Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is with great respect and honor that I rise today to recognize the life of Northwest Florida's beloved Ralph Hendricks.

Born in Jay, Florida on June 3, 1927, Ralph Hendricks lived a life deeply rooted in his strong faith in God and love for his family and community. Dr. Hendricks began preaching along the Gulf Coast after graduating from Asbury College and Candler School of Theology at Emory University. An ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, Dr. Hendricks served pastorates throughout the Alabama-West Florida Conference for 40 years, including those in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.

His service to the Northwest Florida community, however, spread beyond the doors of the church. A pivotal leader in the local community, Dr. Hendricks served six years as a District Superintendent of the Andalusia District. He also served 37 years in the United States Navy and became chaplain of the Alabama Army National Guard. During his role as chaplain, he obtained the rank of Colonel and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. After his retirement, he continued to dedicate his time to those in need as Hospice chaplain in Escambia County, Florida.

To some, Ralph Hendricks will be remembered as a community leader and to others as a dedicated pastor and chaplain. To his family, he will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Ralph is survived by his wife Betty of 57 years; his children, Randy, Steve, and Mary Kaye; 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the life of Dr. Ralph Hendricks for his honorable leadership and service to Northwest Florida and to this great nation. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his entire family. He will be truly missed.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the life of Alphonse ``Al'' G. Condon, Jr.

The people of Northwest Florida have come to associate the name Al Condon with the terms honest, hardworking and benevolent. For 45 years, Mr. Condon practiced law with the Emmanuel, Sheppard and Condon law firm where he demonstrated these traits while serving his community. Mr. Condon, born in Pensacola, graduated from St. Michael's Catholic School and Pensacola Catholic High School. After receiving a bachelor's degree, Cum Laude, from Vanderbilt University, he joined the United States Marine Corps to serve his country. He then pursued a law degree from the University of Florida College of Law and established himself as a premier trial lawyer.

Civil litigation was not just a practice for Mr. Condon. His passion for justice transpired from the courtroom into his daily activities as well and is evident in his service as a past President of the Escambia- Santa Rosa Bar Association, member of the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar and an emeritus member of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. Mr. Condon also served as special counsel to former Governor Bob Graham.

The impact Al Condon had on the Northwest Florida community extended far beyond his legal practice. A pivotal leader in the local community, Mr. Condon was actively involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Development Council of Pensacola Catholic High School, the YMCA, Pensacola Sports Association, and the City of Pensacola Recreation Board. The Catholic Church recognized Mr. Condon's lifetime service to the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee by awarding him the Medal of Honor.

Throughout his life, Al Condon exemplified the Catholic High School motto Pro Deo et Patria and United States Marine Corps motto Semper Fidelis in all he did. His legacy as a man of honor and sacrifice for his community will stand the test of time. Survived by his wife Judy of 48 years, five children, and nine grandchildren, he will forever be remembered by his family as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the life of Al Condon, Jr. of Pensacola, Florida. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his entire family. He will be truly missed by all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of West Florida's baseball team on becoming the 2011 NCAA Division II National Champions.

Saturday, June 4, 2011 was a proud day to be wearing green and blue. Over 700 miles from home, the USA Baseball National Training Complex was filled with Argonaut spirit. After a remarkable season of 52-9, the University of West Florida baseball team scored a National Championship, bringing home the first national NCAA title for UWF.

Under the direction of Head Coach and former Argo player Mike Jeffcoat, the impressive victory of 12-2 against Winona State showcased not only his leadership, but also the determination of these young athletes. Through their unwavering dedication and teamwork, these young men earned the title of national champions and have made Northwest Florida proud. Their inspiration and victory was a grand slam not only for the team, but for the University and the entire Gulf Coast.

On behalf of the United States Congress, I congratulate the University of West Florida Argonauts for their outstanding accomplishments. My wife Vicki joins me in offering our best wishes to the team, coaches, faculty, and students at the University of West Florida for their continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Major Brian J. Thompson, United States Marine Corps, after 20 years of faithful service to his Nation.

Major Thompson graduated from Dowling College in Long Island, New York in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics and Management. He earned his commission as a second lieutenant through the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course in June 1991. Following his graduation from the Basic School in 1992, he reported to Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, Florida, earning his wings in March of 1993.

