Congressional Record, Volume 160 Issue 95 (Wednesday, June 18, 2014)

[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 18, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H5429-H5454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2015

General Leave

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 4870, and that I may
include tabular material on the same.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New Jersey?
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 628 and rule
XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House
on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill, H.R. 4870.
The Chair appoints the gentleman from New York (Mr. Collins) to
preside over the Committee of the Whole.

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In the Committee of the Whole

Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the
Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill
(H.R. 4870) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes, with Mr.
Collins of New York in the chair.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the bill is considered read the
first time.
The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frelinghuysen) and the gentleman
from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky) each will control 30 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Chairman, as we begin consideration of this important
legislation, all of us in this Chamber want to pay tribute to the men
and women of our Armed Forces--all volunteers. They deserve our
heartfelt thanks for their incredible service and sacrifices, and that
of their families. Everything we do over the next few days should be
dedicated to them.

{time} 1445

My colleagues, the fiscal year 2015 Department of Defense
Appropriations bill was reported out unanimously by the full
Appropriations Committee on June 10. This recommendation is a product
of countless staff hours, 10 official briefings, and 13 hearings.
Most of our hearings related to assuring success and reducing risk
for our warfighters in their mission. It is worth noting that one of
these hearings was exclusively dedicated to taking testimony from
Members of the House on their views, opinions, and priorities for this
year's Defense Appropriations bill.
I want to thank those Members who took time to inform and educate the
committee, as well as other Members who made specific requests.
At the outset, I would also like to thank Chairman Hal Rogers and
Ranking Member Lowey for their support of our committee's work. As they
know, this bill is a product of a bipartisan and cooperative effort,
for which I thank my good friend, the ranking member, Pete Visclosky.
He has been a valuable partner throughout this whole process. Thanks to
all members of the committee and to our incredible staff.
The base funding recommendation is $491 billion, which is $202
million above the President's request and $4.1 billion above last
year's enacted level.
As many Members are aware, the committee has not yet received the
President's recommendation for overseas contingency operations--the OCO
budget, as it is known--so we are forced to include a $79.4 billion
placeholder in our legislation.
Our committee operates in a completely transparent and accountable
manner, so clearly, this is not the way we wanted to proceed to the
floor--with no details, with no context, with no facts for those
accounts.
We have pressed the administration at every opportunity to get us the
OCO plan. The administration has told us for months that it is
finalizing its plan for the enduring U.S. military presence in
Afghanistan, which will have a serious impact on the size of that
funding request.
Three weeks ago, the President announced his plans for U.S. troop
levels in Afghanistan beyond this year. The Army and Marines have
already closed down bases and removed tons of equipment. Still, we have
no request and are forced to debate a placeholder of nearly $80
billion.
While the Afghan Presidential elections are still unsettled, the
leading candidates support the bilateral security agreement, supposedly
the anchor for this funding request.
What is the holdup? We need to get on with it. I have to say that
many people find it just a bit bizarre that the administration has
proclaimed its opposition to the bill yesterday, when they have failed
to do their job and lay out their game plan for overseas operations.
Whatever the recommendation we ultimately receive, we will closely
examine their request because we still have troops and civilians on the
ground, and no matter the number, they need to be protected.
Of course, we will also consider the deepening war and conflict in
Iraq, the continuing disintegration of Syria, the aggressiveness of
Russia in Eastern Europe and China in the Pacific, and the growing
influence of Iran, increased terrorist attacks around the globe,
especially in Africa.
While the administration feels the pending OCO request will have a
great deal to do with our enduring U.S. military presence in
Afghanistan, in reality, their request will have a great deal to do
with our enduring role in the fight to protect Americans and our
homeland from a growing list of global threats.
Even though we have returned to regular order this year, the
committee faced many challenges in crafting this year's defense bill,
but we have held firm to two guiding principles: ensuring that our men
and women in uniform have the resources they need to defend our Nation
and support their families; and, secondly, ensuring that the Department
of Defense and our intelligence community have the resources they need
to carry out their mission in the most efficient and effective manner.
Our goal throughout this bill is to support our warfighters, now and
in the future, whenever the next crisis arises.
At the same time, our committee clearly recognizes the Nation's debt
crisis. We found areas and programs where reductions were possible
without adverse impact. Finally, it is important to note that we make
every dollar count, without harming readiness or increasing risk
incurred by our warfighters.
The bill before you attempts to meet those responsibilities within
current fiscal restraints, while leaving no question for our allies and
adversaries about our will and our ability to defend ourselves and our
interests around the world. America must continue to lead, and this
bipartisan bill enables that.
Let me highlight, briefly, just a few items included in this fiscal
year 2015 Defense Appropriations request. It includes an additional
$1.2 billion to fill readiness shortfalls; $534 million to fully fund
the authorized 1.8 percent pay raise for our troops; $789 million to
begin the refueling of the USS George Washington--a vital power
projection platform; $5.8 billion for a total of 38 Joint Strike
Fighters; $975 million to buy 12 additional electronic attack Growlers;
$120 million to upgrade M1 Abrams tanks; $351 million for the very
important Israeli Cooperative Program; and an additional $39 million
for suicide prevention activities--$19 million of it targeted
specifically to our Special Forces.
These are but a few examples of our commitment to the U.S. military
dominance across the air, land, and sea, our commitment to our allies
and partners, and our commitment to our servicemembers--all
volunteers--and their families.
Mr. Chairman, I understand all--all of us do--that Americans are
weary after 13 years of war. Despite the proclamations of some that al
Qaeda and its followers have been decimated, the American people must
understand the reality that terrorism is actually spreading worldwide.
Yes, our enemies have sustained serious damage, inflicted by the most
skillful and powerful military intelligence organization on the globe,
but in many cases, these enemies have adapted and grown to become even
more dangerous.
We are witnessing an alarming collapse in Iraq. The central
government now controls less than half of its sovereign territory, as
it reels before a full-blown insurgency. The concept of an autonomous
jihadi state or caliphate determined to attack the West is an
unacceptable development that demands a response. We pivot elsewhere at
our peril.
National defense is the priority job of the Federal Government. Our
Constitution grants Congress the full range of authorities for
establishing the defense of our Nation.
Our task in this House is to ensure that our military is ready to
respond when the Commander in Chief calls. This legislation moves us
towards a state of current and future military readiness that will
protect America, and I urge its passage.
I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation as well to
Chairman Frelinghuysen and congratulate him on the collegial and
transparent manner in which he crafted H.R. 4870, the fiscal year 2015
Defense Appropriations Act. I also want to express my sincere
appreciation for the efforts of Chairman Hal Rogers and Ranking Member
Nita Lowey and all of the members of the Defense Subcommittee.
Also, as I think all of my colleagues know, this bill could not have
been written without the dedication, long hours, and discerning and
thoughtful input by our committee staff and our associate and personal
staffs. I want to thank each one of them.
I would like to begin by saying a few words about the overseas
contingency operations title that the chairman referred to.
The committee has been placed in a very difficult position of having
to provide $79.4 billion as a placeholder. Recent decisions on the
post-2014 troop levels in Afghanistan clear up the major policy issue
that held back a detailed budget request.
Unfortunately, the clarity gained was quickly muddled by the proposed
$5 billion counterterrorism partnerships fund and the $1 billion
European reassurance initiative.
At a time when many in Congress are rightfully looking to limit what
is an eligible expense in OCO and shift activities to the base budget,
these new proposals further complicate the issue. Clarity must be
brought to the opaque nature of OCO, and I look forward to the debate
on this during the consideration of amendments.
I support the bill we are marking up today and believe it provides
for our national security and the protection of U.S. interests at home
and abroad. Put simply, the bill provides stability for our military
personnel, maintains readiness, and preserves the industrial base.
I am pleased by the subcommittee's continued efforts on sexual
assault prevention and response. Specifically, the bill fully funds the
budget request for the Special Victims' Counsel, continuing last year's
initiative.
The bill increases funding relative to the President's budget request
for traumatic brain injury and psychological health research, suicide
prevention outreach programs, and several other invaluable medical
programs.
Further, the bill and report carry strong language aimed at
increasing cooperation between the Departments of Defense and Veterans
Affairs in their ongoing efforts to develop interoperable electronic
health records.
Specific to readiness, the bill includes an increase of $1 billion to
fill gaps in key programs to prepare our troops, including $135 million
for the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. The bill makes
investments in programs that are vital to the rebuilding and resetting
of the force after 13 years of conflict.
In particular, it increases funding by $720 million for facility
sustainment and modernization and provides each military service with
additional funding for depot maintenance.
I especially appreciate the chairman's focus on encouraging DOD to
meet the FY 2017 deadline for achieving fully auditable financial
statements. The measure provides $8 million above the request for the
Comptroller's office to improve business and financial systems
throughout the Department.
Continuing problems in DOD's strategic forces are also addressed in
the bill, and funding is provided to address issues directly impacting
intercontinental ballistic missile crews.
With regard to the industrial base, I was dismayed that, in its FY
2015 budget request, the administration proposed the elimination of
several longstanding general provisions ensuring that contracts
followed Buy America requirements and support domestic manufacturing.
I am pleased to note that the committee chose to reject the
administration's inexplicable proposal to jettison these Buy America
proposals.
The bill also contains several other provisions and initiatives aimed
at securing our industrial base, including $220 million to establish a
program for the domestic development of a next-generation liquid-fueled
rocket engine. Hopefully, this program will swiftly fill a very
troubling void in the U.S. space launch industry.
One other area of the bill I would like to highlight is the funding
increase for the Humanitarian Mine Action Program. Albeit a small
program, I believe its mission is of immense value.
All too often, innocent civilians are the victims of explosive
remnants of war. It is only right to share our military's expertise
with host nations on the detection, clearance, disposal, and
demilitarization of explosive ordnance. I thank the chairman in
particular for his special efforts in this area.
However, I would point out that there are certain aspects of the bill
that give me pause. Fundamentally, these concerns have little to do
with the detailed work of the subcommittee, which I believe did its
very best under the constraints in which it operated; rather, the
concerns stem from Congress' continued failure to confront our long-
term fiscal challenges.
In its fiscal year 2015 budget request, the Department of Defense
proposed some significant initiatives, including military pay
adjustments, restructuring TRICARE, and the retirement of several
weapons system--such as the A-10 and the Kiowa Warrior--in order to
stay under the fiscal year 2015 budget cap, provide for future
flexibility, and to meet the national security strategy.
Having said this, one could easily point out that the administration
then undercut its own efforts by planning for higher spending in fiscal
years 2016 through 2019 and by submitting the disingenuously named
``Opportunity, Growth, and Security Initiative,'' and subsequently also
submitting unfunded priority lists.
Regardless, a number of the proposals the Department put forth for
fiscal year 2015 do possess merit. With few exceptions, these proposals
have gained no traction within Congress. Most were excluded or had
language prohibiting or postponing their support in the recently passed
National Defense Authorization Act.
I do not suggest that the administration is uniformly correct, nor do
I dismiss the resultant impacts of many of these initiatives, but the
alternative of staying the course and hoping for some relief in fiscal
year 2016 is very wishful thinking.
The sooner Congress reaches the consensus required to make the
difficult decisions that are essential to deal with the reality of
finite resources, the better we can provide for our national defense.

