Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with you the story of a remarkable young man from Milton, Florida. William Christopher Villar, by all surface accounts, was your typical 22 year old. He was attending community college with the hopes of one day obtaining a degree in business. He was working at a job that he loved and he had recently gotten engaged to his long time sweetheart, Heather Dieterich. His life was unfolding the way we hope that all of our children's lives will eventually unfold.

Certainly, it was not these things, or even the fact that, as a young man, he was actively involved with his church that made him atypical. And it was not the fact that he was a star on the basketball court-- making the All-Conference and All-State teams his senior year at Central High School in Santa Rosa County--a high school he entered after being home schooled for a number of years. Quite simply, it was his selflessness and his unyielding love for his family that set him apart.

Chris was the oldest of three boys. As such, he was fiercely protective of his younger brothers. There is a story the family tells about an accident that happened 12 years ago that illustrates this best: Chris and Jacob, his youngest brother, were riding in the back seat of their father's car when the driver of an RV, coming over the peak of the 1-10 bridge between Santa Rosa and Escambia counties, failed to slow down for a disabled vehicle. The RV slammed into the Villars' car with enough force to peel the roof back. While we, thankfully, will never have to learn what could have happened that day--we do know that Chris, in an instinctive moment, grabbed his two year old brother Jacob--perched high in his car seat--and threw his own 10 year old body over him to save him. He didn't think of himself.

By and large, the people who knew him all said the same things about him: He was a good boy and he had been raised right. That is a compliment we hear far too infrequently these days, but it is a testament to his parents. It should make them proud.

I wish I could tell you that the story ends there--that this exceptional boy will one day become an exceptional man, an exceptional husband and an exceptional dad. Unfortunately, on the evening of Thursday, June 15th, Christopher Villar's life came to a tragic end when a car driven by a drunk driver crashed through the roof of his family's home. I am not going to talk about the details of the accident, other than to say that it was an avoidable tragedy and a sickening reminder of the dangers of driving while under the influence. But I will talk about something that happened in the moments before. Chris, like so many of us, had been enjoying the NBA playoffs with his family. He was a New York Knicks fan but pulled for the Heat in this series to pick at his younger brother, Matt. They were ribbing about it, as brothers are wont to do, when a loud noise was heard in the front yard. Whether it was the sheer instinct of a protective older brother, the hand of God, or both, Chris pushed Matt away from himself and toward the middle of his room just as the car crashed through the ceiling. In an instant, it was over. If any good can be found in this tragedy, it is that one life was lost instead of two. Once again, Chris hadn't thought of himself.

Mr. Speaker, these words do nothing to ease the pain the friends and family of William Christopher Villar are feeling today. Their void is a void that no words can fill. I share them with you because this remarkable young man deserves to be remembered, not for the tragic accident that took his life, but for the positive impact he had on the lives of others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4843, as amended, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006.

On March 2, 2006, as Chairman on the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, I introduced H.R. 4843 with Shelley Berkley, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, and Steve Buyer and Lane Evans, Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. On June 22, 2006, the full Committee adopted an amendment offered by Ms. Berkley to provide the annual adjustment to a two year transitional benefit offered under the dependency and indemnity compensation program.

Each year since 1976, Congress has provided a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to the benefits provided to our Nation's disabled veterans and their survivors. The purpose of the annual COLA is to ensure that Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cash benefits retain their purchasing power and are not eroded by inflation.

The Committee is following its longstanding practice of setting the COLA by reference to the yet-to-be-determined Social Security increase. In February 2006, the Administration projected a 2.6 percent increase; as of May 2006, the Congressional Budget Office is projecting the COLA to be 2.2 percent. However, it may be higher or lower depending on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The exact percentage will be calculated as of September 30, 2006, and the COLA will go into effect on December 1, 2006.

As Chairman Buyer indicated, this is one of the more important pieces of legislation the Veterans' Affairs Committee brings to the floor each year, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I sit here and I listened to what can only be termed as the height of hypocrisy. The gentleman who has just debated against this particular bill in fact 2 years ago voted for almost the same thing, and now today he is voting against it. I don't care what you say, that is pretty funny right there.

Since 1991, Federal spending on special-interest projects has increased by 900 percent. We understand that. Congress is long overdue in extending the line item veto privileges to the President of the United States.

This bill does not vest within the President the ability to solely go in and line item veto by himself. It comes back to the Congress. It gives him the authority to propose elimination of earmarks, but it leaves Congress the ability to give an up-or-down vote on the President's proposal.

I served in the Florida State Legislature where there is a line item veto by the Governor, and it was inferred just a little while ago by one of the speakers that it was used politically. Yes, it was used politically in Florida, but only by the Democratic administration.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to rise today to extend my congratulations to Mr. Merrill Worcester, an American who believes in paying homage to the memory of veterans who gave all in the name of freedom.

