Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 15, a bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform bill to properly address the humanitarian crisis at the border.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Celeste Weingardt, an inspiring leader and determined activist, who has assiduously worked on women's issues including protecting and promoting access to reproductive healthcare and services. For over two decades, Celeste has served as a beacon of empowerment for women in politics and community leadership in Ventura County.

Celeste first became involved with the Women's Political Appointments Coalition of Ventura County in 1990. Shortly thereafter, she joined the Commission for Women in Ventura County, where she served as chair of the organization during her years of dedicated service. Celeste has also offered her extensive and invaluable leadership and expertise to organizations such as the Ventura County Reproductive Rights Network; the Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence; the National Women's Political Caucus at the city, state, and national levels; and the Ventura County Women's Forum Collaborative.

Throughout her years of service, Celeste has advocated for a vast array of women's issues including reproductive rights and justice, teenage pregnancy prevention, the prevention and elimination of violence against women both locally and globally, as well as access to quality and affordable childcare. Her exemplary work has been a true inspiration to many women throughout our region.

In addition, Celeste currently sits on the organizing committee of the Women's Political Council of Ventura County and serves on the board of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties, which actively works to protect family planning and reproductive rights.

It is my sincere pleasure to join the Ventura County Women's Political Council in recognizing Celeste Weingardt for her instrumental efforts and activities to engage and empower women. For her continued active and effective advocacy and leadership, I wholeheartedly commend Celeste Weingardt for her impressive career of service which she has selflessly given to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion at the desk.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for the military sexual trauma provisions that were included in the Senate- passed H.R. 3230 and to urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the motion to instruct conferees to accept these provisions.

As you know, the statistics on military sexual assault are staggering. In 2012, a Pentagon survey estimated that 26,000 women and men were sexually assaulted. However, the Pentagon only received 3,374 formal allegations. Clearly, there remains a deep-seated cultural problem in the military that discourages our servicemen and -women from coming forward to report cases of sexual assault.

Nonetheless, if one counts those cases reported, more and more men and women are currently leaving the military with PTSD from sexual assault. This cannot continue. Military sexual assault is the ultimate violation of the basic principles of trust, respect, honor, and dignity that is the bedrock of the principles our military men and women expect and deserve, and they are principles our country rightly demands.

Changing culture, as anyone from the public or private sectors know, and those of us dealing with issues at the Veterans Administration know all too well, changing culture is very difficult. But the culture of our military must change, and we, my colleagues, need to accelerate that change, from the military chain of command to reforms of our military justice system.

Clearly, preventing military sexual assault in the first place is critical, but it is equally critical that we provide servicemembers leaving the military who have suffered from sexual assault, to make access to care at the VA easier and safer, to make sure survivors get the benefits and services they need, and to ensure that the VA provides the very best treatment possible.

Compassion and care are a critical part of healing for those who have been sexually assaulted. We need an environment where it is safe to speak up and where we would never find anyone's story unjustly dismissed or treated with indifference, which would only make the trauma and the wound even deeper.

We have a bill before us that provides relief not only for those who have endured sexual assault, but for so many of the issues facing our veterans at this very moment.

I deeply appreciate the leadership from our chairman on the committee, who has done a tremendous amount to help our veterans, and he continues to do so. But the time to act is now. The crisis is clear. We have a path to address it. We have veterans who deserve it, and we have a Congress willing to provide the resources needed.

We have said time and time again in our hearings we need big change and big ideas. We need real transformation, and, most importantly, we need a VA whose sole purpose and mission is to serve our veterans with the same vigor and sacrifice that our veterans have served our country.

Mr. Speaker, our veterans must come first in everything we do. There is a lot of work ahead of us that the VA needs to do, and our committee must continue to do so. Persistent and consistent oversight every step of the way on our part will leverage the leadership and the strategic plan from within the VA to ensure that we deliver timely and quality health care with a compassion that our veterans and their families have earned and deserve.

I have no doubt that the leadership of the chairman has been instrumental to our committee's being able to work together in a bipartisan fashion to get us to this point, and it is imperative that we continue to work in a bipartisan fashion. Our veterans are counting on us, and our country is counting on us.