{time} 1500

In closing, I want to reiterate my appreciation to the chairman for
his cooperation, his friendship and diligence. He and his staff have
ensured that the Defense Subcommittee continues its tradition of
operating collaboratively and effectively. I am pleased to support this
bill.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to
the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), the chairman of the full
Committee on Appropriations.
Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I urge our colleagues to
support this Defense spending bill for 2015.
This bipartisan legislation provides $491 billion in discretionary
funding for our Nation's highest duty, and that is the security of
country, the sustainment of our military operations, and the well-being
of the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.
The bill before you today, Mr. Chairman, will help meet the most
pressing needs of our military as we address current and arising
threats to the safety of our Nation in an ever-changing global
landscape. It also takes into account the ongoing challenges of our
current fiscal situation, finding ways to trim excess spending and
reduce lower priority programs without negatively affecting our troops
or the success of our military missions.
Providing our military with the highest standard of readiness is a
top priority in this bill. This includes procuring important equipment
and resources, supporting troop training and flight time, and
maintaining our bases and facilities. The bill marks investments in
important defense technology R&D to help advance the safety and success
of our military operations now and into the future. Investments like

[[Page H5440]]

these will help to preserve our military's status as the most effective
and capable in the world.
The backbone of our military is, of course, the brave men and women
who lay their lives on the line in defense of this Nation. With that in
mind, the bill fully funds the authorized 1.8 percent pay raise for our
military personnel instead of the 1 percent as requested by the
President. Troop housing costs are also fully funded as authorized.
This ensures that our more than 1.3 million Active Duty troops and
820,000 Guard and Reserve troops have the quality of life they deserve
during their service. $31.6 billion is included for the Defense Health
Program, to ensure a consistent and strong quality of care for our
troops, their families, and retirees. Within this total, the bill
includes increases above the President's request for cancer research,
traumatic brain injury research, psychological health research, and
suicide prevention outreach programs. The bill also provides an
increase of $50 million above last year for sexual assault prevention
and response programs, helping to address this growing challenge within
our forces.
Lastly, the bill provides $79.4 billion in overseas contingency
operations funding to support our troops in Afghanistan. As we have yet
to receive an official budget request that reflects the most current
and anticipated status of our troops in the field, this OCO funding
will undoubtedly require further evaluation, particularly with the
developing situations in Iraq and the Middle East.
By prioritizing these vital programs, closely scrutinizing the budget
request and assessing the most current needs, the fiscal '15 Defense
Appropriations bill ensures the best use of our limited Federal
dollars. We made careful, targeted reductions wherever possible without
adversely affecting the safety of our troops or the ongoing success of
our military missions.
Mr. Chairman, as of today, we have completed 10 appropriations bills
of the 12 through subcommittee. Eight have gone through full committee,
and we have begun or we have completed the consideration of six bills
on the floor. So, when we finish this bill and the ag bill, we will be
half through the 12 bills. That has not happened in many years. We are
moving at a remarkable pace, and if our colleagues in the other body
continue their good work as well, we stand a great chance of completing
this important work on time.
This is an even greater achievement because we have done so under
regular order, with open rules that have allowed every Member to have
his or her voice heard. Over the five bills we have considered on this
floor so far, we have had more than 200 amendments, and I am sure we
will add to that tally today. We have taken great care to weed out
waste and excess and to terminate duplicative programs. In this year
alone, we have found savings in every bill, and we have done all of
this while abiding by the Ryan-Murray budget agreement.
The Acting CHAIR (Mr. McClintock). The time of the gentleman has
expired.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I am pleased to yield to the chairman an
additional minute.
Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Before I finish, Mr. Chairman, I can't help
but compliment the new chairman of this subcommittee. This is his
maiden voyage after becoming chairman of the Defense Appropriations
Subcommittee. I think he has steered the ship properly so far, and we
look forward to the complete work that he is doing.
So congratulations to Chairman Frelinghuysen and to Ranking Member
Visclosky. They have done a great job. It is a bipartisan bill, and I
urge the Members to support it.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman
from New York (Mrs. Lowey), the ranking member of the Appropriations
Committee.
Mrs. LOWEY. I would like to thank the chairman and the ranking
member. The Defense Subcommittee has a long tradition of working
closely together, and I sincerely appreciate these bipartisan efforts.
Mr. Chairman, this is an extremely important and timely bill as the
Department is tasked with drawing down forces in Afghanistan, is
appropriately responding to the upheaval in Iraq, and is facing other
challenges across the globe. Totaling $490.7 billion, the base portion
of the bill is approximately $200 million above the President's
request. However, after accounting for appropriate increases in Active
Duty pay and housing costs, the remainder of the bill is actually below
the President's proposed level. Budget caps and sequestration force
difficult decisions, many of which will be debated this week.