As the owner of the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, Mr. Worcester oversees the workings of his holiday decoration company. Thirteen years ago, he could think of nothing better to do with his surplus of over 4,000 Christmas wreaths than bring them to Arlington National Cemetery. Mr. Worcester had visited Arlington at the age of 12 and dreamed of somehow honoring fallen soldiers.

Each year since 1993, Mr. Worcester has brought trucks holding over 5,000 Christmas wreaths to Arlington and has joined with hundreds of volunteers from all walks of military and civilian life in placing the wreaths on the headstones. The wreathlaying event continues to be one that carries a great message of thanks and gratitude to those who gave their lives as well as a reminder to their families during the holidays that they will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to a man who truly understands the nature of giving and works to continually commemorate the giving of the ultimate sacrifice-- life--in order to achieve freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer a personal explanation of the reason I missed roll call Votes Nos. 289-291 on June 19, 2006. These were suspension votes on H.R. 5540, H.R. 5504, and H. Res. 826. Due to plane delays, my travel to Washington, DC was not completed until following the conclusion of votes this evening.

I respectfully request that it be entered into the Congressional Record that if present, I would have voted rollcall vote No. 289, the ``Sergeant Jacob Dan Dones Post Office Designation Act,'' ``yea''; rollcall vote No. 290, the ``Larry Winn, Jr. Post Office Building Designation Act,'' ``yea''; and rollcall vote No. 291 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Youth Sports Week should be established,'' ``yea.''

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of fiscal year 2007 Defense Appropriations Bill.

I congratulate Chairman Young and the entire Defense Subcommittee on their hard work in support of our fighting men and women. I would also like to thank the Chairman for continuing the close relationship between the defense appropriators and authorizers.

This is a fiscally responsible bill that falls within its limits as set forth by the Budget Act and is $4 billion, or 1 percent less than the President's request for defense funding. We are in the fifth year of the War on Terror and as is the case during times of conflict, Members of Congress work to balance funding for the troops and their immediate needs while ensuring the long term outlook of the military and our national security strategy needs are not forgotten. This bill achieves that balance.

It is unfortunate that many on the other side of the aisle, in both the House and Senate, wish to use this bill to politicize the Iraq war and undermine the efforts of our troops. The Commander-in-Chief has the right and the responsibility to defend our Nation and I oppose any attempts to tie his hands through unnecessary legislation.

Mr. Speaker, having returned from my fourth trip to Iraq over the Memorial Day break, I rise in support of H. Res. 861.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of America. I rise in support of our active troops and those who have given their lives and those who will give their lives so that we will prevail in this global war on terrorism. These troops are part of an all-volunteer force that is the envy of the world.

I rise to reassure the American and Iraqi people that we reject any timetable for the withdrawal or redeployment of U.S. forces in Iraq before victory.

AI Qaeda and other terrorist organizations have attacked our family, neighbors and friend numerous times over the last three decades. What has been the response? For the most part, there has not been an adequate response.

And Mr. Speaker--that is hard to admit. Some would tell you we didn't respond due to lack of political will, others would say America just didn't have the stomach.

From the killing of 241 U.S. service members in Beirut in 1983 to the attack on the USS Cole in 2001, America responded in a cautious manner.

This is no longer the case. Due to the events of September 11, 2001 our country was forced to reevaluate our defensive and offensive strategies.

Led by our Commander-in-Chief and with the support of the Congress, our government decided to take the fight to every cave the enemy hides in--sending an unmistakable message. We will fight the enemy overseas and prevent him from reaching our shores.

Having been to Iraq during the recent Memorial Day holiday, I am pleased to report the message is getting across. Our enemies are starting to realize that America and its allies are not leaving and are not intimidated.

I say to the Iraqi people--we will not abandon you. We are committed to the completion of the mission to create a sovereign, free, secure and united Iraq.

During my 4 trips to Iraq in the last 3 years I have been heartened by the continued resolve of our forces. After receiving briefings from the Generals, I always make sure to spend an equal amount of time with the senior enlisted men and junior officers who are leading at the tip of the spear. The casualty count among this group is rising--and that is hard to grapple with--but it is for a purpose.

A man who was responsible for so many of these casualties--Zarqawi-- is now dead. He was killed by a 500 pound bomb dropped from an F-16. This weapon and this method of employment were thoroughly developed and tested at Eglin Air Force Base in Okaloosa County, Florida.

The dedicated air force active duty, civilian personnel and contractors from the Test and Evaluation Community and the Air Force Research Laboratory can be equally proud.

I would like to remind my colleagues and the American people of the courage it must take to vote in a country that has never known democracy while under the threat of death--simply for making one's voice heard. This courage is commendable and is a cause worth fighting for.

Mr. Speaker, America and her citizens are strong. We will continue to lead the way in showing the Iraqi people how to establish a free and democratic nation and we and they will never forget the sacrifice of those who made their democracy possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of America. I rise in support of our active troops and those who have given their lives and those who will give their lives so that we will prevail in this Global War on Terrorism. These troops are part of an all-volunteer force that is the envy of the world.

