Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of Camp Walton School located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Construction on the Camp Walton School began in 1911 by a group of local citizens who sought to ensure that their children would have a permanent location to pursue their education. Located in historic downtown Fort Walton Beach, the school opened in 1912 with 15 students and one teacher. The one-room schoolhouse held classes for eight grades. In 1927, a second room was added to the schoolhouse for students in grades 9 through 12. The Camp Walton School continued to serve as a bastion of education until 1936, when a hurricane damaged the school.

After the hurricane of 1936, the local residents decided to build a new school for their community; however, the Camp Walton School building continued to be used by the local community. During World War II, the building served as an apartment house for several families. In 1974, the building's owners donated the Camp Walton School to the Junior Service League to restore it to its original status and preserve it as a historic museum. The Junior Service League, in conjunction with the Okaloosa County School Board, completed the restoration of the Camp Walton School in 1976 when it was reopened to the public.

The City of Fort Walton Beach assumed operation of the Camp Walton School in 1986, and since that time, it has come to serve thousands of local students and visitors from across the United States and around the world. The Camp Walton School is an important historical piece of the Northwest Florida community, and in 2010 it was placed on the National Register of Country Schools.

Education is the foundation for future success, and it has served as one of the cornerstones of our nation. The citizens of the Fort Walton Beach community realized this important fact and came together to ensure that their children had a suitable location to pursue their studies. One hundred years later, the Camp Walton School still stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to preserve its history.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to recognize the 100th Birthday Celebration of Camp Walton Schoolhouse. With the dedication and commitment of the Fort Walton Beach Community, this historic site will continue to teach future generations about their shared history and inspire them to achieve great success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Northwest Florida's beloved Paula Riggs. Mrs. Riggs was a dedicated public servant, a staple in the community, and all of Northwest Florida mourns her passing.

Paula Riggs was born in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba while her father was serving our nation in the United States Navy. As the daughter of a naval officer, her family moved around often; however, her parents instilled in Mrs. Riggs an everlasting love and affection for their native home in Northwest Florida. Her interest in public service began at a young age, when she would spend hours with her uncle Harold Goodwin, a former mayor of DeFuniak Springs, listening and learning.

After receiving her college degree from the University of North Florida, Paula Riggs decided to move her family to Northwest Florida to raise her four children along the Gulf Coast. Mrs. Riggs was a loving and devoted mother to her children, and she was also known throughout her community as a true neighbor who offered her kindness to all those she knew. She became a successful small business owner, before joining the Mary Esther City Council in 1995.

Mrs. Riggs' had a deep commitment to helping those who were most in need of assistance, and she continued her service to Northwest Florida in 1998 when she was elected as a County Commissioner for Okaloosa County, Florida. As a County Commissioner she was known for her assiduous work ethic and steadfast commitment to improving the community. In addition to her service on the County Commission, she served as Chairman of the Okaloosa-Walton County Transportation Planning Organization, as well as Chairman of the State Library Council, and her hard work and leadership earned her an appointment by Florida Governor Jeb Bush to serve on the Intergovernmental Relations Legislative Council. Although she was forced to step down from her position on the County Commission in 2004 due to illness, she remained a steadfast presence in the community.

To some, Paula Riggs will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and a successful small business owner. To others, she will be remembered as a generous and caring neighbor always willing to lend a hand. To her family, she will most fondly be remembered as a wonderful and loving mother to her four children and an inspiration to her two grandchildren. Her impact on Northwest Florida was immense, and her legacy will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to honor the life and service of Paula Riggs. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our most sincere condolences to the entire Riggs family.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the life of Northwest Florida's beloved Thomas Soloman (T. Sol) Johnson.

T. Sol Johnson was a lifelong resident of Northwest Florida who gained a well-earned reputation as one of the finest and most respected attorneys in Santa Rosa County. Mr. Johnson was raised in a household that respected and revered our Nation's legal system. His father, A.L. Johnson, established a successful practice in Santa Rosa County, in addition to his service as County Judge. After graduating from the University of Florida School of Law in 1963, T. Sol returned to his native Milton, Florida to join his father's practice, where he quickly distinguished himself as an exceedingly qualified and honest attorney.

