Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 2 minutes.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to the gentleman from Florida's amendment. This amendment strikes section 541 of the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, which ensures that graduates from military service academies fulfill their military service commitments, without exception, before participating in professional sports. Current policy allows a cadet or midshipman to be released from their 5-year Active Duty service to participate in professional sports just 24 months after graduating from a military service academy.

As chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee and a Marine Corps combat veteran, I believe that the service academies exist to develop future officers to lead, enhance readiness, and increase the effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

This is not an issue of recruiting qualified and motivated applicants. Each year, my district office receives far more applications from talented and qualified students who wish to serve their country than we can accommodate. For example, there were 17,000 applications for 1,100 slots last year at the Naval Academy. All of our military service academies have similar numbers of applicants.

We are a country still very much engaged in hostilities around the world, and we need these officers leading our troops and defending the country, not playing professional sports.

I strongly urge my colleagues to support the provision in the overwhelming bipartisan HASC-passed FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act and oppose Representative Rooney's amendment.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Speier).

Mr. Chairman, I yield the gentlewoman from California an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Ms. McSally), my friend and colleague.

Mr. Chairman, I think that if Roger Staubach played for the Dallas Cowboys, graduated from the United States Naval Academy, served his entire Active-Duty commitment of 5 years before he went to play professional sports, this does not eliminate somebody from playing professional sports.

The fact is that we are a nation at war, and it is very competitive to get into these academies, and they ought to fulfill their 5-year obligation. If they want to play professional sports, there are lots of schools they can go to outside of our service academies.

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

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018.

The bill contains significant policy and funding initiatives that continue our commitment to maintain military personnel and family readiness and address issues important to our troops. The provisions contained in this bill provide our warfighters, retirees, and their families the necessary pay and benefits to sustain them into today's highly stressed force.

To support these efforts, this bill establishes a fully funded by-law pay raise for all of our servicemembers overriding the President's ability to reduce the pay raise. After years of lower than by-law pay raise requests, it is critical that we continue to give our troops and their families the pay increases they deserve.

The bill increases the end-strengths of our Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve forces, increasing mission readiness while reducing the stress and strain on the force and their families.

The bill further focuses last year's management reform of the Military Health System to provide clear responsibility for the delivery of healthcare services at military medical treatment facilities and for military medical readiness.

The bill also stops an ill-considered, cost-saving measure that would close several U.S. military hospitals overseas. We believe our servicemembers and their families should continue to have the best medical care possible wherever they serve.

It also continues to improve sexual assault prevention and response by adding a new provision to the Uniform Code of Military Justice specifically prohibiting nonconsensual sharing of intimate images, expanding Special Victims' Counsel training to include training on the unique challenges often

faced by male victims, and clarifying the process by which a designated representative can be appointed by a victim prior to a court-martial.

Finally, servicemembers returning to civilian life and their spouses are challenged by varying State licensure and certification requirements. Rather than imposing a single Federal standard on the States, we provide for a $500 reimbursement to defray these costs. We ask States to work with the Secretary of Defense to develop common standards where possible.

In conclusion, I want to thank Ms. Speier and her staff for their contributions to the mark and support in this process. Of course, we were joined by an active, informed, and dedicated group of subcommittee members. Their recommendations and priorities are clearly reflected in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018. Additionally, I appreciate the dedication and hard work of the subcommittee staff.

Mr. Chairman, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in welcoming President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea to the United States of America.

Next week will mark his first official visit to Washington, D.C., since he assumed the Presidency of his country. This represents a continuation of the friendship between our two nations.

This October will mark the 64th anniversary of the mutual defense treaty between our two countries. This landmark legislation continues to be a vital component to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Once again, I look forward to welcoming President Moon Jae-in to the United States, and I look forward to continuing our partnership with the Republic of Korea.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the Vietnamese Armed Forces Day Ceremony at the Vietnam War Memorial in Denver, Colorado. This ceremony seeks to honor the efforts of all of those who fought in Vietnam and commemorate the 42nd Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon.

As a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, I understand the importance that duty and sacrifice for one's country is not something unique to the United States military. In fact, the Vietnam Memorial in Denver serves as a reminder of those sacrifices made not only by the Americans who fought there, but reminds us here in the U.S. of the hardships endured by the South Vietnamese themselves. Most importantly, the Memorial also serves as a symbol of friendship and shared struggle to defend freedom and liberty, in which the United

States and Republic of Vietnam together sacrificed so much and fought so bravely. This year is the 2nd Anniversary of the Vietnam War Memorial in Denver, and it truly represents an important and meaningful addition to our community.

I am proud to recognize the efforts put forth by these men and women in the defense of democracy in our two countries. The United States of America is stronger and more enriched because of their contributions and for this, I thank them.