Before we begin that discussion, I want to again thank the chairman
and ranking member and recognize the constraints under which they
assembled the bill.
The bill includes a number of provisions I strongly support:
additional investments to address the epidemic of sexual assault
plaguing our military; substantial funds for health services and
suicide prevention as my colleague just informed me that, in March,
there were zero combat fatalities, but there were 700 suicides; a 1.8
percent increase for Active Duty pay; support for the National Guard
and Reserves as well as family support programs; significant funding
for cybersecurity to protect our critical infrastructure from cyber
attacks; and continued support for the Israeli Cooperative missile
defense programs.
I applaud the inclusion of language that fences 75 percent of funds
for the Defense Healthcare Management System Modernization, requiring a
report from the Secretary of Defense on acquisition and the cost of the
program, plus the status of efforts to achieve interoperability with
the Department of Veterans Affairs. This system is critical to the
health of our servicemembers, and expeditious interoperability between
the DOD and the VA is essential to ensuring quality of care as they
become veterans. Through continued oversight, this committee will make
sure that the DOD stays on course and delivers the promised objectives.
I remain concerned about the lack of a formal budget for the overseas
contingency operations funds. With continued uncertainty about future
U.S. actions in Afghanistan, work remains on this account.
Again, I appreciate the professionalism and collegiality of the
process, and I look forward to further cooperation as we work toward
passing this bill.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to
the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Crenshaw), a member of our Defense
Subcommittee.
Mr. CRENSHAW. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, for yielding the
time, and thank you for the work that you have done, along with Mr.
Visclosky, to present what I consider to be a very strong bill.
Mr. Chairman, when you look at the world today, it certainly hasn't
gotten any smaller, and it certainly hasn't gotten any safer, but I
think this bill balances the priorities that we need to balance and
focuses on being able to meet the many, many challenges that we face in
terms of our national security.
I consider it an honor to serve on this subcommittee because, when I
read the Constitution, it teaches me that the number one responsibility
of the Federal Government is to protect American lives. The best way to
keep America safe is to keep America strong, and I think this bill does
that.
We make sure that we are not making any short-term, budget-driven
decisions that would be easy to make in these difficult economic times.
The Navy decided that it would like to deactivate 11 ships. That is one
half of our cruiser fleet. We don't need fewer ships--we need more
ships--and I am proud that the subcommittee has worked out a compromise
by which these ships will be modernized and their lives will be
extended, and they will continue to do the work that they need to do
around the globe. The people I represent back in Jacksonville, Florida,
care greatly about national security. They care about the men and women
in uniform, and they care about the men and women who work so hard to
make sure the ships are repaired and the planes are flying in the sky.
The other thing that I wanted to point out in terms of shortsighted,
budget-driven decisions is that there was an effort to say there is not
enough

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money to refuel the USS George Washington. That is one of our nuclear
carriers. It has 25 years left of useful life if we spend the money to
refuel that, and we are going to do that. That will also help us comply
with the law that I helped write 8 years ago that says you have to have
11 aircraft carriers unless Congress says otherwise.
Finally, when I look at the airplanes--the new E-2D Advanced
Hawkeye--these planes are relatively new, but they are incredibly
important to our national security. Again, the P-8 Poseidon
surveillance planes are relatively new but are critical to our national
defense.
I thank the chairman and the ranking member for putting together such
a strong bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman
from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum), a member of the Defense Appropriations
Subcommittee.
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, this appropriations bill will ensure that
all of the men and women of our Armed Forces have the resources they
need to keep our country safe and secure.
I want to commend Chairman Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Visclosky
for their working together in order to craft a good bill under
difficult budgetary conditions and with the uncertainty surrounding the
OCO account.
Thank you to all of the members of the subcommittee for working
together in a bipartisan and collaborative manner to put this bill
together.
This legislation supports our troops and our military families. It
strengthens the health care services available to our servicemembers,
and it provides the essential support that our industrial base needs.
One issue I am very concerned about is the epidemic of sexual assault
in the military. Sexual assault will not be tolerated and must be both
prevented and prosecuted. There are resources in this bill to do that,
and Congress must hold military leaders accountable to make sure that
this progress is made.
I am also very concerned about the complete lack of oversight by this
Congress in the armed drone program, which is funded under this bill.