As ranking member of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health and someone who has respected all of the work of the committee on these issues, it is my belief that our veterans simply cannot and should not wait another day.

We have a bill that the Senate has passed and that we know the House would pass. We are currently scheduled by the Speaker to recess next Thursday. If the Speaker keeps to that timeline, we need to accept what is on the table: a bill that we know can pass both Houses and that we know the President will sign so that our veterans receive the care they deserve. We must include the provisions to improve VA treatment for survivors of military sexual trauma.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the motion to instruct conferees, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I just want to recognize my colleague, the gentleman from Colorado. He has worked hard on this committee. I want to make clear that what we are talking about today is the bill that passed the Senate 93-3. So we are not talking about an airdrop or moving the goalpost; we are talking about the bill that passed out of the Senate 93-3.

At this time, Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus) who has been a leader on this issue and introduced the Military Sexual Trauma Claims Administration Reform and Eligibility Act.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Kuster), a valued and insightful member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.

I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms. Tsongas) who has been an extraordinary leader and champion, and also

the cochair of the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Speier) who has been instrumental in reforming the Uniform Code of Military Justice in her role on the House Armed Services Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), who has also been a leader and advocate for justice for our survivors in the Judiciary Committee.

I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from Texas.

Mr. Speaker, might I inquire if the gentleman from Colorado will have any additional speakers?

Then I am prepared to close.

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

In closing, I would like to add that as ranking member of the Health Subcommittee, I led a hearing last July to address VA care and treatment for military sexual trauma survivors.

The subcommittee looked at the coordination of care and services offered by the Department of Defense and the VA. I was truly saddened to listen to the testimonies of those who spoke. Their pain and suffering was evident in every word they spoke. I know it was hard for all of them to share their stories, and I know all of us understand the immense bravery it took for them to do so.

I know that all of us, including those who have come to speak today, are dedicated to addressing military sexual assault. The Senate bill takes an important step forward toward that end. It is but one very important reason why I call on my colleagues to support this motion to instruct.

Let's insist that the Department of Defense and the VA address the epidemic of military sexual assault, which must include appropriate care and treatment of trauma survivors, and let's adopt the language in the Senate bill that addresses military sexual trauma.

We have a bill before us that was crafted by Members of Congress whose dedication to our veterans is beyond question, but we are running out of time. We have a bill that we know will pass both Houses, that we know the President will sign, that we know will provide significant relief to our veterans immediately.

We simply cannot negotiate any longer. Time is of the essence. We should move forward. We should adopt the Senate bill.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the motion to instruct conferees, and, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 7(c) of rule

XXII, I hereby give notice of my intention to offer a motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 3230, the conference report on Veterans Access and Accountability.

The form of the motion is as follows:

Ms. Brownley of California moves that the managers on the

part of the House at the conference on the disagreeing votes

of the two Houses on the House amendment to the Senate

amendment to the bill H.R. 3230 (an Act to improve the access

of veterans to medical services from the Department of

Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes) be instructed to--

(1) recede from disagreement with title V of the Senate

amendment (relating to health care related to sexual trauma);

and

(2) recede from the House amendment and concur in the

Senate amendment in all other instances.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Cities of Oxnard, California, and Ocotlan, Jalisco, Mexico, as they celebrate fifty years of mutually beneficial cooperation and friendship through the Sister City Program.

Officially chartered by the United States--Mexico Sister Cities Association in 1964, the partnership between Oxnard and Ocotlan is one of the longest continuous Sister City relationships. As we reflect on fifty years of harmonious interaction, it is clear that the cities have been successful in their original mission to promote good will, friendship, and mutual understanding. These many years of welcoming cooperation between the two cities have built a strong foundation of reciprocal admiration and respect between people and communities of different countries.

Throughout the last fifty years, the Sister City program has established strong economic, educational, and cultural bonds, benefitting the people of both Oxnard and Ocotlan alike. The Sister City Committee has facilitated many donations of safety equipment, medical supplies, library books, and even three fire trucks, which provided the City of Ocotlan with the ability to establish its first fire department. When disaster struck Ocotlan after the 1992 earthquake, the City of Oxnard gladly assisted in emergency fundraising efforts.

