Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding.

I rise today on behalf of H.R. 6447, the Chief Data Officer Authorization Act. This bill designates the chief data officer to increase transparency and to ensure best practices are implemented throughout the DHS. My bill is the culmination of listening to my constituents and DHS employees along the border regarding transparency, communication, and oversight issues at the Department of Homeland Security.

Every day 240,000 employees at DHS go to work to ensure the security of our Nation. Many of these men and women are under intense pressure to identify efficiencies and do more with less. This bill answers their request for help in managing and sharing information to protect the homeland.

I have also heard from my constituents who are concerned about government transparency. I truly understand the need to keep the public informed on how their government is working for them. This bill is in answer to those concerns.

This bill also ensures Members of Congress receive the answers and the

data they need to effectively perform our constitutional oversight responsibilities.

I echo the sentiments of many of my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation. Today is a big step forward for the American people.

This bill ensures DHS does not fall behind other government agencies as we increase transparency for those we serve. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I salute my friends and neighbors of the Round Rock, TX Chamber of Commerce who were recently honored as the 2018 Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. The Round Rock Chamber are richly deserving recipients of this prestigious award which recognizes the leadership role chambers have in their communities and excellence in operations and community leadership.

Throughout the years, the Chamber has fostered an unrivaled environment of economic success for the citizens of Round Rock. They've helped to employ over 25,000 Texans with over 10,000 investors supporting the local economy, making the Chamber one of the largest and most active business associations in Central Texas. Their efforts have been a critical part of Texas's strong economy and have been essential to making Round Rock a place where business thrives.

The Chamber continuously works to create economic opportunities for the people of Round Rock. In the past year alone, the Chamber has won $257 million in capital investment, brought 575 jobs to Round Rock, launched the Entrepreneurship Round Rock program, and increased opportunities for entrepreneurs young and old. When it comes to promoting education, talent development, and quality of life in the Round Rock Community, the Round Rock Chamber never rests.

The positive impacts made by the Chamber are among the many reasons I am proud to call the city of Round Rock my hometown. I celebrate their work and am glad to see them get the national recognition they deserve. I know that for the Chamber, as well as the citizens they're proud to serve, the best is yet to come.

Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the extraordinary work and legacy of Eula L. Beck, or ``Sis'' as most affectionately call her, who has been an active supporter of Central Texas Communities her whole life. Her resume tells the story of a woman unafraid to contribute both her time and energies to a multitude of organizations that rely on volunteerism and social engagement to make good communities great.

Sis was raised just south of Killeen on a ranch near Maxdale and has led a life devoted to causes bigger than herself. Her extraordinary career began at Camp Hood where she supported war efforts during WWII. From there, she worked to upgrade Camp Hood to Fort Hood and served as a crucial advocate to make Fort Hood the model for military bases that it is today. Sis' influence in Central Texas didn't stop there. She has engaged in a multitude of endeavors ranging from owning a local Killeen TV station to establishing the

Killeen branch of Union State Bank, where she has served on the Board for many years. At every stop along the way, she's built bridges of friendship and has worked tirelessly to support and enhance her community.

Sis also exhibits a passion for education that has contributed greatly to the prosperity of Central Texas. Inspired by her niece who didn't have easy access to a local library, Sis worked to establish a library in Florence, Texas, which is now named after her. Sis also aided in efforts to fund the creation of both Central Texas College and Texas A&M Central Texas. Young and old alike are thankful for the positive contributions Sis has made to literacy and education in her community.

Some people go through life wondering if they made a difference. Eula L. Beck doesn't have that problem. Her inspiring and extensive career leaves no doubt that Central Texas is a better place because of her. I celebrate her life and devotion to her beloved community and wish her nothing but the best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the extraordinary work and legacy of Victor Villarreal, Ph.D. This Lone Star State native has led a life of continual service to Central Texas. His leadership, vision, and commitment to hard work has made the growing city of Leander, TX a great place to live and work.