T. Sol was a tireless advocate for his clients, and he often performed pro bono work to ensure that all those in need of legal counsel had access to the highest quality representation. In addition to his successful private practice, he served his community in multiple public capacities. He served on the Milton City Council from 1970-77, as attorney for the Santa Rosa Beach Administration from 1967-73, and as Santa Rosa County Attorney from 1977-81.

Outside of the courtroom, Mr. Johnson was a loving and committed family man with an unwavering devotion to the Lord. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Milton, and he served his church in various capacities as a Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, R.A. Leader, and constant volunteer on mission trips. Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife of 31 years, Mary; his four sons, Robert, Jon, Bradley, and Steven; fourteen grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

To some, T. Sol Johnson will be remembered as a world class attorney of impeccable repute. To others, he will be remembered as a leader in the Northwest Florida community. To his friends and family, he will be remembered most fondly as a loving and devoted family man. His tireless work and immense contributions to the community cannot be overstated. Northwest Florida has truly suffered a great loss with his passing.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to honor the life and service of Thomas Soloman Johnson. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our most sincere condolences to the entire Johnson family.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for the recognition.

I thank the gentleman from Washington, the chairman of the committee, for his recognition and his leadership on this effort, as well as Dr. John Fleming, the subcommittee chairman, and all the members of the House Natural Resources Committee for their support of this particular piece of legislation.

I also have to thank members of the sportsmen's community, members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, and in particular, Congressmen Duncan from South Carolina and Wittman, Boren, Michaud, and Bonner, and my counterparts in the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus leadership-- that would be Congressmen Ross, Latta,

and Shuler--for all their efforts to help advance this legislation in a bipartisan effort.

Today, I join my colleagues in support of H.R. 2706, which is the Billfish Conservation Act of 2012.

As the chairman has already said, the United States is the largest importer of billfish products in the world. Our populations continue to be affected by foreign commercial overfishing, and the importing of billfish only exacerbates the problem that exists today.

Without passage of this bill and strengthening of the current ban of the Atlantic-caught billfish to include the sale and harvest of all billfish--excluding, as has been already said on the floor today, those fisheries in the State of Hawaii and Pacific insular area--the current ban will continue to be undermined through loopholes that have hurt our anglers and the economy.

By eliminating the sale in the continental U.S., passage of this bill will support the billfish population growth, a healthy ocean ecosystem, and improve recreational fishing opportunities. As a result of the increased recreational fishing opportunities, this bill provides a huge economic boost to generate billions of dollars through direct expenditures and marine-related jobs and sales without placing a burden on the U.S. seafood market and its consumers.

I want to urge all my colleagues to support this very important piece of legislation to help conserve a very depleted fish population, preserving our Nation's fishing heritage, and provide for economic growth during a time when our country needs it most.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 55) directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 1627, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 1627) to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for certain requirements for the placement of monuments in Arlington National Cemetery, and for other purposes.

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

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members would have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous material on the bill under consideration

As the chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, I rise in support of the Senate amendments to H.R. 1627. This is a comprehensive, bipartisan, bicameral legislative package to provide for the needs of veterans, their families and survivors through improved health care, housing, education, and memorial services.

In addition, the Senate amendments to H.R. 1627 would improve the accountability and transparency of the Department of Veterans Affairs, ensuring that VA is responsible to those it serves, our American veterans.

As the title of this bill implies, this legislation would authorize VA health care services for veterans and their families for certain illnesses that manifested as a result of exposure to water contamination at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, during a 30-year span that ended in 1987.

I want to specifically acknowledge the efforts of retired Marine Master Sergeant Jerry Ensminger, whose dogged efforts to seek answers from the government and justice for the victims of the water contamination inspired this bill. In honor of Jerry's daughter, Janey, who died of leukemia at the age of 9 after time spent at Camp Lejeune when the water was contaminated, title I of this bill bears her name.