The Sister City program has also extended many opportunities benefitting students from both cities. Ocotlan students participated in the Oxnard Union High School District's baseball tournaments in 1988 and 1989, and students in the Oxnard High School Band traveled to Ocotlan in 1993 and 1996 to help the city establish its first marching band. The program certainly deserves commendation for the investments it has made in the futures of these students.

I would like to recognize all members of the Oxnard Sister City Committee, including Officers: Mary Anne Rooney, President; Debra Cordes, Vice President; JoAnn Oliveras, Secretary; and Teresa Ramos, Treasurer; and Directors: Allison Cordes; Marsha Cordes; Dorian Guerrero; Priscilla Herrera; Adela L. Lambert; and Ben Wada.

I would also like to recognize all members of the Ocotlan Sister City Committee, including Officers: Jorge Mario Perez, Presidente; Everardo Santos Ramos, Tesorero; and Jacinto Rodriguez, Rel. Publicas.

I want to congratulate the Cities of Oxnard and Ocotlan on this momentous occasion and look forward to the future accomplishments and successes that this relationship will foster.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the City of Fillmore as it celebrates 100 years of incorporation. Fillmore, whose motto reads: ``The Last, Best Small Town in Southern California,'' is truly a gem of Ventura County. This tight-knit community cherishes its history and tradition, which are rooted in long-standing community values and are preserved and showcased through its many historical landmarks.

Fillmore's history extends beyond the early days of rural Southern California with its significant role in the development of the momentous railroad industry. A stroll through the Fillmore Historical Museum retells the stories of the Southern Pacific Railroad's 19th century depots.

The residents of Fillmore live alongside grand stretches of lemon, orange, and avocado groves, and at the foot of the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge and the Los Padres National Forest, home to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. It is an honor to be part of and serve a community with such reverence for the environment and with great devotion to local agriculture in its economy. There is much to gain from preserving California's farming tradition and much to learn from the historic pastimes of this Southern Californian municipality.

As we commemorate the city's 100th anniversary, I would like to commend the City of Fillmore and its residents, past and present, on their success of reaching this milestone. I offer my sincerest congratulations during this centennial celebration and look forward to many more years of growth and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Hugh J. Ralston, a remarkable visionary and steadfast leader whose commitment to the success of his community and the growth of philanthropy are immeasurable.

With over a decade of service as the Ventura County Community Foundation's (VCCF) President and Chief Executive Officer, Hugh Ralston oversaw the foundation increase its assets by one million dollars. This growth in resources included the purchase of the VCCF nonprofit center, the expansion of irrevocable planned donations and philanthropic contributions throughout the community, and a tenfold increase in its annual scholarship support that have benefitted hundreds of Ventura County students. With an annual distribution amount of $1.3 million, VCCF plays an incredible supportive role for our region's students and nonprofit organizations.

It is powerhouse foundations like the Ventura County Community Foundation that empower the greatest efforts for change and benefits that spread all across our community and nation. The work that VCCF has done, with Hugh Ralston at the helm, has been duly recognized as being in compliance with national standards, the highest form of peer review for U.S. Community Foundations and the only form of accreditation within the U.S. Philanthropic community.

In the past decade, Hugh has secured partnerships with prominent local organizations which support veterans, farmworkers, social justice advocates, medical students, professionals, and many other communal groups. During his time as the head of the VCCF, Hugh established the annual Community Leaders Awards and the biennial President's Awards which create networks and recognition for Ventura County leaders who do countless work with their nonprofits.

Community leaders like Hugh exemplify Ventura County's unsurpassed leadership. Although Hugh will be stepping down from his position as President and CEO of Ventura County Community Foundation, his legacy at VCCF and his immense impact on the community will continue to inspire the future of nonprofits and local philanthropy.

Hugh Ralston has been an amazing force in our region. The efforts that he has made for students, non-profit organizations, and the working community have ensured a remarkable investment in the future and deserve an innumerable level of gratitude.

I graciously thank Hugh for his unwavering commitment and dedication for the past 11

years as the President and CEO of the Ventura County Community Foundation. It has been my honor to collaborate and work with Hugh and there is no doubt in my mind that his influence will extend to many generations of community engagement and philanthropy.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Robin Lea Hutton, President of Angels Without Wings, Inc., a non-profit corporation dedicated to giving relief to the poor, the distressed and underprivileged, and honoring those people and groups who help others in need.