Dr. Vic served the City of Leander as a councilmember from 2005-2009, which included a term as Mayor Pro-Tem. Knowing that Leander deserves a first-class higher-education institution, his tenure was focused on bringing an Austin Community College (ACC) campus to his beloved community.

Dr. Vic unselfishly gave countless hours over the span of a decade toward making an ACC campus in Leander a reality. Those who worked alongside him describe the time, planning, and effort he put in to bringing a college campus to Leander as a true labor of love. Dr. Vic's leadership led to the establishment of ACC's San Gabriel campus; classes will begin in Fall 2018. His commitment to higher education in Leander didn't end there as Dr. Vic served as a member and a Vice Chairman of

the ACC Board of Trustees before becoming Chairman.

Many go through life wondering if they've made difference; Dr. Vic doesn't have that problem. I'm glad civic-minded leaders like him are working hard to improve their communities. He's led Leander to new heights and positioned his beloved city to continue into a bright future. I salute his work, congratulate him on his achievements, and wish him nothing but the best for the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor John Carter, head baseball coach of the Round Rock Dragons, who was recently named the National Federation of State High School Associations' 2016-2017 State Coach of the Year for boys' baseball. During his decades as coach, he's helped lead the Dragons to a state championship, fielded a perennial contender, and positively impacted the lives of hundreds of young men.

It's no coincidence we share the same name; Coach Carter is my first- born son. As an athlete, he'd be the first to admit that he wasn't blessed with innate physical gifts; others were faster, stronger, more agile. Yet he quickly gained a reputation as a supremely coachable athlete who listened when coaches

instructed him and, just as important, paid heed when coaches guided teammates. Few were more motivated to do the work necessary to succeed.

These traits serve him well as he strengthens the legacy of a great high school baseball program, one of the most respected both in Texas and nationwide. Coach Carter has excelled not because he's a guru of offense or a deacon of defense. He's not a pitcher's coach or a fielder's coach. He's a baseball coach who knows that the road to victory is paved by mastery of every facet of this complex game.

The fruits of Coach Carter's labors are in every strikeout, double play, and sacrifice bunt. They're in every win celebrated and every loss with lessons to learn from. They're in the eyes of teenagers he's helped mold into young men who learn the value of teamwork and how to reach their fullest potentials, both on and off the field of play.

Most important, Coach Carter has never lost sight of the beauty of our national pastime. A game that has no clock yet demands blazing speed. The rare sport where the offense scores the runs but the defense has the ball. Where all the important things happen at home. A game played in back alleys, open fields, ramshackle parks, and glossy stadiums that transcends social boundaries and unites a great nation. Where one and all are excited by the most magical words in all of sports: ``play ball!''

I congratulate Coach John Carter for this richly-deserved honor. I'm proud of him, like I am of all my children, and I wish him nothing but success as he continues leading the Round Rock Dragons boys' baseball team to victory.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the extraordinary work of Chris Fielder, Mayor of Leander, Texas who will retire on June 21 after serving his beloved community for eleven years. Chris' leadership, vision, and commitment to doing what's best for his city have made Leander a great place to live and work.

Chris served the growing city of Leander as a councilmember from 2007 to 2012, and Mayor from 2012 to 18. During his tenure, he unselfishly gave many hours to the good citizens of his community. As a true leader, he has always shown great respect and support for both staff and colleagues as well as a willingness to make tough decisions. He championed property tax rate reductions, obtained voter approval for general bond election propositions, improved local government transparency, oversaw large capital projects, and initiated the development of Veterans Park. No one can doubt that Chris has made a real difference in the lives of residents. His work is a model of sensible governance that puts people first.

While Chris isn't tired of the privilege of serving as Leander's mayor, he knows that everything has its season and that it's time to allow the next generation of leaders to take to the stage. Retirement from office won't give him much idle time. He'll fill his days managing his small business and spending time with his beloved wife MaShon and their two children.

I'm glad civic-minded leaders like Mayor Chris Fielder are working hard to improve their communities. He's led Leander to new heights and positioned his beloved city to progress into a bright future. I salute his work, congratulate him on his retirement, and wish him nothing but the best for the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the further consideration of H.R. 5895, and that I may include tabular material on the same.

Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, even though I am not opposed to it.

Mr. Chair, we understand the gentleman's concerns, and we certainly will keep them in mind during conference.

Mr. Chair, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

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

Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to

the amendment, even though I am not opposed to it.

Mr. Chair, this bill includes $387 million for opioid treatment and prevention efforts. We understand the gentleman's concern, and we will keep them in mind during conference.

May I say, having been a criminal trial judge for many years, dealing with prescription drug abuse and treating prescription drug abuse is one of the hardest things we have to deal with in criminal law. There is something about the mental attitude towards a prescription that causes people to think it is safe.

This abuse that is going on in this country, we have to do something about it, so I commend the gentleman.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, although I don't intend to oppose this amendment.

Mr. Chair, we understand and commend the gentlewoman's concern about safeguarding the homeless programs. Looking at what we have done, we have gotten in this bill $7.4 billion in homeless veterans' treatment services, housing, and job training, and we certainly are going to keep in mind, when we go to conference, what the gentlewoman has presented us here today.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment, although I do not oppose the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, our bill includes $340 million for the Supportive Services for Veteran Family Program, which is $20 million above the President's budget request. But we understand the gentlewoman's concerns and we will certainly keep them in mind in conference.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment, although I do not oppose the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, we understand that to allay concerns regarding this proposed rule, the VA is planning to propose a supplemental rule to amend it. But we will monitor the situation. As we move to conference with the Senate, we will keep this in mind and be glad to work the gentleman.

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

Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, although I will not oppose the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, the FY2018 omnibus included report language asking the Army to look at alternatives for conveying this property. We have yet to receive this report. This amendment has no effect, as

the underlying bill does not include any funding for the conveyance of this property.

Mr. Chairman, for that reason, I will not oppose the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the gentleman's amendment. I want to reassure my fellow Texans that this subcommittee is committed to protecting the installations in the great State of Texas, and I will be on top of that.

Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to be here as the newly appointed chairman of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

I arrived post-midstream and I have a lot to learn. But I have served on this subcommittee before and I have got a great base to start with. Charlie Dent and Debbie Wasserman Schultz developed such a good bill that it was approved by a 47-0 vote in the full committee.

The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill provides generously for our servicemembers, our veterans, their families, and our monuments and cemeteries. Chairman Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Lowey have provided strong support for this bill. I appreciate their leadership, as well as the participation of all of the members of the subcommittee, and I especially want to thank my ranking member, Ms. Wasserman Schultz.

The bill contains $96.9 billion in budget authority, an increase of $4.2 billion over last year's level. The funding recommendation includes:

$11.3 billion for military construction, which is a $412 million, or 3.8 percent, increase over the fiscal year 2018 level. The bill includes $10.3 billion in base funding and $921 million in overseas contingency operations funding. The level is $131 million below the request.

$85.3 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is an increase of nearly $4 billion, or 4.8 percent over the FY18 level, and the same as the budget request. Of the $85.3 billion provided for VA, $71.2 billion is for medical care for 7 million veterans. We make important investments in many VA programs, including: mental health treatment and suicide prevention; development of the VA electronic health record; prevention of opioid abuse; and disability claims processing.

And $2 billion is provided as the second year of the budget deal commitment for infrastructure funding for VA facilities.

This bill supports our troops with the facilities necessary to maintain readiness and morale at bases here in the United States and around the world.

In addition, the bill funds our veterans healthcare and benefits systems to ensure that our promise to care for those who have sacrificed in defense of our Nation is met as those men and women return home.

This is a strong bill, and I urge everyone to support it.

Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition, although I am not opposed.

Mr. Chairman, I will not oppose this amendment because it does not require DOD to fund anything in particular.

I would like to point out that the FY 2019 budget submission for Defense Appropriations included $442.9 million for demolition within the facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization account, double the FY 2018 level.

