Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1578) to amend title 38, United States Code, to promote assistance from persons recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for individuals who file certain claims under laws administered by the Secretary, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 1578, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1578, as amended, introduced by my colleague from California (Mr. Peters).

This bill would ensure veterans know about the availability of accredited representatives, including those who help with filing initial VA benefit claims at no cost. It would also give veterans the information and online resources they need to find an accredited representative who is right for them and to report any unaccredited bad actors who wrongfully charge a fee for their services.

This bill would also require the VA to review its accreditation process and give Congress recommendations for improvement. Veterans and their families deserve all the information they need to decide who will provide the best assistance with their claim. This bill ensures just that.

I thank Representative Peters for his work on this bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 1578, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, 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.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Illinois Trooper Clay Matthew Carns, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on December 23, 2024.

Clay Carns was born on October 23, 1989, in Carbondale, Illinois, to Danny and Patricia Carns. First home schooled, he later graduated from Pinckneyville High School and went on to earn a communications degree from the University of Illinois. He proudly answered the call to public service and joined the Illinois State Police in 2014.

On December 23 of last year, Trooper Carns stopped to remove roadside debris along Interstate 55 when he was struck by a passing motorist and tragically killed.

Throughout his dedicated years of service, Trooper Carns embodied the highest standard of a law enforcement officer. He was awarded a Medal of Honor Department Commendation, a Unit Meritorious Performance award, and many other commendations for his commitment to public safety.

Beyond his service, Trooper Carns had a strong devotion to his family. He was a devoted husband to his loving wife, Meghan, and a proud father to Gray and Ally. Trooper Carns took great delight in fatherhood, describing his family as the light of his life.

He is also survived by his parents; as well as his siblings, Erica, Chad, and Elyssa; and a large and loving extended family.

Madam Speaker, Trooper Clay Matthew Carns embodied the heroism and devotion to others we expect from our finest law enforcement officers. He committed his life to serving and protecting.

While we mourn the loss of a precious life gone far too soon, I know he leaves a legacy that lives on in the hearts of those he loved and who loved him.

Madam Speaker, in addition to honoring Trooper Carns, this week we also honor those police officers who have served around this Nation as they come here to Washington. We say thank you and remember that they served us every day. This week, we also will honor those like State Trooper Carns who fell in the line of duty. Please, Madam Speaker, we must remember those who serve us so well.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill

(H.R. 981) to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the processes to approve programs of education for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 981.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 981 offered by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden), my friend and colleague.

The bill would improve the information schools are required to give individuals regarding GI Bill benefits.

Currently, schools are required to give an estimated cost of education to anyone who potentially will use the GI Bill. However, there are cases where a school cannot accurately estimate the tuition and expenses for the year. This means that the schools are providing misleading information that serves the interests of the institution over the veterans due to bureaucratic obstacles.

I support a veteran getting accurate estimates of what their expenses would look like. I do not support veterans having to choose a school based off of incorrect financial information.

Without this fix, veterans are having to make a choice that could harm them financially in the future.

This change is a commonsense addition to the Trump administration's mission to make VA work for veterans.

Finally, this bill would also ensure that schools have a central place to find information to train their staff in charge of helping to make sure students and veterans understand.

In a time when government is filled with bureaucratic red tape, I am happy that we, as a Republican majority, are making it easier for veterans to get an education.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 981, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden), who is the chief sponsor of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I encourage all of our Members to support this bill, and 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. 983) to Amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disapprove courses of education offered by a public institution of higher learning that does not charge the in-State tuition rate to a veteran using certain educational assistance under title 10 of such Code, and for other purposes.

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. 983, offered by my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden).

This bill would reduce tuition costs for Montgomery GI Bill Selected reservists by making them eligible for the same in-State tuition waivers.

When a veteran uses other education benefits offered by VA, they are able to receive an in-State tuition. It is time to include MGIB Selected Reserves as another benefit that uses in-State tuition.

Last Congress, under the Republican majority, the House passed legislation that would streamline benefits and protect taxpayers. This bill would continue that mission in the 119th Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 983, and I reserve the balance of my time.

