[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 64 (Tuesday, May 19, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H3395-H3398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1300
AUTHORIZING MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECTS AND MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY 
     LEASES FOR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999

  Mr. STUMP. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 3603) to authorize major medical facility projects and major 
medical facility leases for the Department of Veterans Affairs for 
fiscal year 1999, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 3603

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECTS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may 
     carry out the following major medical facility projects, with 
     each project to be carried out in the amount specified for 
     that project:
       (1) Alterations to facilitate consolidation of services in 
     buildings 126 and 150, and demolition of seismically unsafe 
     building 122 at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical 
     Center, Long Beach, California, in an amount not to exceed 
     $23,200,000.
       (2) Construction and seismic work at the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico, in an 
     amount not to exceed $50,000,000.
       (3) Outpatient clinic expansion at the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, D.C., in an 
     amount not to exceed $29,700,000.
       (4) Construction of a psychogeriatric care building and 
     demolition of seismically unsafe building 324 at the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Palo Alto, 
     California, in an amount not to exceed $22,400,000.
       (5) Construction of an ambulatory care addition and 
     renovations for ambulatory care at the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland (Wade Park), Ohio, in an 
     amount not to exceed $28,300,000, of which $7,500,000 shall 
     be derived from funds appropriated for a fiscal year before 
     fiscal year 1999 that remain available for obligation.
       (6) Construction of an ambulatory care addition at the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tucson, 
     Arizona, in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000.
       (7) Construction of an addition for psychiatric care at the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, 
     in an amount not to exceed $24,200,000.
       (8) Outpatient clinic projects at Auburn and Merced, 
     California, as part of the Northern California Healthcare 
     Systems Project, in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000, to be 
     derived only from funds appropriated for Construction, Major 
     Projects, for a fiscal year before fiscal year 1999 that 
     remain available for obligation.
       (b) Construction of Parking Facility.--The Secretary may 
     construct a parking structure at the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, in an amount not to 
     exceed $13,000,000, of which $11,900,000 shall be derived 
     from funds in the Parking Revolving Fund.

     SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY LEASES.

       The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into leases for 
     satellite outpatient clinics as follows:
       (1) Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in an amount not to exceed 
     $1,800,000.
       (2) Daytona Beach, Florida, in an amount not to exceed 
     $2,600,000.
       (3) Oakland Park, Florida, in an amount not to exceed 
     $4,100,000.

      SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 1999--
       (1) for the Construction, Major Projects, account 
     $205,300,000 for the projects authorized in section 1(a); and
       (2) for the Medical Care account, $8,500,000 for the leases 
     authorized in section 2.
       (b) Limitation.--(1) The projects authorized in section 
     1(a) may only be carried out using--
       (A) funds appropriated for fiscal year 1999 pursuant to the 
     authorization of appropriations in subsection (a);
       (B) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
     for a fiscal year before fiscal year 1999 that remain 
     available for obligation; and
       (C) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
     for a fiscal year before fiscal year 1999 for a category of 
     activity not specific to a project.
       (2) The project authorized in section 1(b) may only be 
     carried out using funds appropriated for a fiscal year before 
     fiscal year 1999--
       (A) for the Parking Revolving Fund; or
       (B) for Construction, Major Projects, for a category of 
     activity not specific to a project.

     SEC. 4. THRESHOLD FOR TREATMENT OF PARKING FACILITY PROJECT 
                   AS A MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT.

       Section 8109(i)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking out ``$3,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$4,000,000''.

     SEC. 5. PROCEDURES FOR NAMING OF PROPERTY BY SECRETARY OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 38, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new section:

     ``Sec. 530. Procedures for naming property

       ``(a) If the Secretary proposes to designate the name of 
     any property of the Department other than for the geographic 
     area in which that property is located, the Secretary shall 
     conduct a public hearing before making the designation. The 
     hearing shall be conducted in the community in which the 
     property is located. At the hearing, the Secretary shall 
     receive the views of veterans service organizations and other 
     interested parties regarding the proposed name of the 
     property.
       ``(b) Before conducting such a hearing, the Secretary shall 
     provide reasonable notice of the proposed designation and of 
     the hearing. The notice shall include--
       ``(1) the time and place of the hearing;
       ``(2) identification of the property proposed to be named;
       ``(3) identification of the proposed name for the property;
       ``(c)(1) If after a hearing under subsection (a) the 
     Secretary intends to name the property involved other than 
     for the geographic area in which that property is located, 
     the Secretary shall notify the congressional veterans' 
     affairs committees of the Secretary's intention to so name 
     the property and shall publish a notice of such intention in 
     the Federal Register.
       ``(2) The Secretary may not designate the property with a 
     name for which a notice was published in the Federal Register 
     pursuant to paragraph (1) until the end of a 60-day period of 
     continuous session of Congress following the date of the 
     submission of notice under paragraph (1). For purposes of the 
     preceding sentence, continuity of a session of Congress is 
     broken only by an adjournment sine die, and there shall be 
     excluded from the computation of such 60-day period any day 
     during which either House of Congress is not in session 
     during an adjournment of more than three days to a day 
     certain.
       ``(3) Each notice under paragraph (1) shall include the 
     following:
       ``(A) An identification of the property involved.
       ``(B) An explanation of the background of, and rationale 
     for, the proposed name.
       ``(C) A summary of the views expressed by interested 
     parties at the public hearing conducted in connection with 
     the proposed name, together with a summary of the Secretary's 
     evaluation of those views.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the 
     item relating to section 529 the following new item:

``530. Procedures for naming property.''.

       (c) Effective Date.--Section 530 of title 38, United States 
     Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect as of 
     January 1, 1998.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Stump) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump).


                             General Leave

  Mr. STUMP. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on H.R. 3603, as amended.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Arizona?

[[Page H3396]]

