Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, we are keeping our promise to the American people and sending comprehensive tax reform to the President's desk for the first time in 31 years.

Lowering the tax rates for middle-income families and providing a tax cut for every income level in 2018 is a very historic Christmas present delivered to my constituents in north Texas.

This year, our country has--after many long years of low growth-- begun to experience the level of growth and economy that it needs. This tax cut bill will assure Americans years of sustained high growth and new jobs.

Mr. Speaker, job creators and investors know that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will create lasting economic growth and a booming economy for everyone.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill and deliver tax relief to the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the USS Dallas (SSN-700) submarine and the outstanding sailors who have served as her crew since her commissioning on July 18, 1981. On December 5th, 2017, this storied submarine will be decommissioned and leave the active United States Navy fleet.

The USS Dallas is the first vessel to be named after the City of Dallas, Texas. Her exceptional crew have served tirelessly to ensure that America remains the preeminent naval power on the globe. Before retirement, the USS Dallas was the second oldest active Los Angeles- class submarine, and over the course of her 36 years of service, the USS Dallas has been manned by over 250 officers and over 1,500 enlisted personnel.

The USS Dallas' keel was laid down on October 9th 1976, and finally launched in April of 1979. The USS Dallas was commissioned by the Navy in July of 1981, and in 1984 she took on a role in OPERATION ATTAIN DOCUMENT Ill, a naval freedom of navigation operation. After being upgraded during the Navy's first Depot Modernization Period, the USS Dallas operated in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm from August 1990 through January of 1991. In January of 1992, the USS Dallas and her crew received the ``Golden Anchor'' award of 1991 for excelling in all aspects of retention categories.

By the end of her first 10 years in service, the USS Dallas had completed one deployment to the Indian Ocean, two Mediterranean deployments, and one deployment to the North Atlantic. During this time she had received two Meritorious Unit Commendations, two Navy Unit Commendations, and was awarded the Battle Efficiency ``E'' for excellence in overall readiness of the command to carry out its wartime tasks. Shortly after completing a deployment in 2014, the USS Dallas earned its seventh Battle ``E'' award, with previous honors in 1986, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1999, and 2000.

In February of 1998, the USS Dallas became the first Los Angeles- class submarine to be fitted for a dry-deck shelter, allowing her to insert or extract special operations forces and their equipment. In 2000, the USS Dallas completed a Mediterranean deployment and supported the NATO submarine escape and rescue exercise program. During her last few deployments, the USS Dallas served in the Central Command area, which includes the Red Sea, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Arabian Sea, and she sailed over 30,000 nautical miles during numerous months at sea.

The boat and her crew, through their years of dedicated service, have lived up to the USS Dallas' motto, ``First in Harm's Way,'' and I know that the crew of the USS Dallas will continue the hunt for excellence throughout their lives. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the USS Dallas and the incredible men and women who served as her crew. It is a privilege to commend them upon the conclusion of the USS Dallas' service. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the USS Dallas upon her decommissioning.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.

The constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners in my north Texas district do not end when they cross State lines. The Second Amendment protects the right of my constituents--and of all Texans and people throughout our country--to keep and bear arms.

This week the House will vote on legislation allowing gun owners with a State-issued concealed carry license to freely travel between State lines.

Many States already acknowledge the concealed carry permit of another State. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act simply ensures the rights of private citizens be upheld regardless of the State that they are in.

I cosponsored this legislation, and I will continue to stand up for it. I urge the passage of this bill that will protect our constitutional rights.

Mr. Speaker, last Saturday, across America, was Small Business Saturday, a yearly event that highlights American Main Street businesses by encouraging consumers to shop in their local shops.

Forty-five percent of all companies in Texas are small businesses. They provide jobs to 4 million Texans. They are our neighbors, our family members, and our friends. They provide jobs to more than 4 million families as well as the 4 million Texans.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides small businesses in my north Texas district with the lowest tax rate since World War II, allowing them to invest in their community, hire more people, and, as the National Federation of Independent Business says: This tax bill will lead small businesses into a better position.

We highlighted small businesses last weekend, and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act follows through with a Tax Code built for increased wages and long-term growth.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership on this issue. It is an honor for me to serve on the committee.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This is a historic opportunity to reject the status quo and provide real tax relief to the families, individuals, and businesses in my district.

