Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my fellow House co- chairs--Representative Fitzpatrick, Representative Hoyer, Representative Larson--and the entire Congressional Fire Services Caucus to recognize the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.

On that tragic morning, nearly 3,000 innocent lives--including 343 members of the fire and emergency services--were taken in acts of terrorism that shook our country to its core. As co-chairs of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, we stand today, 25 years later, to remember every individual loss, every family forever changed by unimaginable tragedy, and every community that continues to carry the weight of that day.

As we reflect on the events of September 11th, we pay special tribute to America's first responders. In a time of fear, confusion, and turmoil, members of the fire and emergency services rushed toward danger with unwavering resolve. They did not hesitate. They answered the call knowing the risks, guided by a profound commitment to protecting lives.

On 9/11, hundreds of firefighters and EMS providers made the ultimate sacrifice while carrying out their duty. Their courage became a defining symbol of American heroism, reminding us that the measure of service is found not in words, but in selfless action. The courage displayed by these first responders inspired millions and reminded us that hope is strongest when we stand together. In those moments of profound uncertainty, neighbors helped neighbors, communities rallied together, and Americans from every walk of life stood united in compassion and resilience.

We also honor the thousands of first responders who labored tirelessly in the days, weeks, and months that followed. Amid smoke, debris, and uncertainty, they searched for survivors, recovered the fallen, comforted grieving families, and helped a wounded Nation begin the long process of healing. Many have since faced life-threatening illnesses and chronic health conditions resulting from their service. Their sacrifices did not end when the recovery efforts concluded, and our Nation's obligation to care for them remains as enduring as their commitment to us.

In the years since September 11th, that obligation has taken many forms. The Congressional Fire Services Caucus has worked to ensure that the needs of America's first responders remain a priority in Washington, D.C.--advocating for the resources, protections, benefits, and support they need to serve their communities and return home safely. The work of the Fire Services Caucus reflects a responsibility that extends far beyond any single anniversary: to understand the needs and challenges of our local fire and EMS personnel, to stand with those who stand ready to protect us, and to ensure that our Nation does not forget the sacrifices made every day in service to others.

Across our cities, towns, and rural communities, first responders answer emergency calls regardless of what awaits them at the scene. They respond to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, natural disasters, and much more with the same dedication and sense of duty that defined those who responded on September 11th. The work of the fire and emergency services is indispensable to the safety and well-being of every American.

To the younger generations who know September 11th only through history, we must preserve not only the memory of that day, but also the guiding example set by those who responded, The legacy of September 11th is one of courage over fear, service over self, and unity over division.

Today, we honor the individuals whose lives were cut short, the families who continue to bear their loss, and the first responders whose bravely became a lasting testament to the best of America. May we never forget their sacrifice. May we continue to support those who wear the uniform of the fire and emergency services. And may we strive each day to keep building a Nation worthy of the courage they displayed on one of our country's darkest days.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week.

This week means some very special things to me. I know this business firsthand. I was born and raised in the trucking business. My grandfather started a trucking business in 1933. My dad and my uncle moved and grew that business, and I spent my life growing up in that business.

I drove my first tractor-trailer across a lot when I was 9 years old. Now, I also first drove my first end-loader through the side of a new garage at about 6, but that is another story.

I spent my whole life around the trucking industry. I went off to the Marine Corps, but I came back home and ran the business for 10 years. My brother and my cousin now run it still. It started out as W.J. Bost & Sons, and it is now Bost Trucking.

I grew up in it, from washing trucks to I have never had a car license. When I was 16 years old, I got my license as a tractor-trailer license because it was before CDLs. Therefore, I started delivering goods and running and working in the business.

I know the business well. It is not an easy job. It is early mornings. It is late nights. It is long stretches far from home and a whole lot of responsibility. That is another reason why we need to make sure that the people who are doing it are well trained, are people who understand our language, who understand what it is to speak that language, and understand, when you are rolling down the road, how to be safe with 80,000 pounds-plus of vehicle.

During this National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week, I say a special thank you to the hardworking men and women behind the wheel, but I also want to say a special thank you to their families. Remember, those men and women behind the wheel, they miss a whole lot of baseball games, football games, basketball games, school plays, and Christmas concerts in grade school. They miss those things because they are making sure that those goods and services that we need every day are there when we walk into the grocery store or the auto parts store. Oh, when we go shopping for cars, those cars that are sitting there, and every other good that is in every business that we go into has been on somebody's truck, moving from point A to point B.

They are sacrificing their time. Yes, they get paid, but some of those things they give up can't be gotten back, like time with their families.

We do want to say thank you to them for every mile they drive. Thank you for supplying all of these store shelves and growing our economy, and thank you for keeping America moving every single day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Martin Joseph ``Joe'' O'Rourke in celebration of his milestone 100th birthday and his years of dedicated service to his country.

Joe was born July 21, 1926, in Marshall, Illinois. As the son of a World War I veteran, when Joe's time for service came, he readily answered the call. He enlisted on May 17, 1945, as a private in the United States Army during World War II.

Joe achieved the rank of Technician Fourth Grade and was assigned to the 977th Signal Service Battalion. He was stationed in Italy and Iran, where he helped maintain strategic military communication systems and critical infrastructure. Joe was honorably discharged and awarded the Victory Medal and the Overseas Service Bar, before retuming home to Marshall.

Joe married the love of his life, Inez Louise Remlinger, and with her support, went back to school and earned his GED. He and Inez would raise five sons: Bob, Tom, John, Gary, and Brian. God blessed the couple with 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating Martin Joseph ``Joe'' O'Rourke, a World War II veteran and devoted family man, for 100 years well lived.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Caleb Paul Clover of the Anna Illinois Police Department for his act of selfless heroism in the line of duty.

On July 3, 2026, Sergeant Clover was on his way to work at the Anna Police Department when he came upon a head-on collision. As Sergeant Clover approached the wreck, he realized that one of the vehicles was rolled onto its driver's side and was on fire with two passengers, a mother and daughter, still inside.

Without a second thought, Sergeant Clover jumped into action, climbing onto the burning car to open the passenger door. The door, however, was stuck due to the accident. With flames climbing the vehicle Sergeant Clover went for the sunroof, shattering it. He proceeded to climb into the vehicle to cut the seat belts of both passengers. After he removed the first passenger, he realized that the driver was stuck. With the help of a Good Samaritan, they were able to pull the driver from the vehicle as the fire consumed it.

Thankfully, because of Sergeant Clover's quick thinking and courage, he saved the lives of both passengers. He was sent to the hospital after his act of heroism, suffering from cuts and burns sustained from pulling the victims to safety.

The City of Anna will recognize Sergeant Clover for his selfless courage by putting himself in harm's way to save others.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Sergeant Caleb Paul Clover for his act of heroism and courage in the face of danger to save lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication of retired Command Sergeant Major David Keen to his hometown of Mt. Vernon, Illinois. CSM Keen has served his country and community through his actions as a soldier, father, mentor, and leader.

CSM Keen served 24 years in the U.S. Army. Keen was stationed in Germany with the 3rd Armored Division. When he returned home, he decided to continue his military career by enlisting in the Illinois National Guard as a noncommissioned officer achieving the rank of Commanding Sergeant Major of the 3rd Battalion, 129th regiment.

CSM Keen would become a leader within his community serving as Mayor of Mt. Vernon. He actively supports fellow veterans through programs such as: Jefferson County Operation Iraqi Freedom, Veterans Roof Program, and serving as a Veterans Memorial Committee chairman in the Mt. Vernon Park.

