to improve the facilities of West DeFuniak Elementary. He has completed comprehensive plant manager training through the Walton County School District, as well as additional training in energy conservation. Mr. Messer also understands the need for proper safety training. He is both CPR and AED certified, has undergone training as part of the Crisis Intervention Team at West DeFuniak, and received FEMA certification for his completion of coursework on Incident Command Systems.

Outside of his work responsibilities, Mr. Messer is also a committed and integral community leader. In 2012, he was recognized by a local radio station, WZEP, and earned the Good Neighbor Award. Mr. Mercer also has a firm commitment to serving the Lord, and he has served as a Deacon at the Community Holiness Church of DeFuniak Springs since 2008.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Randal Messer as the Walton County Educational Support Professional of the Year. His passion for the students of Walton County is laudable and his dedication to his profession is exemplary. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mr. Messer, and we wish him all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.J. Res. 19, a measure originally introduced by Representative Emerson of Missouri, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Amanda Friar, Alyssa Jones, Chelsea King, Heather Lynch, Kylie Shelley, Morrigan Webb, Praise Pettus, Sarah Cox, Savannah Rodwell, Skye Barberi, Taylor Smith, and Coach Garrett Bagley of the Navarre High School Lady Raiders Weightlifting Team on earning their school's first state title.

On Saturday, February 9, 2013, under the coaching and leadership of Garrett Bagley, the Lady Raiders Weightlifting Team became Florida High School Athletic Association State Champions. After finishing in second place for the past three years, victory for the Lady Raiders was that much sweeter. This season, through the perfect blend of perseverance, discipline, focus, and desire, the Navarre Raiders were ultimately triumphant and defeated two-time defending state champion, Spruce Creak, for the title in a close 24-23 win.

A commendable eleven members of the lady Raiders team performed exceptionally well at the sectional competition and qualified for the State Championship. Of those eleven teammates, six lifters earned themselves individual medals with senior Amanda Friar leading the team as the 110-pound weight class individual gold medalist, followed by Skye Barberi and Praise Pettus finishing with second-place showings, Alyssa Jones and Kylie Shelley finishing fourth, and Chelsea King finishing sixth. I am certain that their impressive victory will continue to be a cherished moment in each of their lives.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the Navarre High School Lady Raiders Weightlifting Team on their accomplishments and their continuing commitment to excellence at Navarre High School. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating them and everyone who has played a supportive role in guiding their team to victory. We wish them all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Northwest Florida's beloved Michael David Varner, who passed away on February 6, 2013. During his long and distinguished career in education, Mr. Varner served as a mentor and an inspiration to countless individuals throughout Northwest Florida. After an arduous battle with brain cancer, the loss of a great man and unparalleled public servant and educator is felt not only here at home, but across the state of Florida.

Mr. Varner was born on October 8, 1953, in Highland Falls, New York. Upon graduating in 1971 from Niceville High School in Northwest Florida, Mr. Varner attended Okaloosa-Walton Community College, as well as, the University of South Florida. He continued his education at the University of West Florida, where he earned a Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science in Teaching.

Mr. Varner's passion for educating led him to Tate High School, where he taught biology for 35 years. He also served as an adjunct professor at Pensacola State College for ten years. During his years as an educator, his commitment was always to the students and helping them reach their goals, both in and out of the classroom. Mr. Varner coached soccer, sponsored Student Government and Exchange Club, and served as sponsor to both the sophomore and senior classes for students at Tate High School.

Mr. Varner has been widely recognized and honored for his years of teaching and service to the community with ``Who's Who Among Teachers,'' Florida Biology Teacher of the Year, and most recently with the Escambia County Teacher of the Year award in 2011. While the list of Mr. Varner's achievements extends far beyond what is noted here, they all highlight his unwavering devotion to improving the lives of those around him and to bettering his community through service.