America's Tax Code is broken. It is uncompetitive for American companies, and it is unfair to American workers. The American people deserve a Tax Code that works for them, not one that works for special interests in Washington. They deserve a Tax Code that rewards their lifetime of hard work, not one that squeezes and depletes their savings.

They deserve a Tax Code that prioritizes their goals, not penalizes their success.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act creates a Tax Code that is focused on growth, fairness, and a booming economy for everyone.

The reforms in this bill level the playing field for small businesses in my district in north Texas around the DFW Airport, giving them an opportunity to grow and hire more people and spend more money in our economy, and allow the hardworking taxpayers whom I represent to keep more of their paycheck and increase their family's budget.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for allowing me to represent the views of my constituents throughout the process of the committee work. I urge my colleagues to take advantage of this very historic opportunity and vote in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Barbara Bush Middle School located in the Valley Ranch area of Irving, Texas. This prestigious school was named after America's former First Lady, Barbara Bush, in honor of her commitment to public education and the good of all children. Barbara Bush Middle School opened its doors during the fall of 1998 as the sixth middle school in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District. In 2010, the campus was authorized as an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Middle Years Program. This institution serves and celebrates a wonderfully diverse community and student body.

As they soon celebrate their twenty year anniversary, Barbara Bush Middle School, home of the Broncos, has accrued numerous accolades in Academics, Fine Arts, Athletics, and individual accomplishments at both the local and state levels. Students participate and compete in a wide array of activities within the University Interscholastic League: orchestra, band, choir, theatre, basketball, cheerleading, football, track and field, volleyball, soccer, art, writing, oral reading, and spelling. The awards that the school has earned includes medals from the Special Olympics Competition in bowling and track and field, progression belts in the Kick Start Karate Program, and even the awarding of ``Ambassador of the Year'' by the Friends of Texas Public Schools to Principal Matthew Warnock in 2012.

Barbara Bush Middle School is fortunate to receive significant and ongoing support from the community's civic organizations, churches, businesses and their own Parent-Teacher Association in the form of scholarships, grants, volunteer hours and donations. The school, on average, has about eighty students each year take part in a mentorship program made possible by local churches and Big Hope, as well as gifts of school supplies and other necessities often given to students by local businesses. To help foster global caring and responsibility, and to show appreciation for all that is done on behalf of the school, the Barbara Bush Middle School Broncos have enthusiastically contributed thousands of dollars and other items to numerous local, national and international charities such as: The Pulsera Project-Color the World, Limbs International, Operation Kindness, UNICEF, North Texas Food Bank, Metrocrest Services, American Heart Association, Children Cancer Fund, and victims of natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey.

The teachers, staff, and students of Barbara Bush Middle School constantly strive to honor the former First Lady's legacy, which is captured in their school's motto, ``It's a great day to be a Bronco at Barbara Bush Middle School where our number one goal is high achievement for each student!'' Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent the fine members of Barbara Bush Middle School. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in wishing the school continued success in all of its endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Bobby Martin on his retirement from the Dallas Baptist Association. For the past 48 years, Dr. Martin has devoted his time and efforts to providing Christian leadership and education to churches.

Dr. Martin has demonstrated a lifetime of passion for Christian education, including his own. Dr. Martin earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Lamar University in 1972 and went on to earn his Master of Religious Education and Doctor of Educational Ministry both from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1976, Dr. Martin married

Jennifer Langston, and together they have two children, Todd and Brandon, a daughter-in-law, Casey, and a grandchild, Kate.

In 1969, at the age of 19, Dr. Martin answered God's call to ministry by joining Rosedale Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas as a part-time Minister of Music and Youth. By 1974, Dr. Martin joined Fletcher Emanuel Baptist Church in Lumberton, Texas as the full-time Minister of Education and Youth. In 1982, Dr. Martin moved to South Main Baptist Church in Houston, Texas as the Church Business Administrator. Soon after, Dr. Martin moved his young family to North Texas to start his service at First Baptist Church of Carrollton.