  There was no objection.
  Mr. STUMP. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. STUMP asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. STUMP. Madam Speaker, H.R. 3603 authorizes a total of $205 
million in major medical construction projects throughout the United 
States. It also authorizes $8.5 million in VA's medical care account 
for leasing facilities. All of these projects will be funded from this 
increase at the top of the VA's priority list of construction projects.
  Madam Speaker, let me mention one of the provisions contained in this 
bill. After the bill reported out of the Committee, we became aware of 
a controversy regarding the VA Secretary's authority to name VA 
facilities. In order to avoid circumstances like this in the future, we 
have added this provision establishing a public hearing procedure to be 
followed by the Secretary if he decides to name a facility other than 
for the geographic area in which it is located. This provision would be 
retroactive until January 1 of this year.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 3603, a bill to authorize 
VA's major medical construction and lease projects for fiscal year 
1999.
  I want to commend my colleague, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. 
Stump), the Chairman of the Committee, for supporting a completely 
bipartisan process. The projects VA identified as the highest 
priorities comprise those we recommended for funding for fiscal year 
1999.
  I believe the bill will allow VA to fund projects that are consistent 
with VA's efforts to ensure patient safety and accommodate more care on 
an outpatient basis.
  We have been cautious stewards, and the projects authorized in this 
bill are of vital importance to VA and the veterans that rely on them 
for their care. I recommend support for adoption of the major medical 
construction projects contained in H.R. 3603, as amended; and I urge my 
colleagues to support the resolution.
  While VA has significantly reduced its reliance on outpatient bed 
care, VA providers will continue in the foreseeable future to need beds 
in a variety of settings. Remaining beds must be housed in modern, safe 
and accessible facilities.Two projects redress systemic, seismic 
problems in the San Juan, Puerto Rico and Long Beach, California 
facilities and both were requested by the Administration.
  Other selected projects allow VA to continue moving more expensive 
hospital bed care to outpatient care settings. Some projects 
consolidate VA's activities and allow it to become more cost effective. 
In addition, the Committee is authorizing funds for three major leases 
for outpatient facilities. These leases will allow VA to take advantage 
of the community's excess capacity and become more accessible to its 
users. These projects are not only consistent with recent trends in VA 
health care, they are consistent with the direction of modern medicine.
  Mr. STUMP. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Gilman).
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona Mr. 
Stump) for yielding me the time.
  Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise in strong support of this 
measure, legislation authorizing major medical construction projects 
and facility leases for the VA in fiscal year 1999 throughout our 
country.
  I commend the distinguished chairman, the gentleman from Arizona Mr. 
Stump), for his work in bringing this measure to the floor at this time 
and for his committee's work.
  One of the most important responsibilities that we have as a Nation 
is to provide proper medical care for our veterans. As our veterans 
population ages, the need for medical care becomes even more acute. 
This legislation will allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund 
nine high-priority medical projects throughout our Nation and to lease 
three medical facilities.
  Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to join in supporting this worthy 
legislation, which will provide improved health care for our veterans.
  Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Colorado (Ms. DeGette).
  Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Evans) for yielding me the time.
  I rise today in support of this legislation because it addresses the 
critical needs of medical centers throughout the country. In Denver, 
for example, the need for a new parking structure has increased with 
the expansion of programs provided by the VA Medical Center, especially 
outpatient programs and the increasing employment necessitated by the 
programs.
  Currently, the lack of available parking impedes access to care. Less 
than 400 parking spaces are available on the grounds; and many 
patients, some of whom it is difficult to walk far, have to park up to 
five blocks away from the medical center.
  H.R. 3603 addresses this problem. It provides for construction of a 
multi-level structure to house 700 parking spaces, and it includes a 
horizontal connection to the existing medical center. Consequently, it 
will enhance our ability to provide timely, efficient health care to 
the veterans, the many veterans, in the Denver metropolitan area.
  I thank the Ranking Member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), 
and the Chairman of the Committee, the gentleman from Arizona Mr. 
Stump), for their leadership and assistance in providing this important 
funding.
  Mr. STUMP. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns), chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Health.
  Mr. STEARNS. Madam Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Stump), chairman of our full committee, for yielding me 
the time.
  I rise in support of H.R. 3603, which, of course, is the construction 
authorization bill.
  Madam Speaker, the VA health care system is going through a period of 
needed change toward providing care more efficiently and improving 
veterans' access to care. With our encouragement, VA has opened many 
community-based clinics to bring medical care closer to all of our 
veterans.
  Nevertheless, Congress expects VA to continue to provide hospital and 
nursing home care for veterans in VA medical centers across this 
country. Like the veterans themselves, many of these facilities are 
aging, are having problems in construction. We cannot turn our backs on 
our veterans, and we should not turn our backs on the hospitals on 
which they depend. We must face the fact that some of these facilities 
require major renovations to meet patient care, safety and, of course, 
privacy requirements.
  The VA's major construction budget is the vehicle to address those 
needs. Yet, despite the fact that many VA hospitals need significant 
construction work, the administration's fiscal year 1999 budget 
proposes to fund construction work at only two VA medical centers. This 
is unclear to me why. The administration even failed to request any 
funding for three projects that VA itself has indicated is their top 
priority.
  Madam Speaker, this bill will remedy this failure. In proposing $205 
million for major medical construction, H.R. 3603 would authorize what 
the committee believes is both a more appropriate level of construction 
funding than the $84 million proposed by the President and a more 
appropriate mix of needed construction projects.
  With this legislation, Congress would set a course towards remedying 
some of the most pressing construction needs in the entire VA system. 
These include projects to provide badly needed outpatient clinic 
capacity at some of VA busiest medical centers, improve psychiatric 
care and renovation of seismically unsafe facilities.
  As Memorial Day approaches, we must not only remember our veterans 
but take steps, like the passage of this legislation this afternoon, to 
honor the commitments to our veterans. I urge my colleagues to support 
H.R. 3603.
  Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support 
of this bill.
  Much of my career was spent working with veterans at the Veterans 
Administration Medical Center in Dallas,