CSM Keen's leadership through service would expand to chairing the Jefferson County Senior Saints for more than 20 years. In CSM Keen's local church, the Mt. Vernon Baptist Temple, he serves as a deacon and a loyal member of the church for 45 years.

CSM Keen's community leadership would lead him to volunteer with the Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Mentors 4 Kids programs. CSM Keen would change the course of several young people's lives, providing them with the building blocks to become community leaders.

CSM Keen has been a devoted husband of 50 years to his wife Joanne. He is the father of two daughters Michelle and Amy, and grandfather to his four grandchildren. CSM Keen is also a devoted son, as he still cares for and spends time with his 96-year-old mother daily.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing retired Command Sergeant Major David Keen on the dedication and selfless service he has provided to his family, local community, and Nation. I believe he is a perfect example of what serving our communities should look like. I look forward to his achievements to come.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1423, I call up the bill (H.R. 9237) to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, and other Federal laws, to improve benefits for veterans and the administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on H.R. 9237.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America's Veterans Act.

As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, for me, this bill is personal. When a young man or woman raises their right hand and agrees to serve this country, America makes a promise. That promise does not end when a servicemember is wounded. It is my goal--and the goal of my friend, Senator Jerry Moran--to deliver on that promise.

This bill would be one of the most comprehensive veteran packages considered by Congress in a decade. This bill includes more than 60 bipartisan provisions that would improve healthcare, benefits, operations, and accountability across the VA.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell you more about some of those important provisions. One is the Major Richard Star Act. For decades, medically retired, combat-injured veterans have had their military retirement offset dollar-for-dollar by their VA disability. While some disabled veterans who served 20 years receive both, there are tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans who currently do not. Many combat- injured veterans would have served longer if their injuries had not taken that opportunity from them.

H.R. 9237 would help end that injustice. It would end that offset for combat-injured veterans, allowing them to receive both benefits up to what a 20-year retiree with the same disabilities would receive.

Members on both sides of the aisle and veterans service organizations support this and have for years. A press release, a handshake, or a discharge petition does not end the wounded warrior tax. This bill will.

The Love Lives On Act is another important provision included in this bill. Currently, surviving spouses lose their benefits if they remarry before age 55, but those benefits were earned by their spouse's sacrifice for this country. The Love Lives On Act would allow surviving spouses to remarry at any age.

Another important provision in this bill is the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act. This bill would provide long-awaited increases to catastrophically disabled veterans and surviving spouses.

Eric was 25 years old when an IED left him with a fractured spine and a traumatic brain injury. H.R. 9237 would increase benefits for catastrophically disabled veterans like Eric by $10,000 a year.

It would also increase benefits for surviving spouses. These American families have not seen a meaningful increase in decades.

Mr. Speaker, this bill also includes the Veterans' ACCESS Act. Veterans should be able to access healthcare in their own communities. Too many veterans still face delays, confusion, and barriers when trying to use VA community care.

This bill would also improve mental health care and community-based suicide prevention. A veteran's healthcare should be driven by the veteran's needs, not by government control.

H.R. 9237 would improve education benefits and vocational training to help veterans transition into civilian life. It would modernize the VA's claims and appeals process so veterans have a system that works for them. It would streamline the way VA handles construction, leasing, contracting, IT, and finances.

The Take Care of America's Veterans Act would expand benefits and push VA to do better.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to address how this bill is funded, as I have heard a lot of misinformation about this point. H.R. 9237 would codify VA's own pending regulation on how to evaluate sleep apnea and tinnitus' effect on a veteran's workplace earnings. This regulation was proposed by the Biden-era VA in 2022, created by VA's team of doctors and researchers. It was part of VA's efforts to modernize its disability rating schedule created in the 1940s.

President Biden's Under Secretary for Benefits, Josh Jacobs, testified in favor of these changes at his confirmation hearing.

Earlier this year, VA's executive director of compensation confirmed plans to finalize these changes this year. These are not new ideas, and there is nothing unprecedented about this. This bill would not eliminate disability ratings for sleep apnea or tinnitus. It would not automatically reduce any veteran's current disability rating. Future veterans with sleep apnea will still get treatment through VA healthcare, but if a CPAP eliminates your symptoms, VA would compensate you less.

Currently, the amount of compensation for sleep apnea is often more than the amount that a veteran receives if they lose a limb.

This change is just common sense. It is why VA has worked hard to propose changes like these, which reflect modern medicine. For tinnitus, VA has found it is best understood as a symptom of another condition such as hearing loss or TBI.

Under the proposed change, tinnitus would still be rated as part of another underlying condition. This is not about denying these conditions exist. Let's be clear. This is not cutting benefits. No one will lose their benefits who are receiving them.

It is about making sure the VA rating schedule follows modern science and using those savings to fund the expansion of benefits and other VA programs.

Mr. Speaker, if we don't pass H.R. 9237 today, VA can make these rating changes as planned but the savings would go back to one place: Big Government. I want those savings to go instead into the pockets and the benefits for millions of veterans and their families.

Mr. Speaker, as a United States Marine Corps veteran, you can bet your bottom dollar that I believe that this bill would not harm a single veteran, and I would not bring it forward to this floor if I thought it would. Veterans do not need a bill that makes Members feel good for a day and then dies in the Senate. They need legislation that can pass.

Mr. Speaker, veterans groups agree. I include in the Record a letter from 20 different veterans organizations in support of this legislation.

Richard Star Act would be funded through the defense

authorizing committees and fu11y end the unjust wounded

veteran tax on combat-injured warriors. Pay-as-you-go rules

would be waived for these earned benefits. There would be

complete clarity from the Administration and VA about whether

long-anticipated VASRD changes will proceed independently of

this bill. Unfortunately, the current environment is far from

ideal, and veterans, families, survivors, and caregivers have

already waited years across multiple Congresses and

administrations for action on provisions that maintain strong

bipartisan support.

The Administration must also provide immediate clarity on

whether these rating-schedule changes are intended to proceed

independently of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act

through VA regulation, White House direction, or other

administrative action. That clarity is essential because the

bill's financing rests on assumptions that remain unresolved.

If similar VASRD changes are implemented outside this

legislation, the resulting savings could revert to the

Treasury rather than be reinvested in veterans, families,

survivors, and caregivers.

Given that reality, we believe the practical question

before Congress is whether this process should continue so

these resources can be reinvested in veterans, caregivers,

families, and survivors, or whether the opportunity to enact

this package is lost while unresolved funding questions

remain. We support advancing the Take Care of America's

Veterans Act because the bill represents a net expansion of

benefits and support for the veteran community and contains

protections intended to prevent reductions for current

beneficiaries. The goodness and positive impact of this

package should not be lost in the debate over its financing.

As Congress continues its consideration of this

legislation, we urge Members to preserve and strengthen key

protections: no retroactive harm to veterans currently

receiving compensation; prospective application only to

future claims or future requests for increased ratings; full

transparency from VA, the White House, and the Administration

regarding any independent regulatory or policy action; and a

final package that ensures expanded benefits are delivered

responsibly and effectively. We are committed to working with

Congress, VA, the Administration, coalition partners, and the

broader veteran community to improve the pay-for, identify

any credible alternative path forward, and secure the

strongest possible outcome.

This moment presents a clear test of whether Congress can

translate long-standing bipartisan agreement into meaningful

action. We support the Take Care of America's Veterans Act so

the process can continue and so Congress can deliver lasting

results for veterans, their families, caregivers, and

survivors. We urge swift action to advance this legislation

and stand ready to work with lawmakers in both chambers to

honor our commitments to all who have served.