Following UH-1N replacement pilot training, he reported to the ``Gunrunners'' of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 (HMLA- 269) in New River, North Carolina. While assigned to HMLA-269 he deployed with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 aboard the USS Wasp, during which he participated in Operation Strong Resolve as the H-1 Schedule Writer. Major Thompson then completed two deployments with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162, cruising aboard the USS Guam and the USS Saipan. During these deployments, he participated in Operations Joint Endeavor, Assured Response, Quick Response, and Balkan Calm/ Silver Knight, while serving in a variety of billets, including: Flight Line Officer, Squadron Weapons and Tactics Officer, Future Operations Officer, and Operations Officer.

In March 1999, Major Thompson reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola to serve as a

flight instructor. This tour saw him serve as the Assistant Operations Officer and Operations Officer of Helicopter Training Squadron 18.

In October 2001, Major Thompson was accepted into the Strike Transition Program. He reported to Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi for jet training, then to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia for F-18 replacement pilot training. In March 2004, he joined the ``Checkerboards'' of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, where he served as the S-4 Officer, Director of Safety and Standardization, and Executive Officer. Following this tour he reported to Marine Aircraft Group 42 in Atlanta, Georgia in October 2006 to serve as the group's Operations Officer.

In June 2008, Major Thompson became the Air Operations Officer for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in Okinawa, Japan. In this role, he directed all flight operations both ashore and aboard three air-capable ships for three squadrons. In July 2009, he reported to Training Wing Six in Pensacola, Florida to serve as the Standardization and Training Officer. He also served as the Integrated Project Team Lead for the Undergraduate Military Flight Officer Program.

Major Thompson accumulated more than 3,800 flight hours during his career. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He has been married for 17 years to Monica Miller Thompson, with whom he has a 5-year-old son, William Joseph Thompson.

As a skilled naval aviator and leader of Marines, Major Thompson embodies the American virtues of service and sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to congratulate Major Thompson on his retirement. My wife Vicki and I wish him and his family all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, since the beginning of President Obama's foray into Libya, I have been a vocal critic of his decisions. Shortly after the United States' bombing campaign began in Libya, I spoke out in opposition, expressing my belief that intervention in Libya is not in the vital national security interest of the United States. I stand behind that belief today. In writings, interviews, and Armed Services Committee hearings, I have made it clear that I believe the President is in violation of the War Powers Resolution. I am proud that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle acted to send a clear message to the President and his Administration that they must take our country to war only when they absolutely must, and then only when they have fulfilled their Constitutional obligations, as defined in the War Powers Resolution.

Mr. Speaker, due to a family commitment, I missed rollcall Vote Nos. 410 and 411 on June 3, 2011. If present, I would have voted: rollcall Vote No. 410--Declaring that the President shall not deploy, establish, or maintain the presence of units and members of the United States Armed Forces on the ground in Libya, and for other purposes, ``aye;'' rollcall Vote No. 411--Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from Libya, ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1484) to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the appeals process of the Department of Veterans Affairs and to establish a commission to study judicial review of the determination of veterans' benefits, as amended.

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

I rise today in strong support of the manager's amendment to H.R. 1484, the Veterans Appeals Improvement Act of 2011.

This legislation is a product of the committee's continued oversight of the disability claims process. We continue to look for ways to improve this laborious process and ensure that veterans receive their disability claims, and the decisions, in a timely and accurate fashion. Now, under current law, veterans who disagree with their initial claims decisions by the VA can appeal to the VA's Board of Veterans' Appeals. But if a veteran submits additional evidence before the board in support of his claims, it automatically goes back to the very beginning of the process.

The legislation before us would stop the shuffling of veterans back to the end of the line. It would direct that evidence submitted by a veteran in support of an appeal before the Board of Veterans' Appeals be considered by the board unless the veteran, himself or herself, elects to send it back to the very beginning of the process. This provision has garnered wide support from veterans' service organizations and the Department of Veterans Affairs. I believe it will reduce the frustration that many of our veterans face when appealing a ratings decision and that it will also reduce processing times.

I want to thank the ranking member, Mr. Filner, for introducing this legislation, and I do urge all Members to vote in support of the manager's amendment to H.R. 1484.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield as much time as he may consume to the chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Runyan).

I associate myself with the remarks of my colleague, the ranking member. This issue of the disability claims backlog has haunted this Congress and this committee for many, many years; but nobody is more haunted by it than the veterans who have to go through that process. We, together, in a bipartisan way are looking for a way to try to solve this issue, and it's obvious that money and bodies are not the way to do it.

So together, Mr. Filner and I and the members of our committees will work together and try to bring a reasonable solution to this Congress that will help resolve the million veterans that are out there right now in backlog waiting for their disability claims.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and submit extraneous material on the manager's amendment to H.R. 1484, as amended.