Finally, I thank Representative Brad Miller and Senator Richard Burr, the original sponsors of the Camp Lejeune legislation in the House and the Senate, for their leadership. And although this legislation represents a hard-fought victory, we must not forget those who are no longer with us to see it become law.

I think when Senator Burr said this, he said it best:

Unfortunately, many who were exposed have died as a result

and are not here to receive the care this bill can provide.

While I wish we could have accomplished this years ago, we

now have the opportunity to do the right thing for thousands

who were harmed during their service to our country.

And I couldn't agree more.

In addition to the veterans of Camp Lejeune, section 106 of this bill contains legislation the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Health, Ms. Buerkle, introduced, H.R. 2074, the Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention Act. The section and her bill, which passed the House last year, would address the serious failure of the Department of Veterans Affairs to prevent and report sexual assault incidents and corresponding flaws in the security of their facilities. It creates a fundamentally safer environment for our veterans and VA employees by requiring an accountable and comprehensive oversight system.

I want to express my personal appreciation to Ms. Buerkle for her advocacy on behalf of women and all of our veterans. In just 2 short years, she has proven herself to be a committed and strong voice for servicemembers and veterans, not only in the State of New York, but across this country.

Her considerable expertise as a nurse, a lawyer, and a mother of six was the reason I chose her to be the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Health, and I can tell you that in the roll that she has played, she has never wavered from doing what is right for all of our veterans.

The bill also includes several worthy legislative proposals to improve health care services brought forth from our Members on both sides of the aisle and in both Chambers, the House and in the Senate.

This bill also addresses several other areas where we will be able to expand and improve health care for veterans. It would allow for greater flexibility in VA payments to State veterans homes, break down barriers to care for veterans with traumatic brain injury, clarify the access rights of service dogs on VA property, and improve care for rural elderly and homeless veterans.

This bill also addresses several important matters related to veterans' housing. Because many of our returning wounded warriors need assistance modifying their residences to meet their needs, this bill would reauthorize and expand several provisions relating to the Specially Adapted Housing Grant Program.

These grants provide funding to eligible disabled veterans and servicemembers who adapt homes that they own or homes that they are currently living in to meet their daily needs. Adaptations can include grab bars in bathrooms, widening doorways for wheelchairs, or constructing a wheelchair ramp. These grants are imperative to affording veterans the level of independent living that they were accustomed to prior to their injury and that they may not be able to otherwise enjoy.

As many of us are aware, far too many of our veterans have found themselves on hard times and are homeless or are at risk for homelessness. To combat this problem, this bill would authorize funding for additional housing options for homeless veterans to help them gain stability and obtain access to other treatment and services that they may need from VA.

The next area of the bill would be in addressing education. We all know that we have provided a very generous benefit to the veterans in the post-9/11 GI Bill. The problem is that we have never really tracked the performance of the bill or if the benefits are effective in training veterans to be leaders of tomorrow. Therefore, this legislation would increase our oversight of post-9/11 educational benefits by requiring annual reports to Congress on the effectiveness of these benefits and how they're being utilized.

I want to thank my friend, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, for introducing this provision in H.R. 2274 and for his leadership on improving transparency for the post-9/11 GI Bill.

Another critical area addressed by this legislation is that of veteran benefits. Over the last 3 years, we've seen the disability claims backlog grow exponentially, with more than 900,000 claims now awaiting decisions. Fifty percent of those have been pending for a period of 125 days or more. Despite repeated promises from VA to break the backlog, it continues to grow.

Therefore, the provisions of this bill that address benefit matters will assist in processing claims more efficiently:

First, it would allow veterans to automatically waive regional office review of evidence submitted directly to the Board of Veterans Appeals for claims in appellate status;

Second, it would allow veterans in need of assistance with claims to have a signatory on their behalf assist them with the claims process;

Third, it would modernize VA's statutory duty to assist by authorizing electronic communications, potentially saving weeks in a claim's processing time;

Fourth, to alleviate the burdens of redundant paperwork, veterans would now be able to file jointly for Social Security and indemnity compensation;

Finally, to promote accountability of individual claims processors, VA would be required to present a plan in 6 months on how it will take corrective action when their employees need training to do their jobs well.