It is through her leadership and vision that Angels Without Wings has spearheaded the development and dedication of a national memorial monument to the remarkable Korean War hero horse, Sgt. Reckless. This memorial serves to honor all animals that have served our country in times of war--whether as mascots for our servicemembers, or ammunitions carriers, like Sgt. Reckless.

Ms. Hutton has also brought further recognition to these animals by authoring Sgt. Reckless: America's War Horse. This book tells the incredible story of Reckless, who is listed in Life Magazine's ``Celebrate our Heroes,'' as one of our all-time great heroes and whose antics make her a revered part of the history and lore of the United States Marine Corps.

For her patriotic service and exceptional work, Ms. Hutton is being bestowed with the Patriotic Citizen of the Year award and will receive the Silver Patrick Henry medal from the Conejo Valley Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars.

It is my honor to offer my sincere congratulations to Ms. Hutton on this special occasion and to thank her for her dedication to telling the story of America's war horse.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Ventura County's 24th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, which commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the United States of America. Today, this event serves as an observance and celebration of African-American history and heritage. Additionally, Juneteenth serves as a reminder to us all of the importance of our country's multi- cultural diversity and the spirit of community we hold as a nation.

On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger announced to all who were enslaved that they were free, thus marking the memorial of this occurrence as the Juneteenth celebration. The early Juneteenth festivities were held in the spirit of celebrating and honoring the newly freed citizens' ancestors. The bountiful feasts and lively celebrations fueled the overall cherishment of African-American heritage, with great emphasis put on the exploration and education of the African-American community.

For over a century, Juneteenth is celebrated in all corners of the nation and has established a role of promoting reverence for African American history and achievement. Over the last several years, this vibrant event has extended beyond the African-American community and has seen an increase in focus on respect for all the cultures that make up our great nation.

In Ventura County, this annual celebration brings together the tradition from the earliest days of Juneteenth and the rich diversity of our community throughout the region. The community-wide involvement in this historic event is a true testament to the multiculturalism of our county. Juneteenth not only highlights the culture of the African- American community, but it expresses the importance of recognizing the heritage of all the citizens that comprise Ventura County.

Juneteenth embodies the spirit of community and offers the promise of a bright future by embracing the richness of the culture and heritage of a community as a whole, especially in communities like Ventura County where the festivities continue to grow and the overall goal of respect for diversity becomes instilled in all who take part in the excitement.

It is with great enthusiasm that I join the Ventura County Chapter of the Black American Political Association of California in the historical celebration of their 24th Annual Juneteenth Celebration.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Captain Dean A. Tufts, a qualified Seabee Combat Warfare Officer, a skilled Fleet Marine Force Officer, a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps, and a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Hawaii.

Born on December 25, 1967 in Springfield, Massachusetts, Captain Tufts earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University and was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the College of Naval Command and Staff from Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

In his extensive and distinguished career in the United States Navy, Captain Tufts has shown exceptional leadership and gallantry. Captain Tufts' tours in the Navy include Assistant Resident Officer in Charge of Construction in the Oakland Army Base in Oakland, California; Readiness and Military Training Officer in the THIRTY-FIRST Naval Construction Regiment in Port Hueneme, California; Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization Budget/Execution Program Director in the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) in Washington DC; and Assistant Operations Officer in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) in Washington DC. Captain Tufts assumed.

After assuming command of NMCB ONE, in Gulfport, Mississippi in July 2006, Captain Tufts deployed to both Japan and Iraq. Since then, Captain Tufts has assumed other leadership positions in various capacities; he has been assigned as Operations Officer for Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Far East and has also served as the Civil Engineer Corps' Head Detailer at Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee. Since August 2012, Captain Tufts has served as Commander for Naval Construction Group ONE in Port Hueneme, CA.

Captain Tufts' exemplary character and boundless service to our nation has earned him several decorations including the Bronze Star, six Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, two Navy Unit Commendation Ribbons, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, and four Navy ``E'' Ribbons. These accomplishments are indicative of Captain Tufts' unwavering commitment and dedication to his work, nation and community.