In addition to his devotion to his students, Mr. Varner was a man of faith and committed to his parish. For nearly 20 years, he assisted Youth Ministry with planning, organizing, and assisting in many diocesan youth events. He was also a talented musician, who used his gift of music to write and play songs for church services and school functions.

Northwest Florida, Escambia County, Florida, and the many students whose lives were touched by Mr. Varner, mourn the loss of an exceptional man. His contributions and service to the community and this great nation will forever be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the exemplary life of Michael David Varner. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers to his wife Kathleen, his sons Jason and Brian, his parents Richard and Madeleine, his siblings Valarie and Richard, and Mr. Varner's entire family and friends. He will be truly missed by all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Northwest Florida's beloved Rita Eika Jones, who passed away on February 1, 2013. Throughout her long and distinguished career in education and civil service, Rita Eika Jones served as a mentor and an inspiration to countless individuals throughout Northwest Florida. The loss of a great woman and unparalleled public servant is felt not only here at home, but across the state of Florida.

Ms. Jones was a lifelong resident of the Panhandle and began her commitment to the Lord at twelve years of age, receiving confirmation at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church. Ms. Jones inherently understood that education is the key to success and she spent the majority of her professional career passing her knowledge on to her students. An alumnus of Booker T. Washington High School's class of 1948, Ms. Jones furthered her education by obtaining a mathematics education degree at Bethune-Cookman University. With a passion for learning and a thirst for knowledge, she continued to develop her edification by attaining advanced degrees from a myriad of universities. She earned a graduate degree from Northwestern University and Harvard University, as well as a doctorate degree from Florida State University in design and management of elementary and secondary schools. While completing the course work for her doctorate degree, Ms. Jones studied administration and supervision at Florida A&M University, community school research and small business at the University of West Florida, finance at Clyde Gore Real Estate School, and mathematics and computer technology at Case Institute of Technology.

Ms. Jones' fervor for teaching and bettering the lives of others led her to Escambia County School District, where she served with unwavering dedication as an educator, principal and supervisor for forty-one years, and as a Pensacola City Councilwoman for two terms. Devoting herself wholeheartedly to her profession, she played an active role in improving the school district through staff development, student recognition and achievement, needs assessment, annual report planning and writing and several other key areas.

Northwest Florida, the Escambia County School District, and the many students whose lives were touched by Ms. Jones, mourn the loss of a kind and devoted woman. Her contributions and service to the community and this great Nation will forever be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the exemplary life of Ms. Rita Eika Jones. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers to her entire family and friends. She will be truly missed by all.

Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to recognize Reverend James S. Young for his selfless service to the Northwest Florida community.

Reverend Young founded the Pensacola chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference more than 50 years ago after an inspirational meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Birmingham, Alabama. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference not only played a critical role in the civil rights movement, but continues to push for effective policy in four major realms: economic development, education, community empowerment, and technology.

Reverend Young's contributions to the civil rights movement include working closely with local ministers and leaders to organize boycotts throughout the city in order to further their cause for justice. Under his leadership, several ministerial and civil leaders were able to conduct meetings with businesses specifically regarding merchants' discrimination practices. Most notably, Reverend Young was selected to meet with the Supreme Court Judges in Washington, D.C. to participate in a discussion on segregation issues. The list of Reverend Young's accomplishments extends far beyond what is noted here, but they all highlight his devotion to improving the lives of those around him and to bettering his community through service.

In addition to his involvement with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Reverend Young serves as the Dean of the Baptist Ministers Union of Pensacola, the Executive Director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration Committee, and senior pastor at Mt. Canaan Ministry Baptist Church. He also offers his leadership and expertise as a member of the NAACP, the Ministerial Association, and the God in Government Committee.