I rise to reassure the American and Iraqi people that we reject any timetable for the withdrawal or redeployment of U.S. forces in Iraq. Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations have attacked our families, neighbors and friends numerous times over the last three decades. What has been the response? For the most part, there has not been an adequate response. And Mr. Speaker, that is hard to admit. Some would tell you we didn't respond due to lack of political will, others would say America just didn't have the stomach. From the killing of 241 U.S. service members in Beirut in 1983 to the attack on the USS Cole in 2001, America responded in a cautious manner.

This is no longer the case. Due to the events of September 11, 2001 our country was forced to reevaluate our defensive and offensive strategies. Led by our Commander in Chief and with the support of the Congress, our government decided to take the fight to every cave the enemy hides in--sending an unmistakable message. We will fight the enemy overseas and prevent him from reaching our shores.

Having been to Iraq during the recent Memorial Day holiday, I am pleased to report the message is getting across. Our enemies are starting to realize that America and its allies are not leaving and are not intimidated. I say to the Iraqi people--we will not abandon you. We are committed to the completion of the mission to create a sovereign, free, secure and united Iraq.

During my 4 trips to Iraq in the last 3 years I have been heartened by the continued resolve of our forces. After receiving briefings from the Generals, I always make sure to spend an equal amount of time with the senior enlisted men and junior officers who are leading at the tip of the spear. The casualty count among this group is rising--and that is hard to grapple with--but it is for a purpose.

A man who was responsible for so many of these casualties--Zarqawi-- is now dead. He was killed by a 500 pound bomb dropped from an F-16. This weapon and this method of employment were thoroughly developed and tested at Eglin Air Force Base in Okaloosa County, Florida. The dedicated air force active duty, civilian personnel and contractors from the Test and Evaluation Community and the Air Force Research Laboratory can be equally proud.

I would like to remind my colleagues and the American people of the courage it must take to vote in a country that has never known democracy while under the threat of death simply for making one's voice heard. This courage is commendable and is a cause worth fighting for.

Mr. Speaker, America and her citizens are strong. We will continue to lead the way in showing the Iraqi people how to establish a free and democratic nation and we and they will never forget the sacrifice of those who made their democracy possible.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to rise today to extend my congratulations to LTC Fred H. Carley for his induction into the Mobile Alabama Hall of Fame. As a resident in my district, Mr. Carley has left a great and lasting impact on Northwest Florida and Southeastern Alabama.

Fred Carley has always served as an active member in his community, be it encouraging young people through physical fitness and activities or proudly serving his country as an officer in the Air Force. A native of the Fowl River community in south Mobile County, AL, Fred Carley earned three degrees during his two active military tours at Auburn University, where he excelled in athletics, the arts, and academics.

During his professional career as an engineer, he still found time to coach both the Murphy High School and University of South Alabama track and cross-country teams, which went on to win many awards. Since his transfer to Eglin Air Force Base in 1969, Fred Carley has contributed to the fitness and well-being of countless young athletes in Northwest Florida, often leading them to national records and championships. He has also served as a member of the Senior Bowl Committee, SEAAU chairman of athletics, and president of the Air Force Engineering Association.

Lieutenant Colonel Carley has received many awards for his achievements. He was honored with the Presidential Physical Fitness Leadership Award, selected as 1 of 12 in the Nation, in 1964. He was also elected to the U.S. Military Packaging Hall of Fame for his work with the Department of Defense.

Mr. Speaker, the dedication that Frank Carley has shown to his students, community, and country is immeasurable. His service as a coach, mentor, U.S. Air Force officer, and engineer has benefited so many in Florida's First District and its surrounding areas for over 50 years. I congratulate LTC Frank Carley for his induction into the Mobile Alabama Hall of Fame and wish to thank him on behalf of the United States Congress for serving as a strong role model for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to rise today to extend my congratulations to Hayley Heath, a student in my district whose academic achievement in her National History Day project will be shared with the Nation.

National History Day encourages students to examine the past in order to create a better future. The students' projects allow for creativity in displays through exhibits, documentaries, and performances as they focus on a specific event or time period in history. In shaping America's future leaders, educators share a certain responsibility in allowing young people the opportunity to thoroughly examine and analyze the subject of history.

Hayley Heath, a student at the PATS Center in Pensacola, Florida, is one student who is seizing this opportunity. Her National History Day project, entitled ``Forcing Justice: James Meredith Takes a Stand against Segregation at Ole Miss,'' won her great recognition at the district and State levels. Hayley was chosen as one of the twelve students selected from over thousands of entries across the Nation to display her National History Day exhibit in the White House Visitor's Center on June 15, 2006.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to a student who serves as a shining example of the hope we invest in the future of our Nation. I congratulate Hayley for her achievement and the recognition she will receive, and commend her for all of her hard work and dedication. I join with the citizens of Florida's First District in wishing her the best in all her future endeavors and thanking her teachers for their guidance as they continue to strive for academic excellence.

Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous joy and celebration that I rise today to honor the consecration of the Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church in Chumuckla, Florida where my wife Vicki and I have been members since 2001.

Elizabeth Chapel has been a home for me; a place of solace where I can go to be closer to God and get back in tune with what is really important in my life. Likewise, the church family has acted as a true family to my wife and me, continuously offering us their support, encouragement, and kindness.

Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church has served a vital role in the community of Chumuckla since 1937. Originating from the marriage of two smaller/churches in the late 1930's, the church has remained a quaint group of adamant believers whose moral fiber and strength is unwavering.

On September 16, 2004, Hurricane Ivan tore through the area, leaving damage, destruction, and heartbreak in its wake. The hurricane left the church building irreparable and it was soon leveled to begin new construction. Though many members of the congregation lost their homes or had significant damage to

their own property in the storm, in the week that followed the hurricane, members of the church and others in the community came together descending on the church grounds to help FEMA distribute over 60,000 MRE's as well as ice and water to those in need.

In the months that followed, with the glorification of God's work in their hearts, the community, congregation and other churches in the surrounding area came together to begin rebuilding Elizabeth Chapel. It has been nearly 2 years since Ivan devastated the Gulf Coast, and the reconstruction is complete. On Sunday, June 11, 2006, I will join in the fellowship and celebration of the consecration of the Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I truly represent an incredible group of people. It warms my heart that the community, congregation, and other churches have come together, through the hardships and heartache that have been prevalent since hurricane Ivan, to once again provide a house of worship to the amazingly resilient members of Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart but also with a tremendous sense of pride that I rise today to recognize and remember a beacon for civil service, Mr. Vince Whibbs. Vince left us Tuesday, May 30th. He was 86 years old. Vince was an incredible man and his absence will leave a void in Pensacola that will not soon be filled. Vicki and I grieve with the rest of the area at the passing of such a pillar of society. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Anna, his wife of 63 years, their seven children, 26 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren.

Mr. Whibbs was a native of Buffalo, New York and attended the University of Buffalo before becoming an ``office boy'' for the Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors in 1940. As the Nation was in the grips of World War II, Vince left Pontiac to attend the Army Air Force Pilot Training where he became a fighter pilot and eventually became a flight instructor for the Army Air Corps.

He left the military as a captain in 1946 and returned to the Pontiac Motor Division, rising to the position of zone manager. In 1958, Pensacola was unknowingly blessed when Vince moved his family to the area to take over a local Pontiac dealership.

Friendly, outgoing, and charming, Vince had a love for Pensacola that was overshadowed only by his love of God, country, and family. He was constantly giving back to the community through his involvement in local organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, the Pensacola chapter of the Navy League, the Fiesta of Five Flags, the United Way, Rotary Club International, Junior Achievement and Project Alert.

Mr. Whibbs also gave generously of his time, serving the community in multiple leadership roles, earnestly working to make Pensacola an even better place to live. In 1963, he was elected to the City Council where he served for two years. In 1974, he was selected to head the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce.

In 1978, he was appointed to a two-year term as mayor of Pensacola but did such a great job that he ended up serving through June of 1991. Mayor Whibbs was Pensacola's longest-serving mayor and even after he left the position in 1991, maintained the title of mayor emeritus. During his tenure, Pensacola experienced tremendous growth including the building of the current City Hall, the expansion

and revitalization of the Pensacola Regional Airport, and the building of the new Pensacola Police Department.

In 1991, Mayor Whibbs was honored on the House floor by Congressman Earl Hutto, who accurately described him by saying, ``Vince's real strengths lie in his basic. personality and his never-ending promotion of the city's goodwill. Vince Whibbs is known nationwide, and everyone who knows him breaks into a spontaneous smile when his name is mentioned. In other words, no one doesn't like Vince Whibbs.''

The Pensacola News Journal stated that ``his mind worked so rapidly that his words tumbled out at you to the point that you'd want to call for backup. He spoke from a golden throat with a silver tongue, ever the diplomat representing Pensacola.''

Vince was well known for a rapid-fire delivery of this speech he recited for visiting dignitaries:

On behalf of our elected City Council, those 10 masterful

men who manage our magnificent municipality; and on behalf of

the chairman of our county commission and his four

commissioners who constantly deal with the changing,

challenging conditions of our county; and on behalf of our

wonderful people who populate the Northwest Florida area, it

is my privilege and pleasure as mayor to welcome you to

Pensacola, the western gate to the Sunshine State, where

thousands live the way millions wish they could, where the

warmth of our community comes not only from God's good

sunshine, but from the hearts of the people who live here.

Welcome to Pensacola, America's first place city and the

place where America began.

Vince remained a champion for the Pensacola Bay Area all of the way up to his last moments. He passed after dressing for a television appearance to promote a proposed Community Maritime Park on the waterfront of downtown Pensacola. Vince campaigned endlessly for downtown redevelopment and was a staunch believer in making a good city a great place to work and live. His son Mark Whibbs put it best when he said about his father, ``He loved this city, and he became a big part of it from the moment he moved here. And he never stopped.''