April 1, 2025.

Hon. Mike Bost,

Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Bost: H.R. 983, the ``Montgomery GI Bill

Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025'', was

referred primarily to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs,

with an additional referral to the Committee on Armed

Services.

H.R. 983 contains provisions within the Committee on Armed

Services' Rule X jurisdiction. As a result of your having

consulted with the Committee and to expedite this bill for

floor consideration, the Committee on Armed Services will

forego action on the bill. This is being done based on our

mutual understanding that doing so will in no way diminish or

alter the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services

with respect to the appointment of conferees, or to any

future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters

contained in the bill or similar bills.

I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming

this understanding, and would request that you include a copy

of this letter and your response in the committee report or

in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of

this bill. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Mike Rogers,

Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden).

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

Mr. Speaker, once again, we are seeing fear-mongering from the other side of the aisle.

VA's decision to phase out the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase program, or VASP program, is an important step by the Trump administration.

Last Congress, the Biden-Harris administration, during an election year, created VASP instead of implementing a partial-claim program. This decision added billions of dollars to the VA budget without any assurance to the taxpayer that this was a good decision.

The average amount that a veteran had to pay back in their mortgage was less than $25,000. Instead of solving the problem, VA chose to purchase the entire loan, which, on average, was about $321,000. In no way does this make sense to solve a $25,000 problem with a $320,000 solution. Therein lies the problem with our colleagues across the aisle.

Rather than being wise and trying to fix it for the veterans and for the veterans in the future, Democrats instead do a political thing during an election year that ends up costing the taxpayers. I will say it again that veterans are taxpayers.

This is why, under my leadership, House Republicans have a solution, the alarm on the Biden administration program and the risk it could bring to VA home loans.

This is also why House Republicans have a solution in this problem, H.R. 1815, introduced by my friend, Representative Van Orden.

Mr. Speaker, if the ranking member is so concerned about the veterans, I ask him and his side of the aisle why my Democratic colleagues haven't introduced a solution to aid veterans and still make sure that it actually deals with the veterans' problems, not just all of a sudden spends not only more money than they have to fix their problem, but creating a problem for other veterans because Democrats are going to drain this system.

Now, I welcome the ranking member and other colleagues on the other side of the aisle to cosponsor Mr. Van Orden's legislation and get it out of the House to the Senate. Instead of complaining, the ranking member should join us in this legislation. I, once again, encourage people to get back to the issue at hand and support the bill that we were debating before.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of our colleagues to vote for that bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1228) to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the organization of the Office of Survivors Assistance of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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. 1228, offered by my friend and colleague Representative Ciscomani of Arizona.

This bill would ensure that VA prioritizes its care, services, and benefits for surviving family members of veterans as much as VA does for veterans.

This bill would do so by requiring that the VA Office of Survivors Assistance conducts its mission within the Office of the VA Secretary.

In 2008, Congress created the Office of Survivors Assistance to serve as the Secretary's principal adviser and resource on all VA benefits and services for veterans' surviving loved ones.

However, the Biden-Harris administration moved this office from the Secretary's office to the Veterans Benefits Administration Pension and Fiduciary Service.

This decision to hide the Office of Survivors Assistance near the bottom of the VA organizational chart reflected the Biden-Harris administration's lack of commitment to the surviving loved ones of our veterans.

During the Biden-Harris administration, the Office of Survivors Assistance did not have a direct line to the Secretary on the care, services, and benefits offered by the VA offices, including those outside the VBA's Pension and Fiduciary Services that they did in the original bill of 2008.

Mr. Ciscomani's bill will correct the Biden-Harris administration's disservice to survivors and would ensure survivors have a seat at the table again.

The current administration supports this bill and is therefore as committed as I am to ensuring that the needs of the veterans' surviving families are prioritized by the VA.