For 16 years, Dr. Martin served as the Associate Pastor of Education at First Baptist Church of Carrollton. During Dr. Martin's tenure at First Baptist Carrollton, the church was one of the largest and fastest growing congregations in the nation. He guided the total education program including Sunday School, discipleship training, missions and weekday education.

In 1999, Dr. Martin joined the Dallas Baptist Association as the Director of Leadership Development. Dallas Baptist Association serves over 500 churches in 40 different languages with the mission of multiplying disciples, ministries, and churches throughout Dallas and Rockwall Counties. Over the last 18 years, Dr. Martin has been charged with equipping Christian leaders with the tools they need for Bible study and discipleship. Dr. Martin's years of service at the Dallas Baptist Association have helped the organization grow and prosper. Throughout his tenure, he earned the reputation as a steadfast spiritual leader and an effective advocate who is dedicated to Christian education and spiritual advancement.

Dr. Martin has committed his time and energy to service in his community in different ministry outreach positions. Since 1997, Dr. Martin has served as the Lead Chaplain for the Carrollton Police Department. From 2001 to 2010, Dr. Martin served on the Board of Directors of the DFW Airport Interfaith Chaplaincy. He participated in organizing chaplaincy programs for military members returning home for ``rest and relief'' from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. In 2008, Dr. Martin joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Dallas Division as Chaplain. He has been a visiting Chaplain at the FBI Academy at Quantico, Virginia, and part of the FBI's Critical Incident Team.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th District of Texas, I would like to thank Dr. Bobby Martin for his lifetime of Christian leadership and service. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in wishing Dr. Martin continued success as he enjoys his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Arbor Creek Middle School Band of Lewisville Independent School District on being selected to perform in the 71st Annual Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

The Arbor Creek Band, directed by Mr. Rylon Guidry, has been recognized as one of the premiere middle school band programs in the state of Texas. Among their numerous honors, Arbor Creek's band has won the Foundation for Music Education's Mark of Excellence: National Wind Band Honors Contest on three occasions, was first runner-up in the 2016-2017 Texas Music Educators Association's Honor Band State Contest, and receives the University Interscholastic League Sweepstakes Award on a yearly basis.

This December, the Arbor Creek Band will perform at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago as one of only four middle school bands across the world chosen as an official performance group. This incredible honor is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these students.

The following musicians will represent Arbor Creek Middle School this December at the 71st Annual Midwest Clinic: Bailey Arrington, Ana Jones, Veronica Juarez, Larissa Kim, Nandita Kumar, Nancy Liu, Kaitlin Lutz, Hannah Mathai, Suhani Rana, Phil Tran, D'Marco DeLeon, Lillian Mulupi, Makayla Newell, Reagan Reasonover, Skylar Bohlman, Caroline Burrow, Tatum Gray, Olivia McClenaghan, Tessa Boyce, George Cardozo.

Dana Gingrey, Sarah Hurtado, Caeli Hwang, Brianna Kirkman, Marissa Kouba, Michelle Lee, Jestin Sifonte, Sean Simpson, Kamarion Hooks, Logan Stewart, Jaden Coleman, Spencer Griffin, Natalie Helmick, Aaron Martinez, Leia Phillips, Aditya Subramaniam, Gavin Dirks, Aden Robinson, Aidan Roark, Barrett Adams.

Richard Boudreau, Andrew Degan, Parker Guerry, Casey Ivanoff, Kaili Mancha, Joseph Miller, Lela Oliveira, Lily Rainey, Eloy Trevino, David Vazquez, Joel Weber, Ian Wright, Srushti S. Agashe, Weslyn Brown, Christopher Calltharp, Elayna Felder, Hudson Marr, Jamie Pina, Brendan Schmidt, Michelle Waida, Chance Akin, Ian Boggs.

Dylan Castillo, Malik Hamza, Aidan Lester, Jayden Mitchell, Matthew Mussell, Lance Wood, Garrett Baker, Trevor Hoffman, Grace McClenaghan, Adam Ronderos, Lucas Wittrup, Ryan Alonzo, Zachary Schroer, Neel Vavilapalli, Kyler Beck, Lauren Bond, Trace Downey, Parker Freeburg, Nhat-Tam Nguyen, Colby Petty, Alexander Walters, Ethan Watson, and Esther Yoo.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize these outstanding young musicians and congratulate them on this monumental achievement. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating the Arbor Creek Middle School Band on its selection to perform in the 71st Annual Midwest Clinic Intemational Band and Orchestra Conference.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate StoneGate Christian Academy on the opening of their new school campus, located in Irving, Texas.