I would like to remind my colleagues that, while there may be a particular interest behind the amendments, these do not direct funding to a particular activity. Our bill does not even fund these activities. For this reason, I will not oppose this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

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

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although I will not oppose the amendment.

Mr. Chair, we understand the gentleman's concerns and will keep them in mind for the conference. We have included report language on the topic in both the 2018 and 2019 reports.

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

Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, even though I am not opposed to it.

Mr. Chairman, we understand the gentleman's concerns. We will keep them in mind for conference. We will be interested in learning more about this problem that he identifies.

I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

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

Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, even though I am not opposed to it.

The Acting Chair. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. Chairman, the gentlewoman's concerns about providing adequate funding to address veterans' mental health needs is shared by every member of our committee. We are pleased that the bill provides $8.6 million for mental health programs, including $196 million for suicide prevention outreach.

We will certainly try to maintain these substantial levels in conference.

Mr. Chairman, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

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

Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, even though I am not opposed to it.

The Acting Chair. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. Chairman, we understand the gentleman's concerns, and we will keep in mind this concern during our conference. I have heard from veterans in my district about the concerns, and, in fact, sat down with some last weekend, and this was one of their number one concerns.

So this has a health impact. These burn pits are something we really need to get into, and we will have this in mind in conference.

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

Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, the bill provides $1 million over the President's budget request for the Adaptive Sports Grant, ASG, program for equine-assisted therapy, as our 2018 bill did also.

We understand the gentleman's concern in further increasing this funding and will keep it in mind during conference.

In my congressional district, we also have equine therapy, and I am very familiar with it.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

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

Mr. Chairman, I move that the committee do now rise.

Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the extraordinary work and legacy of Colonel Ron Perry, USA, Retired. This Texas native's life has been one of continual service and he has made lasting impacts on our brave warriors at Fort Hood and across the Army.

After receiving his commission in the Infantry in December 1974, COL Perry served his beloved nation and Army at installations around the world. His nearly three decades of honorable service saw him excel at some of the most challenging duties anyone in the military could shoulder. COL Perry's work didn't go unnoticed as he received numerous awards and decorations saluting his efforts.

Following a brief stint in the private sector, COL Perry returned to the Army to serve as the civilian Deputy to the Commanding General, Ill Corps and Fort Hood. In this critical role, COL Perry called on his decades of expertise to support The Great Place as it continues to be one of the world's premiere military installations. His institutional knowledge and efforts toward championing the base, the thousands stationed there, and the community that supports them cannot be adequately quantified, nor equaled.

COL Perry's commitment to investing his gifts, talents, and abilities to ensuring the Army remains the world's greatest military force is a deeply held creed that speaks to the generosity and activism of a true and devoted public servant. As he begins the next phase of his life, I salute his decades of work and proudly join his colleagues, friends, and family in wishing him nothing but success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 50th anniversary of El Amistad, a non-profit civic organization dedicated to inspiring the leaders of tomorrow. Through a half century of remarkable work, El Amistad has helped make Central Texas a great place to live and work.

Founded in my home town of Round Rock, TX, El Amistad is dedicated to education, community service, recognition of veterans, and promotion of Hispanic cultural awareness. By utilizing the talents and skills of its diverse membership, it has supported various youth development activities throughout Central Texas. Since its inception, El Amistad has awarded millions in scholarships to thousands of high school graduates seeking to take the next steps in their educational development.

Honoring our brave warriors remains a driving force among El Amistad members. The organization led the charge to dedicate Veterans Memorial Park in Round Rock, TX to Robert P. Hernandez, who died in the line of duty while serving in Vietnam. It's the devotion of committed activists like El Amistad members that help remind all of the invaluable and lasting contributions veterans make to keep our nation safe and free.

Fifty years after its creation, El Amistad has touched countless lives for the better, and continues to make positive impacts on those it's dedicated to serve. I celebrate its half century of dedicated civic involvement and join all Central Texas in wishing this great organization nothing but the best in the decades to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet on Monday, May 21, 2018, when it shall convene at noon for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, I am honored to fight for the veterans in my district and throughout the Nation. In return for their service and sacrifice, we owe them the best medical care that can be provided.