Reverend Young's commitment to service and passion for bettering the lives of others has been recognized through the countless awards bestowed to him; most recently with proclamations from the Pensacola Mayor and County Commission. For the past several decades, Reverend Young has served his community and organization with unwavering dedication. There is no question that Reverend Young has left an invaluable impact on not only Northwest Florida, but to the national human rights and justice movement as well.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to recognize Reverend James S. Young for his lifetime of service. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing James and his wife Marie all of the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Northwest Florida's beloved Colonel Dean F. Schnoor. Colonel Schnoor was a proud resident of Northwest Florida where he retired after serving his nation with honor and distinction.

Colonel Schnoor was born in the small town of Perry, Iowa on June 3, 1925. Colonel Schnoor's service to his country began with his studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. After graduating in 1950, Colonel Schnoor embarked on more than 28 years of faithful service to our great country as an Army officer. During his career, Colonel Schnoor earned a Master's in Public Administration at Shippensburg State College, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and also graduated from both the Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. Colonel Schnoor's outstanding leadership, service and sacrifice contributed significantly in the defense of our nation while assigned to numerous overseas duty locations including the Panama Canal Zone, Puerto Rico, Korea, Germany, and Vietnam.

In addition to his outstanding leadership as a member of our Armed Forces, Colonel Schnoor was also a devoted leader in the Northwest Florida community. Following Colonel Schnoor's retirement from the Army in 1979, he established and managed a small business called Whispering Pines Christmas Tree Farm in Allentown, Florida. This family-run farm is a treasured institution in Northwest Florida where residents often gather year after year to select their family Christmas tree. Colonel Schnoor's farm also includes a petting zoo with animals such as goats and turkeys which has been cherished by countless families from across the region.

To some, Colonel Dean Schnoor will be remembered as a patriot, who answered the call of duty on numerous occasions with honor, distinction and bravery. To others, he will be remembered as an integral part of the Northwest Florida community who left behind a lasting legacy. To his family, Colonel Schnoor will always be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father to his children, and as a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. His contributions to our nation, and his community will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to honor the life and service of Colonel Dean F. Schnoor. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our most sincere condolences to Colonel Schnoor's wife, Joyce, his 10 children, 26 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and the entire Schnoor family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Northwest Florida's beloved Colonel James L. Hill, Sr. Colonel Hill was a native Northwest Floridian who served his nation with honor and distinction, while also working tirelessly as an educator and leader in his community.

Colonel Hill was born in the small town of Lakewood in Walton County, Florida on February 1, 1925. Colonel Hill attended public schools in Walton County, before graduating from Tivoli High School in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. After his high school career, Colonel Hill began his studies at Florida A&M University.

Colonel Hill put his studies on hold, however, to answer the call of duty during World War II. Colonel Hill entered the United States Army as a Private, serving bravely in the European Theater. After the war ended, Colonel Hill returned to his studies at Florida A&M University; however, he decided to remain in the Army Reserve to continue serving his nation.

After graduating from Florida A&M, Colonel Hill married his college sweetheart, Jounice, and together they accepted positions at Carver Junior High School in Florala, Alabama. Colonel Hill was working as the Principal of Carver Junior High, when he was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. Colonel Hill was ready to answer his nation's call, and he again served with honor and distinction with the 45th Combat Infantry.

Colonel Hill finished his tour in Korea and returned to Northwest Florida to continue his career in education. He took a position as the Principal of Drew Elementary School in Baker, Florida. His successful tenure at Drew was the beginning of an exemplary career that saw Colonel Hill serve as a principal at four different schools in Okaloosa County, Florida including 26 years at Florosa Elementary School.

While serving in the Army Reserve and as a school principal, Colonel Hill also continued his education receiving both a master's and doctorate degree in education. Colonel Hill also excelled in his reserve service, and in 1975, after completing Command and General Staff College, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel. Colonel Hill continued to serve in the Army Reserve until his retirement in 1981. In 1994, Colonel Hill retired from the Okaloosa County School District after having worked as a teacher and principal for nearly 40 years, and his excellent service to the State of Florida was recognized with a gubernatorial proclamation from Governor Lawton Chiles.