I would also like to thank True Nguyen, President of the Vietnamese American Community of Colorado and Thinh Nguyen, the Chair of the Vietnamese Armed Forces Day Organizing Committee for helping to make this ceremony and special day possible.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and I rise today in support of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Whistleblower Protection Act, which the House of Representatives will consider today.

Time and time again, I have called to reform the VA, an organization that has been mired in a culture of corruption and bureaucratic incompetence. The VA has consistently failed to meet our Nation's obligations to veterans, the men and women who have sacrificed so much in the protection of our freedoms.

This act also provides the necessary protections for those who do the right thing and come forward to report wrongdoing. This legislation makes it possible to fire the bad VA employees who have failed our Nation's veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues, along with those in the Senate, for their hard work and support of this legislation. I look forward to getting it to the President's desk for his signature and to finally bringing accountability to the VA.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rodolfo Jose Cardenas on his award-winning broadcasting excellence.

Rodolfo Cardenas is the host of the daily morning radio show, `Hablemos Hoy,' and recently received the Colorado Broadcaster Association's 2016 `Excellence Award' for his continued leadership in providing a show that has become a center piece of the Colorado Hispanic radio market. Hablemos Hoy also took home the top prize for being the `Best Morning Show' in the Hispanic market. This is the second time that Hablemos Hoy has won this prestigious award.

I am grateful to have been a guest on Hablemos Hoy on a number of occasions and know that Mr. Cardenas has a strong work ethic, dynamic hosting capabilities and the ability to bring together the Spanish speaking community across our state. Rodolfo Cardenas' commitment to educate and inform those within our community about local and national issues further demonstrates his importance to the Hispanic community in the State of Colorado.

Again, I would like to congratulate Rodolfo Cardenas and the entire staff of `Hablemos Hoy' for their continued excellence and for receiving these prestigious awards. They serve as recognition for Rodolfo Cardenas' unwavering commitment to quality broadcasting and to the Hispanic community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sincere thanks to all of the men and women who serve and have served in law enforcement in the State of Colorado. These men and women put themselves in harm's way to protect the citizens of our great State.

I would like to especially recognize the Aurora, Littleton, Greenwood Village, and Brighton Police Departments, as well as the Arapahoe, Douglas, and Adams County Sheriff's Departments for their tireless work in doing their best to keep our communities safe.

I am proud to say that these municipal police and county sheriff's departments within the Sixth Congressional District of Colorado are exceptional and should be recognized for their extraordinary public service.

These men and women of law enforcement are dedicated to public safety. In honor of National Law Enforcement Week, I would like to thank not only those who serve in law enforcement in the State of Colorado but all those who serve across our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Colorado Korean Chorus' 12th Annual Concert. This year the Colorado Korean Chorus is highlighting ``The New Sound of Music'' with performances by local and national contemporary artists. The Colorado Korean Chorus celebrates the diversity of our community and brings us together through the uniting force of music.

It is wonderful to watch and listen to the members of the Colorado Korean Chorus who find such obvious joy and spirit in singing and providing entertainment. The moving and beautiful music provides a window into the heart and soul of our Korean community, and further serves to bring the people of Colorado together; connecting the many cultures found across the state through the power of music.

The Colorado Korean Chorus continues to be a proud cultural tradition in the State of Colorado. I want to congratulate the President Eunjoo Song, Vice President Soonhee Kolrud, Director Taehyun Kim, and all the members of the Colorado Korean Chorus on 12 wonderful years and wish them success in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the continued and troubling pattern of repression committed by the Government of Ethiopia against its own citizens, and to express our support to the people of that country in their efforts to bring about peaceful reform to ensure their basic human rights as guaranteed by the Ethiopian constitution. To that end, my colleagues and I have introduced a bi-partisan resolution expressing support for the people of Ethiopia and asking the Ethiopian government to take solid steps to address these many violations.

On March 9th, the House Foreign Relations Subcommittee held hearings to discuss this important issue and what the United States can do to bring about positive change in Ethiopia. Among those who testified is a man from my own district, Deacon Yoseph Tafari of the St. Mary's Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church located in Aurora, Colorado, who grew up in Ethiopia and has seen first-hand the daily struggle of those living in abject poverty and under government oppression. Deacon Yoseph was forced to flee Ethiopia in 1976 and came to the U.S. as a refugee. Since then, both he and all of the courageous members of the Ethiopian community in my district, including the Oromo and Amharas, have worked tirelessly to organize and help those still suffering from repression in their home country, and to bring crucial international awareness to their plight.