Once again, I encourage all Members to support the manager's amendment to H.R. 1484, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass

the bill (H.R. 802) to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a VetStar Award Program, as amended.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 802, as amended, a bill introduced by Ranking Mr. Filner to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a ``VetStar Award Program.''

Mr. Speaker, the VetStar Award Program would recognize private sector businesses which excel in promoting the hiring of veterans.

In the tough economy that we're in, unemployment among veterans is too high. According to the Department of Labor, 11 percent of veterans from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan were unemployed during the month of April. I'm confident that you and all of the Members would agree that we need to use every tool at our disposal to bring that number down.

Our Nation's veterans bring a unique set of qualifications and skills to any job. And while many in the private sector understand their value, more must be done. H.R. 802, as amended, would recognize businesses who have done their part and promoted veterans for employment. This is a great no-cost way of recognizing those employers who have already stepped up to the plate and helped our veterans.

I want to thank the ranking member, Mr. Filner, for this bill and urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 802, as amended.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield as much time as he may consume to the chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Mr. Stutzman from the great State of Indiana.

Again, I thank the ranking member for bringing this bill to the floor. I would add that tomorrow morning the full committee will be having a hearing at 10 a.m. entitled: ``Putting American Veterans Back to Work.''

I would also please ask my friend, the ranking member, not to give all of the good ideas to the White House because you and I are going to be working together on a summit that will bring together those individuals who are wanting good employees to hire and highlight the veterans community to them for employment in their companies.

General Leave

Once again, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend and add any extraneous material on H.R. 802, as amended.

I encourage all Members to support H.R. 802, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor America's greatest resource--our children and in particular those of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, our Gold Star children, who are the loved ones of our fallen heroes. This Memorial Day and every day, I ask all Americans to keep a special place in their hearts for these wonderful and brave children. As with each coming year, we see in each child's face the image of their parents and we are continually reminded of their heroism and selflessness and that freedom certainly does not come without a price. May these children of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our great nation always know that while their loved ones are up guarding Heaven's gates, their spirit will continue to live on inside of each of them. I ask that the poem Albert Caswell penned in their honor, The Best Part of Them, be placed in the Congressional Record:

The Best Part of Them

My child, I know you heard the news today. . . .

I'm going so far away. . . .

I'm so sorry I can't be here to stay. . . .

But, heaven for me could not wait. . . .

But, remember you carry, Me In You in your heart each day. .

. .

My Little boys and little girls, it's for you I now so pray.

. . .

Teenagers and new born's who have so lost your best friends

have they. . . .

Your Daddy and Mommy, aren't coming home. . . . as it's up to

heaven they have flown. . . .

And you will never see them again. . . .

As you have all just lost your best friends!

As up towards Heaven they have flown . . . to Heaven sent. .

. .

As Angels in The Army of Our Lord, to defend. . . .

And as you lay your precious heads down to sleep. . . .

I pray to the Lord, the strength that he will give to you to

keep. . . .

But remember this, so very deep. . . .

Inside of you, Is The Best Part of Me, your Mothers and

Fathers hearts to so keep!

For The Best Part of Them, Is Part of You. . . . as inside of

your fine hearts, they so beat. . . .

And I know that you will never hear them say your name again.

. . .

All in their most special ways, as you have but all but lost

your best friends. . . .

I'm so sorry that in such pain you must now so live. . . .

And I know it's so unfair, that little soldiers you became. .

. .

My little girls and boys, as when all of the tears began. . .

.

Oh children, I know how bad that you so wish to hear that

voice. . . .

I know it's so unfair, and for you had no choice. . . .

As you but wish for just that one last long hug. . . .

All from your greatest Heroes, your greatest of all loves. .

. .

Take heart now my child, for they are but with our Lord high

up above. . . .

The ones who all so taught you the very meaning of love. . .

.

Who in the middle of the night, when you were scared. . . .

would hold you tight!

Yea, I know it makes you cry. . . . it makes me cry too. . .

..

Whenever, I think of them. . . . and I think of you. . . ..

But, they died. . . . but, for The Greater Good. . . .

All for what is right and what is true. . . .

All for Freedom, they so gave That Last Full Measure all for

us and you!

Moments, are all we have upon this earth. . . .

Just seconds, to but show our Lord God all in our worth. . .

.

And though they will not be here on Christmas or Hanukkah

mourns. . . .

With all of their smiles and hugs, so very warm.

And they will not be able to tuck you in at night. . . .