Outside of his outstanding leadership as an educator and a member of our Armed Forces, Colonel Hill was also a true leader in the Northwest Florida community. Colonel Hill served as President of the Community Action Program in Fort Walton Beach, as well as Vice President of the Fort Walton Beach Civic League. He was also a longtime member of the Okaloosa County NAACP, and in 2009 he was recognized as the Okaloosa County Branch NAACP Centennial Celebration Legacy Honoree. Colonel Hill's outstanding achievements and legacy were also recorded for posterity in his autobiography Sawmill, A Family Affair, which won the Palm Beach County African Diaspora Award.

To some, Colonel James Hill will be remembered as a patriot, who answered the call of duty on numerous occasions with honor, distinction and bravery. To others, he will be remembered as a committed educator and a leader in civic society. To his family, Colonel Hill will always be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather. His contributions to our nation and his community will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to honor the life and service of Colonel James L. Hill, Sr. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our most sincere condolences to Colonel Hill's wife, Jounice, his children, grandchildren and the entire Hill family.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 4057) to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and members of the Armed Forces through the provision of information on institutions of higher learning, and for other purposes

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous material that they may have on the Senate amendment to H.R. 4057.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Mr. Speaker, the Senate amendment before us, H.R. 4057, is another bipartisan and bicameral product of the work of the House and the Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs to improve the effectiveness of GI Bill benefits for our veterans.

I want to express my appreciation to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Chairman Marlin Stutzman, Ranking Member Bruce Braley, and our new committee ranking member, Mike Michaud, for working with us to bring this amended bill to the House floor today. I also want to thank the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Senators Murray and Burr, for their support of this legislation as well.

The Senate amendment responds to concerns about how to ensure that veterans make the best use of their hard-earned GI Bill benefits. Now, I think that by adding some very reasonable transparency requirements to information provided by schools we have met those concerns really without overburdening our colleges and universities with needless government regulations.

The bill, as amended, has four major sections. The first one reflects our vice chairman of the full committee Mr. Bilirakis' original legislation, slightly modified, which would improve the ability of GI Bill users to choose the school that best meets their own educational needs. These provisions will help this generation of veterans make informed choices about how to use those educational benefits.

I appreciate the bipartisanship manner in which our colleagues on both sides of the aisle have worked to reach an accord on the final provisions of this section. I also want to thank the veteran service organizations for their assistance, especially the Veterans of Foreign Wars, for they have been so supportive of this particular section. I also want to thank the higher education associations for their support as well.

Now, section 2 contains additional provisions from the original bill that will prohibit schools from paying or offering any type of inducement to employees or students for recruiting veterans. It would also require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out enforcement of this provision in a manner that is consistent with the Higher Education Act.

Section 3 would require VA to provide a point of contact dedicated to assisting schools with questions about VA education policy and processes.

The fourth section would limit the total amount of bonuses or awards paid to VA employees to $395 million total in fiscal year 2013, which fully pays for the provisions in the Senate amendment.

Finally, if properly implemented by VA, and if the multitude of Federal, State, and local agencies charged with overseeing the education industry properly enforce existing laws and regulations, there should be little need for further legislation in this area.

Regardless, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs will continue to aggressively monitor the implementation of this legislation and the performance of the entire education industry to ensure that these provisions achieve the desired results.

I encourage all the Members of this body to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I'm now happy to yield as much time as he might consume to the vice chairman of the full committee, Tarpon Springs' favorite son, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).

Mr. Speaker, I would like to inquire as to whether my friend has any more speakers. If not, I reserve the balance of time, as we have no more speakers.

Mr. Speaker, I once again encourage all Members to support the Senate amendment to H.R. 4057, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3202) to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that deceased veterans with no known next of kin can receive a dignified burial, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous material that they may have on S. 3202.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

S. 3202 is another bipartisan and bicameral product of the House and the Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs. It's going to improve the lives of veterans and their families.