He was a friend of Pensacola, a friend of the military and a personal friend of mine. His enthusiasm was contagious, his integrity inspiring. Pensacola has lost a great man. Vince Whibbs will be sorely missed.

Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous joy and celebration that I rise today to honor the consecration of the Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church in Chumuckla, FL, where my wife Vicki and I have been members since 2001.

Elizabeth Chapel has been a home for me; a place of solace where I can go to be closer to God and get back in tune with what is really important in my life. Likewise, the church family has acted as a true family to my wife and me, continuously offering us their support, encouragement, and kindness.

Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church has served a vital role in the community of Chumuckla since 1937. Originating from the marriage of two smaller churches in the late 1930s, the church has remained a quaint group of adamant believers whose moral fiber and strength is unwavering.

On September 16, 2004, Hurricane Ivan tore through the area, leaving damage, destruction, and heartbreak in its wake. The hurricane left the church building irreparable and it was soon leveled to begin new construction. Though many members of the congregation lost their homes or had significant damage to their own property in the storm, in the week that followed the hurricane, members of the church and others in the community came together descending on the church grounds to help FEMA distribute over 60,000 MRE's as well as ice and water to those in need.

In the months that followed with the glorification of God's work in their hearts, the community, congregation and other churches in the surrounding area came together to begin rebuilding Elizabeth Chapel. It has been nearly two years since Ivan devastated the Gulf Coast, and the reconstruction is complete. On Sunday, June 10, 2006, I will join in the fellowship and celebration of the consecration of the Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I truly represent an incredible group of people. It warms my heart that the community, congregation, and other churches have come together, through the hardships and heartache that have been prevalent since hurricane Ivan, to once again provide a house of worship to the amazingly resilient members of Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize and congratulate the Pace High School baseball team on winning the Florida State championship 5-A title.

The 19 Pace High School varsity baseball players secured an 11-7 win over Tampa Hillsborough on May 18, 2006, to claim the 5-A State championship. It is Pace's first championship since 1990 and their third State championship over all. On the way to claiming this hard earned title, Coach Charlie Warner rallied the team on three separate occasions, using the Patriots skills and talents to once again take the leading score. ``I do not know if there are words to describe it,'' Warner said. ``To come out here and coach this game and see some great talent . . . It's just a real pleasure to be able to do all of this.''

The community support from this rapidly growing city was unparalleled. As the Patriots made their way home the next day, Patriot Boulevard, which circles around the school and baseball field, was lined with hundreds of fans dressed in red, white, and blue to welcome home the champs. For 10 of the ball players, this was their last victory at Pace High School; these 10 seniors graduated the next evening. I have no doubt that they will continue to inspire and make positive impacts on those around them.

Their resiliency has not only made me proud, but also their families, friends and community proud as well. As Pace High School Principal Frank Lay always says, ``It's great to be a Pace Patriot,'' and it's also great to represent the Patriots.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to congratulate the Pace High baseball team on their State victory and thank him for representing Santa Rosa County in such a first-class manner.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 1235) to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend the availability of $400,000 in life insurance coverage to servicemembers and veterans, to make a stillborn child an insurable dependent for purposes of the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program, to make technical corrections to the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004, to make permanent a pilot program for direct housing loans for Native American veterans, and to require an annual plan on outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, as amended.

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

(Mr. MILLER of Florida asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1235, as amended, the Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006.

S. 1235, as amended, the Veterans' Housing Opportunity and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006, reflects a compromise agreement that has been reached by the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs on the following bills:

S. 1235, as amended, which passed the Senate on September 28, 2005; H.R. 1220, as amended, which passed the House on July 13, 2005; H.R. 2046, as amended, which passed the House on May 23, 2005; and H.R. 3665, as amended, which passed the House on November 10, 2005.

Mr. Speaker, I will insert at this point in the Record for the benefit of my colleagues a joint explanatory statement describing the compromise agreement we have reached with the other body.

Explanatory Statement on Amendment to Senate Bill, S. 1235, as Amended

S. 1235, as amended, the Veterans' Housing Opportunity and

Benefits Improvement Act of 2006, reflects a Compromise

Agreement reached by the Senate and House Committees on

Veterans' Affairs (the Committees) on the following bills

reported during the 109th Congress: S. 1235, as amended

(Senate Bill), H.R. 1220, as amended, H.R. 2046, as amended,

and H.R. 3665, as amended (House Bills). S. 1235, as amended,

passed the Senate on September 28, 2005; H.R. 2046, as

amended, passed the House on May 23, 2005; H.R. 3665, as

amended, passed the House on November 10, 2005.

