[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 20, 2011)]
[House]
[Pages H6246-H6249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    VETERANS HEALTH CARE FACILITIES CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2011

  Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
pass the bill (H.R. 2646) to authorize certain Department of Veterans 
Affairs major medical facility projects and leases, to extend certain 
expiring provisions of law, and to modify certain authorities of the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 2646

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans 
     Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Authorization of fiscal year 2012 major medical facility 
              projects.
Sec. 3. Modification of authorization for certain major medical 
              facility construction projects previously authorized.
Sec. 4. Authorization of fiscal year 2012 major medical facility 
              leases.
Sec. 5. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 6. Modification of requirements relating to congressional approval 
              of certain medical facility acquisitions.
Sec. 7. Limitation on authority of Secretary of Veterans Affairs to use 
              bid savings on major construction projects to expand 
              purpose of major medical facility projects.
Sec. 8. Name of Department of Veterans Affairs telehealth clinic, 
              Craig, Colorado.
Sec. 9. George H. O'Brien, Jr., Department of Veterans Affairs Medical 
              Center.
Sec. 10. Extension of certain expiring authorities.
Sec. 11. Authorization of appropriations for comprehensive service 
              programs for homeless veterans.
Sec. 12. Reauthorization of appropriations for financial assistance for 
              supportive services for very low-income veteran families 
              in permanent housing.
Sec. 13. Extension of grant program for homeless veterans with special 
              needs.
Sec. 14. Extension of specially adapted housing assistance for 
              individuals residing temporarily in housing owned by a 
              family member.
Sec. 15. Extension of funding fees.
Sec. 16. Notice and verification of the use of income information from 
              other agencies.
Sec. 17. Termination or reduction of certain benefits and services 
              based on income information obtained from other agencies.

     SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2012 MAJOR MEDICAL 
                   FACILITY PROJECTS.

       The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the 
     following major medical facility projects in fiscal year 
     2012, with each project to be carried out in the amount 
     specified for each project:
       (1) Construction of seismic corrections for Building 100 at 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Seattle, 
     Washington, in an amount not to exceed $51,800,000.
       (2) Construction of seismic corrections and renovation of 
     various buildings to include Building 209 for housing 
     facilities for homeless veterans at the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West Los Angeles, 
     California, in an amount not to exceed $35,500,000.

     SEC. 3. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR CERTAIN MAJOR 
                   MEDICAL FACILITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS 
                   PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED.

       (a) Modification of Authorization of Fiscal Year 2007 Major 
     Medical Facility Project at Department of Veterans Affairs 
     Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas.--Section 803(3) of 
     the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information 
     Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-461) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``and a parking garage'' after ``clinical 
     addition''; and
       (2) by striking ``$56,163,000'' and inserting 
     ``$90,600,000''.
       (b) Modification of Extension of Authorization for Major 
     Medical Facility Construction Project in Orlando, Florida, 
     Previously Authorized in Connection With Capital Asset 
     Realignment Initiative.--Section 802(11) of the Veterans 
     Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 
     (Public Law 109-461), as amended by section 702(b)(4) of the 
     Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 
     2008 (Public Law 110-387; 122 Stat. 4137), is amended by 
     inserting ``, including a Simulation, Learning, Education, 
     and Research Network Center,'' after ``Florida, area''.
       (c) Increase in Amount of Authorization of Fiscal Year 2008 
     Major Medical Facility Project at Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Medical Center in Palo Alto, California.--The 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the major medical 
     facility project at the Department of Veterans Affairs 
     Medical Center in Palo Alto, California, for which amounts 
     were appropriated under chapter 3 of title I of the 
     Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252; 
     122 Stat. 2326) under the heading ``construction, major 
     projects'' under the heading ``DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
     AFFAIRS'' in an amount not to exceed $716,600,000.
       (d) Increase in Amount of Authorization of Fiscal Year 2009 
     Major Medical Facility Project at Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Medical Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico.--Section 
     701(3) of the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care 
     Improvements Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-387; 122 Stat. 4137) 
     is amended by striking ``$225,900,000'' and inserting 
     ``$277,000,000''.
       (e) Increase in Amount of Authorization of Fiscal Year 2007 
     Major Medical Facility Project at Department of Veterans 
     Affairs Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri.--Section 803(5) 
     of the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information 
     Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-461) is amended by 
     striking ``$69,053,000'' and inserting ``$346,300,000''.

     SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2012 MAJOR MEDICAL 
                   FACILITY LEASES.

       The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the 
     following fiscal year 2012 major medical facility leases at 
     the locations specified, in an amount not to exceed the 
     amount shown for that location:
       (1) Columbus, Georgia, Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, 
     in an amount not to exceed $5,335,000.
       (2) Fort Wayne, Indiana, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount 
     not to exceed $2,845,000.
       (3) Mobile, Alabama, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount not to 
     exceed $6,565,000.
       (4) Rochester, New York, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount 
     not to exceed $9,232,000.

[[Page H6247]]

       (5) Salem, Oregon, Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, in an 
     amount not to exceed $2,549,000.
       (6) San Jose, California, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount 
     not to exceed $9,546,000.
       (7) South Bend, Indiana, Outpatient Clinic, in an amount 
     not to exceed $6,731,000.
       (8) Springfield, Missouri, Community-Based Outpatient 
     Clinic, in an amount not to exceed $6,489,000.

     SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations for Construction.--
     There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2012 or the year in which 
     funds are appropriated for the Construction, Major Projects, 
     account $87,300,000 for the projects authorized in section 2.
       (b) Modification of Authorization for Certain Major Medical 
     Facility Construction Projects Previously Authorized.--There 
     is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans 
     Affairs for fiscal year 2012 or the year in which funds are 
     appropriated for the Construction, Major Projects, account 
     $850,070,000 for the projects authorized in section 3.
       (c) Authorization of Appropriations for Medical Facility 
     Leases.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2012 or the 
     year in which funds are appropriated for the Medical 
     Facilities account $49,292,000 for the leases authorized in 
     section 4.
       (d) Limitation.--The projects authorized in sections 2, 3, 
     and 4 may only be carried out using--
       (1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2012 pursuant to the 
     authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) of this 
     section;
       (2) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a 
     fiscal year before fiscal year 2012 that remain available for 
     obligation;
       (3) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a 
     fiscal year after fiscal year 2012 that remain available for 
     obligation;
       (4) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
     for fiscal year 2012 for a category of activity not specific 
     to a project;
       (5) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
     for a fiscal year before 2012 for a category of activity not 
     specific to a project; and
       (6) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, 
     for a fiscal year after 2012 for a category of activity not 
     specific to a project.

     SEC. 6. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO 
                   CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL OF CERTAIN MEDICAL 
                   FACILITY ACQUISITIONS.

       Section 8104 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``detailed description'' and inserting 
     ``detailed estimate of the total costs'';
       (ii) by striking ``a description of the consideration'' and 
     inserting ``a detailed report of the consideration''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following: ``Such detailed 
     estimate shall include an identification of each of the 
     following:
       ``(A) Total construction costs.
       ``(B) Activation costs.
       ``(C) Special purpose alterations (lump-sum payment) costs.
       ``(D) Number of personnel.
       ``(E) Total costs of ancillary services, equipment, and all 
     other items.'';
       (B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and redesignating 
     paragraphs (4) through (8) as paragraphs (2) through (6), 
     respectively;
       (C) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by striking ``a 
     five-year period and a ten-year period'' and inserting ``a 
     five-year period, a ten-year period, and a twenty-year 
     period'';
       (D) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by inserting 
     before the period at the end the following: ``, including 
     information on projected changes in workload and utilization 
     over a five-year period, a ten-year period, and a twenty-year 
     period'';
       (E) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated--
       (i) by striking ``Current and projected'' and inserting 
     ``Projected''; and
       (ii) by inserting before the period at the end the 
     following: ``(including and identifying both recurring and 
     non-recurring costs (including activation costs and total 
     costs of ancillary services, equipment and all other items)) 
     over a five-year period, a ten-year period, and a twenty-year 
     period''; and
       (F) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated--
       (i) by striking ``a description of each alternative to 
     construction of the facility that was considered.'' and 
     inserting ``each of the following:''; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
       ``(A) A detailed estimate of the total costs (including 
     total construction costs, activation costs, special purpose 
     alterations (lump-sum payment) costs, number of personnel and 
     total costs of ancillary services, equipment and all other 
     items) for each alternative to construction of the facility 
     that was considered.
       ``(B) A comparison of total costs to total benefits for 
     each such alternative.
       ``(C) An explanation of why the preferred alternative is 
     the most effective means to achieve the stated project goals 
     and the most cost-effective alternative.''; and
       (2) in subsection (d)--
       (A) by striking ``major medical facility project'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``major construction 
     project''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``major medical 
     facility projects'' and inserting ``major construction 
     projects''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``major medical 
     facility'' and inserting ``major construction project''.