Sincerely,

The American Legion, Military Officers Association of

America (MOAA), Wounded

Warrior Project, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Tragedy

Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), American Veterans

(AMVETS), Air Force Sergeants Association, American

Optometric Association, Avalon Action Alliance, Commissioned

Officers Association of the USPHS (COA).

Gold Star Spouses of America, K9s For Warriors, Korean War

Veterans Association, Military Chaplains Association,

Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), Mission Roll Call,

National Defense Committee, National Military Family

Association (NMFA), USCG Chief Petty Officers Association

(CPOA), Vietnam Veterans of America.

Mr. Speaker, veterans groups from The American Legion to the Wounded Warrior Project support this bill. Survivor groups like the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors support this bill. Caregiver organizations, like the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, support this bill. They all want this bill to pass.

Chairman Moran and I have worked for months to try to enact a law that will help the greatest number of veterans. I believe we have offered that kind of package today.

I want to take a moment to share what we have heard directly from veterans. Mission Roll Call, a national nonpartisan organization dedicated to serving veterans and their families, recently conducted a survey on my bill. They found 71 percent of veterans support the bill. I think that is a clear choice.

Mr. Speaker, as our Nation observes its 250th birthday, H.R. 9237 asks a simple question: Do we have veterans' backs? Do we have the backs of fellow Americans who raise their right hand to serve in defense of this great country, the Gold Star families who carry the cost of their loved one's sacrifice, or caregivers who every single day care for a disabled veteran family member? For me, the answer will always be ``yes,'' both during service and after.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, the ranking member knows VA has an obligation to update disability conditions based on the latest science and medicine. In his opening, he said that I am not a doctor. He is right. I am a marine. I am a truck driver, and somehow I have been blessed to serve our veterans as the chairman of the committee. He is not a doctor either. Likewise, he has been blessed by his community to be here, but what I do want to say is, for the record, the proposed changes for sleep apnea and tinnitus aren't developed by Congress.

They were developed by VA physicians. They are doctors--medical experts, doctors--and researchers under the Biden administration as part of the ongoing disability rating modernization efforts.

In testimony before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee in January 2026, VA officials stated that the Department intended to continue moving forward with respiratory ear-body system, rulemaking, and anticipated completing those efforts by the end of year 2026. That testimony was not given by career staff acting alone.

In fact, just this morning, VA officials confirmed that they are planning to move forward with the proposed rule on sleep apnea and tinnitus.

The testimony represents the official position of the Department at the time it was delivered to Congress. The question before us is not whether Congress created these proposed changes. We did not. VA's announcement makes their intention clear. This is moving forward regardless, but Ranking Member Takano would rather play politics.

The question is whether the savings associated with the proposed deployment and changes by the VA should remain in their control and the bureaucrats' control, or do we make it through our Article I power to reinvest into our veterans and their families. H.R. 9237 chooses veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to look at the testimony of Josh Jacobs, Biden Under Secretary for Benefits, and Nina Tann, President Trump's Executive Director of the Compensation Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Taylor), a good friend.

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

Mr. Speaker, I don't think that the ranking member is caught up on current events. Just recently, just to confirm what we already knew, the VA officials confirmed that they are moving ahead with the changes on tinnitus, sleep apnea, and disability benefits.

VA has made no move to withdraw the sleep apnea and/or those from the changes that will then save the money that then the bureaucrats will control.

So as we are moving forward--I mean, the ranking member can keep saying things that aren't true, or he can admit this is an issue, and that is where we are coming up with the revenue.

That being said, let me tell you the next person I want to yield time to has worked on the Major Richard Star Act for years, as did his father before him.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), the Representative from Florida's 12th District.

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida.

We have heard from the opening statement that came out of the VA, from the leadership at VA--

--and that was sent out this morning under the approval of the Secretary.

That is exactly the position of the VA and their administration. That was said this morning. It was sent out this morning. It is now being reported in the news.

You can reclaim your time, but you asked the question.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barrett), my good friend from the Seventh District.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser), from the Ninth District.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the Northern Mariana Islands (Ms. King-Hinds), my good friend.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am ready to close.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

I will respond to a few claims that the veterans do not want this package. It is just not true. The ranking member can disagree on the bill. He can disagree on the offset. He can argue that they would have written the package differently, but I do not think it is accurate to suggest the veterans' community, as a whole, is somehow united against this legislative package.

The package has support from a wide range of organizations, including The American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Mission Roll Call, Wounded Warrior Project, Military Officers Association of America, AMVETS, Concerned Veterans for America, Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors, Gold Star Spouses of America, the Veterans Survivor Coalition, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans Justice Alliance, the National Association of State Approving Agencies, the ALS Association, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Air Force Sergeants Association, American Optometric Association, Avalon Action Alliance, Career Education Colleges and Universities, Commissioned Officers Association of the USPHS, K9s for Warriors, Korean War Veterans Association, Military Chaplains Association, National Defense Committee, National Military Family Association, USCG Chief Petty Officers Association, Americans for Prosperity, National Federal Development Association, National Taxpayers Union, and the Association of Mature American Citizens.

Those organizations represent veterans, survivors, Gold Star families, wounded veterans, military families, advocates, and professionals who work directly with the people this bill would help.

When the ranking member claims that veterans do not want this package, that ignores millions of voices in the veterans' community who are asking Congress to act.

This bill includes longstanding priorities for veterans and, importantly, it does so in a way that is paid for and capable of actually moving from here to the Senate and to the President's desk.

At some point, we have to decide whether we are going to keep talking about these promises or actually move a package that can become law. I believe that this package is a serious, responsible step forward, and I reject the idea that veterans do not want this Congress to act on this bill.

Also, whether they want to admit it or not, the problem with most of these organizations that were in opposition is because they didn't want the offset. That offset, as I have told you this morning, as the VA has said exactly what we said, they are going to implement it.

The question for my colleagues is very simple: Do they want to use their Article I power to make decisions, as we should in Congress, to direct that money to our veterans and where they need it? We have sat and looked at these over and over again. We have also passed some of these bills and sent them over to the Senate to die because they don't have an offset.

This isn't an easy game, and it is not a game. If you don't believe this marine is serious about helping veterans--and I am telling you I took a lot of crap this week--I can tell you this: I will stand and always stand for my veterans.

I am the son of a veteran. I am the grandson of a veteran. I am the nephew of a veteran. I am the father of a veteran, and I am the grandfather of two of them.

Mr. Speaker, I have heard a lot this week. I am going to tell you, we have worked hard and did the best we can to put the best bill forward. It is the best bill that has been around in decades.

Do we want the bureaucrats to make the decision and not support those areas where we are trying to help our veterans? You can love it. You can hate it, but I am telling you, this is the best thing we can do for veterans right now. I would encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6007) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, as the ``Anthony `Tony' J. Gallopo VA Clinic''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 6007 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, as the Anthony ``Tony'' J. Gallopo VA Clinic.

Tony Gallopo proudly served our Nation in the United States Navy. He served courageously and with honor. His service to our Nation did not end there.

Following his service in the Navy, Mr. Gallopo dedicated his life to serving his fellow veterans, working to ensure those who wore the uniform received the care and services and support they earned.

Mr. Gallopo became a trusted advocate for veterans throughout Sussex and Warren Counties, devoting countless hours to improving their quality of life and expanding access to VA healthcare.

He was instrumental in helping establish the VA community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, which opened in 2017 and brought VA healthcare closer to veterans in that community.

His advocacy helped reduce barriers to care and expand access to essential health services for countless numbers of veterans and their families. His community as a whole is better because of all his efforts.

Whether mentoring fellow veterans or advocating for expanding healthcare access, he remained committed to ensuring that those who served our Nation will never be forgotten. Even after decades of public service, he continued asking what more could be done for veterans until he passed in 2020.