The Committees have prepared the following explanation of

S. 1235, as further amended to reflect a compromise agreement

between the Committees (Compromise Agreement). Differences

between the provisions contained in the Compromise Agreement

and the related provision of the Senate Bill and the House

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.

title i--housing matters

Adapted Housing Assistance for Disabled Veterans Residing in

Housing Owned by Family Member

Current Law.--Chapter 21 of title 38, United States Code,

authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to adapt or

acquire suitable housing for certain severely disabled

veterans. The grant amounts are limited to $50,000 for

severely disabled veterans with impairments of locomotion or

loss of function of both arms described in section 2101(a) of

title 38, United States Code, and $10,000 to severely

disabled veterans with loss of vision or loss of function of

both hands as described in section 2101(b) of title 38,

United States Code. Currently a veteran may receive a grant

for specially adapted housing only once. However, a veteran

who has qualified for the smaller grant may nonetheless

receive a higher grant if disabilities under that provision

later develop.

Senate Bill.--The Senate Bill contains no comparable

provision.

House Bills.--Section 101 (a) through (e) of H.R. 3665, as

amended, would amend chapter 21 of title 38, United States

Code, by inserting a new section 2102A. Subparagraph (a)

would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct

a program providing a partial adapted housing grant to

severely injured veterans residing temporarily in housing

owned by a family member. Subparagraph (b) would authorize

the Secretary to provide up to a $10,000 grant for such

veterans with disabilities involving impairments of

locomotion and up to a $2,000 grant for such veterans with

visual impairments or loss of function of both hands.

Subparagraph (c) would limit the assistance to one family

residence. Subparagraph (d) would require the Secretary

to issue relevant regulations. Finally, subparagraph (e)

would limit the program to 5 years after enactment.

Section 101(b) of H.R. 3665, as amended, would amend

section 2102 of title 38, United States Code, to allow a

veteran to receive no more than three grants of assistance

under chapter 21 of title 8, United States Code. The total

value of all grants would not exceed $50,000 for the most

severely disabled veterans and $10,000 for less severely

disabled veterans. However, a veteran who receives a grant

under section 2102(b) of title 38, United States Code, would

still be allowed to receive grants under section 2102(a) of

title 38, United States Code, if he or she becomes eligible.

Section 101(c) would amend chapter 21 of title 38, United

States Code, by adding at the end a new section 2107 to

provide that the Secretary shall coordinate the

administration of programs to provide specially adapted

housing that are administered by both the Under Secretary for

Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits under chapters

17, 21, and 31 of title 38, United States Code.

Compromise Agreement.--Section 101 of the Compromise

Agreement generally follows the House language except in the

case of veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a

family member, veterans with disabilities involving

impairments of locomotion may receive up to $14,000. Section

101 would also increase the funding fee for a subsequent use

of the VA home loan guaranty with no money down by 5 basis

points for the period October 1, 2006 through September 30,

2007.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages

Current Law.--Section 3707A(c)(4) of title 38, United

States Code, limits the maximum increase or decrease of any

single annual interest rate adjustment after the initial

contract interest rate adjustment to 1 percentage point.

Senate Bill.--Section 201 of the Senate Bill would give VA

the flexibility to prescribe an appropriate annual rate

adjustment cap for VA hybrid Adjustable Rate Mortgage loans

with an initial rate of interest fixed for 5 or more years.

House Bills.--The House Bills contain no comparable

provision.

Compromise Agreement.--Section 102 of the Compromise

Agreement follows the Senate language.

Permanent Authority To Make Direct Housing Loans to Native

American Veterans

Current Law.--Section 3761 of title 38, United States Code,

establishes a pilot program to make direct housing loans to

Native American veterans for homes on tribal lands. The

authorization expires on December 31, 2008. Section 3762 of

title 38, United States Code, describes the administration

of the program and limits the maximum loan amount to

$80,000, unless the Secretary allows a larger amount due

to higher housing costs in a particular geographic area.

Senate Bill.--Section 203 of the Senate Bill contains a

similar provision.

House Bills.--Section 102 of H.R. 3665, as amended, would

make permanent the Native American Veteran Housing Loan

Program. It would also limit the Secretary's discretion in

approving a loan large than $80,000 to the loan limitation

amount provided by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

Act for a single-family residence.

Compromise Agreement.--Section 103 of the Compromise

Agreement follows the House language.

Extension of Eligibility for Direct Loans for Native American

Veterans to a Veteran Who Is The Spouse of a Native

American

Current Law.--Section 3761 of title 38, United States Code,

limits loans under the

Native American Home Loan Program to veterans who are Native

Americans. Under current law, a veteran residing on tribal

lands with a Native American spouse is not eligible to

receive a home loan under this program.

Senate Bill.--The Senate Bill contains no comparable

provision.

House Bills.--Section 103 of H.R. 3665, as amended, would

extend eligibility for the Native American Veteran Housing

Loan Program to non-Native American veterans who are spouses

of Native American eligible to be housed on tribal land. The

non-Native American veteran must be able to acquire a

meaningful interest in the property under tribal law.