{time} 1515

The lack of transparency surrounding drone strikes hinders our
ability to evaluate their impact on innocent civilians.
There are other challenges and other tough choices made in this bill,
and our hearings highlighted the fact there are tougher choices to make
in the coming years.
With sequestration on the horizon for FY16 and beyond, Congress needs
to act responsibly to balance the need for military readiness with the
many nondefense challenges domestically that the American people face.
Congress needs to stop spending billions of dollars on excess bases
and obsolete weapon systems that the Department of Defense does not
want, and this bill starts that process by retiring the A-10 aircraft.
I believe this bill is responsible, and an important step forward.
Again, I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their
leadership and doing what we need to do together as a country to
maintain our military superiority in the 21st century.
Mr. Chairman, I urge passage of the bill.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to
the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Womack), a member of the Defense
Appropriations Subcommittee.
Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman of the subcommittee
and the ranking member, Mr. Frelinghuysen and Mr. Visclosky, for their
terrific leadership and the great work, tough work that has taken place
in crafting this Defense Appropriations bill.
I also would like to thank the overall chairman and the ranking
member, Mr. Rogers and Mrs. Lowey, for their leadership as well.
Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this critical
legislation on which our men and women in uniform, our intelligence
community, and our futures depend.
America is at war, and we face continued uncertainty and new threats
daily. Now is not the time to weaken our military. This bill equips the
Department of Defense with the funding necessary to keep our Nation
safe while making the tough decisions necessary to ensure we stay
within our spending limits.
With $491 billion provided in discretionary spending, and another $80
billion as a placeholder in overseas contingency, the DOD will be able
to maintain readiness at levels that protect our military's standing,
support our ongoing war efforts abroad, and, most importantly, ensure
that the health and well-being of our men and women in uniform and
their ability to support their families is protected.
Our subcommittee, and our committee as a whole, is keenly aware of
our Nation's deficits and debt. We are committed to thoroughly
evaluating our spending to ensure our defense officials, both military
and civilian, are accountable for smart policy objectives that
responsibly steward taxpayer dollars.
We have had months of hearings, classified briefings, and bipartisan
cooperation, and I believe we have successfully accomplished a bill, a
good bipartisan bill, that is worthy of support.
Mr. Chairman, as I was thinking about my remarks today, I thought
about that famous verse in ``America the Beautiful'' that says: ``Oh
beautiful, for heroes proved, in liberating strife, who more than self
their country loved, and mercy more than life.''
Mr. Chairman, we have an enormous obligation, a constitutional
obligation, to protect the homeland. But we have an obligation to
ensure that we protect those heroes referenced in that great patriotic
song.
So the least we can do today is put our partisan differences aside
and join collectively to send our collective appreciation to those who
serve us in uniform by passing this very important piece of
legislation.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Lee), a member of the Appropriations Committee.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member for
yielding, and for your very hard work on this Department of Defense
Appropriations bill.
Mr. Chairman, as the daughter of a veteran, I know how important it
is to fully fund and support our troops. I strongly support these
provisions of this legislation.
With that said, though, there are many provisions in this bill which
I cannot support. These include nearly $500 billion in discretionary
funding, with an increase of $4 billion above the fiscal year 2014
enacted level, which we have not seen for any other appropriations bill
this year.
This inflated level of spending fails to account, mind you, for the
waste, fraud, and abuse that continue at the Pentagon. We must audit
the Pentagon and reduce unnecessary Pentagon spending.
This bill also includes nearly $80 billion for the overseas
contingency operations slush fund, which is what it is, at a time when
the President has not even made a specific request about how much is
needed. This is outrageous, and this slush fund should be eliminated.
Now I will be offering several amendments to this bill, one to limit
operations in Afghanistan after 2014, as well as to repeal the 2001
blank check authorization.
The farm bill, transportation bill, other bills, other authorizations
have end dates. We need to end this. Come back to Congress, debate what
we are going to do in Iraq, if anything, in terms of military strikes
and, in fact, repeal the authorization on Afghanistan passed in 2001.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume
to my colleague from New Jersey (Mr. LoBiondo) for the purpose of a
colloquy.
Mr. LoBIONDO. I thank you, Chairman Frelinghuysen, and also want to
thank Ranking Member Peter Visclosky for setting an example of how to
take care of our Nation's dramatic needs and do it in an inclusive,
bipartisan fashion.
Chairman Frelinghuysen has shown great leadership in providing the
resources our warfighters need to successfully defend our Nation, both
here and abroad. He and I have often worked together on issues of
shared interest, and I thank him for engaging with me on this very
important issue.

[[Page H5442]]

Currently, the aircraft that are meant to protect our Nation's
sovereign air space from both domestic and foreign threats, and also
are routinely deployed, with the big Air Force, into war theaters
overseas have gone without much-needed upgrades.
The F-16 Block 30 aircraft are tasked with a mission that absolutely
cannot fail. The 177th Fighter Wing out of Atlantic City, New Jersey,
along with other Air National Guard wings throughout the country, are
assigned this critically important task of ensuring our home defense
and, again, being able to integrate fully with the big Air Force into
conflicts overseas, as they have done multiple times and, in fact, they
are doing right now as we speak.
Due to the reduction of modernization programs, these F-16 Block 30
aircraft are without key combat avionic upgrades, such as the Scalable
Agile Beam Radar.
Threats to our Nation continue to grow all over the world, from
sovereign countries and terrorist organizations alike. The diversity of
threats means that these aircraft must have the latest capability to
make split-second decisions to protect our Nation here and abroad.

I ask that the chairman work with me to ensure that our Nation's
airspace is properly defended, and that these F-16 aircraft are
properly fitted for the threats of the 21st century.
With that, I yield to my good friend, the gentleman from New Jersey
(Mr. Frelinghuysen).
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman, my colleague,
for yielding on this important issue. I agree that upgrading these
legacy aircraft is vital to our Nation's defense. It is our job, as
elected officials, to protect our citizens, and the mission of the
Aerospace Control Alert aircraft does just that.
I will work to ensure that we include report language in conference,
or take other appropriate steps regarding this issue, as we work
through the appropriations process.
I thank my colleague and friend from New Jersey for bringing this
vital concern to my attention.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Johnson).
Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise to discuss H.R. 4870,
the Department of Defense Appropriations Act.
I want to thank the committee for fully funding the Historically
Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Student Initiative. The
$34.4 million allocation supports the educational development of a
growing number of minority scholars in science, technology,
engineering, and math, also known as STEM.
I was proud when the House Armed Services Committee, and then the
full House, approved my amendment to increase funding for this
initiative by $10 million in the National Defense Authorization Act. By
providing the full $34.4 million today, the Appropriations Committee
and the full House will, once again, demonstrate our commitment to
these outstanding scholars.
HBCUs produce one-fifth of the Nation's undergraduate science
graduates and 20 percent of Black undergraduate engineers. This
funding, through the NDAA, emphasizes our support for these students
and encourages more minorities to take the STEM path.
In the long run, producing more qualified minority STEM graduates
ensures a strong and diversified workforce, which is essential to our
Nation's long-term well-being.
I have serious concerns about this bill. I wanted to use this
opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation for the work of the
House Appropriations Committee in support of this initiative.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel) for the purpose of a colloquy.
Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Chairman, I rise to engage in a colloquy with Ranking
Member Visclosky and Chairman Frelinghuysen. But first I would like to
commend the chairman and the ranking member for their leadership on
this bill.
I am here today to address the importance of delivering the utmost
care to our brave servicemen and -women who suffer from mental health
disorders, and the benefits that public-private partnerships between
the Department of Defense and teaching hospitals can provide,
specifically to members of the National Guard and Reserve components
who return from tours of duty and transition into civilian life far
from a military base and without easy access to the care that they
need.
I am pleased that the Department recognizes the benefits of these
public-private partnerships and created a pilot program to improve
efforts to treat members of the National Guard and Reserve components
and their families who suffer from mental health disorders. But we must
not stop there.
It is heartbreaking that preliminary readouts of suicide data for
2013 show that the Active component rate has come down about 18
percent, but the Reserve rates rose slightly. This problem is not going
away.
That is why I am so pleased that the defense bill included language
in the bill's report, recommended by the gentleman from New York (Mr.
King) and me, that encourages the Secretary of Defense to expand this
initial pilot to include additional community partners through a
competitive and merit-based process.
There are a number of teaching and clinical hospitals around the
country that specialize in mental health treatment and can make a real
difference in addressing the soaring demand for mental health
treatment.
I would like to work with the chairman and the ranking member to
ensure that the Department has the necessary funding to expand this
vital pilot program so more of our Nation's brave servicemembers are
able to receive the best care possible.
Mr. Chairman, at this time I am honored to yield to Chairman
Frelinghuysen.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman from New
York's kind words.
The committee recognized that suicide remains a very serious problem
in the military, particularly among National Guard and Reserve troops.
I am proud to say that our bill strongly supports the efforts of the
services to address this crisis. The report includes language which
speaks directly to the gentleman's interest in the pilot program that
was created to treat servicemembers suffering from mental health
disorders in the National Guard and Reserve components through
community partnerships.
In addition, the bill provides $158 million in requested funding for
suicide prevention, mental health, and risk resiliency programs for the
services. This includes an extra $39 million for suicide prevention
programs, including the $19 million specifically for our special
operators.
All the military services have taken significant steps to make
suicide prevention a top priority and to improve the resiliency and
health of our servicemembers.
We support those efforts, and I will continue to work with the
gentleman from New York and his colleague, Mr. King, to address these
important issues.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I would echo the sentiments about the
importance of public-private partnerships and including teaching and
clinical hospitals in finding ways to provide the best care possible to
our servicemembers.
Mental health disorders are a growing trend in our military, and we
must use all resources at our disposal to address the demand for
treatment.
Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for his interest and for the
colloquy.