By naming the Newton VA community-based outpatient clinic in his honor, Congress would ensure that Tony Gallopo's legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the veterans in his community lives on for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, individuals like Tony Gallopo are heroes in our communities, and I am honored to help ensure that Congress recognizes that and never forgets these great American stories.

I thank Representative Gottheimer and the entire New Jersey delegation for leading this effort to recognize an extraordinary advocate for our Nation's veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 6007, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers. I am ready to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5362) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs multispecialty clinic in Marietta, Georgia, as the ``Colonel Michael H. Boyce Department of Veterans Affairs Multispecialty Clinic''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 5362.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5362, Colonel Michael H. Boyce Department of Veterans Affairs Multispecialty Clinic, sponsored by Representative Loudermilk.

Colonel Michael H. Boyce dedicated almost three decades to our Nation as a United States marine, serving in key leadership and operational roles around the world.

Throughout Colonel Boyce's career, he served with the First Marine Division, the First, Second, and Fourth Marine Aircraft Wings, and the First Marine Expeditionary Brigade. He also served overseas in Turkiye, Bahrain, Oman, and Somalia in support of operations to include Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Restore Hope, Desert Thunder, and Desert Fox.

Before his retirement in 2001, Colonel Boyce held multiple senior leadership roles, including head programmer for the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Air Warfare Division, head of operational plans at Marine Corps Forces Pacific, and deputy commander of Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

After his military service, Colonel Boyce returned home and continued to serve his community as chairman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners.

In this role, he advocated for veterans by establishing the county's first

veterans service office and led efforts to construct a VA clinic.

Colonel Boyce's lifelong commitment to veterans and leadership makes this recognition a fine tribute to an extraordinary American.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5362 honors a true American leader who put service above self. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 5362, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Loudermilk).

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to support this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6963) to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lafayette, Louisiana, as the ``Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6963, to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lafayette, Louisiana, as the Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic sponsored by Representative Higgins.

At just 17 years old, Rodney Hamilton enlisted in the United States Marine Corps out of Lafayette, Louisiana, to serve his country. He would go to serve in the Korean war, where he was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart. As a fellow marine, I know that the Marine Corps leaves a mark on every man and woman that earns the title.

For Rodney, this sense of duty did not end when he returned home. He came back to Lafayette and continued serving by working to improve the lives of fellow veterans across southwest Louisiana.

He served in Lafayette city government from 1968 to 1972 and later founded the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Action Coalition, giving local veterans a stronger voice and fighting to make sure their needs were met. That advocacy helped lead to one of his most lasting accomplishments, the establishment of the VA clinic in Lafayette.

When the clinic opened in 2016, it brought VA care closer to home for veterans across the region and reflected years of work by Rodney Hamilton and others who believed Lafayette veterans deserved better access to the care they had earned.

Naming this facility in his honor would recognize a marine, a Purple Heart recipient, and a community leader whose work continues to serve veterans today.

H.R. 6963 is a fitting tribute to Rodney Hamilton, Sr., a man who served his country in war, returned home to serve his community, and never stopped standing up for his fellow veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 6963, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, today, we are actually naming many clinics. This one in Lafayette, the sponsor, Representative Higgins, feels that this is vitally important. With the hecticness around here today, we are hoping that he does make it to make comments on this bill, but we need to move on with our business.

Mr. Speaker, I have no more Members wishing to speak, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins), the sponsor of the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4647) to designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in West Haven, Connecticut, as the ``Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4647, the Captain Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025, sponsored by Representative DeLauro.

This bill would designate the West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut as the Captain Paul W. ``Bud'' Bucha VA Medical Center.

Captain Paul ``Bud'' Bucha was an American hero whose life exemplified courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans, both on the battlefield and at home.

After graduating from West Point, Captain Bucha was sent to Vietnam where he commanded his company during an intense recon mission.

In March 1968, Captain Bucha displayed extraordinary courage while leading his company against a larger enemy force.

Under intense fire, he destroyed an enemy bunker, directed the withdrawal of his men, coordinated artillery and air support, evacuated wounded soldiers, and led the recovery of casualties.

For this, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions saved countless lives and are a tribute to the highest ideals of military service.

Captain Bucha's service did not end when he came home. For decades, he dedicated himself to serving veterans, focusing on those struggling with the invisible wounds of war. After experiencing post-traumatic stress himself, he became one of the Nation's strongest advocates for getting veterans out of the rut and back to living. He challenged the stigma surrounding mental health care and encouraged countless fellow veterans to seek help.

The West Haven VA Medical Center became an important part of that journey. It was there that Captain Bucha received treatment, continued his advocacy, and ultimately spent his final days. Naming this facility in his honor would ensure that future generations of veterans remember Captain Bucha and his service, not only for his actions in combat, but for what he continued to do for his fellow veterans long after his time in uniform was over.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4647 honors a Medal of Honor recipient, a tireless advocate, and a man whose life was defined by service to others.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4647, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4288) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in San Jose, California, as the ``Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4288, to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in San Jose, California, as the ``Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic,'' sponsored by Representative Panetta.

Pat Tillman was born and raised in San Jose, California. He first made his name on the football field at Leland High School, helping lead his team to a Central Coast Division I championship.

He carried that same drive and determination to Arizona State University, where he excelled both as a student and as an athlete.

Mr. Speaker, after being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 1998, by 2000, Pat had become the team's star safety. He had achieved what so many young athletes dreamed of. He was playing in the NFL. He had a successful career ahead of him and could have made millions of dollars by continuing to play professional football.

Yet, after the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, Pat Tillman made a different choice. When his country needed him, Pat answered the call. He put the needs of his country above his own dreams, above his own career, and above the life of comfort and success that he already earned.

Mr. Speaker, that is the definition of an American hero. When terrorists struck the Twin Towers, Pat, like so many other Americans, ran toward the fight.

Pat once said: ``A lot of my family has . . . gone and fought in wars. And I really haven't done a damned thing as far as laying myself on the line like that, and so I have a great deal of respect for those that have and what the flag stands for.''

Those were not empty words. In 2002, Pat enlisted in the United States Army. He served with the 75th Ranger Regiment. During his second deployment--I will say that again--his second deployment, while serving in Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Pat's unit came under attack.

Pat died in action while providing cover for his fellow soldiers. Because of his courage, his fellow soldiers were able to escape danger.

For his bravery and sacrifice, Pat was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Silver Star.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4288 is a fitting tribute to Pat Tillman, a son of San Jose, a professional athlete, an Army Ranger, and an American hero who gave up fame and fortune to serve the country he loved.

By naming the VA clinic after him, we would ensure that his story of courage, service, and sacrifice will continue for decades. Those of us who can remember Pat Tillman and remember what an amazing thing he did, to leave a career as a professional football player to serve this Nation and the flag

that hangs behind you, Mr. Speaker, is something that those of us who are big football fans and a big Pat Tillman fan understand.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4288, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am ready to close.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Matthew A. Lamb, United States Marine Corps, a native of Connersville, Indiana, who is retiring after more than 25 years of faithful service to our Nation.

Lieutenant Colonel Lamb enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in May of 2000 as a field radio operator and deployed with the 5th Battalion, 11th Marines during Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning the Combat Action Ribbon.

He commissioned in May of 2006 as an adjutant and later deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, as a G-1 mentor to the 201st Corps of the Afghanistan National Army.

Over the two decades, he commanded a recruit training company at MCRD San Diego and served in key staff billets at MCRD Paris Island, Headquarters Marine Corps, and the United States Marine Corps Forces South.