Compromise Agreement.--Section 104 of the Compromise

Agreement follows the House language.

Technical Corrections to Veterans' Benefit Improvement Act of

2004

Current Law.--Section 2101 of title 38, United States Code,

provides for grants to adapt or acquire suitable housing for

certain severely disabled veterans. Section 401 of Public Law

108-183 amended section 2101 to authorize the Secretary of

Veterans Affairs to provide adapted housing assistance to

certain disabled servicemembers who have not yet been

processed for discharge from military service, but who will

qualify for the benefit upon discharge due to the severity

of their disabilities. However, this provision was

inadvertently omitted from section 2101 of title 38,

United States Code when changes to that section were made

by P.L. 108-454.

Senate Bill.--Section 202 of S. 1235 would amend section

2101 of title 38, United States Code, to reinstate the

authority of the Secretary to provide adapted housing

assistance to certain members of the armed services and make

other conforming amendments. The amendments made by this

provision would take effect on December 10, 2004, immediately

after the enactment of Public Law 108-454.

House Bill.--Section 4 of H.R. 2046, as amended, contains a

similar provision.

Compromise Agreement.--Section 105 of the Compromise

Agreement contains this provision.

title ii--employment matters

Additional Duty for the Assistant Secretary of Labor for

Veterans' Employment and Training To Raise Awareness of

Skills of Veterans and of the Benefits of Hiring Veterans

Current Law.--Subsection (b) of section 4102A of title 38,

United States Code, describes the duties to be carried out by

the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and

Training.

Senate Bill.--The Senate Bill contains no comparable

provision.

House Bills.--Section 202(a) of H.R. 3665, as amended,

would add a new duty for the Assistant Secretary of Labor for

Veterans' Employment and Training (ASVET) under section 4102A

of title 38, United States Code, to furnish information to

employers (through meetings with hiring executive of

corporations and otherwise) concerning the training and

skills of veterans and disabled veterans, and the advantages

of hiring veterans. The ASVET would also be required to

facilitate employment of veterans and disabled veterans

through participation in labor exchanges (Internet-based and

otherwise), and by other means.

Section 202(b) of H.R. 3665, as amended, would require the

Secretary of Labor, acting through the ASVET, to develop a

transition plan for the ASVET to assume certain duties and

functions of the President's National Hire Veterans Committee

and transmit the plan to the House and Senate Veterans'

Affairs Committees not later than July 1, 2006.

Compromise Agreement.--Section 201 of the Compromise

Agreement generally follows the House language, but does not

include the requirement that the Secretary of Labor develop

and transmit a transition plan.

Modifications to the Advisory Committee on Veterans

Employment and Training

Current Law.--Section 4110 of title 38, United States Code,

establishes the Advisory Committee on Veterans employment and

Training, its membership, and its duties. The Advisory

Committee advises the ASVET on the employment and training

needs of veterans and how the Department of Labor is meeting

those needs. No outreach efforts are required of the Advisory

Committee in current law.

Senate Bill.--The Senate Bill contains no comparable

provision.

House Bills.--Section 203(a) of H.R. 3665, as amended,

would amend section 4110 of title 38, United States Code, by

renaming the ``Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment and

Training'' to ``Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment,

Training, and Employer Outreach''.

Section 203(b) would modify the duties of the Advisory

Committee to include assisting and advising the Assistant

Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training

(ASVET) in carrying out outreach to employers.

Section 203(c) would modify the membership of the Advisory

Committee to include representatives from the National

Society of Human Resource Managers, The Business Roundtable,

the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, the

United States Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of

Independent Business, a nationally recognized labor union or

organization, veterans service organizations that have a

national employment program, and recognized authorities in

the fields of business, employment, training, rehabilitation,

or labor. Section 203(c) would also retain six nonvoting ex

officio members of the Advisory Committee: Secretary of

Veterans Affairs, Secretary of Defense, Director of the

Office of Personnel Management, Assistant Secretary of Labor

for Veterans' Employment and Training, Assistant Secretary of

Labor for Employment and Training, and the Administrator of

the Small Business Administration.

Setion 203(d) of H.R. 3665, as amended, would require the

Advisory Committee to submit a report to the Secretary of

Labor on the employment and training needs of veterans for

the previous fiscal year. The report would include a

description of the activities of the Advisory Committee

during that fiscal year as well as suggested outreach

activities to be carried out by the Secretary of Labor to

employers with respect to the training and skills of veterans

and the advantage afforded employers by hiring veterans.

Compromise Agreement.--Section 202 of the Compromise

Agreement follows the House language.

Reauthorization of Appropriations for Homeless Veterans

Reintegration Programs

Current Law.--Section 2021 of title 38, United States Code,

authorizes appropriations for the Homeless Veterans

Reintegration Programs (HVRP) through fiscal year 2006.

Senate Bill.--The Senate Bill contains no comparable

provision.