I want to again thank my colleague, the ranking member, Mr. Michaud, and all the members of the committee and the subcommittees for their advocacy of the provisions of this bill. I also want to thank from the other side of the Capitol complex Senator Murray and Senator Burr for their work on improving these provisions. It's great working with Members who show that, when it comes to veterans issues, both sides can really come together and agree on issues for the common good.

The first title of this bill pertains to cemetery matters, as one of my colleagues has already said. In June of this year, an indigent veteran with no next of kin was buried in a cardboard box in my home State of Florida. I, like many of my colleagues, was shocked and appalled to hear of this news. As a result, several sections of this legislation directly address that specific issue, and it will ensure that all eligible veterans, regardless of their personal or financial situation, will receive a dignified burial at a VA national cemetery. This would include providing VA with the authority to provide a casket, urn, or other acceptable burial container when a veteran has no known next of kin and the VA is unable to provide one.

This legislation would also provide for more efficient communication between VA and local medical examiners and other agencies to ensure that eligible veterans with no next of kin will be properly laid to rest in a national cemetery. It would also require the VA report to Congress on its compliance with industry standards for appropriate burial containers.

Another section of title I, authored by Mr. Culberson of Texas, would direct VA to ensure that any memorial service respects the wishes of a deceased veteran's family to include the use of religious symbols or volunteer honor guards. Given the numerous difficulties many families face when dealing with the death of a loved one, ensuring that their wishes can be honored with a VA memorial service is the least we can do to honor the memory of that veteran.

The bill would also protect the honor of those buried in America's national cemeteries by prohibiting anyone convicted of a tier III sex offense and sentenced to life in prison from being laid to rest there. Because VA national cemeteries are such sacred grounds, it is important that we preserve the honor of those buried there by excluding those convicted of the most heinous of crimes.

This legislation would provide a pathway toward the establishment of the Clark Veterans Cemetery, located in the Philippines, as a permanent cemetery restored, operated, and maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission.

As the American Battle Monuments Commission currently operates and maintains other overseas veterans cemeteries, it is the most appropriate entity to accomplish the important task of honoring our fallen veterans who have been laid to rest at Clark.

Title II of this legislation contains provisions that will enhance our ability to provide for the health care needs of our veterans. It includes a measure which would direct VA, in coordination with the Department of Defense, to establish and maintain an open burn pit registry for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits during deployment.

Many of our servicemembers and veterans have returned home from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan with serious questions and grave concerns about the possible long-term health effects of burn pit exposure. It is my hope that by establishing this registry we can provide them the answers and assurances they seek and develop better ways to care for them and future generations of America's warriors.

Under this title, VA would also be authorized to provide transportation services to and from VA facilities for veterans with health care appointments and in connection with vocational rehabilitation or counseling. Veterans who live in rural communities, who are elderly, who are visually impaired, or who are immobile due to disease and disability often face significant challenges in traveling to access services that VA can provide. It is our intent that VA will use this authority to complement, and not replace, existing programs such as the valuable Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network; and as such, this authority is being provided for 1 year.

Title III of the bill would require the Department of Labor to conduct a 2-year pilot program offering Transition Assistance Program training at off-base facilities in three to five States with high rates of unemployment among veterans. With the permission of the Department of Defense, National Guard and Reserve, facilities could be used. Veterans and spouses would be eligible for the program, which would be designed to train those veterans who did not participate in the Active Duty Transition Assistance Program or who just need to refresh their job-hunting skills.

Additionally, this title would require that judges of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims reside within 50 miles of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area during their service. Such a requirement would put the veterans court in line with other Federal courts located in the District, which already have a residency requirement in place.

Finally, this legislation includes four measures to name VA medical facilities in Georgia, Florida, Washington, and Ohio after prominent veterans or civilians who have performed outstanding services to veterans in the communities in which the VA facility is located.

I want to encourage all Members to support the bill as amended.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, might I inquire of the time remaining.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the vice chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).

Mr. Speaker, once again I encourage all Members to support this legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.