     SEC. 7. LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS TO USE BID SAVINGS ON MAJOR 
                   CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS TO EXPAND PURPOSE OF 
                   MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECTS.

       Section 8104(d)(2) of title 38, United States Code, as 
     amended by section 6, is further amended by adding at the end 
     the following new subparagraph:
       ``(C) The Secretary may not obligate an amount under 
     subparagraph (A) to expand the purpose of a major 
     construction project except pursuant to a provision of law 
     enacted after the date on which the Secretary submits to the 
     committees described in subparagraph (B) notice of the 
     following:
       ``(i) The major construction project that is the source of 
     the bid savings.
       ``(ii) The major construction project for which the 
     Secretary intends to expand the purpose.
       ``(iii) A description of such expansion of purpose.
       ``(iv) The amounts the Secretary intends to obligate to 
     expand the purpose.''.

     SEC. 8. NAME OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TELEHEALTH 
                   CLINIC, CRAIG, COLORADO.

       (a) Designation.--The Department of Veterans Affairs 
     telehealth clinic in Craig, Colorado, shall after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act be known and designated as the 
     ``Major William Edward Adams Department of Veterans Affairs 
     Clinic''.
       (b) References.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map, 
     document, record, or other paper of the United States to the 
     clinic referred to in subsection (a) shall be considered to 
     be a reference to the ``Major William Edward Adams Department 
     of Veterans Affairs Clinic''.

     SEC. 9. GEORGE H. O'BRIEN, JR., DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                   AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER.

       (a) Designation.--The Department of Veterans Affairs 
     medical center located in Big Spring, Texas, shall after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as 
     the ``George H. O'Brien, Jr., Department of Veterans Affairs 
     Medical Center''.
       (b) References.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map, 
     document, record, or other paper of the United States to the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs medical center referred to in 
     subsection (a) shall be considered to be a reference to the 
     ``George H. O'Brien, Jr., Department of Veterans Affairs 
     Medical Center''.

     SEC. 10. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN EXPIRING AUTHORITIES.

       (a) Recovery Audits for Certain Contracts.--Section 
     1703(d)(4) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``September 30, 2013'' and inserting ``September 30, 
     2020''.
       (b) Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs.--Section 
     2021(e)(1)(F) of such title is amended by striking ``2011'' 
     and inserting ``2012''.
       (c) Treatment and Rehabilitation for Seriously Mentally Ill 
     and Homeless Veterans.--Section 2031(b) of such title is 
     amended by striking ``December 31, 2011'' and inserting 
     ``December 31, 2012''.
       (d) Additional Services for Seriously Mentally Ill and 
     Homeless Veterans.--Section 2033(d) of such title is amended 
     by striking ``December 31, 2011'' and inserting ``December 
     31, 2012''.
       (e) Housing Assistance for Homeless Veterans.--Section 
     2041(c) of such title is amended by striking ``December 31, 
     2011'' and inserting ``December 31, 2012''.
       (f) Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans.--Section 
     2066(d) of such title is amended by striking ``December 30, 
     2011'' and inserting ``December 31, 2012''.
       (g) Authority To Transfer Real Property.--Section 
     8118(a)(5) of such title is amended by striking ``the date 
     that is seven years after the date of the enactment of this 
     section'' and inserting ``December 31, 2018''.

     SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR COMPREHENSIVE 
                   SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR HOMELESS VETERANS.

       Section 2013 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``subchapter'' and all that follows through 
     the period at the end and inserting the following: 
     ``subchapter amounts as follows:''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
       ``(1) $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 
     2009.
       ``(2) $175,100,000 for fiscal year 2010.
       ``(3) $217,700,000 for fiscal year 2011.
       ``(4) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
       ``(5) $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2013 and each subsequent 
     fiscal year.''.