Founded in 1976 as a ministry of the Shady Grove Church in Grand Prairie, Texas, StoneGate Christian Academy was built to foster the educational and spiritual needs of the prospering communities that made up its congregation.

In 2008, the Academy's board of directors faced the tremendous hardship of having to relocate their campus to two separate buildings, neither of which possessed the facilities to adequately host StoneGate Christian Academy's growing student body. By the grace of God, StoneGate Christian Academy continued to grow for the next nine years. During this time, StoneGate leased practice venues for its sports teams, band, choir, and drama programs, in order to ensure its students access to their sports and award-winning fine arts programs.

In 2014, word began to spread that the Lakewood Baptist Church in Irving, Texas, was considering selling its property. After two years of discussion and prayer, Lakewood Baptist Church's board of directors reached a decision to sell the property to StoneGate Christian Academy in December of 2016. For the next seven months, StoneGate worked tirelessly to raise enough finds to complete the purchase of its new academy campus, which includes a schoolyard, auditorium, and gym. Through the tireless efforts of alumni, students, parents, teachers, and staff, StoneGate Christian Academy now has adequate facilities to support its growing student body and sustain this growth well into the future.

Today, StoneGate serves as one of the most affordable private Christian schools in North Texas, providing an outstanding education to its students and teaching valuable lessons about community service and civic duty.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize StoneGate Christian Academy and congratulate them on the opening of their new campus in Irving, Texas. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating StoneGate Christian Academy for this monumental achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jennifer Lowe and Christa Schmidt of Farmers Branch, TX, Paul Park and Hena Rafiq of Irving, TX, and Noelle Smith of Dallas, TX, for their exemplary academic work which earned these scholars Fulbright awards for 2016- 2017. Jennifer attends Pitzer College, Christa attends Saint Olaf College, Paul attends Saint John's University in Minnesota, Hena attends the Southern Methodist University, and Noelle attends Davidson College.

Established by Congress in 1946, the Fulbright program selects U.S. citizens to further their knowledge in an educational exchange program, allowing those chosen to study, research, or teach abroad. With only 1,600 Fulbright awards going to U.S. students each year, it is a tremendous honor for five of the recipients to be residents of the 24th District of Texas. These recipients will be focusing on the conditions and challenges that face the regions to which they will be traveling, as well as establishing meaningful U.S. relationships with these communities. Jennifer, Paul, Hena, Christa, and Noelle will be traveling to India, Thailand, Kosovo, Malaysia, and Mexico, respectively. When these fine students return, they will share the wealth of knowledge and experiences they garnered while abroad and be better equipped to excel in their fields.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th District of Texas, I would like to congratulate Jennifer, Paul, Hena, Christa, and Noelle again for receiving this incredibly prestigious award. I wish them the best of luck with their travels, and I know that they will achieve greatness in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the need for pro- growth tax reform for small businesses in America.

Last week, I was on Main Street in Grapevine, Texas, surrounded by local businesses that were started in pursuit of the American Dream. These businesses are opened by hardworking people trying to give their families a better life and create jobs in north Texas and the communities that I represent.

Washington's Tax Code is too big and too complicated for American small businesses to grow and to be the job creation engine for future generations. We need pro-growth tax reform that lowers the rates for local businesses and simplifies the code for families. Main streets across America are counting on us to do that.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeremy Bowden for his winning piece in the Congressional Art Competition for the 24th District of Texas. Jeremy's artwork, titled ``Lazy Day in Downtown Carrollton,'' is an oil painting of the center of Carrollton, Texas, where Jeremy lives with his fraternal twin brother Jason, his sister Kyra, and his parents Rhonda and Blake. The Congressional Art Competition is a great chance for students such as Jeremy to showcase their artistic talents and attain national recognition for their work.