I am proud that the House of Representatives has passed the VA MISSION Act to address these critical concerns. I commend Chairman Roe, Ranking Member Walz, and the members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee for their work on this issue over the last year.

This legislation will provide better community-based care without detracting from the outstanding medical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, such as the Central Texas Veterans Health Care Center in Temple, Texas, in my district.

While I believe veterans are best served by the VA, there are also those who live too far from a VA facility, cannot afford a long wait period, or have very specific medical services that are best provided outside the VA system.

The VA MISSION Act provides this community-based care option, and it pays for it with discretionary spending, which means Congress has more control, more oversight, and more responsibility.

The VA MISSION Act includes a provision for a bill I authored, the Veterans Transplant Coverage Act, to ensure that no other American hero is denied organ transplant coverage again through the VA.

This was inspired by the Nelson family of Leander, Texas. Mr. Nelson, a veteran, required a transplant. His son was a matching live donor. However, the VA would not cover medical costs for the donor, Mr. Nelson's son, even though this was a lifesaving transplant for Mr. Nelson. I am sorry to say that Mr. Nelson had to liquidate almost everything he owned to pay for the medical expenses. We could not help Mr. Nelson's family, but his story inspired me to work towards changing the law.

When the VA MISSION Act is enacted, it will ensure future generations of veterans will have their transplant medical expenses, along with the donor's expenses, covered by the VA. We must do the right thing for our veterans who need these lifesaving procedures, and I am honored that the VA MISSION Act includes language I wrote to do just that.

I want to publicly thank several of my colleagues on the committee: Dr. Neal Dunn, Dr. Brad Wenstrup, and Gus Bilirakis, my neighbor, all of whom championed transplant care for veterans and worked extremely hard to ensure this language was included in the bill.

The VA MISSION Act is a step forward towards the goal of caring for our veterans. The Senate must pass this legislation, and I urge President Trump to quickly sign it into law. I can think of no better way to celebrate Memorial Day than enact the VA MISSION Act, which will ensure our heroes receive the best medical care available.

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

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation, I wish III Corps a happy birthday for its first century of brave service. Since its birth in 1918, `America's Hammer' has never faltered in defending freedom and upholding the U.S. Army's reputation as the world's elite fighting force.

From day one, this historic corps has been comprised of brave men and women who have selflessly devoted themselves to a greater good. When forces of tyranny threaten the world, when the oppressed are in danger of losing hope, when duty calls, the Phantom Warriors of III Corps stand ready. Over the decades, their mission has remained the same: be prepared to rapidly deploy and conduct the full spectrum of military operations to defeat any adversary.

I am proud to stand alongside III Corps as they continue to defend freedom, accomplish any mission, and leave a legacy for future generations to follow. III Corps' 100 years of excellence represents America at its very best.

Mr. Speaker, I salute the extraordinary career of Frank Leffingwell as he retires from a lifetime of civic involvement. Along with his many contributions to Central Texas, Frank's outstanding work as a councilman for the City of Round Rock, Texas has helped make my hometown a great place to live and work.

Frank's commitment to investing his gifts, talents, and abilities to improve his community is a deeply held creed that speaks to the generosity and activism of a true and devoted public servant. His resume tells the story of a man unafraid to contribute both his time and energies to a multitude of organizations that rely on volunteerism and social engagement to make good communities great.

His tenure on the Round Rock City Council is marked by his tremendous efforts to support his growing town's long-term vitality through economic development. Frank's worked tirelessly to ensure residents have a rich quality of life that includes access to water, energy, and cutting-edge health care while supporting the arts, our first responders, and the most vulnerable. His legacy speaks to the highest values we Texans hold dear.

Frank Leffingwell's retirement is the richly-deserved beginning of an exciting journey. I join his colleagues, family, and friends in honoring his career, commending his commitment to public service, and wishing my friend nothing but the best in the years ahead.