[[Page H3397]]

and I know full well the strides that they have attempted to make to 
improve services.
  The Veterans Integrated Service Network 17 serving North, Central and 
South Texas, has sought major construction assistance for over 10 years 
to replace its 58-year-old mental health facility at the Dallas VA 
Medical Center.
  The North Texas VA Mental Health Enhancement Project was originally 
authorized in 1996, and I am very pleased that the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs saw fit to include this vital project in the major 
construction authorization bill for 1999.
  The Veterans Integrated Service Network 17 has the highest 
concentration of combat veterans in the U.S., as well as the highest 
proportion of POWs and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder treatment 
programs.
  The Dallas Medical Center is the primary veterans' mental health 
provider in the network, serving approximately 7,000 veterans with 
mental health needs each year. The Dallas VA has done an extraordinary 
job streamlining its mental health programs to better serve Texas 
veterans with mental health needs. But the age, limited space, and poor 
physical condition of the 1930s-era mental health facilities have 
severely limited its ability to treat many veterans seeking mental 
health services. Some of these buildings are literally crumbling around 
our veterans. All are functionally obsolete.
  Our veterans really do deserve better. The mental health enhancement 
project will consolidate all mental health inpatient and outpatient 
programs currently scattered around VA campus in makeshift sites into 
one new building located adjacent to the clinical building. This will 
allow the Dallas VA to expand its outpatient programs and reduce its 
inpatient nursing beds.
  As important, veterans will be able to go to one location for mental 
health and medical services rather than being run all over the campus.
  I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill.
  I know that this project, as essential as it is and just beginning to 
get some attention, I know how important the rest of them are, and I 
hope we can support all of them.
  Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Puerto Rico (Mr. Romero-Barcelo).
  Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO. Madam Speaker, I thank the distinguished ranking 
member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), for yielding me the 
time.
  I rise in support of H.R. 3603.
  On February 9, 1971, the aftershocks of an earthquake in California 
were felt all the way to Washington. A shift in the San Andreas Fault 
caused the destruction of the San Fernando Veterans Administration 
Hospital in Sylmar, California, resulting in the death of 46 patients. 
With a great sense of urgency, the U.S. Congress convened hearings and 
eventually established the Chartered Committee on Safety.
  The Veterans Administration initiated a comprehensive assessment of 
every VA medical center in the system. The studies revealed that 68 
medical centers were located in at-risk geographic areas where major or 
moderate earthquakes may occur. Of these, 39 facilities were found to 
be in need of seismic strengthening and compliance with seismic codes.
  Despite the fact that Puerto Rico is located in one of the most 
seismically active zones in the United States and that the potential 
for loss of life ranks very high in the event of an earthquake, seismic 
corrections and strengthening at the Puerto Rico VA Medical Center 
initially were not prioritized in the highest-risk group.
  VA studies in 1990 confirmed the high seismicity of the site and 
urged that the San Juan Medical Center warranted inclusion in this 
group. San Juan was then added to the inventory of high-risk facilities 
and scheduled last.
  VA studies anticipate that in an earthquake, without seismic 
corrections, Building 1, the main hospital, would sustain serious 
structural damage, possibly collapsing and resulting in a loss of life.
  After a decade of delays, this center, which happens to be one of the 
busiest, if not the busiest, VA hospital centers in the United States, 
will finally receive the necessary funds in fiscal year 1999 to 
guarantee the safety of the American veterans in Puerto Rico.
  San Juan's VA Medical Center is currently the only remaining hospital 
identified as the highest priority need that still remains in the at-
risk inventory group. The President's budget for fiscal year 1999 
requests $50 million for this project as part of the VA's major medical 
construction project. A two-story, 155-bed medical and surgical 
building that includes a 15-bed spinal cord injury center will be 
constructed to correct seismic deficiencies at the Medical Center.
  I want to thank the Chairman, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), 
and the Ranking Member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lane), and all 
of the members of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs who have 
recommended that this project be authorized.
  I urge the Members of the U.S. Congress to approve this much-needed 
VA construction bill without further delays. The American veterans and 
their families in Puerto Rico deserve to receive treatment in a 
healthy, safe environment that poses no unnecessary health, safety or 
life-threatening risks, just like any other veteran in any other State 
of the Union. I urge approval of this bill.
  Mr. STUMP. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. STUMP. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  In closing, let me thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), the 
Ranking Member of the full committee, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. 
Stearns) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Gutierrez), the Chairman 
and Ranking Member the of subcommittee, for all their hard work in 
putting this bill together.
  This is a bipartisan bill, and I urge all Members to support it.
  Mr. HORN. Madam Speaker, I rise to day in strong support of H.R. 
3603, the VA Major Medical Facility Projects Authorization bill. This 
bill authorizes $205 million for major medical facility projects across 
the country, $140 million more than the President requested in his 
budget.
  Along with the other worthy projects in this bill, $23 million is 
dedicated to the consolidation of clinical and administrative services 
into a seismically upgraded building at the Long Beach VA Medical 
Center. Providing a broad range of inpatient, outpatient, and home care 
services for veterans throughout Southern California, the Long Beach VA 
has been recognized for the integral role it plays in Southern 
California's health care system. The Long Beach Center has also 
achieved national prominence in the field of spinal cord injury and the 
rehabilitation of paraplegic and quadriplegic patients.
  Given the seismically unstable location of the Medical Center, it is 
critical that all acute patient care facilities are located in 
seismically safe buildings. This legislation ensures that. Not only 
does this project project the health and safety of the Long Beach VA 
employees and its patients, it also makes efficient use of scarce 
government funds. This project will avoid a cost of $34 million for 
additional seismic corrections and save $5.6 million in annual 
recurring operating expenses. Now that is a project worth investing in.
  As we honor those who have served and sacrificed their lives for our 
country over the Memorial Day weekend, it is fitting that today the 
House is considering legislation to fulfill our continuing obligation 
to our nation's veterans. Their service on our nation's behalf stands 
as a model of courage and commitment. We cannot afford to forget them.
  Mr. WELLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my dismay at a 
provision that was slipped into H.R. 3603, the bill to authorize major 
medical facility projects for the Department of Veteran's Affairs. This 
provision was included specifically to undo the naming of the Abraham 
Lincoln National Cemetery near Joliet, Illinois in my congressional 
district. It came to my attention today, that a section was added to 
the bill which would set up new procedures for the naming of national 
veterans cemeteries and other properties of the VA. I was appalled to 
learn that this provision is retroactive to January 1, 1998! This is 
obviously intended to invalidate the decision of Secretary Togo West to 
name the cemetery after Abraham Lincoln. This provision is an outrage! 
It is a direct assault on the wishes of the veterans in Illinois. I 
would like to note that the naming of the cemetery as the Abraham 
Lincoln National Cemetery was endorsed by the Illinois State American 
Legion, VFW, Amvets, Disabled American Legion and American Ex-POWs. 
Clearly the veterans--those who will be buried there--want this name. 
Clearly, this provision was inserted into the bill to go

