[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.
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