And watch you all grow up to be their hearts delight!

And walk you down that aisle, with smiles so very bright. . .

.

But, remember this my child each morning as you awake. . . .

I pray to you. . . . that this to all of your souls to so

take. . . .

That the greatest day of their short lives, was but that one

when you arrived!

And The Greatest Wish, all in their hearts. . . . that they

so prayed for and so cried. . . .

Was that you would all so grow up to have but the greatest of

all lives. . . .

So when you wake in the middle of the night, all in your

tears of fright. . . .

Missing all of your loved ones, that which you now so wish to

hold onto tight. . . .

Remember this, your Mothers. . . . your Fathers, are but

Angels now in flight. . . .

And this morning when you awoke, could you but not feel their

arms around you so close. . . .

As now they watch over you every moment, and hour. . . .

Listen for them on the wind, for you will hear them now. . .

.

And yes they will be with you as you walk down that aisle. .

. .

And see you graduate, as up in Heaven they wear their smiles.

. . .

Take heart, because part of them is now part of you!

For The Best Part of Them, all in your fine hearts beats

inside of you. . . .

So now you must find the same such courage, as once they had

so too!

To march on, as we watch you all grow up. . . . as we see

your parents faces all in you. . . .

So, ever remember this my child. . . .

The Best Part of Them, is now part of you. . . .

As their fine hearts so beat so all inside of you so true!

So now you know what you must do!

Lift up your heads, and make all of their wishes so come

true!

Find The Strength, all with what their fine hearts so meant

that which beat so all inside of you!

And one day up in Heaven, you'll will once again all be

together so too!

Because, The Best Part of Them. . . . Is what is inside of

You!

Amen. . . .

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Beverly Mayo as the 2011 Florida Big Sister of the Year. For ten years, Ms. Mayo has been an inspiration to young women, her colleagues, and the Northwest Florida community. I am honored to recognize her achievements.

The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and these young men and women look to the adults in their lives for support and guidance. Ms. Mayo understands how vital it is for children to have positive role models in their lives. Her solid character, invaluable advice and kind heart exemplify the characteristics of a Big Sister. Through her tireless dedication, Beverly Mayo has made an incredible impact on the lives of these young women, providing them a strong foundation for their future success. I am confident that her influence will continue to inspire them to achieve excellence as they grow to lead and serve our great nation.

Volunteers of Big Brothers Big Sisters play an integral role in the lives of all the young men and women of whom they mentor. Every year, thousands of people volunteer their service to this important organization. Last year, in Florida alone, over 15,000 men and women served as Big Brothers or Big Sisters, and from this exemplary group Beverly Mayo was selected as the Florida Big Sister of the Year. This honor is a reflection of the enduring impact Ms. Mayo has made in the lives of her Little Sisters, and Northwest Florida is blessed to have her a part of its community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to honor Beverly Mayo for her accomplishments and her continuing commitment to the youth of Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pine Forest High School girls' track and field team on their recent victory as Florida State Class 3A champions for the second consecutive year.

Bringing home the trophy for the 2011 state championship is an accomplishment these young women earned through their unwavering determination and hard work. Returning to the competition this year, they knew that steadfast commitment to their team, coach and community would be what it would take to win yet another state championship and maintain their title.

Under the leadership of their head coach, Paul Bryan, the true grit and determination it took for these young women to bring home a state championship is inspiring. The victory did not come easily for the Lady Eagles. Once they took flight, they were faced with injuries and trials; however, just like any great athletes, they overcame these setbacks and soared to 59 points, crossing the finish line as champions. Their dreams of keeping their title became a reality, and the Lady Eagles made history. As the first team from the Pensacola area to win two consecutive state team titles, they made Northwest Florida proud.

On behalf of the United States Congress, I congratulate the Pine Forest High Lady Eagles for their outstanding accomplishments. My wife Vicki joins me in offering our best wishes to the team, coaches, faculty, and students at Pine Forest High School for their continued success.

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 Ronald Frederic Richards.

Mr. Richards was a fixture in the local business community who used his success and acumen to help support and to lead numerous rotary and yachting clubs in the Pensacola community. After a successful 25 years in the supermarket industry in Birmingham, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida, Mr. Richards entered the financial services industry in 1990. He formed his own company, Ron Richards Financial Services, and his total commitment to helping others was the key to his success.