I want to thank my friend Mr. Runyan from New Jersey, the chairman of

the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, for his dedication to our Nation's veterans and for his focus on advancing legislation such as H.R. 2349, which will achieve measurable results in alleviating the backlog of claims.

While many of these provisions that I have discussed thus far have focused on our efforts to honor our commitment to the brave men and women who serve our Nation, including those transitioning from the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, we must also continue our commitment to our fallen heroes. Accordingly, this bill also sets out specific criteria that prohibit disruptions and protests of funerals of members of the Armed Forces at VA national cemeteries and at Arlington National Cemetery, including the imposition of criminal and civil liability for violations of these restrictions.

In addition, given the sacred nature of Arlington National Cemetery, a name synonymous with honoring American freedom, this legislation would codify a prohibition on the reservation of grave sites at Arlington National Cemetery, with very limited exceptions. I worked closely with Mr. Runyan on this prohibition to ensure that many future generations of American heroes will be buried and honored at Arlington National Cemetery. I want to thank him again for his leadership on this issue and for originally introducing H.R. 1484.

Similarly, I introduced the original measure on H.R. 1627, which would place restrictions on the type and placement of monuments at Arlington National Cemetery due to the fact that the cemetery, itself, is a monument. Arlington National Cemetery is a unique national treasure. It is for this reason that this legislation is necessary to ensure that the integrity of the cemetery is preserved both in its utilization of land with the placement of monuments and with its allocation of grave sites.

Finally, this comprehensive legislative package also contains several miscellaneous provisions affecting our Nation's veterans. Although these areas may not receive as much attention, such as health care or benefits, they are no less important to improving the lives of the veterans of this country.

I want to thank the ranking member, Mr. Filner, as well as the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Senator Murray and Senator Burr, for their insight and cooperation on advancing this compromise bill today.

I want to reiterate that this bill is paid for both in its mandatory and discretionary costs via offsets that have been used many times by this committee and that have historically been supported by both sides of the aisle.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert a floor colloquy between me and the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud).

Once again, I thank all of the members of the committee, as well as the staffs of the House and the Senate on Veterans' Affairs, for their work on this bill, and I urge all Members to support the Senate amendments to H.R. 1627.

With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the Committees have prepared an explanation of certain provisions contained in the amendment to H.R. 1627, as amended, to reflect a Compromise Agreement between the Committees. Differences between the provisions contained in the Compromise Agreement and the related provisions of the House Bills and the Senate Bills are noted in this document, except for clerical corrections, conforming changes made necessary by the Compromise Agreement, and minor drafting, technical, and clarifying changes. This Explanatory Statement is contained in the Congressional Record of July 18, 2012.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield such time as she may consume to the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Health, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Buerkle).

Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining?

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield 2 minutes to the chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Mr. Stutzman, from the great State of Indiana.

If I might inquire how many further requests for time the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud) has.

I will reserve the balance of my time at this point.

Mr. Speaker, I have one other speaker that had a late train that I was trying to wait on, but apparently he is not going to be able to make it. So I am prepared to close after Mr. Michaud closes.

Mr. Speaker, if we could go ahead and do the colloquy at this time, that way we'll make sure it's in the Record.

I thank the gentleman for the question. It allows me to reassure those veterans and family members in the strongest terms possible that this language, which does

appear in section 1787(b)(3) of title 38 of the U.S. Code, absolutely does not--does not--require that any suit be filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act in order to secure this medical care as long as they meet the other requirements of the bill.

As you have noticed, that provision only requires exhaustion of ``reasonably available'' remedies. In the legislation, we are explicit that we want this care to be provided for family members even though at the present time, there is insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the illnesses or conditions listed in the bill are attributable to those exposures.

For this and other reasons surrounding litigation under the Federal Tort Claims Act, such an FTCA remedy can't be considered to be ``reasonably available.'' To require exhaustion under the Federal Tort Claims Act would go completely against the intent of this piece of legislation to make this medical care available to these family members for these conditions so long as VA is considered the final payer as far as other third-party health plans.