I appreciate Captain Tufts' dedication to our nation and his work during his time at Port Hueneme. It is with sincere appreciation that I would like to recognize Captain Dean A. Tufts, salute and thank him for his honorable and selfless service to our country. I wish him the absolute best as he transfers to Naval Facilities Engineering Command in the state of Hawaii, where I know he will continue his successful naval career.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great privilege to welcome a very good friend, Rabbi Michael Lotker, to be the guest chaplain of the House of Representatives today.

Rabbi Lotker is a teacher and a leader in Ventura County. He is the rabbi emeritus at Temple Ner Ami in Camarillo, California; the rabbi of Congregation Khilat HaAloneem in Ojai, California; and the community rabbi and teacher for the Jewish Federation of Ventura County. He is also a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the Board of Rabbis of Southern California.

In addition to his work as a rabbi, Rabbi Lotker is an author and a physicist, with a focus on researching alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal.

Known for his quick-witted humor, Rabbi Lotker writes parody songs for each of the Jewish holidays throughout the year.

For his spiritual leadership and thoughtful words, I would like to thank Rabbi Lotker for leading us in prayer today.

Mr. Speaker, thank you to the gentlewoman from Arizona.

I rise to support the motion to instruct conferees. I grew up in a military home. I personally understand the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families make in service to our Nation. My father was the proudest marine, my brother was a P-3 pilot for 20 years in the Navy, and my uncle served in both World War II and Vietnam.

When I was elected to Congress, I asked to serve on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee to represent our future veterans at Naval Base Ventura County and throughout our country to represent our current veterans that live in Ventura County and throughout the country, and to represent our military families who also commit to serve our Nation.

One of the greatest pleasures of working on the Veterans' Affairs Committee is addressing the issues at hand in a bipartisan way, and I want to thank Chairman Miller for his leadership and Ranking Member Michaud because this committee has remained in a bipartisan mode to address these issues. Every week, we discuss innovative ways to improve access to good-paying jobs, how to strengthen education opportunities for our veterans, to reduce wait times for critical and fundamental health care, and much, much more.

I was deeply honored when my colleagues elected me to serve as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Health to ensure our veterans' health needs are properly addressed, including improving access to traditional and mental health care.

As my colleagues know, there is a lot of improvement that needs to take place at the VA. We have a sacred responsibility to those who serve our country in uniform. Just as the military leaves no one behind on the battlefield, we must leave no veteran behind when they come home.

The motion to instruct is the best path to completing a conference agreement to fix the long-term problems at the VA. Let's ensure we are serving our veterans as well as they have served us.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding, and I thank the chairman for introducing this bill.

I chose to join the House Veterans' Affairs Committee even knowing the many challenges that have plagued the VA for decades because I want to do all I can to make sure our veterans receive the care they have earned and deserve for the sacrifices they have made for our great Nation.

If the VA cannot see a veteran in a timely manner, then that veteran should be able to seek care outside of the VA. That is why I have cosponsored this bill and I intend to vote for it today.

This bill will not fix everything, but it will absolutely help and it is an important step forward. However, for those of us who represent urban areas like southern California, we all know that 40 miles can take the better part of a day to traverse back and forth. That is why I believe that we must take into account not only the distance traveled, but also the amount of time that it takes for veterans to travel to the VA so that the intention of this bill reaches all of our veterans. As a consequence, I ask the chairman and the ranking member to work with me to improve this bill and include time traveled as a factor as the bill continues to move forward.

I ask my colleagues to support this bill. I ask them to continue our work until we live up to the promise this country has made to our veterans and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to the Greatest Generation of American heroes by honoring our courageous veterans of World War II, in particular, those who took part in the Normandy landing on June 6, 1944.

On that historic day, 160,000 Allied troops landed on the 50-mile stretch of beaches along the Normandy coast, commencing the largest amphibious assault ever of continental Europe. Their mission was clear: to gain a foothold from which to fight Nazi Germany and defeat Adolf Hitler.

With more than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft, the Allied forces succeeded, but 9,000 patriots were killed or wounded in battle. The bravery and heroism of those Americans and our Allies when they stormed the French coastline was most definitely the turning point of the war. And they could not have done it without the extraordinary work of the Seabees.