His leadership in the northwest Florida community was unquestioned. He was highly respected, and in 2000 and 2001, he served as commodore of Pensacola Yacht Club. He was responsible for establishing a long- term endowment, the Legacy Wheel, to ensure the future of the yacht club. In 2008, Ron served as commodore of the Gulf Yachting Association, commodore and a charter member of the Florida Commodore's Association, and a member of the International Commodore's Association.

Mr. Richards was noted for his love of sailing by many; however, his love for Rotary was also well-known. Ron was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Navarre in 1995 where he served as club president for the 1998/99 Rotary year. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Navarre Club's Scholarship Fund, and his club was awarded the Presidential Citation for its outstanding performance. In 2003, due to the relocation of his business, Ron left the Navarre Club and was elected into membership at the Rotary Club of Pensacola. During 2006/ 07, he served as President of the Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola, a president's council for the 12 clubs in the area.

To some, Ron Richards will be remembered as a leader in the business community. To others, he will be remembered for his love of Florida and the Gulf Coast. To his family, he will always be remembered as a loving and devoted uncle and spouse. He was an inspiration to those who knew him, and his service to the Pensacola community is his lasting legacy.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to honor the life of Ronald Frederic Richards. My wife Vicki and I offer our continued prayers for his entire family.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1407) to increase, effective as of December 1, 2011, 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, as amended.

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 1407, as amended, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011.

This is an annual bill that authorizes a cost-of-living increase in veterans' disability compensation, veterans' clothing allowance, and dependency and indemnity compensation for veterans' survivors. This increase is tied to the increase in the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security beneficiaries. I'm also glad that the committee was able to include H.R. 1671, the Andrew Connolly Veterans' Housing Act, to the end of this bill at the full committee markup.

This amendment was introduced by the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Braley). It provides a 5-year extension for the VA to provide specially adapted housing assistance to individuals residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member. Unless it is extended, this program will expire on September 30 of this year.

I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 1407, as amended.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I thank the gentleman for his kind words. I look forward to working with him on his issues and other bills that will come before our committee in the future.

At this time, Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Runyan).

I would invite my good friend to visit Florida's great northwest sometime in the winter, where thousands of people live like millions wish they could. So you're welcome any time.

General Leave

I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 1407, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I once again urge all Members to support H.R. 1407, as amended.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass 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, as amended.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1627, as amended, a bill to provide for certain requirements for the placement of monuments in Arlington National Cemetery, and for other purposes.

H.R. 1627, as amended, is a bipartisan bill that contains several provisions related to Arlington National Cemetery which were originally included in H.R. 1627, H.R. 1441, H. Con. Res. 12, and H. Con. Res. 45.

H.R. 1441, introduced by Mr. Runyan, codifies regulations and policies that bar reservations for burial or interment at Arlington National Cemetery made on or after January 1, 1962. There was broad support for this legislation at the committee's legislative hearing, and we have included two changes that Arlington management raised with the original text of the bill.

The bill, as amended, also includes additional transparency to the process of waivers for new monuments at Arlington. Under the process set up in the bill, as amended, whenever the Secretary of the Army approves a monument in compliance with the criteria set forth in the bill, Congress must immediately be notified of the decision. Congress then has 60 days to pass a resolution opposing the Secretary's position. This provides a clear check and balance on the Secretary's decision while removing the added time that it usually takes for Congress to pass a resolution in support of the waiver, as required by the current process.

The bill, as amended, also includes H. Con. Res. 12, which expresses the sense of Congress that an appropriate site on Chaplains Hill in Arlington National Cemetery be provided for a memorial marker to honor the memory of Jewish chaplains who died while on active duty. The honor of this monument for these brave servicemembers is long overdue, and I am especially glad we were able to pass this resolution during the month of May, which is Jewish American Heritage Month.

Finally, the bill as amended includes H. Con. Res. 45, which I introduced, honoring the service and sacrifice of the members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving in, or who have served in, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. As we observe Memorial Day next week, I believe it is very appropriate to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of these veterans and servicemembers from our most recent conflicts.

I urge all Members to support H.R. 1627, as amended.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance

and Memorial Affairs, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Runyan).

I reserve the balance of my time.

I too want to thank my good friend from New York (Mr. Weiner) for his fine work on this piece of legislation. I am proud to have it in the bill today at this particular time of the year, in the month of May.

General Leave

I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 1627, as amended.

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

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1383) to temporarily preserve higher rates for tuition and fees for programs of education at non-public institutions of higher learning pursued by individuals enrolled in the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs before the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, and for other purposes, as amended.