{time} 1530

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra) for the purpose of a
colloquy.
Mr. BECERRA. I thank the ranking member for yielding.
Mr. Chairman, I rise to engage in a colloquy with the gentleman from
New Jersey, Chairman Frelinghuysen.
First, Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank you and the ranking member
for your efforts in putting together this legislation. In particular, I
appreciate that this bill provides funding for the support for
international sporting competition fund.

[[Page H5443]]

This account is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of
countless Americans who participate in different Olympic initiatives,
including the preparations for the Olympics, Paralympics, and Special
Olympics.
The United States has a rich tradition of supporting the Special
Olympics, both in the United States and abroad. These unique events
empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while
promoting acceptance for all and fostering communities of understanding
on a global scale.
Approximately 1,000 athletes participated in the first Special
Olympics World Games in 1968. By comparison, there has been a sevenfold
increase, with 7,000 athletes expected to participate in the 2015
Special Olympic World Games, which will be held in Los Angeles,
California.
With this substantial growth, there has come an increased need for
security. It is important for this legislation to match as best
possible our country's previous funding commitments. This critical
funding need could be addressed either through additional funding for
the support for international sporting competition fund or unobligated
funds at the Department of Defense.
I asked for and look forward to the opportunity to work with the
chairman, ranking member, and all of our colleagues who wish to
continue our country's support for the Special Olympics through any
available funds in this legislation.
At this point, I yield to the chairman for his response.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. The committee has a long history of support for
international sporting competitions. Ranking Member Visclosky and I
will work with you to ensure that the remaining prior year balances
appropriated for this purpose are spent for their intended purpose.
Mr. BECERRA. I thank the chairman and the ranking member.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, at this point, I yield to the gentleman
from Washington (Mr. Heck) for the purpose of a colloquy.
Mr. HECK of Washington. Mr. Chairman, as the ranking member may be
aware, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs are conducted at
schools throughout our great Nation.
They are traditionally led by retired military officers and enlisted
personnel, and the program prepares high school students for leadership
roles. JROTC teaches the young men and women the kind of discipline and
self-confidence required to succeed outside the classroom.
In my congressional district is Shelton High School, which
successfully operated their Navy JROTC program for 35 years. One year,
they dropped three students below the minimum threshold, were placed on
probation, and yet, despite the subsequent year exceeding the
enrollment threshold, they were required to get to the end of the line,
notwithstanding the 35 years of successful operation.
I don't think Shelton High School ought to have to do that. I don't
think any high school in the United States ought to have to do that.
The Shelton High School Navy JROTC program provided unmatched
leadership opportunities for students, and it instilled exactly the
kind of values we want to instill in young people: patriotism, national
service, and a sense of accomplishment and responsibility.
Additionally, this JROTC program, in its community, served as the
color guard at community events and helped provide volunteers for
community organizations. Its absence is now being acutely felt
throughout all of the county.
So I respectfully request that we somehow find a way to work together
to ensure the Navy has the necessary funds to support these programs at
Shelton High School and throughout the Nation.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. I certainly understand the gentleman's concerns and
appreciate him making the committee aware of this issue.
I know that the Junior ROTC program has made a difference in the
lives of many students, as well as our country. I would be happy to
work with the gentleman on providing funding for this important
program.
Mr. HECK of Washington. I thank the gentleman for agreeing to work
with us, and I thank you and the chairman for your excellent work on
this legislation, which I look forward to supporting.
I also want you to know that, when you tell me you will work with me,
I know it to be the case because both of you are men of your word.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. I thank the gentleman and reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume
to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for the purpose of a
colloquy.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I thank you, Chairman Frelinghuysen,
for yielding for the purpose of a colloquy.
I want to thank you for your tireless efforts for our Nation's brave
servicemen and -women and, just as importantly, for those who served
and never made it home. This legislation fully funds the Prisoner of
War/Missing in Action Personnel Office account. The hardworking staff
over at the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, or JPAC, work tirelessly
to track, locate, and recover these fallen heroes, and I thank them for
their continued efforts.
I would like to have a moment to discuss a hero of the Vietnam war.
Major Lewis P. Smith III majored in music at Penn State and graduated
in 1964. He planned to teach music after his obligation to the Air
Force was over.
Upon graduation from Penn State, Smith was trained on the T-38 and C-
130 aircraft for the next 3 years, sent to Vietnam, and was assigned to
the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron in Pleiku, South Vietnam.
On May 30, 1968, Smith piloted a Cessna O-2A Skymaster aircraft in
Saravane Province, Laos. During the mission, Smith encountered enemy
fire, resulting in the crash of his plane.
Electronic signals were heard at the scene, indicating that he had
survived the crash, but he was not rescued. Major Smith was listed as
missing in action and is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial,
panel 62W, line 2.
Major Smith's family has been working with the Joint POW/MIA
Accounting Command to recover his remains. The excavation site in Laos
has been on the list for over 2 years, and the trip to excavate the
crash site has been postponed twice due to budget pressures and
sequestration.

Major Smith's family has reached out to me to help with their efforts
to bring Lewis home. While I understand the budget-constrained times,
the recovery of fallen servicemembers will bring closure to the
families after such a loss.
Mr. Chairman, I ask for your support and urge the Joint POW/MIA
Accounting Command to schedule the recovery trip to Laos and to bring
home Major Lewis Smith's remains to his family and his country.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I yield to the gentleman from New
Jersey.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I thank the gentleman for yielding to me.
I understand the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office's
mission is to provide the families of servicemembers lost in battle or
taken as prisoners of war with information and, in applicable cases, to
recover personnel from World War II, the Korean war, the cold war, the
Vietnam war, and the Iraqi theater of operations.
I fully support the office and the work they do in searching and
reuniting lost soldiers with their families. Returning the fallen
servicemembers to their families is a priority, and I support your
strong efforts and advocacy on behalf of Major Smith and his family. It
is commendable. We honor it, and I thank you for bringing this to our
attention.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, at this time, I yield to the gentleman
from New York (Mr. Bishop) for the purpose of a colloquy.
Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to
engage in a colloquy with the distinguished ranking member of the
subcommittee.
As many of our colleagues know, thousands of men and women from our
Armed Forces have returned from Iraq