He is a distinguished graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and holds a degree from the University of Indianapolis and Syracuse University.

His final tour brought him to Capitol Hill as deputy director for House Affairs in the Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs, where he served as the Corps' principal interlocutor for the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. I had the privilege of working with him directly.

I wish him well in his retirement, and I thank him for his service. Semper Fidelis.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1300, I call up the bill (H.R. 1041) to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from transmitting certain information to the Department of Justice for use by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the Record on H.R. 1041, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 1041, as amended, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act.

The choice before the House today is clear: whether those who defended our freedom deserve the same constitutional protection as nonveterans.

This past February, President Trump and Secretary Collins answered that question with a resounding yes.

VA overturned a longstanding policy of automatically reporting veterans and beneficiaries to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System, also called NICS, simply because they needed help managing their VA benefits.

VA reported them not because they committed a crime or because a judge or a medical professional determined they were a danger to themselves or others. VA reported them to NICS simply because they needed help managing their benefits. That was the policy for over three decades, Mr. Speaker.

I have been working on this issue for 10 years because I know that this interpretation of the law is wrong. That is why I have long- championed this bill, as well as my bipartisan provision in this, the yearly VA appropriation bill, to prohibit VA's fiduciary program from reporting veterans' names to NICS.

This is a bill about due process. Most importantly, it is about protecting our veterans' Second Amendment rights. It is time we put a permanent end to the practice of treating our veterans' Second Amendment rights as an option and pass H.R. 1041.

This bill would codify the policy rider that was included in the MILCON appropriation bill that passed the House last week.

As a veteran and sportsman, I believe it is a gross violation of due process to say that a veteran with a fiduciary should be treated as a second-class citizen. Our veterans raise their right hands to defend the constitutional rights of American citizens. I know because I was one of them, and I took that responsibility seriously.

Yet, when the question came before our committee on whether it would defend their rights, Ranking Member Takano and our colleagues on the other side of the aisle voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, it is an unfortunate fact that some Members in this Chamber plan to defend this discriminatory practice. Generally, a civilian cannot lose their Second Amendment rights without involvement from a judge, but veterans did for three decades. Democrats would prefer they continue to.

A veteran goes to the VA to ask for help, and the VA bureaucracy answers ``yes,'' but only in exchange for your Second Amendment rights.

Mr. Speaker, that is not due process. This is an antigun, antiveteran agenda. If a veteran poses a legitimate threat to themselves or others, judges already have legal tools available to them. Let me say that again. Judges already have legal tools available to them. A veteran should receive the same rights as every other American.

There is also something else that I want to raise: the false assumption that disabled veterans are dangerous and the harmful assumption that the capacity to manage your finances has any bearing on dangerousness or that you are dangerous, as well. Those sorts of cartoon-like simplifications cause those with disabilities to face extra hurdles when exercising their rights. It is unacceptable, and, as a veteran, I am not going to stand for it anymore.

There is no evidence that these veterans are more dangerous to themselves or others simply because they need help managing their benefits. Holding veterans to the evidence-less standard is outrageous. Frankly, it paints the veterans' mental health issues in a way that should concern everyone. Over 200,000 veterans were reported to the NICS list under this practice. Let me say it again: 200,000 veterans.

Secretary Collins and President Trump worked with DOJ to change that, wiping the list clean. I want to be clear that no person, veteran or otherwise, reported to NICS by a State judge, law enforcement agency, or other reporting bodies for any other reason was removed.

At committee markup, Democrats also offered amendment after amendment designed to delay and weaken this bill. They wanted more studies.

Mr. Speaker, I am tired after 10 years of delays. Democrats want a system where veterans are presumed guilty and a system where veterans are forced to prove their innocence.

In America, constitutional rights are God-granted rights. Veterans should never have to choose between assistance and preserving their constitutional rights, and veterans with disabilities should not be discriminated against.

This Congress has a responsibility to protect veterans' rights just as fiercely as they protect any other American's rights.

This Memorial Day, let us not just remember those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. Let us also remember the freedoms and the people who they sacrificed it for.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support H.R. 1041, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a veteran, I find this argument offensive, that veterans with fiduciaries are dangerous. This is simply not true. There is no evidence provided that veterans with fiduciaries are any more violent, suicidal, or dangerous than nonveterans.

Yet, Democrats continue to push the idea that veterans who need help managing their finances should be treated as though they were presumed dangerous. Now, he can say that that is not the case, but there are over 200,000 people who would argue differently.

Incompetence in financial ability is not and should not be something that should take away your Second Amendment right. Yes, veterans struggle with suicide and mental health greater than the rest of the population. Yes, those financial hardships often face negative thoughts, but the problem facing the veterans are separate and distinct.

They deserve to be treated as such. That is why we have a VA that spans everything from healthcare to benefits. If someone is truly a danger to themselves or others, there are medical and legal professionals who can stand by and address these issues just like it is for those people who are nonveterans. H.R. 1041 does not change that fact. It simply dispels harmful stereotypes.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden), my good friend, who has been a veteran who served beside veterans, his combat brothers and sisters, and knows what veterans face.

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

I think we should go ahead and listen to what was actually said whenever we said that they actually were having some mental problems, the issue where the ranking member actually said that we only take it away and then they have an appeals process, and that that appeals process is a great appeals process. Mr. Speaker, 240,000 veterans have had their rights taken away, and through the appeals process, less than 800 got them back--less than 800.

He also said that some of them might not want to have their Second Amendment rights. There is nothing in our Constitution that forces you to use your Second Amendment rights. Mr. Speaker, constitutional rights do not become less important simply because ignoring them is convenient.

In fact, moments like these are when the constitutional protection matters the most. My colleagues say we should respond with more studies. That is what they want, more studies. A peer-reviewed study is not standing for the rights granted to every American citizen of our Nation. Who should keep their rights more than the people who stood up and fought for them?

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Clyde).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman).

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

Mr. Speaker, I want you to listen to what the previous speaker just said.

She explained that if someone has a mental health condition or someone has these other concerns, that she would offer an amendment to that. However, let me explain to you that if we grant them their constitutional rights, Mr. Speaker, they already have that ability.

They already have that ability and their constitutional rights would be treated exactly the same as a person that does not serve in the military and does not go to the VA.

Someone can see that if they had a problem, then they could take and raise that before a judge, not before a bureaucrat.

Let me explain this again. This is not about gun rights. This is not about dealing with our veterans that might commit suicide or anyone else that might commit suicide. This is about the constitutional right of a veteran who has fought for those rights that a bureaucrat has the power to take away their ability to have that Second Amendment, which is in the Constitution.

Now, they might not agree with that Second Amendment and that has been debated here several times. But now to continue to carry on and use this law to take away the rights of people who fought for their rights, how ridiculous is that? How ridiculous is it going to be to go back for Memorial Day and tell their veterans, I was there for you. We took away your rights. I think that is ridiculous.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Edwards).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Crank).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. Boebert).

Mr. Speaker, I am ready to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, House Democrats claim that H.R. 1041, as amended, would harm vulnerable veterans. That is simply false, but just don't take my word for it. Organizations who represent millions of veterans and their families support this. In fact, the bill is supported by The American Legion, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Mission Roll Call, the Black Veterans Empowerment Council. All of these groups, and countless others, veterans organizations across this Nation support this piece of legislation, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and many others. Why? It is because they understand that this is about the rights of the men and women who stood in the gap to make sure you can keep yours.