As a child, Jeremy's strong interest in art, particularly drawing, was clear to Rhonda and Blake. His parents note that, from a young age, Jeremy had always been able to entertain himself with only a pencil and paper. This interest became even more prominent during parent-teacher conferences, where Rhonda and Blake learned that Jeremy had a habit of drawing and doodling on everything he could get his hands on, including homework and essays.

It wasn't until high school, however, that Jeremy decided to take his interest in art seriously. Once he dedicated himself, he spent numerous hours in art lessons and working on art projects, submitting a few of these pieces in competitions. Some of these projects included work in animation, figure drawings, oil-paintings, as well as sculptures. During his junior year in high school, his hard work and dedication to becoming a more skilled artist gained him some prestigious recognitions, including winning the 24th Congressional District of Texas Art Competition.

After Jeremy completes his senior year at Hebron High School, he hopes to attend an art college in the fall of 2018 to continue pursuing his goal of becoming a professional artist. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Jeremy on winning the Congressional Art Contest for the 24th District of Texas: I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in wishing Jeremy the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, as an original cosponsor of H.R. 1551, I would like to thank Mr. Rice and Mr. Blumenauer for authoring this bill that modifies the credit for energy production from advanced nuclear facilities. I would also like to thank Chairman Kevin Brady for guiding this legislation favorably through the Committee on Ways and Means, and House leadership for helping to bring it to the floor today.

My congressional district in North Texas is home to many people that are currently employed and actively engaged in the planning, approval, and construction of advanced nuclear facilities. One such constituent company, Fluor Corporation, is headquartered in Irving, Texas. This US- based engineering and construction company employs 15,000 employees working on energy and power, infrastructure, mining, and industrial projects in Texas alone. Currently, Fluor supervises the construction of the four reactors at two sites employing almost 6,000 people.

Employees at this and other companies nationwide work to advance the construction of these nuclear facilities. Finishing these projects is crucial for the employees, engineers, and the industrial base that we need to retain in the United States.

I believe, and I am sure my colleagues agree, that the impacts of these projects are important for both our civilian and military markets. In addition, the changes presented in H.R. 1551 will potentially benefit many companies involved in design, fabrication, and construction of additional nuclear units.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this legislation and urge my colleagues to do so as well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my son, Matthew H. Marchant, for his public service as Mayor of the City of Carrollton, Texas.

Matthew finishes his six outstanding years in office as mayor of Carrollton later this evening, but that will not end his passionate commitment to serving his fellow citizens. Local leaders play a tremendous role in improving the quality of life on a daily basis for their residents and visitors--Matthew's constant stewardship on behalf of those who live and work in Carrollton is to be wholeheartedly congratulated. His leadership and service have touched many, and many more will be able to enjoy the benefits for years to come.

Matthew was first elected mayor of Carrollton in 2011 and was re- elected in 2014. Prior to his election as mayor, Matthew served as councilmember for nine years from 2002 to 2011. In conjunction with Matthew's role as councilmember and mayor, he served in other leadership positions including Chairman of the Redevelopment Subcommittee, member of the Transit Oriented Development Subcommittee, member of the Carrollton Festival at the Switchyard Subcommittee, member of the Audit and Finance Committee, and member of the Judicial Committee. In addition, Matthew has served as Carrollton's voting member on the Regional Transportation Council.

Starting in 2011, Matthew led Carrollton through an economic development campaign to invest in the city's future. He championed an innovative project to revitalize Downtown Carrollton with new restaurants, retail, and greenspaces, while capturing the historic feel of Carrollton's past. In 2015, the City of Carrollton was awarded the ``Best Public Improvement Project'' by the Texas Downtown Association for its work in the downtown square. In 2010, striving to introduce new patrons to the Carrollton Square, Matthew worked with local and national musicians to host the Festival at the Switchyard concert series. Last year, more than 30,000 people were on hand to discover the unique stores, eclectic restaurants, and music all in the heart of Downtown Carrollton.

During Matthew's tenure as mayor, he has worked diligently with the Carrollton Police and Fire Departments to equip them with the tools needed to serve and protect the city's citizens. As a result, Carrollton now has one the lowest crime rates in its recent history. Matthew collaborated with neighboring cities to secure funding for the North Texas Emergency Communications Center which was launched in 2016 as a regional emergency dispatch command. Additionally, Matthew oversaw the construction of the new Carrollton Police Department Headquarters and Fire Station #8 which have helped lower the response time for medical emergencies by 12 percent across the city.