[[Page H5444]]

and Afghanistan with a variety of service-connected illnesses and
complications caused by exposure to the noxious fumes of open-air burn
pits and other airborne hazards.
There is a growing body of research about the disabling effects of
burn pit exposure that confirms that such exposure is the cause of
serious illnesses, including various cancers that have killed veterans
and have left countless others seriously ill.
Leading researchers in this area, including Dr. Anthony Szema of
Stony Brook University's School of Medicine in my district, are
discovering clear evidence that fumes from burn pits have sickened the
personnel deployed in their vicinity.
While their precise numbers remain unknown, it is estimated that up
to 30,000 Active Duty servicemembers and veterans might be suffering as
a result of their exposure to burn pits. We must learn from past
mistakes to stop open-air burn pit exposure before such exposure
becomes the agent orange for this generation of veterans.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. I certainly understand the gentleman's concerns and
appreciate him making the committee aware of this issue. I would be
happy to work with him to provide attention and resources to this
issue.
I am very pleased that he brought this to our attention today on the
floor.
Mr. BISHOP of New York. I thank the gentleman for his response and
his leadership. I also thank the chairman of the subcommittee for his
leadership, and I look forward to working with them on this issue.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I would be delighted to yield to the
gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Pocan) for the purpose of a colloquy.
Mr. POCAN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member and the chairman
for including language supporting continued work on lithium ion battery
research.
However, in reviewing the underlying bill, I am concerned about the
possible interpretation by the Office of Naval Research with respect to
this effort. I believe it is important that the Office of Naval
Research emphasize battery safety as a part of this work.
I would also request the opportunity to continue to work with the
chairman and the ranking member to allocate research and development
funding to promote battery safety and to retain such funding through
conference on the underlying bill.
I hope to make it clear that this Chamber encourages investment in
battery safety research.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. I would want to make it clear to all of my colleagues,
first of all, that my good friend from Wisconsin has been working on
this issue for a number of years. I remember a meeting we had about a
year ago on this issue, and he continues to press ahead, which I
appreciate.
I certainly will continue to work with him on the development of
lithium ion battery technology and promote battery safety as an
important part of this research, and I appreciate the gentleman's
concern, as well as his good work.
Mr. Chairman, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time
as well.
The Acting CHAIR. All time for general debate has expired.
Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be considered for amendment
under the 5-minute rule.
During consideration of the bill for amendment, each amendment shall
be debatable for 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the
proponent and an opponent and shall not be subject to amendment. No pro
forma amendment shall be in order except that the chair and ranking
minority member of the Committee on Appropriations, or their respective
designees, may offer up to 10 pro forma amendments each at any point
for the purpose of debate. The Chair of the Committee of the Whole may
accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member
offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the portion of the
Congressional Record designated for that purpose. Amendments so printed
shall be considered read.
The Clerk will read.
The Clerk read as follows:

H.R. 4870

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the
following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2015, for military functions
administered by the Department of Defense and for other
purposes, namely:

TITLE I

MILITARY PERSONNEL

Military Personnel, Army

For pay, allowances, individual clothing, subsistence,
interest on deposits, gratuities, permanent change of station
travel (including all expenses thereof for organizational
movements), and expenses of temporary duty travel between
permanent duty stations, for members of the Army on active
duty, (except members of reserve components provided for
elsewhere), cadets, and aviation cadets; for members of the
Reserve Officers' Training Corps; and for payments pursuant
to section 156 of Public Law 97-377, as amended (42 U.S.C.
402 note), and to the Department of Defense Military
Retirement Fund, $41,183,729,000.

Military Personnel, Navy

For pay, allowances, individual clothing, subsistence,
interest on deposits, gratuities, permanent change of station
travel (including all expenses thereof for organizational
movements), and expenses of temporary duty travel between
permanent duty stations, for members of the Navy on active
duty (except members of the Reserve provided for elsewhere),
midshipmen, and aviation cadets; for members of the Reserve
Officers' Training Corps; and for payments pursuant to
section 156 of Public Law 97-377, as amended (42 U.S.C. 402
note), and to the Department of Defense Military Retirement
Fund, $27,387,344,000.

Military Personnel, Marine Corps

For pay, allowances, individual clothing, subsistence,
interest on deposits, gratuities, permanent change of station
travel (including all expenses thereof for organizational
movements), and expenses of temporary duty travel between
permanent duty stations, for members of the Marine Corps on
active duty (except members of the Reserve provided for
elsewhere); and for payments pursuant to section 156 of
Public Law 97-377, as amended (42 U.S.C. 402 note), and to
the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund,
$12,785,431,000.

Military Personnel, Air Force

For pay, allowances, individual clothing, subsistence,
interest on deposits, gratuities, permanent change of station
travel (including all expenses thereof for organizational
movements), and expenses of temporary duty travel between
permanent duty stations, for members of the Air Force on
active duty (except members of reserve components provided
for elsewhere), cadets, and aviation cadets; for members of
the Reserve Officers' Training Corps; and for payments
pursuant to section 156 of Public Law 97-377, as amended (42
U.S.C. 402 note), and to the Department of Defense Military
Retirement Fund, $27,564,362,000.

Reserve Personnel, Army

For pay, allowances, clothing, subsistence, gratuities,
travel, and related expenses for personnel of the Army
Reserve on active duty under sections 10211, 10302, and 3038
of title 10, United States Code, or while serving on active
duty under section 12301(d) of title 10, United States Code,
in connection with performing duty specified in section
12310(a) of title 10, United States Code, or while undergoing
reserve training, or while performing drills or equivalent
duty or other duty, and expenses authorized by section 16131
of title 10, United States Code; and for payments to the
Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund,
$4,304,159,000.

Reserve Personnel, Navy

For pay, allowances, clothing, subsistence, gratuities,
travel, and related expenses for personnel of the Navy
Reserve on active duty under section 10211 of title 10,
United States Code, or while serving on active duty under
section 12301(d) of title 10, United States Code, in
connection with performing duty specified in section 12310(a)
of title 10, United States Code, or while undergoing reserve
training, or while performing drills or equivalent duty, and
expenses authorized by section 16131 of title 10, United
States Code; and for payments to the Department of Defense
Military Retirement Fund, $1,836,024,000.

Reserve Personnel, Marine Corps

For pay, allowances, clothing, subsistence, gratuities,
travel, and related expenses for personnel of the Marine
Corps Reserve on active duty under section 10211 of title 10,
United States Code, or while serving on active duty under
section 12301(d) of title 10, United States Code, in
connection with performing duty specified in section 12310(a)
of title 10, United States Code, or while undergoing reserve
training, or while performing drills or equivalent duty, and
for members of the Marine Corps platoon leaders class, and
expenses authorized by section 16131 of title 10, United
States Code; and for payments to the Department of Defense
Military Retirement Fund, $659,224,000.

Reserve Personnel, Air Force

For pay, allowances, clothing, subsistence, gratuities,
travel, and related expenses for

[[Page H5445]]

personnel of the Air Force Reserve on active duty under
sections 10211, 10305, and 8038 of title 10, United States
Code, or while serving on active duty under section 12301(d)
of title 10, United States Code, in connection with
performing duty specified in section 12310(a) of title 10,
United States Code, or while undergoing reserve training, or
while performing drills or equivalent duty or other duty, and
expenses authorized by section 16131 of title 10, United
States Code; and for payments to the Department of Defense
Military Retirement Fund, $1,652,148,000.

National Guard Personnel, Army

For pay, allowances, clothing, subsistence, gratuities,
travel, and related expenses for personnel of the Army
National Guard while on duty under section 10211, 10302, or
12402 of title 10 or section 708 of title 32, United States
Code, or while serving on duty under section 12301(d) of
title 10 or section 502(f) of title 32, United States Code,
in connection with performing duty specified in section
12310(a) of title 10, United States Code, or while undergoing
training, or while performing drills or equivalent duty or
other duty, and expenses authorized by section 16131 of title
10, United States Code; and for payments to the Department of
Defense Military Retirement Fund, $7,644,632,000.