This bill is also supported by Second Amendment groups, including: Gun Owners of America, the National Rifle Association, the National Association for Gun Rights, the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Importantly, H.R. 1041, as amended, is supported by the civil liberties groups and organizations who advocate for the elderly and those with disabilities, including the American Civil Liberties Union, not necessarily a conservative group, the National Disability Rights Network, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, the Association of Mature American Citizens Action, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, and the Disability Rights, Education & Defense Fund.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure you would agree, and even Ranking Member Takano can admit that it is not every day that many of these groups come united together, especially probably the NRA and the ACLU. Their support shows how discriminatory the practice that the VA has been doing for over the last three decades has been by reporting to the next unit anyone who seeks fiduciary help from the VA.

Mr. Speaker, most of the people who have spoken on the Democrat side of the aisle would carry other laws that would take away your Second Amendment right.

Mr. Speaker, I am not arguing the gun law here, though I would. I am arguing the rights of our veterans for due process, the same as someone who never raised their hand. Why should someone have their rights improperly and without due process be taken away because they chose to stand up for this Nation?

I am going to tell you this wasn't for political purposes. I have been carrying this bill for a long time. This weekend, you are going to have to go back to your districts, and you are going to have to talk about the fact that: I am there for you, my veterans. Thank you. I am there for you, but I don't think you are worth your constitutional rights, even though you served to defend them.

Mr. Speaker, this is a situation that has wrongly occurred in this Nation for way too long. I thank the administration for getting it straightened out. We are not saying that someone that is a veteran and is a danger to themselves or a danger to other people can't go through the process like everybody else and say, okay, we do need to go ahead and look over their ability to have that Second Amendment right. That is why we have the NICS list. But whenever the NICS list is overburdened, matter of fact, with our veterans at the percentage that it is, something is wrong. Something is wrong. This bill has been a longtime coming.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record letters of support from many of those organizations that I mentioned previously: The American Legion, National Disability Rights Network, National Rifle Association of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, and American Civil Liberties Union.

The American Legion,

Office of the National Commander,

Washington, DC, April 29, 2025.

Hon. Mike Bost,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Bost: On behalf of the American Legion 1.5

million dues paying members, I write to express our full

support for H.R. 1041, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection

Act, as amended.

This legislation is a necessary step toward restoring the

constitutional rights of countless veterans who, despite

having honorably served our nation, have been unjustly denied

their Second Amendment rights. For far too long, veterans who

required the assistance of a fiduciary for managing VA

benefits--often due to physical or age-related issues--were

reported to the National Instant Criminal Background Check

System (NICS) without any due process or judicial review.

These individuals were wrongfully categorized as mentally

defective, not based on a court ruling, but simply on

administrative decisions by the Department of Veterans

Affairs.

H.R. 1041 corrects this miscarriage of justice by

prohibiting the VA from transmitting personally identifiable

information to the Department of Justice for inclusion in

NICS unless a judge or magistrate has determined the

individual to be a danger to themselves or others. This

preserves the fundamental principle of due process--an

essential safeguard for any constitutional right, especially

one as central as the right to keep and bear arms.

The bill rightly recognizes that being assigned a fiduciary

does not equate to being a danger to oneself or others and

therefore should not serve as grounds to restrict firearm

ownership. Importantly, this legislation requires the

Secretary of Veterans Affairs to notify the Attorney General

that the basis for all prior reporting of veterans to NICS

solely due to fiduciary status does not apply or no longer

applies. This notification will, in turn, trigger the FBI to

update the NICS database accordingly ensuring that those who

were wrongfully reported will be removed. It is critical to

note that veterans who are on the NICS list for other

legitimate legal reasons, such as a state court finding

dangerousness, will remain unaffected by this correction.

This bill does not jeopardize public safety. Instead, it

upholds the balance between protecting communities and

respecting the rights of those who served our country with

courage and sacrifice. The assumption that a veteran is

incapable or dangerous simply because they require fiduciary

assistance is not only unfounded--it is deeply disrespectful

and discriminatory.

We urge members of Congress to support and pass the

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act to ensure that no

veteran is stripped of their rights without a fair and

impartial judicial process.

For God and Country,

James A. LaCoursiere,

National Commander.

Mr. Speaker, my message to all Members is really clear: Support this bill. Support the constitutional rights of those people who fought for those constitutional rights for you.

As I said, this has gone on long enough. I think that a person who knows and understands this issue will stand up for their veterans and support this bill.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1300, I call up the bill (H.R. 6047) to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the dollar amounts for the payment of certain disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation under the laws administered by the Secretary, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on H.R. 6047, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6047, as amended, the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, introduced by my friend and fellow veteran, Representative Tom Barrett.

I will speak to you today about some of the great Americans this bill will impact.

Sharri Briley is the survivor and spouse of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Donovan ``Bull'' Briley, an Army Special Operations pilot killed in 1993 in Somalia.

Most Americans would be more familiar with the movie adaptation of that harrowing day, the film ``Black Hawk Down,'' but for Sharri Briley, this was not Hollywood.

This was her husband and the father of her then-5-year-old daughter.

Donovan gave his life in defense of freedom, the type of sacrifice we will commemorate on Memorial Day.

This legislation would provide the first meaningful increase in survivor benefits for families like Brileys since 1993.

Over 500,000 survivors like Sharri receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation from the VA.

DIC is a monthly payment of $1,700 meant to help supplement lost income after a servicemember's death.

It has only been adjusted for inflation over the last 30 years, but this bill would add an extra 1.5 percent to the DIC over the next 2 years.

I also will discuss Sergeant Eric Edmundson.

When Eric was 25, his vehicle was destroyed by an IED on the Syrian border. His spleen ruptured. His kneecap shattered. His spine fractured, and he sustained traumatic brain injury. For 30 minutes, Eric's heart stopped beating.

Eric was transported to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to recover, but his injuries left him unable to walk or speak. For the past 20 years, his parents, Edgar and Bethany, and his wife, Stephanie, have been Eric's full-time caregivers, supporting Eric as they work together to raise Eric's two kids.

Despite these injuries, his family has empowered him to live as full a life as possible--hunting, painting, spending time with his children, and going to church.

As the Edmundson family recently wrote in an op-ed for Stars and Stripes: ``Two incomes vanished. The expenses multiplied. When a service-connected injury permanently removes earning capacity, the math doesn't bend for patriotism.''

This bill recognizes that and would provide a $10,000 increase to the 7,000 severely disabled veterans like Eric, many of whom require 24/7 around-the-clock professional medical care.

Veterans like Eric receive the three highest tiers of disability compensation called R1, R2, and T. Many of these veterans will never work again and cannot perform basic tasks.

Eric's family dedicate their lives making sure Eric, one of our Nation's most wounded soldiers, continues living with dignity.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is for families like the Brileys and the Edmundsons.

As the families put it in their recent op-ed, the circumstances are different, but the consequences are the same: ``The cost of military service does not end when the ceremony and the headlines fade. It echoes through decades--through college tuition bills, medical

equipment invoices, mortgage payments, retirement plans that must be deferred or abandoned altogether.''

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the op-ed referred to published in Stars and Stripes.

[From the Stars and Stripes, May 18, 2026]

Congress Is Debating the Details. Our Military Families are Living the

Consequences

(By Sharri Briley and Edgar ``Ed'' Edmundson)

One of us lost her husband, Army Chief Warrant Officer

Donovan ``Bull'' Briley, when he was killed in action in

Somalia in 1993. In a single moment, I became a Gold Star

widow--raising our children while trying to build a future

shaped by grief and the long financial shadow that follows

permanent sacrifice. The folded flag did not close a chapter;

it began a lifetime of responsibility.