Mr. Speaker, I once again encourage all Members to support the Senate amendments to H.R. 1627, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Northwest Florida's Justin Gatlin as a member of the 2012 United States Olympic Team. Every 4 years, our nation joins together to root on the athletes that represent us at the Summer Olympic Games and for those of us from Northwest Florida, we will be rooting even harder when Justin competes in the 100 meter sprint to bring the gold back home.

From an early age, Justin displayed an incredible God-given talent for track and field. He grew up in Pensacola, Florida and ran both sprint and hurdles to help lead Woodham High School to a state championship, before accepting a scholarship to the University of Tennessee. At Tennessee, Justin won six consecutive NCAA titles in two years, before turning pro at age 19.

In 2004, Justin qualified for the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece by winning the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100 meters and finishing runner up in the 200 meters. In Athens, Justin became the youngest ever to win the gold medal in the 100 meters, while also bringing home a silver medal as part of the U.S. 4x100 meter relay team, and a bronze medal in the 200 meters. He followed up his successful Olympic performance a year later by becoming the first American sprinter to win both the 100 and 200 meter races at the national championships since Kirk Baptiste in 1985. That same year he became only the second sprinter in history to win gold medals in the World Championships in the 100 and 200 meters, and his victory in the 100 meters by .17 seconds was the largest winning margin in World Championship history.

After four years away from the track, Justin returned in 2010 to seek another gold medal. He won his first event in 2010 and finished runner up in the 2011 USA Track and Field Championships. In 2012, Justin has already had a successful season, winning the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100 meters in a personal best 9.80 seconds, proving that he is ready to help the U.S. team go for gold in London this summer. Justin's victory in the Olympic Trials, 8 years after his first Olympic triumph, is an example of the success that can be achieved by working hard even after you reach the pinnacle of your career.

Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to rise on behalf of Florida's First Congressional District to recognize Northwest Florida's own Justin Gatlin and wish him the best as he represents our country and competes for another Olympic gold medal.

Mr. Speaker, it is with profound gratitude and sincere respect that I rise to pay tribute to the courage and selfless service of Marine Corporal Daniel Palmer of Milton, Florida. In 2010, then Lance Corporal Palmer was severely wounded on patrol in Afghanistan, while assigned to Third Battalion, Sixth Marine Regiment, Lima Company. After spending the last year in rehabilitation at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, I am happy to say that on July 27, Northwest Florida will finally be able to welcome home their native son and an American hero.

Cpl Palmer is a 2004 graduate of Central High School in Allentown, Florida. While working at his family's masonry business in 2008 at the age of 22, he surprised his parents, Joey and Flora Jean Palmer, with his decision to join the U.S. Marine Corps. Cpl Palmer chose the Marine Corps because of its reputation for toughness and pride. Cpl Palmer's older brother, Scott, says Daniel has always been energetic and competitive and was proud of his decision to join the Marine Corps from day one.

On March 20, 2010, LCpl Palmer was leading a team of Marines on patrol when he stepped on a concealed improvised explosive device. Although he was severely wounded by the blast and shrapnel from the bomb, his first concern was the safety of his fellow Marines. When one of the Marines on his team started to run toward LCpl Palmer after the blast, LCpl Palmer shouted orders to his team to take cover rather than rushing out into the open and risk setting off another bomb or exposing themselves to small arms fire. LCpl Palmer's toughness and concern for others didn't stop there. His first words to his family after he was injured were, ``[D]on't worry about me. I don't want you to feel sorry for me or anything. I did what I did serving my country.''

He spent the next two years convalescing at military hospitals, all the while comforted by the tender devotion of his loving wife, Becky, at his side. Although Cpl Palmer is thousands of miles away from Afghanistan, his thoughts are still with his fellow Marines who are in harm's way. ``Keep praying for all the boys who are still over there,'' he will tell you, ``there's still a bunch of people over there risking their lives every day.''