Now, I am proud to co-lead this bill with Representative Ciscomani on behalf of the surviving families of our Nation's heroes, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1228.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, very clearly, I say to our veterans and the taxpayers that a partial claim bill would cure the problems that veterans are having with their home loans. If the ranking member and the other side of the aisle will work together with us, with the partial claim program, we can actually do that.

By going down the path that he has just said--he says he is for the veterans. Apparently, he is only for the veterans today because the veterans of tomorrow will not have the program because it will break the bank.

This is actually sensible. It is a way that we can do this. We can make sure our veterans are taken care of. We need to pass the bill that we were just discussing, which is H.R. 1228.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to support this bill. 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. 586) to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to study and report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma in veterans who served in the Vietnam theater of operations during the Vietnam era, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 586, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 586, as amended, offered by Representative LaLota from New York, my friend and fellow veteran.

Representative LaLota's bill would require VA to conduct a study and produce a report on the frequency of bile duct cancer for veterans who served in and around the Vietnam war.

Mr. Speaker, it goes without saying that many Vietnam veterans suffered greatly in service to their country. Thousands of Vietnam veterans still live with invisible and visible wounds of war today.

My own uncle is one of them. He served in Vietnam and, like so many others, suffered debilitating injuries from his service. Sadly, many never received the treatment or recognition they deserved when they came home.

Today, we are still learning about the full extent of the health risks these veterans faced, some of which weren't understood at the time.

One risk may have come from something as simple and routine as eating local food during their deployment. Certain uncooked fish consumed in Southeast Asia are known to carry a parasite called a liver fluke. The parasite can cause infection and long-term scarring that may lead to bile duct cancer. This is a rare but serious illness here in the U.S. and one more commonly found in the region where our veterans served.

This bill would require VA to study whether bile duct cancer is linked to service in Vietnam and whether this rare condition should be considered service-connected.

One of VA's most important missions is to care for the injuries veterans sustain while they serve this country. This study would help uphold that sacred obligation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my fellow veteran, Mr. LaLota, for his leadership on this bill on behalf of our veterans. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 586, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaLota), the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to support this bill, 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. 1039) to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center for an assessment of notice letters that the Secretary sends to claimants for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 1039, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1039, as amended.

This bill was introduced by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barrett), my friend and fellow veteran, and I am proud to be a cosponsor.

H.R. 1039, as amended, would require VA to contract with a research entity to improve the notice letters VA sends to veterans and survivors who file claims for VA benefits. The VA provides veterans and their survivors information throughout the VA claims process. It is important for these notice letters to be understandable so that the veterans and survivors know their rights and how to navigate the claims process.

I am pleased to see that the VA has recently improved some of their notice letters. However, hundreds of other VA letters are still difficult to understand.

At a recent hearing, we heard from veterans' advocates that the VA needs help from outside experts, given the huge number of letters that VA must draft. We still hear from veterans that many of VA's letters are too long, filled with legal jargon, and contain information that is not relevant to their claims.

These complex letters sometimes cause veterans and survivors so much confusion and stress that they just abandon their claims.

As a veteran myself, I continue to receive long and complex letters. You shouldn't have to be a Member of Congress or an attorney to understand how the VA claims process works.

H.R. 1039, as amended, would ensure that none of VA's notice letters discourage veterans from accessing the benefits they have earned. Representative Barrett's bill would ensure that VA sends veterans and survivors understandable notice letters so they can make informed decisions about their claims. Further, this modernization bill is supported by the administration.

Mr. Speaker, I thank our veterans service organizations for their support of this commonsense bill. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 1039, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I join with the ranking member and ask all of my colleagues to support this bill, 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. 877) to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide or assist in providing a vehicle adapted for operation by a disabled individual to certain eligible persons, by paying expenses associated with the delivery of such vehicle, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 877, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 877, as amended, offered by my friend and colleague, the delegate from Guam (Mr. Moylan).

H.R. 877, as amended, would allow the VA to pay for the shipping price of specially adapted vehicles for disabled veterans. Currently, service-connected disabled veterans who are unable to drive due to their disability can work with the VA to get a vehicle that is adapted for their use.