House Bills.--Section 301 of H.R. 3665, as amended, would

reauthorize HVRP for fiscal years 2007 through 2009, and

retain the maximum authorization of $50 million per year.

Compromise Agreement.--Section 203 of the Compromise

Agreement follows the House language.

The provisions in this bill will directly or indirectly impact the lives of servicemembers, veterans, and their survivors. Several of them fall within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, which I chair.

The other provisions fall within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, which is chaired by Mr. Boozman. Mr. Boozman is currently conducting a roundtable on employment in Michigan, so I will describe his subcommittee's provisions as well.

In title I of the bill, we provide additional flexibility to the Adapted Housing Grant program and the Native American Home Loan program. These provisions were originally in H.R. 3665, introduced by Mr. Boozman, and H.R. 1773, introduced by Ms. Herseth.

Mr. Speaker, some of those wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan return home with significant disabilities. Many severely disabled servicemembers spend much of their convalescence at a family home before moving on to a home of their own. Under current rules, VA cannot help adapt family homes to the veteran's disability unless the veteran has an ownership interest in that property.

Section 101 would eliminate the ownership requirement and would also provide a partial Adaptive Housing Assistance grant, ranging from $2,000 to $13,000 depending on the level of disability to veterans temporarily in housing owned by a family member.

It would also authorize up to three separate specially adaptive housing grants within the current maximum amounts.

Section 102 of this bill would give the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the authority to prescribe an appropriate annual rate adjustment cap for the VA Hybrid Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan program. This provision brings VA ARMs in line with the mortgage industry and improves their value on the secondary market.

Mr. Speaker, this bill would also make permanent the Pilot Program for Housing Loans to Native American Veterans; extend the eligibility for Native American loans to certain non-Native American veterans who have a meaningful interest in the property under tribal law and are the spouses of a Native American; and, finally, adjust the maximum loan to conform to the Freddie Mac limits, similar to other VA loans currently at $359,650.

Title II of the bill would transition some of the President's National Hire Veterans Committee's duties to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training, and modifies the title of the Assistant Secretary's advisory committee to the Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and Employer Outreach, its membership and its duties to improve employer outreach activities.

Taxpayers made a significant investment in the work of the President's National Hire Veterans Committee, and we feel strongly that some of the duties and products of the committee should be adopted by the Veterans Employment and Training Service at the Department of Labor.

Section 203 would reauthorize the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs for fiscal years 2007 through 2009, and retain the maximum authorization of $50 million per year. Mr. Speaker, we recognize that homelessness among veterans continues to be a problem. While there are varying estimates about the total number of homeless veterans and the causes for homelessness, there is no disagreement that a job is one of the keys to breaking the cycle of homelessness and that the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs remain a valuable tool to assist homeless veterans in finding gainful employment.

I do want to emphasize that this is an employment program managed by the Veterans Employment and Training Service at the Department of Labor, and it is not a housing program.

Title III of the bill would amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act to provide additional protections to servicemembers. Section 302 and 303 originated in H.R. 2046, introduced by Chairman Buyer.

Under current law, when a member is rated totally disabled at the time of separation, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance coverage is provided for 1 year free of charge. Section 301 of the bill would extend this coverage to 2 years through September 30, 2011, and 18 months as of October 1, 2011.

Members then may convert to Veterans' Group Life Insurance or a commercial policy. Section 302 would prohibit any increase in premiums for health insurance after reinstatement except for any general increase in the premiums being charged by the carrier for persons similarly covered.

Currently, a servicemember who is ordered to active duty and terminated their health insurance, employer-sponsored insurance coverage upon release from active duty is entitled to reinstatement of their previous health insurance coverage.

Section 303 closes a current gap in health insurance coverage for those Reservists who elect TRICARE coverage in advance of activation and allows them to retain reinstatement rights under their employer- sponsored health plan, even if they do not eventually report to active duty.

Since members of the Reserve component play such an important role in today's military, these important changes to the law will protect the members and their families from loss of coverage and unwarranted cost increases.

Section 401 of the bill would codify a June 2005 Department of Veterans Affairs regulation to add heart disease and ensuing complications and stroke to the list of diseases presumed service- connected for former prisoners of war that were interned for at least 30 days.

Section 402 would revise and consolidate VA outreach activities into a new chapter of title 38, United States Code, to ensure that servicemembers, veterans, and their survivors are aware of the benefits and services to which they may be entitled.

This section would further require VA to prepare a biennial outreach plan, as well as report to Congress every 2 years on the execution of that plan. I held a committee hearing on March 16 of this year, and I was disappointed to learn that VA was no longer filing an annual outreach report as mandated by law.

It is our interpretation that by creating this chapter, VA will put more of an emphasis on its outreach activities.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Buyer, Ranking Member Evans, Chairman Boozman, Ranking Member Berkley and Ranking Member Herseth for their leadership on crafting this bill. I also want to recognize Chairman Craig and Ranking Member Akaka of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and the staff on both sides of the aisle for their hard work.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support Senate bill 1235, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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