As Matthew leaves office, the property tax base of Carrollton is approximately $13.3 billion, an impressive increase of 49 percent since his first election as mayor. In addition, Matthew has met his commitment to lowering the property tax rate for homeowners. During his 15 years serving in Carrollton city government, the population of the city expanded from around 115,000 to nearly 135,000, making it one of the top 25 most populous cities in Texas. Additionally, many small and large corporations such as AmeriSource Bergen, Interceramic, CyrusOne, and others have also joined Carrollton's growing and diverse economic landscape.

In 1998, Matthew earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. Matthew continued his studies at the University of Texas School of Law in Austin, Texas where he received his law degree in 2000. Outside of his duties as a public servant, Matthew works as legal counsel at Holly Frontier Corporation. He has been a lifetime resident of the Carrollton-area where he lives with his wife, Lindsay, and two children, Kendall and Hayden.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing my son, Matthew Marchant, for his service to the people of Carrollton.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 379, I call up the bill (H.R. 2372) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify the rules relating to veteran health insurance and eligibility for the premium tax credit, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include in the Record any extraneous material on the bill currently under consideration.

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

I would first like to thank Chairman Brady for his strong support of this bill, the Veterans Equal Treatment Ensures Relief and Access Now Act, the VETERAN Act. This important legislation, which was reported out of the Ways and Means Committee on a bipartisan basis, will ensure all eligible veterans have access to quality, affordable private health insurance.

Mr. Speaker, this Chamber cannot underscore enough the sacrifices of our veterans and the sacrifices they have made to protect the freedom and individual liberty of each American. In return for their faithful service, these brave men and women are promised that, when they return home, they will have access to affordable healthcare through the Veterans Administration.

However, some veterans decide to forego their VA benefits and, instead,

choose an alternative healthcare. Veterans should have the opportunity to choose the best healthcare option available to fit their needs. It is only right that our veterans are given the same opportunity as our other citizens have and the citizens that they defend.

There have been conflicting reports about the eligibility of certain veterans to receive tax credits for all health insurance under the American Health Care Act. Make no mistake about it, no veteran would see a change in their eligibility status as a result of the AHCA.

In fact, despite the Democrat's claims about veterans' eligibility for tax credits under the AHCA, when they voted for and signed ObamaCare into law, they failed to include this very same clarification in statute. Rather, they left it to the Department of the Treasury to issue a regulation clarifying that veterans are still eligible for a credit unless they are enrolled in a VA healthcare benefit plan.

So today this legislation, authorized by my friend and a veteran, Mr. Sam Johnson, should put into law current practice confirming that veterans can, without question, get a tax credit to purchase health insurance in the individual market if they choose not to enroll in VA coverage.

It is important to note that AHCA initially proposed to put into law this current practice, but that provision had to be removed due to Senate guidance about their Chamber's unique reconciliation rules. While I am disappointed that this happened, I am glad that this body is acting on this item today.

I would note that this legislation has received the support of several veterans' organizations, including the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Association of the United States Navy, and The Retired Enlisted Association.

I think that something we can all agree on is that our veterans should have the choice in where they receive their healthcare, just like the American citizens they defended. In that spirit, this bill is something we can all get behind.

To our veterans and their families, I thank them for their service. To my friend Sam Johnson, I thank him for his leadership and the authoring of this important bill.

I ask my colleagues for their support of the VETERAN Act.

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

Mr. Speaker, I agree with Ranking Member Neal that this is just a difference of opinion. It is a difference of policy opinion. There is no animosity on either side of this debate.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe), chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, again, I would like to express my gratitude to Ranking Member Neal and his hard work on the Ways and Means Committee and his keeping the issue before us.

But the AHCA makes no changes to veterans' healthcare. Under this bill, unless vets decide to enroll in VA coverage, they are eligible for financial support. Veterans should have the opportunity to choose the best healthcare option to meet their needs. It is only right that our veterans are given the same opportunities as the citizens that they defended.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the VETERAN Act. I ask for its passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.