This is an important program and helps disabled veterans in their daily lives by allowing them to drive to medical appointments, to the grocery store, and to work. Unfortunately, shipping costs are not currently covered, creating a financial burden on veterans who want to make their lives better.

While this might not be an issue for some veterans, other veterans are unable to get a vehicle adapted for them because there are no resources capable of making the vital modifications nearby.

Delegate Moylan's bill would correct this issue by including shipping costs in the $24,000 the VA provides to support veterans who are having trouble accessing the resources they need for any adapted vehicle.

In a time when bureaucracy is getting in the way of doing what is best for our veterans, Congress must intervene to eliminate the red tape and provide the necessary assistance our veterans deserve.

This bill would do just that and would save hundreds of dollars for disabled veterans across the country. It would also ensure that the disabled veterans have the ability to get to a job and earn money to support themselves and their families.

I thank the DAV and the VFW for supporting this bill last Congress and for their tireless work on the Hill advocating for this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 877, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the delegate from Guam (Mr. Moylan).

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill

(H.R. 970) to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to periodically review the automatic maximum coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program and the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program, and for other purposes.

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. 970 offered by my colleague from Washington (Ms. Strickland).

H.R. 970 would require the VA to regularly review and compare the maximum coverage for VA life insurance programs to keep them in line with the average cost-of-living changes.

The maximum coverage of these programs is provided by law and under current law does not automatically adjust for changes in cost of living. Any increases in the maximum coverage for these programs require congressional action.

We must ensure that we have all the data we need to make an informed decision on whether the maximum coverage has kept pace with the cost of living. The bill would help us do that by ensuring that the VA sends Congress the results of the VA review so that we can decide whether to adjust the maximum coverage for VA life insurance programs.

We are duty bound to ensure that the families of our veterans are taken care of after their loved one passes away. This commonsense bill would provide us with the data to help Congress do just that.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 970, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 970, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judy Repking of Effingham County, Illinois, my special guest for President Trump's Joint Address to Congress this evening. Judy and her husband, Paul, have been tireless advocates for the cause of innocent, unborn babies for more than 20 years.

Judy rose to the level of chairman of the Bishop's Pro-Life Committee in 2016, where she kept her community informed on key legislative and policy issues. Since 2018, she has served on the board of Effingham Area Right to Life, leading efforts to educate the public, organize events, and oppose policies that threaten innocent life.

Since 2010, Judy and Paul have traveled to regional parades with Effingham Area Right to Life's float and helped run the pro-life booth at the Effingham County Fair. Judy also plays a key role organizing the Annual Pro-Life Fundraising Breakfast, raising critical funds for organizations supporting moms, families, and unborn children.

She has attended the annual March for Life in Springfield, Illinois, and organized major pro-life events, including the Illinois Right to Life Advocacy Update and the Prayer for America event at the Cross at the Crossroads in Effingham.

Due to her steadfast leadership on a cause that is near and dear to my heart, I knew Judy would be an ideal guest to join us for President Trump's historic first address to Congress of his second term.

Please join me in welcoming Judy and Paul Repking to the People's House for this very special occasion. She has inspired many with her work educating, inspiring, and mobilizing her community in defense of life.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 695) to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the rate of the special pension payable to Medal of Honor recipients, and for other purposes, as amended.

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 on H.R. 695, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 695, offered by my colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Nehls). This bill would increase the rate of special monthly pension for Medal of Honor recipients and their surviving spouses.

The Medal of Honor is our Nation's highest military award. It is reserved for servicemembers who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery and self-sacrifice in combat.

The Medal of Honor special pension is intended to repay part of the debt that our Nation owes them. The Medal of Honor pension is separate from the compensation that a veteran receives when they are unable to work due to service-related disabilities.

Today, there are just 63 Medal of Honor recipients who currently receive less than $2,000 in special pension payments per month. Their stories of service, without question, should be honored and remembered and told.

However, the current pension offered does not cover the cost of travel to speak at events that inspire future generations and tell their fellow Americans about their service in defense of our freedom.