[[Page H3398]]

against the wishes of the veterans. Abraham Lincoln created the 
national cemetery system. Illinois is the ``Land of Lincoln.'' This 
name is not only appropriate for the cemetery in Joliet, it is the only 
name endorsed by the veterans--those who sacrificed for their country. 
I will fight to have this retroactive provision changed. I submit a 
copy of my statement to appear in the Congressional Record.
                                         Veterans of Foreign Wars,


                                       Department of Illinois,

                                    Springfield, IL, May 21, 1997.
     Hon. Jerry Weller,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Weller: The Department of Illinois, 
     Veterans of Foreign Wars, takes great pride in supporting the 
     introduction of legislation naming the new Veterans Cemetery 
     at the former Joliet Arsenal the ``Abraham Lincoln National 
     Cemetery''.
       In naming the 982 acre site after President Abraham 
     Lincoln, we not only acknowledge the role he played in 
     creating the National Cemetery System, but also honor the 
     memory of the courageous men and women who answered our 
     nation's call to defend democracy and freedom.
       The Department of Illinois, Veterans of Foreign Wars 
     certainly commend the Department of Veterans Affairs, 
     Department of Defense, Congress and the local communities for 
     their vision and initiatives in acquiring a portion of the 
     former Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, and the beautiful Hoff 
     Woods site for use as the new National Cemetery to serve the 
     veterans and families of this midwest region.
       We certainly appreciate your introducing this most 
     important legislation in the House of Representatives and 
     look forward to the passage of same.
       With warmest personal regards and best wishes, I remain
           Sincerely,
                                              Donald Hartenberger,
     Department Commander.
                                  ____