It has been said that the story of America's quest for freedom is inscribed on our history in the blood of our patriots. Today, the blood shed by America's patriots in defense of freedom is also inscribing the histories of nations like Afghanistan. Cpl Palmer's service in the military of our great country bears testament to his belief in the fundamental truth that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with the unalienable right to liberty. Cpl Palmer sacrificed a great deal attempting to secure for the Afghan people the blessings of freedom. We must never forget his contribution toward that honorable end.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I stand here today to honor Cpl Daniel Palmer and all of the heroes serving our great nation around the world. My wife, Vicki, joins me in offering our profound thanks to Cpl Palmer and his family and our prayers for his speedy recovery. May God continue to bless him, his family and the United States Armed Forces.I66F

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Northwest Florida's Sam Hazewinkel as a member of the 2012 United States Olympic Team. The Olympics are a truly special event where nations from around the world come together to compete as their fellow countrymen cheer them on, and when Sam steps to the mat in the 55 kilogram freestyle wrestling category to represent our nation, all of Northwest Florida will be cheering him on.

From an illustrious wrestling family, Sam is the first ever second generation Olympic wrestler in U.S. history. His father, Dave, and uncle, Jim, both represented our country in Greco Roman wrestling at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics. Dave introduced his son to wrestling at a young age, and coached Sam while he competed at Pensacola Christian Academy. At Pensacola Christian, Sam compiled a perfect 140-0 record on his way to three Florida state championships. His success gained him a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, where he was a four time All-American, and he finished his collegiate career with an impressive 132-10 record.

While Sam excelled on the mat, he also learned the importance of perseverance. Sam finished in third place in the NCAA championships in his Freshman, Sophomore and Junior seasons, and in his Senior season he came agonizingly close to capturing a national championship before losing in overtime of the final match. During his collegiate career, Sam also competed for a spot on the Olympic team, finishing in third place in the 2004 Olympic Team Trials. In 2008, Sam competed again for a spot on the Olympic team, only to fall short in the finals and finish as runner-up.

Some may have given up after coming so close on two occasions, but Sam remained dedicated and never gave up on his Olympic dream. He switched from Greco Roman to Freestyle wrestling, but he came into the 2012 trials as the underdog. Sam reached the finals determined to win, but he started off the best-of-three finals with a loss in the first match. In the second match, he battled back from an early deficit to pull out a win in overtime to force a decisive third match. He won the third and final match in dramatic fashion, in overtime, to fulfill his Olympic dream and cement his legacy as a role model for hard work, dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to rise on behalf of Florida's First Congressional District to recognize Northwest Florida's own Sam Hazewinkel and wish him the best as he represents our country and competes for an Olympic gold medal.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Flinn family for being selected as the Santa Rosa County, Florida Outstanding Farm Family for 2012.

Shannon Flinn first began farming with his father in his native Illinois. From a young age, he has always been actively involved in all aspects of farming and personifies the spirit of American ingenuity that has helped make our Nation prosperous. His hands-on experience helped develop a natural aptitude for finding unique solutions to complex problems. In 1972, Shannon moved to Santa Rosa County, Florida, and in 1989, he and his wife, Audra, were married. Audra plays an instrumental role in their success, especially during the planting and harvesting seasons.

The Flinn family embodies the industrious nature and household unity that characterizes our Nation's family farmers. Today, along with their three children, the Flinns farm peanuts, cotton, corn, and soybeans on 500 acres of land in Northwest Florida. Sheldon, 16 years of age, is known as an excellent operator and is skilled at using essential farm equipment to plow, plant, and harvest the crops. Aaron, still relatively young at the age of 11, is a helpful worker who has already developed the patience required to think through problems that routinely arise on the farm. Megan, their oldest child, currently attends nursing school, but still finds time to help out on the farm when she is able.

The Flinn family is also very active in their local church and Cobbtown Christian Academy, where Sheldon and Aaron attend school. Shannon also serves on both the Santa Rosa County Farm Bureau Board and the Jay Peanut Farmers Cooperative Board of Directors.