It is time we increase the Medal of Honor recipients' pension in recognition of their heroic military service and their continued service to our Nation. The bill is fully offset by using a bipartisan offset related to older veterans and pensions, and I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 695, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Nehls), the chief sponsor of this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, 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 (S. 5314) to designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the James Mountain Inhofe 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 on

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 5314, a bill to designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center.

Senator James Inhofe was born in 1934 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was drafted into the Army in 1956 and served until 1958. After serving in Oklahoma State politics and serving as the mayor of Tulsa, Senator Inhofe was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives representing Oklahoma's First District.

Senator Inhofe then represented the State of Oklahoma in the United States Senate from 1994 until 2023. Senator Inhofe chaired the Senate Armed Services Committee, and was instrumental in passing legislation which ensures our Nation's defense and the well-being of our servicemembers.

Senator Inhofe will be remembered for his long legacy of public service, from the U.S. Army to the U.S. Senate, and I am proud to name this VA medical center after him.

Anyone who knew Senator Inhofe knew how much he cared for our Nation's men and women in uniform. I thank the sponsor of this bill, Senator Lankford, as well as the entire Oklahoma delegation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 5314, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Hern), my good friend.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further 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 (S. 3938) to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lynchburg, Virginia, as the ``Private First Class Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on S. 3938.

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

I rise today in support of S. 3938, a bill that designates the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lynchburg, Virginia, as the Private First Class Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic.

Desmond T. Doss was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1919 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

In 1944, he took part in both the Battle of Guam and the Battle of the Philippines, serving as a medic in the 77th Infantry Division. While serving in those battles, he earned two Bronze Stars for exceptional valor in assisting wounded soldiers while under fire.

In 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, PFC Doss saved an estimated 75 wounded men atop the infamous Hacksaw Ridge. For his heroism, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Truman.

After the war, he raised a son with his wife, Dorothy, on a small farm in Georgia.

PFC Doss remains a testament to the American spirit and an example of going above and beyond to answer the call of duty.

By naming the VA clinic after him, his story of service will be told for generations of Americans.

I thank the sponsor of the bill, Senator Warner, as well as the entire Virginia delegation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 3938, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Good).

Mr. Speaker, 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. 4955) to name the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, as the ``Henry Parham 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. 4955, a bill to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, as the Henry Parham VA Clinic.

Henry Parham was born in 1921 in Greenville, Virginia, and was drafted into World War II in 1942.

In June of 1944, he took part in the D-day landing in France, serving in the 320th Very Low Altitude Anti-Aircraft Barrage Balloon Battalion. His unit was responsible for downing dozens of enemy aircraft.

After the war, he returned home. In his spare time, he kept serving his community by volunteering with his wife in their local VA. He was also the last surviving African American who took part in the D-day landings when he passed away in 2021.

Henry Parham is a great example of what it means to live a life of service, and I am proud to name this VA clinic after him to continue to tell the story of service and inspire future generations.

I thank the sponsor of the bill, Representative Lee, as well as the entire Pennsylvania delegation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, H.R. 4955, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, once again, I encourage 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. 8667) to rename the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Cadillac, Michigan, as the ``Duane E. Dewey 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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 8667, a bill to rename the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Cadillac, Michigan, as the Duane E. Dewey VA Clinic.

Duane Dewey was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1931 and established in the U.S. Marine Corps during the height of the Korean war. Serving as a machine gunner, he was wounded by a grenade that landed by his feet.

While being treated for his wounds, another enemy grenade landed near him. Without regard for his life, Corporal Dewey jumped on the grenade as it exploded. For his actions, he earned the Medal of Honor which was awarded to him by President Eisenhower.

After being medically discharged from active duty in 1952, he went on to start his own business and serve as chaplain at the AMVETS post named in his honor in Baldwin, Michigan.

I thank the sponsor of this bill, Representative Moolenaar, as well as the entire Michigan delegation for honoring their fellow Michigander with this tribute.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8667, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Moolenaar), who is the sponsor of the legislation.

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