The other nearly lost his son. Eric Edmundson suffered a

severe brain injury while serving in Iraq. He cannot walk. He

cannot speak. He requires constant, round-the-clock care. He

will never return to work--and his parents cashed in their

retirement to care for him. Two incomes vanished. The

expenses multiplied. When a service-connected injury

permanently removes earning capacity, the math does not bend

for patriotism.

Our circumstances are different, but the consequence is the

same: the cost of military service does not end when the

ceremony and the headlines fade. It echoes through decades--

through college tuition bills, medical equipment invoices,

mortgage payments and retirement plans that must be deferred

or abandoned altogether.

That is why the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans

Benefits Expansion Act of 2025 matters and why Congress must

act. The legislation offers a long overdue increase in

compensation for the most catastrophically wounded and ill

veterans and offers a down payment on desperately needed

increases to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for

survivors. In plain terms, it would update benefits that have

not kept pace with the true cost of severe injury or loss of

life.

As reported by Military Times, the proposal would add

roughly $10,000 annually for veterans with the most severe

disabilities and modestly increase monthly survivor

benefits--an adjustment long overdue as living and care costs

continue to rise.

What is being considered in Washington may look like

numbers on a page. To families like ours and so many other

Americans, it is the difference between a road toward

stability and a financial cliff.

The impact of service is not confined to two households. A

landmark Rand Corp. study estimates that 14.3 million

Americans are caring for wounded, ill or injured service

members and veterans. More than 500,000 Americans are

navigating life as surviving spouses. The ripple effects of

war extend far beyond the battlefield--and far beyond a

single generation.

For decades, compensation for the most catastrophically

disabled veterans and survivor benefits have not been

meaningfully adjusted to reflect modern realities.

Catastrophic injury is permanent. Widowhood caused by war is

permanent. The obligations do not shrink with time--they

compound.

Accessible housing must be maintained. Specialized

equipment must be repaired or replaced. Therapy continues.

Children grow up. Savings are stretched thin. None of this is

abstract. It defines daily life.

We recognize that lawmakers have a responsibility to

examine how legislation is structured and funded. That

scrutiny is part of governing. But delay is not neutral.

Every year that passes without modernization forces those

living with the most severe consequences of service to absorb

costs that were never meant to be borne alone.

This is not about comfort. It is about dignity.

It is about ensuring that a veteran who cannot walk or

speak can live with security. It is about ensuring that a

surviving spouse can raise children without wondering whether

gratitude from a nation will translate into financial

stability.

We are grateful--for survival, for sacrifice, for the honor

of loving those who served. But gratitude does not pay a

mortgage. It does not fund adaptive equipment. It does not

replace lost earning power.

Service members are not wounded as Republicans or

Democrats. They are wounded as Americans. The promise to care

for them--and for those who live with the lifelong

consequences of their service--should rise above party lines

just as clearly.

This legislation now stands before leadership in the U.S.

House of Representatives. The question is not whether the

need exists--it does. The question is whether Congress will

act with the urgency that lifelong sacrifice demands.

Because the financial cliff facing those most profoundly

affected by war--like our families--is not rhetorical. And

once stability is lost, rebuilding can take years, if it is

possible at all.

Our loved ones answered the call without hesitation. It is

time for our leaders to do the same--not with speeches, but

with action that honors veterans, survivors and the enduring

cost of service. It is time for Congress to pass the Sharri

Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of

2025.

Mr. Speaker, this bill would also expand VA home loan eligibility to members of the National Guard and Reserve who have at least 14 days of Active-Duty service at a 1 percent higher rate.

Today's Guard and Reserve deploy along Active-Duty servicemembers. They deserve a broader access to VA homeownership opportunities, as well.

Mr. Speaker, I also will address the offsets in this legislation because there has been a great deal of misinformation surrounding them.

The fact is that House Republicans chose to follow the House rules and the law. We fully paid for this legislation so that we could get this bill done because promises made to veterans should be promises Congress can keep and not show votes or fake outrage to get clicks and votes.

Now, let me be clear about what this bill will not do. This bill will not eliminate or harm the VA Home Loan Program. It would also not impose a loan fee on any disabled veteran, and it would not eliminate zero percent down on a VA home loan.

Instead, this bill contains two bipartisan offsets that would extend current home loan fees and would extend the current cap on certain veterans' pensions who are in government-funded nursing care. It also increases the home loan funding fee that families would pay when refinancing by a small amount.

During the 116th Congress, then-Chairman Takano supported and voted in favor of a similar funding fee proposal on refinancing VA home loans. I find the arguments against our similar proposal today insincere. It reeks of the type of politics our veterans don't deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I am a veteran. If I thought that this bill would harm veterans, you can trust I would not bring the bill to the floor. But, as the saying goes, don't take my word for it, because over 22 veterans service organizations support this legislation as written. Let me repeat: The veterans groups like the VFW, The American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, and many others support the bill. These organizations represent millions of veterans and military families who support this legislation because they know these families cannot afford to wait another decade for Congress to act.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a joint letter from 20 veterans organizations supporting the bill.

February 9, 2026.

Hon. Mike Bost,

Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of

Representatives, Washington, DC.

Hon. Mark Takano,

Ranking Member, Committee on Veterans' Affairs,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman & Ranking Member: As the second session

of the 119th Congress begins and the House Committee on

Veterans' Affairs continues its work providing for the needs

of our nation's ill and injured veterans, their caregivers,

and survivors, we write to share our strong support for the

amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 6047, the

Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion

Act. As you proceed with discussions around this bill, we

urge you to remember those with whom the bill is intended to

help--veterans with the profoundest of injuries and the

survivors who have lost their loved ones. Provisions in this

important legislation would increase the amount of Special

Monthly Compensation (SMC) by $10,000 annually for the most

severely disabled veterans and raise the rate of Dependency

and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) by a total of 1.5 percent

over a period of two years for the surviving family members

of deceased servicemembers and veterans.

SMC is arguably the most important ancillary benefit for

veterans with severe, service-connected disabilities. To be

clear, given the extreme nature of the disabilities incurred

by most veterans in receipt of SMC, we do not believe that

the impact on quality of life can be totally compensated for;

however, SMC does at least provide these veterans an

opportunity to have the financial resources to accommodate

their individual needs.

DIC is intended to protect against survivor impoverishment

after the death of a service-connected veteran. These monthly

payments were intended to provide surviving spouses with the

means to maintain some semblance of economic stability after

the loss of their loved one. DIC is also an indemnity payment

from the government for the loss of life. Unfortunately,

without an immediate increase, many survivors who, in many

cases were once caregivers, face a financial cliff with

catastrophic results. This legislation represents an initial

downpayment on what is truly owed to veterans' survivors, and

we are committed to continuing to work to bring

DIC in parity with other federal survivor benefits.

Congress established the baseline rates for these crucial

programs decades ago and updating them is long overdue. The

time to act is now. For decades, the veteran community has

urged Congress to strengthen these critical support programs

and increasing SMC and DIC would be the first step in helping

our most severely disabled and their survivors. Passing this

important legislation will provide critical relief to these

communities and we look forward to your swift action.

Sincerely,

Paralyzed Veterans of America; Elizabeth Dole Foundation;

Wounded Warrior Project; Disabled American Veterans; Tragedy

Assistance Program for Survivors; Military Officers

Association of America; Jewish War Veterans of the USA;

Vietnam Veterans Association; Quality of Life Foundation;

Gold Star Wives of America, Inc; Commissioned Officers

Association of the USPHS; AMVETS; The Independence Fund;

Military Order of the Purple Heart; Blinded Veterans

Association; Fleet Reserve Association; Marine Corps League;

Gold Star Spouses of America; Armed Forces Retiree

Association.