Mr. Speaker, our great Nation was built by farmers and their families. The Santa Rosa County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year Award is a reflection of the Flinns' tireless work and their dedication to family, faith and farming. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Flinn family for this great accomplishment. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes for their continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Northwest Florida's beloved James ``J.E.'' Blankenship. Mr. Blankenship served the Northwest Florida community for more than 40 years in the Holley-Navarre Fire District. In addition to his service to the community, Mr. Blankenship was also a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather; he is survived by his wife, Kathey (Taffy), his sons, Jeremy and Jody (Carisa), and his grandchildren, Dakota, Haleigh, Morgan and Caden.

Mr. Blankenship was born in Troy, Alabama on July 17, 1949. In 1963, he became one of the original members of the Holley-Navarre Fire District volunteer force, while working at the manufacturing company Solutia, where he retired from in 2005 to start his own small business. Mr. Blankenship continued to serve the people of Holley-Navarre as the Fire District transitioned from a volunteer to a professional force, and he did not take his duties to protect the community lightly. J.E. was an inspiration to his fellow firefighters, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that the Holley-Navarre Fire District had the necessary training and tools to serve the community. Through his tireless work on behalf of the Holley-Navarre community, Mr. Blankenship rose to become Assistant Fire Chief, and in 2003 he became a Fire Commissioner. His position as a Fire Commissioner ensured that Mr. Blankenship was able to continue his work serving the community by overseeing the budget and operations of the department.

To some, J.E. Blankenship will be remembered as a man of conviction and a steadfast advocate for fire safety in his community. To others, he will be remembered as an inspirational leader who fought to ensure that the fire department was equipped to meet its mission. To his friends and family, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and proud grandfather. His immense contributions to the Northwest Florida community will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress it is an honor to recognize the life of J.E. Blankenship and his living legacy. My wife Vicki and I offer our sincere condolences to the entire Blankenship family.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4114) to increase, effective as of December 1, 2012, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans, and for other purposes.

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

As chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I rise in support of H.R. 4114, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2012.

This critically important piece of legislation authorizes a cost-of- living increase for disabled veterans in receipt of disability compensation payments from VA, veterans clothing allowance payments, and other compensation for survivors of veterans who die as a result of their service to this country. The amount of the increase will be determined by the Consumer Price Index, which also controls the cost- of-living adjustment for Social Security beneficiaries.

I want to thank my colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Runyan), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, for introducing this important piece of legislation and for working with me and the ranking member to move it forward.

I want to urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 4114, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield as much time as he might consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Runyan), the subcommittee chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, not only the author of this particular piece of legislation, but since coming to this Congress, he has become one of the most ardent supporters of our veterans.

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

Mr. Speaker, I think it's rather interesting that my colleague would talk about the supposed great things that are in the ObamaCare bill and not talk about how it's going to be paid for--in fact, the largest tax increase on the American people that this Congress has ever placed on their backs.

They would make you believe that it was all free, but it's not. It's going to cost somebody, and that's going to be the American citizens.

I also want to talk about the Miami project very quickly. I had to go down and actually visit and then pressure the VA Secretary to make sure that the director of the Miami Medical Center left her job because she was not doing what she was supposed to do. In fact, this was, in a way, a skirting of the rules and of the laws by splitting a project into two, thus costing the taxpayers of the United States considerably more money, including the cost of the rental of the trailers that are being used as temporary operating rooms.

We continue to wait for the Department of Veterans Affairs to actually make an official request for us to come forward and take care of this problem that exists in Miami, specifically because of, I think, poor administrative oversight not only at the administrative level in Miami but with the VISN Director in VISN 8 as well.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, at this point, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous materials that they may have on H.R. 4114.

Mr. Speaker, the Senate itself hasn't been able to pass a budget for almost 4 years, and they cannot pass an appropriations bill on time, so I do support the advanced appropriation that this House supported and that ultimately was signed into law. With that, I encourage all Members to support H.R. 4114.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, due to a death in my family, I missed the following Rollcall Votes: No. 379 through No. 411 during the week of June 18-June 21, 2012.

If present, I would have voted:

Rollcall Vote No. 379--S. 684, To provide for the conveyance of certain parcels of land to the town of Alta, Utah, ``aye.''