Every day, Ethiopian-Americans bring important contributions and valuable diversity not only to my district, but all across America. I want to make clear that we support them and stand by them in these times of hardship. I represent the largest Ethiopian community in Colorado, and I will continue to monitor the situation in Ethiopia closely as well as continue working with local community leaders to raise awareness of this important issue and bring relief to the Ethiopian people.

Mr. Speaker, I stand today in support of legislation to remove the sunset date on the Veterans Choice Program and, in turn, bring continuity to our Nation's veterans currently receiving their health care in the community through the Choice Program. Although the program is not perfect, it did provide our Nation's veterans with an unprecedented choice in where they seek their health care and assisted the VA in reducing the appointment wait times backlog.

While my colleagues and I on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee work to streamline and reform the VA's in-community care programs, it is critical that we pass S. 544 to extend the Veterans Choice Program beyond the August 7 sunset date. This will provide help to veterans seeking long-term care through the Choice Program and help meet our Nation's obligations to our veterans who have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Roe for his leadership on this matter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Grandview High School Girls-Basketball team, from Grandview High School in Aurora, Colorado. The Wolves triumphed in their 61-32 victory over Lakewood High School in the Colorado 5A state championship game.

Grandview finished the season with an impressive 27-1 record, and celebrated the culmination of their season with the first girls- basketball state championship win for their school.

Senior Michaela Onyenwere walked off the court with the game-high 25 points and eight rebounds.

During their performances in the state championship game, the Grandview Wolves proved that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance anything is possible. The team was led to the championship title through the committed leadership of their coach, Josh Ulitzky, and his commendable staff.

Again, congratulations to the Grandview High School Girls-Basketball Team on their continued success, and for their victory in the Colorado's 5A State Championship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Grandview High School girls basketball team from Aurora, Colorado. The Wolves triumphed in their 61-32 victory over Lakewood High School in the Colorado 5A State Championship.

Grandview finished the season with an impressive 27-1 record and celebrated the culmination of their season with the first girls basketball State championship win for their school.

Senior Michaela Onyenwere walked off the court with a game-high of 25 points and 8 rebounds.

During the championship game, the Grandview Wolves proved that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance anything is possible. The team was led to the championship title through the committed leadership of their coach, Josh Ulitzky, and his commendable staff.

Again, congratulations to the Grandview High School girls basketball team on their continued success and for their victory in the Colorado 5A State Championship.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize the long career and dedication to public service of Congressman Eni Faleomavaega. Congressman Faleomavaega passed away on February 22, 2017. He served the people of American Samoa for over thirty years, first as Lieutenant Governor and later on as their Representative.

A true patriot, Congressman Faleomavaega served his country in the Army and eventually became an officer in the United States Army Reserve, having served during the Vietnam War as a captain. As a legislator, his achievements for the people of our nation and American Samoa came through his important work with the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Committee on Natural Resources. He fought tirelessly for the prosperity and wellbeing of his people. I am proud to be able to say that I was able to serve alongside Congressman Faleomavaega in the House of Representatives from 2009-2015.

It is my honor to commemorate Eni Faleomavaega today, and I take pride in recognizing a great American and public servant. Today, his commitment to public service lives on through his great nephew, Andrew Tuitele, who is currently an intern in my district office in Aurora, Colorado.

Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Today, as a veteran of both the Army and the United States Marine Corps, I rise on behalf of all those who have called, written, and stopped by my office seeking reform and accountability of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

I, along with the chairman and my colleagues on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, introduced H.R. 1259, the VA Accountability First Act of 2017. Today the House will vote to ensure the VA can hold its employees accountable for their actions and make sure that this agency remains committed and connected to its sole mission of serving our Nation's veterans.

Additionally, this bill would provide improved protections for whistleblowers to ensure those brave enough to tell Congress and the American people what is really happening at the VA are protected.

After the wait-time scandal in Phoenix and the over $1 billion cost overrun at the Aurora VA hospital, it is time that we reform the VA's culture of corruption and bureaucratic incompetence. This legislation will help the VA meet our Nation's obligations to the men and women who have made tremendous sacrifices on behalf of our freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize the long career and dedicated public service of Mrs. Naomi Colwell, recently selected as the new President and CEO of the Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce, in Brighton, Colorado.

Naomi is an accomplished executive-level business development professional with over 18 years of chamber of commerce and visitor bureau experience. She has been serving with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce where she successfully ran the Visitors Promotion Advisory Board, and has been responsible for starting `Our Young Professionals', and `Women in Business' programs. Her extensive knowledge and background brings essential leadership and guidance to take the Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce to the next level and to provide the services and programs that will work to assist all of its members.

It is my honor to congratulate Naomi Colwell today, and I take pride in recognizing a great American and public servant.