During World War II, around 175,000 Seabees were staged directly through Port Hueneme and Ventura County. The Seabees, who were recruited for their civil construction skills, laid the groundwork for D-day.

On that historic day, the Seabees were among the first to go ashore, as members of the naval combat demolition units. Working with the U.S. Army engineers, they destroyed the steel and concrete barriers that the Germans had built along the Normandy coast to forestall an amphibious landing. Coming under fire at dawn, whole teams of Seabees were wiped out by the Germans, but their fellow servicemen continued their life- threatening task of planting all of their explosive charges. Because of their heroic actions the charges went off as planned, blowing huge holes in the enemy's defense.

But the Seabees' contributions to D-day didn't stop there. After the Allied fleet arrived on the coast of Normandy, Naval Construction Regiment 25--a team of around 10,000 Seabees--moved their pontoon causeways to create a beachhead from which the Allied infantry could land ashore.

Then, after the unheralded yet no less heroic work of the Seabees was complete, our troops and tanks went ashore, took back Normandy, and drove the Germans inland.

We remember and honor those heroes who gave their lives for us, and we thank the brave men and women who

served our country, returned home, and helped the U.S. become the indispensable leader of liberty and freedom.

Many of us have family members who fought in World War II, including my uncle Pete, who served in the Army. Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, just over 1 million of them are still alive, with around 93,000 in my home State of California.

Seven decades later, we are rapidly losing this Greatest Generation, so it is of the utmost importance that we continue to show our gratitude and appreciation for their sacrifices by recording their oral histories, with Honor Flights, and by ensuring that they live their final years with dignity and respect--and we shall never forget.

As a Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am committed to ensuring that the 20 million veterans in the United States receive the care and benefits they have earned and deserve--for everyone who donned the uniform, from the World War II generation to the post-9/11 generation.

I thank the World War II veterans in Ventura County and across the country for the sacrifices they and their families made to serve our great Nation, and for protecting our liberty and freedoms, our democracy at home, and our allies abroad.

The example their generation has set for us of coming together as a Nation with a common purpose is one we continue to aspire to today and one my colleagues and I on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee emulate as we seek the best possible care for our veterans.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, I rise tonight to offer an amendment to H.R. 4660, which would increase funding for Veterans Treatment Courts.

Our Nation's heroes are returning home from over a decade of war with the invisible wounds that come with multiple deployments and military service to our Nation. I am concerned that the effects of posttraumatic stress and TBI have led to a rise in substance abuse among our veterans, which in turn too often leads to criminal activity.

This has led to an increase in veterans being incarcerated by our justice system without addressing the mental health counseling they need after their service to our country.

My simple amendment would increase funds for Veterans Treatment Courts by $1 million. Treatment courts are designed to address fundamental problems with our troubled veterans who have succumbed to substance abuse and have gotten in trouble with the law. These courts are designed to provide mental health counseling that focuses on rehabilitation and sobriety, and works with veterans to address the reasons for their criminal behavior. Veterans Treatment Courts provide our veterans with long-term solutions versus short-term punishment.

In January, I visited a Veterans Treatment Court in Ventura County. They are doing an amazing job with a team of professionals really truly saving one life at a time and providing a last chance for our veterans. Rather than arresting and jailing veterans for a few days or weeks, only to return them to the same type of life, the Ventura County collaborative court connects veterans to needed treatment and

services, which may include mental health care, drug and alcohol treatment, vocational rehabilitation, or other life skills services and programs.

The process begins with a guilty plea and in-court meeting involving the veteran, his or her attorney, and a VA representative. I was very impressed with the care that the court officers and volunteers extended to veterans who found themselves before the court.

In Ventura County, Judge Toy White has been a real champion of the veterans court and has put together a very successful and effective program.

However, the Ventura County court is just one example of many of a Veterans Treatment Court. I believe we need to increase Federal resources to these critical programs nationwide, which is what my amendment seeks to accomplish.

It is our obligation to ensure our veterans receive the appropriate attention to their needs and that we do whatever we can to help them transition to an independent civilian life.

I strongly urge my colleagues to support my amendment to rehabilitate veterans who have gotten in trouble with the law and help them secure a strong future.

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