{time} 1545

Amendment Offered by Mr. Gohmert

Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk read as follows:

Page 7, line 2, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(increased by $41,492,000)''.
Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(reduced by $41,492,000)''.

We are having to change diapers, and so there is no
criminal interdiction going on. We are not able to do our
jobs because of the thousands of children that are coming.

I saw a report today from CBP, the Border Patrol, Customs and Border
Protection, and they were saying the interviews they are doing yield
results from the children saying that they are coming to America now
because of a new law that the President has that allows children to
come in and stay here if they just get here quick enough.
It has caused a national emergency. So what $41,492,000 does is
provide for 1,000 National Guard troops. We know in the amendment we
cannot legislate, but in order for the money to be available for the
National Guard troops to assist on the border, the money needs to be
available, and, therefore, we are asking that the money be moved from
one account over into an account that could be utilized for National
Guard troops to help with what has been termed by so many people as a
humanitarian crisis.
Why is it a crisis? Because people in the administration are
refusing, and failing to refuse, to do the job and faithfully execute
the laws of this Nation. They have done a terrible job, and it is a
great injustice to all those children who have been sent by aunts and
uncles, by parents, and by others. Just get to the border, and if their
parents are sending them, we get reports that the parents are hoping
once they get in then they can bring the parents in in order to take
care of them.
There are other reports, as we have seen from a Federal judge in
south Texas, that the Department of Homeland Security is now engaging
in human trafficking. It is part of the lure of these thousands and
thousands of children every week coming in, that if they get to the
border and either one of their parents or any relative is in the
country, then DHS will engage in human trafficking and try to take them
wherever in the country they think their parents might be, even though
they may be here illegally.
So this money is to help with a Federal problem that should not be
costing the States. It is a Federal problem, as the Department of
Justice has indicated through our Attorney General's suing States like
Arizona and saying that you can't deal with this problem, this is a
Federal issue, you must have hands off.
Well, the locals need help. This will provide help. And that is why I
am asking to move $41,492,000 over in the DOD budget so that we can
help with National Guard troops when and where they are needed.
Mr. Chairman, with that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Point of Order

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I insist on my point of order.
Mr. Chairman, the amendment proposes to amend portions of the bill
not yet read.
The amendment may not be considered en bloc under clause 2(f) of rule
XXI because the amendment proposes to increase the level of outlays in
the bill.
I ask for a ruling from the Chair.
The Acting CHAIR. Does any other Member wish to be heard on the point
of order?
Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Chairman, I do.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Texas is recognized.
Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Chairman, it is only the Congressional Budget
Office, CBO, accounting that would say moving $41,492,000 from one
account by that same amount into another account is having more in
outlays than is being taken from one account. I think it is fuzzy math
that the CBO is engaged in. To most of us, if you move $41,492,000 out
of one account and you put that same amount in another account, it is
not causing more outlays than we were removing from the account.
But I will leave that to the ruling of the Chair.
The Acting CHAIR. Does any other Member wish to be heard on the point
of order?
If not, the Chair is prepared to rule.
To be considered en bloc pursuant to clause 2(f) of rule XXI, an
amendment must not propose to increase the levels of budget authority
or outlays in the bill. Because the amendment offered by the gentleman
from Texas proposes a net increase in the level of outlays in the bill,
as argued by the chairman of the relevant Subcommittee on
Appropriations, it may not avail itself of clause 2(f) to address
portions of the bill not yet read.
The point of order is sustained. The amendment is not in order.

Amendment Offered by Mr. Gohmert

Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk read as follows:

Page 7, line 2, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(increased by $41,492,000)''.
Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(reduced by $57,000,000)''.

The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 628, the gentleman
from Texas and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order on the
gentleman's amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. A point of order is reserved.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Chairman, anticipating the fuzzy math from CBO that
taking $41,492,000 from one account and putting that same amount in
another account would not be considered equal, I went ahead and have
another amendment that reduces the one account by $57 million, over $15
million more than we are transferring into the account that could be
used for National Guard troops, so that, according to the fuzzy CBO
math, the reduction will equal the increase.
But with that said, no matter how fuzzy the accounting is here in
Washington, there is a massive problem on our border, and for this body
to turn away when we can force the President's hand--he is not
faithfully executing the laws of his office, he is not enforcing the
immigration laws, and he is not enforcing the border. We can force his
hand by making the proceeds available, the $41,492,000, to get the
National Guard, make them available for this purpose, and then we think
the outcry from America will force the President's

[[Page H5446]]

hand to get these people there, and the Governors will have a stake in
this claim, but it is a Federal problem.
I continue to insist on this. Americans across the country are
watching what we are doing. We need to be responsible and faithfully
execute the laws of this country, and that is without regard to whether
or not the President does. We have an obligation to get this money
where it is needed. We believe this will do that, and so, Mr. Chairman,
we move this amendment.
Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Point of Order

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I insist on my point of order.
Mr. Chairman, the amendment proposes to amend portions of the bill
not yet read.
The amendment may not be considered en bloc under clause 2(f) of rule
XXI because the amendment proposes to increase the level of outlays in
the bill.
I ask for a ruling from the Chair.
The Acting CHAIR. Does any other Member wish to be heard on the point
of order?
Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Chairman, I certainly do.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Texas is recognized.
Mr. GOHMERT. Because under the math of CBO, as fuzzy as it is, by
reducing one account by $57 million, even CBO says, yes, that takes
care of equalizing the outlay of $41,492,000 in the account to increase
that for the National Guard. So it should have been addressed with the
first amendment that I made. But this second one certainly addresses
the fuzzy math that CBO provides. This does not increase the amount of
expenditures over what is being taken from another account.
The Acting CHAIR. Does any other Member wish to be heard on the point
of order?
Seeing none, the Chair is prepared to rule.
To be considered en bloc pursuant to clause 2(f) of rule XXI, an
amendment must not propose to increase the levels of budget authority
or outlays in the bill. Because the amendment offered by the gentleman
from Texas proposes a net increase in the level of outlays in the bill,
as argued by the chairman of the relevant Subcommittee on
Appropriations, it may not avail itself of clause 2(f) to address
portions of the bill not yet read.
The point of order is sustained. The amendment is not in order.

Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Chair, parliamentary inquiry.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman will state his parliamentary inquiry.
Mr. GOHMERT. My inquiry is this, Mr. Chairman.
Can the Chair tell me how reducing one account by $57 million is not
adequate to cover a $41,492,000 increase in another account? It is
$15.5 million more we are reducing than the amount we are increasing.
So my inquiry is, please, Mr. Chairman, explain how the increase of
$41,492,000 is more than the $57 million reduction.
The Acting CHAIR. The Chair based the ruling on the fact that the
amendment increased budget outlays.
Mr. GOHMERT. The rates are addressed, Mr. Chairman, by this $15.5
million amount. That is covered. Even CBO admits that. So I don't know
where the chairman is getting his numbers. They are certainly not
supported even by the fuzziest of math of our CBO.
The Acting CHAIR. The Chair has ruled that the amendment increases
the amount of outlays in the bill and is not in order.
The Clerk will read.
The Clerk read as follows:

National Guard Personnel, Air Force

For pay, allowances, clothing, subsistence, gratuities,
travel, and related expenses for personnel of the Air
National Guard on duty under section 10211, 10305, or 12402
of title 10 or section 708 of title 32, United States Code,
or while serving on duty under section 12301(d) of title 10
or section 502(f) of title 32, United States Code, in
connection with performing duty specified in section 12310(a)
of title 10, United States Code, or while undergoing
training, or while performing drills or equivalent duty or
other duty, and expenses authorized by section 16131 of title
10, United States Code; and for payments to the Department of
Defense Military Retirement Fund, $3,110,587,000.