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 1383, as amended, the Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011. This bill would temporarily increase the Post-9/11 GI Bill program's national cap on tuition and fees paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs on behalf of certain veterans pursuing programs of education at non-public institutions of higher learning from $17,500 to $27,000.

The original Post-9/11 GI Bill that became effective on August 1, 2009, required VA to pay 100 percent of the tuition and fee charges up to a maximum cap that is based on a State's most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition and fee charges at a public institution of higher learning on behalf of a veteran with at least 36 cumulative months of active duty since September 11, 2001. Veterans with fewer months of service since that day of infamy would get a proportionally smaller amount. The maximum payment would apply to veterans attending both public and private degree-granting institutions of higher learning. As a result of basing tuition and fee payments on the in-state undergraduate rate, VA made tuition and fee payments well in excess of $20,000 annually on behalf of veterans attending private institutions in States with high tuition and fee charges at State schools.

In addition to tuition and fee payments, the new GI Bill provides a monthly living stipend. The stipend is the same amount paid to an E-5, generally the pay grade of a sergeant or petty officer second class, at the ``with-dependents'' rate in the zip code of the school the veteran is attending. For example, a veteran attending the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, receives $1,881 per month for the 2010-2011 school year. The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, which was passed on December 16 of last year, made several changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Those changes included a national cap of $17,500 on tuition and fee payments for veterans attending non-public institutions, effective August 1, 2011. The $4.1 billion Pay-As-You-Go cost of providing those changes was met by reducing education benefits in some areas. For example, a $17,500 cap on tuition and fees paid on behalf of veterans attending private schools was instituted to help pay for expanded eligibility for other veterans.

Although the cap of $17,500 a year will be a potential increase in payments for veterans in most States, some veterans attending non- public schools in seven states--New York, Texas, Arizona, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina--will see their tuition and fees payments reduced by thousands of dollars. Reducing tuition and fee payments could force veterans in these States to find non-GI Bill resources such as loans, grants or employment income to pay tuition and fees. To counter the coming reduction, H.R. 1383, as amended, would temporarily increase the cap on tuition and fees from $17,500 up to $27,000 for 3 years beginning the 1st of August of 2011. This increase would apply only to veterans who were enrolled in non-public institutions of higher learning before April 1, 2011. I believe it is only fair that we grandfather in these veterans.

To meet statutory Pay-As-You-Go offset requirements, the manager's amendment to H.R. 1383 would extend existing loan fee requirements associated with the subsequent use of a VA loan guarantee for 1 year at slightly higher rates than would otherwise apply. Although not perfect, I believe this offset is dwarfed by the $4.1 billion in offsets from veterans' education benefits passed by the House last December with only three Members voting in opposition. I would also note that the veterans' community has previously supported similar offsets when used to improve veterans' benefits as is being done in H.R. 1383.

Madam Speaker, this bill is supported by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Military Officers Association of America, Student Veterans of America, AMVETS, and the Reserve Officers Association. I would like to include these letters of support in the Record.

I believe the alternative seen in the manager's amendment meets the concerns expressed by Members desiring as minimal an impact as possible on our veterans. I encourage all Members to support H.R. 1383, as amended.

Iraq and Afghanistan

Veterans of America,

Washington, DC.

Hon. Jeff Miller,

Rayburn House Office Building,

Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Miller: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of

America (IAVA) strongly supports H.R. 1383 to temporarily

preserve higher rates for programs of education at non-public

institutions of higher learning pursued by individual

enrolled in the Post-

9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Program of the

Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill will be remembered as one of the

shrewdest investments in our country's veterans for

generations to come. The recent improvements to the Post 9/11

GI Bill will allow an additional 400,000 Operation Iraqi

Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans to fully

utilize their hard earned GI Bill benefits. While a historic

upgrade to GI Bill benefits, these reforms caused benefits

for a small number of student veterans to drop. This bill

will insure that veterans currently utilizing their GI Bill

at our nation's most expensive institutions are not left

behind and can complete their education.

We have history on our side. After the World War II GI Bill

was enacted, Congress had to pass improvements to forge our

country's smartest investment. IAVA believes that just like

the WWII GI Bill, the Post-

9/11 GI Bill, with these improvements in H.R. 1383, will help

build the next greatest generation.

If we can be of any help in advancing H.R. 1333 please

contact Tim Embree at (202) 544-7692 or [email protected]. We look

forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Paul Rieckhoff,

Executive Director.

Madam Speaker, I am now happy to yield such time as he may consume to the chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, the fine gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Stutzman).

Madam Speaker, I once again encourage all Members to support H.R. 1383, as amended.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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