     SEC. 12. REAUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR FINANCIAL 
                   ASSISTANCE FOR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VERY 
                   LOW-INCOME VETERAN FAMILIES IN PERMANENT 
                   HOUSING.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (e) of section 2044 is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following 
     new subparagraph:
       ``(D) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.''; and
       (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2011'' and inserting 
     ``2012''.
       (b) Technical Amendment.--Paragraph (1) of such subsection 
     is further amended by striking ``carry out subsection (a), 
     (b), and (c)'' and inserting ``carry out subsections (a), 
     (b), and (c)''.

[[Page H6248]]

     SEC. 13. EXTENSION OF GRANT PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS VETERANS 
                   WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

       Section 2061(c)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``2011'' and inserting ``2012''.

     SEC. 14. EXTENSION OF SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING ASSISTANCE 
                   FOR INDIVIDUALS RESIDING TEMPORARILY IN HOUSING 
                   OWNED BY A FAMILY MEMBER.

       Section 2102A(e) of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``2011'' and inserting ``2012''.

     SEC. 15. EXTENSION OF FUNDING FEES.

       Section 3729(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``October 1, 2011'' each place it occurs 
     and inserting ``November 18, 2011''.

     SEC. 16. NOTICE AND VERIFICATION OF THE USE OF INCOME 
                   INFORMATION FROM OTHER AGENCIES.

       Section 5317(g) of title 38, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``September 30, 2011'' and inserting ``November 
     18, 2011''.

     SEC. 17. TERMINATION OR REDUCTION OF CERTAIN BENEFITS AND 
                   SERVICES BASED ON INCOME INFORMATION OBTAINED 
                   FROM OTHER AGENCIES.

       (a) Title 38.--Section 5317A(d) of title 38, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking ``September 30, 2011'' and 
     inserting ``November 18, 2011''.
       (b) Social Security Act.--Section 453(j)(11)(G) of the 
     Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 653(j)(11)(G)) is amended by 
     striking ``September 30, 2011'' and inserting ``November 18, 
     2011''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. Johnson) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Walz) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2646, as amended, the Veterans Health Care 
Facilities Capital Improvement Act, would encompass the Department of 
Veterans Affairs' request for major medical facility projects and 
leases for fiscal year 2012 and extend certain expiring authorities.
  The bill before us today tracks with the resources that were provided 
in the appropriations bill that passed the House with bipartisan 
support.
  The VA provides high-quality medical care and services to our honored 
veterans through an extensive and diverse portfolio of medical 
facilities. This national infrastructure generates a great deal of 
costly construction and maintenance needs which the Department must 
address.
  Section 2 of the bill would authorize the appropriation of $87 
million for seismic corrections and renovations at facilities in Los 
Angeles, California, and Seattle, Washington.
  Section 3 of the bill would authorize the appropriation of $850 
million to construct and modify medical facilities in Palo Alto, 
California; St. Louis, Missouri; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Fayetteville, 
Arkansas; and Orlando, Florida.
  Section 4 would authorize the appropriation of $50 million for 
leasing eight out-patient medical facilities in Columbus, Georgia; 
Salem, Oregon; Springfield, Missouri; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Mobile, 
Alabama; Rochester, New York; San Jose, California; and South Bend, 
Indiana.
  Section 6 of the bill would clarify what information the VA must 
provide to Congress when seeking authorization for a major medical 
project or facility project or lease.
  Under current law, the VA is required to submit to Congress a 
prospectus for all major medical facility projects and lease requests. 
The information should include details relating to construction, 
equipment, and other costs for the proposed project, as well as any and 
all alternatives considered and data on projected utilization and 
operating costs. However, the VA has not provided this information in 
sufficient detail to allow Congress to effectively evaluate proposed 
projects and alternatives. Without accurate and complete information, 
Congress cannot carry out its statutory mission of ensuring an 
equitable distribution of medical facilities to provide access to care 
for our veterans across the United States or be assured we are good 
stewards of taxpayer dollars.
  To similarly improve oversight, section 7 of the bill would require 
the VA to obtain congressional authorization when using bid savings to 
expand the purpose of a major medical facility project.
  Section 8 of the bill would name the VA telehealth clinic in Craig, 
Colorado, the ``Major William Edward Adams VA Clinic.'' This provision 
was adopted from H.R. 1658, introduced by my friend and colleague Scott 
Tipton from Colorado, and I thank him for bringing this proposal 
forward. Major William Edward Adams, a Medal of Honor recipient, was a 
true American hero, and this designation would appropriately 
memorialize his brave service.
  Section 9 of the bill would name the VA medical center in Big Spring, 
Texas, the ``George H. O'Brien, Jr., Department of Veterans Affairs 
Medical Center.'' I would also like to thank my friend and colleague 
from Texas, Randy Neugebauer, for his efforts to introduce H.R. 558, 
which became this provision. George H. O'Brien, Jr., is also a Medal of 
Honor recipient, and it is important that we recognize his honorable 
service.
  Additionally, the bill would extend, for various periods, expiring 
authorities for several programs, including those that provide services 
to homeless veterans.
  It is deeply concerning that veterans continue to be overrepresented 
in the homeless population, and helping homeless veterans and those at 
risk gain access to the support they need to reintegrate into stable 
community environments and lead productive lives is one of the highest 
priorities of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.
  The extension of these programs would provide comprehensive 
supportive services to help homeless and at-risk veterans find 
permanent housing, overcome substance use or other issues, gain 
meaningful employment, and put them on the path to being productive, 
successful members of our society.
  This legislation represents a bipartisan effort, and I would like to 
express my thanks to Chairman Jeff Miller and Ranking Member Bob 
Filner, as well as Subcommittee on Health Chairwoman Ann Marie Buerkle 
and Ranking Member Mike Michaud, for their efforts to quickly move this 
important legislation through committee and to the House floor.