Mr. Speaker, additionally, I include in the Record a joint letter from ROA, MCRA, and EANGUS in support of expanding VA home loan programs to include Guard and Reserve members with 14 days of Active Duty.

January 13, 2026.

Hon. Tom Barrett,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Representative Barrett: On behalf of the members

represented by our respective organizations, thank you for

your leadership in offering the Home Affordability for Guard

and Reserve Act as an amendment to H.R. 6047, the Sharri

Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of

2025.

This amendment expands VA home loan eligibility to Reserve

and National Guard servicemembers who are currently

ineligible under law. Specifically, it broadens the

definition of ``active duty'' to include qualifying service

under Title 10, Title 14, and Title 32 orders, as well as

training duties, and applies retroactively to service

performed on or after September 11, 2001. Further, eligible

individuals who have completed at least 14 days of qualifying

service and remain in the Reserve or National Guard may

access VA home loans, subject to an additional 1 percent

funding fee.

Our organizations support this amendment. However, if the

broader package does not advance, we urge you to move your

amendment forward under regular order as a standalone

measure.

At the same time, we reaffirm our longstanding support for

provisions that guarantee equal fees for all servicemembers.

Introducing different fee structures based on component or

category of service risks creating inequities and

discrimination within the program.

Accordingly, we urge a thorough review of the proposed

additional fee in Section 3 of the amendment, along with the

broader fee adjustments in the bill, to evaluate their impact

on the VA home loan program's purchasing power, solvency, and

the break-even horizon for veterans when refinancing. Without

such scrutiny, these changes risk diminishing the program's

affordability and pricing out the very servicemembers it was

designed to support.

Should the review conclude that these adjustments make

housing under the program unaffordable or significantly

extend the break-even horizon in a way that compromises the

program's intended flexibility, we strongly recommend

reconsideration and appropriate corrective action.

Thank you again, Congressman, for your leadership. We

appreciate your attention to these concerns and stand ready

to assist in moving this amendment forward.

Respectfully,

John B. Hashem,

Major General, USA Retired,

Executive Director, Reserve Organization of America.

Paul K. Hopper,

Colonel, USMC Retired,

National President, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Association.

John D. Gipe,

Command Sergeant Major, USA Retired,

Executive Director, Enlisted Association of the National

Guard.

Mr. Speaker, veterans deserve more than speeches. They deserve results.

If you support these benefit increases, then you need a serious plan to pay for them, because simply saying that someone else will figure it out later, that is not real leadership.

Mr. Speaker, this bill comes down to a simple question: When America sends our soldiers off to war, the result sometimes is life-changing injuries, grieving spouses, and full-time caregivers. Will this country stand behind them later in the years?

Again, I ask my Democrat colleagues: If veteran groups support the bill, then why in the world don't you?

Mr. Edgar Edmundson testified before the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and he asked Congress to stop the politics and get this done.

Mr. Speaker, families like the Edmundsons and the Brileys deal with the reality most Americans never see. The Brileys answered the call to serve. The Edmundsons answered the call to serve. Now, Congress must answer their call.

This legislation, these families, and the thousands of families like them, we have your back. It is a distinct honor to advance this bill just before Memorial Day.

I urge all Members to support H.R. 6047.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, while I appreciate my colleagues for suddenly wanting to be fiscally responsible, I do not appreciate my colleagues implying that the home loan funding fee as an offset is unnecessary or inappropriate. Finding a way to pay for expenditures and benefits is not an option. It is a requirement.

May I remind my colleagues and Ranking Member Takano that he has supported dozens of bills that contain the home loan funding fee. My colleague has also submitted a manager's amendment on the floor to increase fees for refinancing loans in the 116th Congress. While the offer used by the ranking member only increased fees, refinancing loans by 0.5 percent and 0.85 percent, and was only a temporary increase, the concept still remains the same.

This legislative body has long understood that fiscal responsibility is not separated from caring for our veterans and their survivors. It is part of that responsibility.

The House has repeatedly relied on adjustments to the VA home loan funding fee to pay for veterans' benefits expansions. Members on both sides of the aisle have voted for that approach many times. As chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I don't just pay lipservice to the veterans and survivors who we serve. I get things done for them.

Mr. Speaker, I would appreciate it if my colleagues across the aisle would stop caring about political wins and focus on getting a win for the most deserving population of veterans and surviving spouses, so let's get the bill paid for and across the finish line.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barrett), the sponsor of the bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I find it deeply disingenuous for some of my colleagues to suggest Republicans are willing to pay for war but unwilling to pay for veterans.

As chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am closely aware of the true cost of war. We see it in disability compensation, in survivor benefits, in prosthetics, in mental health care, and in long- term care of catastrophically disabled veterans. Those costs exist because brave men and women answered the Nation's call and came home carrying the physical and invisible wounds of war. The VA budget continues to grow because America continues to honor the promises made for those who serve.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden), my good friend, who knows and understands what it is like to stand in the gap for the rights of this Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill), the chairman of the Financial Services Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate earlier in the debate the interest rate reduction and refinancing loans. That was all brought up, and I appreciate my colleague's comments on the interest rate reduction and refinancing loans.

I would also like to make it known that the ranking member is correct that he has not had legislation to increase the rates to the level that this bill is intending to do.

However, during the 116th Congress, the ranking member proposed an amendment to the bill on the floor that would have increased the same refinancing piece we are discussing today. Now, although the rate may not be the same, the concept is the same. I note that the small increase reference piece is the only change that we make after the mark-up version of this bill, which has been done, and that is to cover the cost incurred by expanding the VA home loan program to the National Guard and Reserve, which they wanted, by the way.

The ranking member is making this partisan when it does not need to be.

Instead of focusing on the delivery and an increase to the veterans and surviving spouses, those people who the VA really is focused on taking care of, regardless of who authored the bill, the ranking member has chosen to turn it into a political exercise, and I wonder why.

Earlier in a discussion on the committee's future, the Ranking Member Takano himself stated: We want our gavel back. That is what it is about. The statement speaks for itself.

This bill is not about committee gavels. This is not about partisan advantage. It is about thousands of American families who have waited long enough for the VA benefits to increase.

My fellow GOP colleagues and I are fighting for them, not the gavel. There are 22 veterans service organizations that agree with this.

Mr. Speaker, you have heard from my colleagues on this side of the aisle. Two of them were veterans. I am a veteran.

Why do we agree with it?

It is because we understand.

We also understand the rules of the House. With no disrespect for the ranking member and the other people who spoke, they never raised their hands. We did. We are asking to help those who need the help, and this is the way to do it today.

In the future, if we want to increase it and we want to work towards a larger amount, which I believe they deserve, both of the groups that are mentioned in this, the families who survived and those who have received the most heinous and most difficult wounds that they have to suffer through the rest of their lives, then we will do that, but this is the bill before us today.

I am going to say this, and I will say it to the Members on the other side of the aisle: If you want to go home on Memorial Day weekend and go out there and stand in the parade and tell everybody how great you are for our veterans and vote ``no'' on this, you had better think about it. You had better think about it.

I am going to tell the other side; the veterans and their voices here have spoken. They want this bill.

Mr. Speaker, if they choose to vote ``no,'' then they can answer to those veterans.

I am going to stand for them. I am going to stand for them because I am a grandson of a veteran; a son of a veteran; a nephew of a veteran, who had to have a lot of these services that we deal with in the VA; a son who still serves; a grandson who is going to have to receive some of these benefits; and another grandson who is serving at this time. I don't know what his career is going to be in the field, but it is possible that he could have to have this support too.

Is it personal to me?

You bet it is, Mr. Speaker. This is an important bill. It is important to the families who receive these benefits.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to vote for it. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote against the motion to recommit.

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