Rollcall Vote No. 380--S. 404, To modify a land grant patent issued by the Secretary of the Interior, ``aye.''

Rollcall Vote No. 381--On Ordering the Previous Question, ``aye.''

Rollcall Vote No. 382--On Agreeing to the Resolution, ``aye.''

Rollcall Vote No. 383--DeFazio (OR) Amendment, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 384--Markey (MA) Amendment, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 385--Grijalva (AZ) Amendment, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 386--H.R. 2578, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 387--H.R. 2578, To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act related to a segment of the Lower Merced River in California, and for other purposes, ``aye.''

Rollcall Vote No. 388--H.R. 2938, Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act, ``aye.''

Rollcall Vote No. 389--H. Res. 691, On Ordering the Previous Question, ``aye.''

Rollcall Vote No. 390--H. Res. 691, On Agreeing to the Resolution, ``aye.''

Rollcall Vote No. 391--On Walz of Minnesota Motion to Instruct Conferees, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 392--Hastings (WA) Amendment, ``aye.''

Rollcall Vote No. 393--Waxman (CA) Amendment, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 394--Connolly (VA) Amendment, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 395--Green (TX) Amendment, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 396--Rush (IL) Amendment, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 397--Holt (NJ) Amendment, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 398--Connolly (VA) Amendment, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 399--Amodei (NV) Amendment, ``aye.''

Rollcall Vote No. 400--Markey (MA) Amendment, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 401--Landry (LA) Amendment, ``aye.''

Rollcall Vote No. 402--Rigell (VA) Amendment, ``aye.''

Rollcall Vote No. 403--Holt (NJ) Amendment, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 404--Wittman (VA) Amendment, ``aye.''

Rollcall Vote No. 405--Bass (CA) Amendment, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 406--Capps (CA) Amendment, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 407--Speier (CA) Amendment, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 408--DeLauro (CT) Amendment, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 409--On Motion to Recommit with Instructions of H.R. 4480, ``nay.''

Rollcall Vote No. 410--H.R. 4480, Strategic Energy Production Act of 2012, ``aye.''

Rollcall Vote No. 411--On McKinley of WV Motion to Instruct Conferees, ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedicated public service and esteemed legal career of Judge Paul A. Rasmussen upon his retirement from Florida's First Judicial Circuit Court in Escambia County. Judge Rasmussen spent his career serving the people of Northwest Florida, and I am proud to recognize his dedication and service.

Judge Rasmussen first came to Florida in 1968 with the United States Navy to attend Aviation Officer Candidate School at Naval Air Station Pensacola. After graduating and completing his training at Naval Air Station Glynco, in Georgia, he went on to serve four years on active duty with the Navy, completing successful tours of duty in Guam and Vietnam. After Judge Rasmussen was honorably discharged from the Navy, he returned to Florida where he attended the University of Florida College of Law.

Following his graduation from law school, Judge Rasmussen began his public service as a State's Attorney in Pensacola. He later entered private practice with then future Judge John T. Parnham, now retired from the bench in the First Judicial Circuit. Judge Rasmussen also served as legal counsel to the city of Gulf Breeze and the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. In 1990, Judge Rasmussen was elected to Florida's First Judicial Circuit Court where he has served the people of Northwest Florida for the past 22 years. In 1998, he was recognized by the Children's Home Society of Florida as Child Advocate of the Year.

Judge Rasmussen's service to Northwest Florida does not stop at the bench. He is also actively involved throughout the community, most notably as a Sunday School Teacher at First Baptist Church of Pensacola and as a committeeman for Boy Scout Troop 10 in Pensacola.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Judge Paul A. Rasmussen for his many years of service to the people of Northwest Florida and his dedication to his family and community. Throughout his career, Judge Rasmussen has served with honor and distinction, and his unwavering commitment to the fair administration of the law and to public service is a shining example of our legal system working at its finest. My wife Vicki and I wish him, his wife, Jean, their children and grandchildren all the best.

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 434, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Amendment No. 11 Offered by Mr. McClintock