                              {time}  1540

  Further, the manager's amendment reflects an agreement reached with 
the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs, Senator Patty Murray and Senator Richard Burr. I extend my 
appreciation to them for their work on this bill. It is my expectation 
that, following consideration in the House, the Senate will act to take 
up H.R. 2646, as amended, and the legislation will be presented to the 
President for signature prior to the end of the fiscal year.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting 
H.R. 2646, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I would like to thank the gentleman for his hard work on this bill as 
well as the chairman and the ranking member. I would also like to thank 
the gentleman for his service to this Nation in uniform and now on the 
VA Committee--a tireless advocate for our veterans. I think this piece 
of legislation authorizing the construction and some important things 
that you've just heard the gentleman talk about is a model for how we 
can do business here in a bipartisan manner--agreeing on things, 
discussing them, moving out of subcommittees, through the full 
committee, and now here to the House floor. So thank you for that.
  Mr. Speaker, our most solemn obligation is to take care of the men 
and women who have served our Nation and to ensure that they have 
access to the benefits and the quality health care that they've so 
rightly earned. We have an obligation to make sure the places that they 
receive care are world class and safe.
  H.R. 2646, as amended, would authorize $937,370,000 for seven major 
medical facilities. These projects include critical improvements to VA 
medical centers to protect them in the event of natural disasters and 
to protect our recovering veterans by addressing basic safety needs, 
such as adding fire extinguishers and abating existing asbestos. The 
projects also provide for state-of-the-art facilities and training 
centers to improve the care veterans receive and to make sure that 
veterans feel comfortable and welcome at all our facilities. 
Additionally, the bill would authorize funds for eight new major

[[Page H6249]]