                                              The American Legion,


                                       Department of Illinois,

                                  Bloomington, IL, April 10, 1997.
     Hon. Jerry Weller,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative Weller: The American Legion, Department 
     of Illinois, takes great pride in supporting the introduction 
     of legislation naming the new veterans cemetery at the former 
     Joliet Arsenal the ``Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.''
       On Saturday, April 5, 1997 at Normal, Illinois, our state 
     Executive Committee approved a resolution commending the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, 
     Congress and the local communities for their vision and 
     initiatives in acquiring a portion of the former Joliet Army 
     Ammunition Plant, and the beautiful Hoff Woods site, for use 
     as the new National Cemetery to serve the veterans and 
     families of this midwest region.
       A copy of the approved resolution is attached and we 
     respectfully urge the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the 
     United States Congress to confirm the designation of the 
     former Joliet Arsenal as the ``Abraham Lincoln National 
     Cemetery'' to honor all veterans and President Abraham 
     Lincoln, who first established the National Cemetery system.
           Sincerely,
                                              Vincent A. Sanzotta,
     Department Adjutant.
                                  ____

                                                           Amvets,


                                  Illinois State Headquarters,

                              Springfield, IL, September 26, 1997.
     Hon. Jerry Weller,
     Cannon House Office Bldg.,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Weller: Our last State Executive Committee 
     Meeting, held at the Hilton Hotel, Springfield, Illinois, on 
     September 12-14, 1997. At this meeting it was voted 
     unanimously to endorse your legislation to name the Joliet 
     National Cemetery as the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
       Since Mr. Lincoln was instrumental in establishing the 
     first National Cemetery, it is only befitting that he finally 
     receives the honor of having a National Cemetery named after 
     him.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Jerry F. Foster,
     Department Commander.
                                  ____

                                     American Ex-Prisoners of War,


                                       Department of Illinois,

                                 Park Ridge, IL, October 21, 1997.
     Hon. Jerry Weller,
     130 Cannon Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Honorable Weller: We the American Ex-Prisoners of War 
     of the State of Illinois all agree to the naming of the 
     veterans cemetery in Joliet, Illinois to be called Abraham 
     Lincoln Veterans Cemetery.
       Thank you for the American Ex-P.O.W.'s for their opinion on 
     this matter.
           Sincerely,
     Donald McCormick, Commander.
                                  ____

                                       Disabled American Veterans,


                                       Department of Illinois,

                                   Oak Park, IL, October 28, 1997.
     Hon. Jerry Weller,
     House of Representatives
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Weller: The Department of Illinois, 
     Disabled American Veterans, strongly supports the 
     introduction of legislation naming the new Veterans Cemetery 
     at the former Joliet Arsenal the ``Abraham Lincoln National 
     Cemetery.''
       Mr. Lincoln, as we all know, was instrumental in 
     establishing the first National Cemetery and it is only 
     befitting that he receives the honor of having a National 
     Cemetery named after him.
       We certainly appreciate your introducing this most 
     important legislation in the House of Representatives because 
     now the veterans and their families in this Midwest region 
     will have a place to rest which they truly deserve and are 
     entitled to.
           Sincerely,
     George M. Isdale, Jr.,
       Department Adjutant.
     Ted Buck,
       Department Commander.

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my 
support for H.R. 3603, a bill to authorize major medical facility 
projects for the Veterans' Department.
  The bill authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out 
major medical facility projects at Department of Veterans Affairs 
medical centers or outpatient clinics in 8 locations, including one in 
my home state of Texas. This bill is a result of members from both 
parties working together to ensure that facilities with the greatest 
need for construction work will receive the resources necessary to 
provide high quality care to our veterans.
  I'm particularly pleased with the emphasis this bill gives to 
projects that will increase the VA's ability to provide outpatient care 
to veterans.
  This bill effectively balances our fiscal responsibilities with the 
needs of these facilities and the veterans who depend on them.
  This legislation also stays focused on health care's shifting 
emphasis from inpatient to ambulatory care by including a number of 
outpatient projects.
  I join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting this 
legislation so the men and women who fought for our freedom will be 
provided with the best possible medical care.
  Mr. STUMP. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Emerson). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3603, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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