[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 131 (Saturday, September 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES ACT OF 2013

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 2013

  Mr. FLORES.  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
Senate Amendment to H.R. 1412.
  This bill extends many expiring authorities for needed veteran 
programs, and I am glad to see it on the floor today.
  I would like to specifically highlight two provisions that passed out 
of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, which I have the distinct 
honor of chairing.
  The first provision was originally proposed in Mr. Coffman's bill, 
H.R. 1402, which would extend the authority for VA to operate an 
adaptive sport program under an agreement with the U.S. Paralympic 
Committee.
  Mr. Speaker, under this agreement the U.S. Paralympic Committee 
provides grants to community based programs helping disabled veterans 
further their rehabilitation through adaptive sports.
  This is an important program for our wounded warriors. It not only 
helps with their rehabilitation, but more importantly, many would say 
it helps with their self-confidence and spirit.
  I am pleased to see that we are re-authorizing the program, and 
remain hopeful we can work with our Senate colleagues to pass a longer 
extension of this program in the near future.
  The second provision is a one year extension of the Homeless Veteran 
Reintegration Program. This is a successful program that provides grant 
funding for job training to local veteran homeless providers. I was 
proud to be an original co-sponsor of Mr. Cook's original bill to 
reauthorize the program and I am pleased to see it is included in the 
bill before us today.
  I thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Michaud for their efforts 
to move this bill forward and I encourage all members to support the 
Senate amendment to H.R. 1412.