medical facility leases that will assist the VA in bringing health care 
closer to veterans and improve the quality of current health care 
services, especially in rural America.
  It contains several extensions of authority for homeless programs and 
supportive services for very low-income veteran families. We owe it to 
our veterans to ensure they have access to secure, safe, clean housing 
that offers a supportive environment.
  Finally, this bill extends programs that are critical for our 
veterans who suffer from mental health issues. Nearly 30 percent of the 
patients the VA sees during any given year have a mental health 
diagnosis. We've taken strides to address this ever-growing issue, but 
we still have a long way to go. With the growing number of veterans 
returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and with an increasing number of 
veterans suffering from mental health issues, we must work together to 
tackle this challenge, and this legislation helps by extending those 
programs.
  I would certainly encourage my colleagues to do what's right by our 
veterans and to support this good piece of legislation, H.R. 2646, as 
amended.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my friend and 
colleague from the great State of Texas, Representative Randy 
Neugebauer.
  Mr. NEUGEBAUER. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Earlier this year, I introduced H.R. 558. This legislation would 
rename the Veterans Affairs Medical Center located in Big Spring, 
Texas, after Medal of Honor recipient George H. O'Brien, Jr. I would 
like to thank Chairman Miller and Congressman Flores for working to 
include this legislation as a part of the bill before us today.
  Born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1926, Mr. O'Brien enlisted in the 
Marine Corps while attending Texas Tech University. Shortly after 
graduation, he was deployed to Korea.
  On October 27, 1952, the Americans mounted a counterattack during the 
Battle of the Hook, a position of key strategic significance. When the 
battle began, Second Lieutenant O'Brien leapt from his trench and 
bravely led his platoon into deadly small arms, artillery, and mortar 
fire against a numerically superior force.
  Mr. O'Brien's official citation tells his story best: ``Although shot 
through the arm and thrown to the ground by hostile automatic-weapons 
fire as he neared the well-entrenched enemy position, he regained his 
feet, waved his men onward, and continued to spearhead the assault, 
pausing only long enough to go to the aid of a wounded marine. 
Encountering the enemy at close range, Second Lieutenant O'Brien 
proceeded to hurl handgrenades into the bunkers and, utilizing his 
carbine to best advantage in savage hand-to-hand combat, succeeded in 
killing at least three of the enemy.''
  Impressively, despite being wounded, Second Lieutenant O'Brien 
refused to be evacuated for medical treatment for nearly four hours, 
and continued to lead his men in battle.
  One year to the day after his actions, Mr. O'Brien was awarded the 
Medal of Honor by President Eisenhower for ``conspicuous gallantry and 
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty 
as a rifle platoon commander in action against enemy aggressor 
forces.''
  Upon his discharge from the United States Marines, O'Brien settled in 
Big Spring, Texas, to raise a family and begin a career in petroleum 
geology. He often participated in volunteer programs at the Big Spring 
VA. In a 2003 interview with American Veteran magazine, old Mr. O'Brien 
stated, ``This Medal of Honor is not mine. I hold it in trust for so 
many young people who didn't become grandfathers.'' George Herman 
O'Brien, Jr., passed away on March 11, 2005. He was 78 years old.
  I urge my colleagues to support the underlying bill, and I am proud 
to honor this great American veteran.
  Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I urge the support of this 
important piece of legislation. Again, I thank the gentleman from Ohio 
and the staff on both sides for putting together an important piece of 
legislation for America's veterans.
  As I have no further requests for time, I yield back the balance of 
my time.


                             General Leave

  Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks on the manager's amendment to H.R. 2646, as amended.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Ohio?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Once again, I encourage all Members to support 
H.R. 2646, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. STUTZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2646, the 
Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011. This 
bill authorizes appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs 
to begin major construction projects and enter into leases for VA 
facilities in 15 cities. These construction projects and leases will 
help many veterans around the country receive the best care they 
possibly can.
  One of those leases has special significance for Hoosier veterans. 
Today, I'm very pleased that Fort Wayne, Indiana, will benefit from a 
lease that will support an important annex to the VA hospital that 
serves vets in northeast Indiana.
  A 27,000 square-foot annex will provide a mental health clinic, Post 
Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinic, and substance abuse clinic. This bill 
is the final step in moving the lease for this annex into fruition and 
extending health services for veterans in northeast Indiana. This annex 
will only add to the array of services already provided by the Fort 
Wayne VA Hospital. It's not the last chapter in our ongoing effort to 
ensure quality care for our vets, but it's an important one.
  Nearly 30 percent of our men and women returning from Operations 
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom who use the VA Health System have 
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Seven percent of newly returning 
veterans enrolled in the VA Health System are addicted to alcohol and/
or other substances. It's only right to take care of those who have 
risked their lives for our Nation.
  When I came to Washington, I knew it was critical to obtain a seat on 
the House Veterans Affairs Committee for this very reason. I have the 
honor of working for the Fort Wayne hospital and veterans health care 
in northeast Indiana. This bill is not only important to Hoosier 
veterans, but also for our veterans around the country. I urge my 
colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 2646.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Johnson) that the House suspend the rules and 
pass the bill, H.R. 2646, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this question will be postponed.

                          ____________________