TITLE II

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Operation and Maintenance, Army

For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the
operation and maintenance of the Army, as authorized by law,
$32,671,980,000: Provided, That not to exceed $12,478,000 can
be used for emergencies and extraordinary expenses, to be
expended on the approval or authority of the Secretary of the
Army, and payments may be made on his certificate of
necessity for confidential military purposes.

Operation and Maintenance, Navy

For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the
operation and maintenance of the Navy and the Marine Corps,
as authorized by law, $39,073,543,000: Provided, That not to
exceed $15,055,000 can be used for emergencies and
extraordinary expenses, to be expended on the approval or
authority of the Secretary of the Navy, and payments may be
made on his certificate of necessity for confidential
military purposes.

Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps

For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the
operation and maintenance of the Marine Corps, as authorized
by law, $5,984,680,000.

Operation and Maintenance, Air Force

For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the
operation and maintenance of the Air Force, as authorized by
law, $35,024,160,000: Provided, That not to exceed $7,699,000
can be used for emergencies and extraordinary expenses, to be
expended on the approval or authority of the Secretary of the
Air Force, and payments may be made on his certificate of
necessity for confidential military purposes.

Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide

(including transfer of funds)

For expenses, not otherwise provided for, necessary for the
operation and maintenance of activities and agencies of the
Department of Defense (other than the military departments),
as authorized by law, $30,896,741,000: Provided, That not
more than $15,000,000 may be used for the Combatant Commander
Initiative Fund authorized under section 166a of title 10,
United States Code: Provided further, That not to exceed
$36,000,000 can be used for emergencies and extraordinary
expenses, to be expended on the approval or authority of the
Secretary of Defense, and payments may be made on his
certificate of necessity for confidential military purposes:
Provided further, That of the funds provided under this
heading, not less than $36,262,000 shall be made available
for the Procurement Technical Assistance Cooperative
Agreement Program, of which not less than $3,600,000 shall be
available for centers defined in 10 U.S.C. 2411(1)(D):
Provided further, That none of the funds appropriated or
otherwise made available by this Act may be used to plan or
implement the consolidation of a budget or appropriations
liaison office of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the
office of the Secretary of a military department, or the
service headquarters of one of the Armed Forces into a
legislative affairs or legislative liaison office: Provided
further, That $8,881,000, to remain available until expended,
is available only for expenses relating to certain classified
activities, and may be transferred as necessary by the
Secretary of Defense to operation and maintenance
appropriations or research, development, test and evaluation
appropriations, to be merged with and to be available for the
same time period as the appropriations to which transferred:
Provided further, That any ceiling on the investment item
unit cost of items that may be purchased with operation and
maintenance funds shall not apply to the funds described in
the preceding proviso: Provided further, That the transfer
authority provided under this heading is in addition to any
other transfer authority provided elsewhere in this Act.

{time} 1600

Amendment Offered by Ms. Lee of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk read as follows:

Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
Page 33, line 11, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.
Page 33, line 19, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.

The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 628, the gentlewoman
from California and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order.
The Acting CHAIR. A point of order is reserved.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman and the
ranking member for working with me on this very important amendment.
This is a very simple amendment that would provide a $5 million
increase to available funds for research, development, testing, and
evaluation related to multiple sclerosis under the Defense Health
Program.

[[Page H5447]]

These funds would increase funding for multiple sclerosis research
under DOD to $10 million. This amendment fulfills the request of $10
million for MS research that was included in a bipartisan letter signed
by 78 Members of Congress earlier this year, including cochairs of the
Congressional MS Caucus, Representative Michael Burgess and
Representative Van Hollen, and I will include the Dear Colleague letter
for the Record.

Congress of the United States,

Washington, DC, March 28, 2014.
Hon. Rodney Frelinghuysen,
Chairman, Subcommittee on Defense Committee on
Appropriations, Washington, DC.
Hon. Pete Visclosky,
Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Defense Committee on
Appropriations, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Visclosky:
On behalf of all people living with multiple sclerosis (MS),
we would like to thank you for your past support for funding
MS research through the Congressionally Directed Medical
Research Programs (CDMRP). As you know, MS is a chronic,
unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous
system. MS is generally diagnosed between the ages of 20 and
50, during the prime of an individual's life. Sadly, the
cause of MS is still unknown and there is no cure. While we
recognize the fiscal constraints the country faces, it is
critical that we continue to fund this important research,
which holds great promise for our military service members
and all those who are affected by MS. We respectfully ask
that you direct $10 million to fund the MS research program
for Fiscal Year 2015.
MS interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and
between the brain and body. Every hour in the United States,
someone is newly diagnosed with the disease. Symptoms range
from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The
progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one
person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research are
improving the possibility of a world free of MS.
Currently, the FDA-approved treatments that are available
to treat MS only slow the progression of the disease for a
subset of the MS population. Of these available medical
treatments, many are not effective for patients and cannot be
tolerated by many others. Additionally, the cost of treating
and living with MS is costly--approximately $69,000 annually.
Many U.S. veterans have stories and symptoms of multiple
sclerosis. Preliminary evidence suggests that some combat
veterans could have an increased risk of developing MS.
Over 23,000 veterans are being treated for MS through the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
A study in the Annals of Neurology identified 5,345 cases
of ``service-connected'' MS among U.S. veterans.
An epidemiologic study found a two-fold increase in MS
between 1993 and 2000 in Kuwait, which suggests a potential
environmental trigger for MS.
The VA is currently funding two MS Centers of Excellence to
provide clinical care and education for these veterans, but
now physicians at these institutions are seeking funding to
explore a potential link between MS and combat service.
MS research has the potential to help all those living with
MS, including our veterans. We ask that you support MS
research by including $10 million in funding for the MS
program within the, CDMRP in the Fiscal Year 2015 Defense
Appropriations. Thank you for your consideration of this
request.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Burgess, M.D., Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr.,
Andree Carson, Daniel W. Lipinski, James R. Langevin, Charles
B. Rangel, Chris Van Hollen, Eliot L. Engel, Sander Levin,
Yvette D. Clarke, John Yarmuth, Frederica S. Wilson.
Peter DeFazio, Sheila Jackson Lee, Tony Cardenas,
Christopher H. Smith, Mike Michaud, Ron Kind, Brad Schneider,
Lloyd Doggett, Joe Courtney, Peter King, Jon Runyan, Alcee L.
Hastings, Rick Larsen, Barbara Lee, Donald M. Payne, Jr.,
Danny K. Davis, Ann MacLane Kuster, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger.
Jan Schakowsky, Steve Israel, Michael Grimm, Carolyn
McCarthy, Steve Cohen, Luis V. Gutieerrez, Tim Bishop, Gerald
E. Connolly, Tim Murphy, Carol Shea-Porter, Stephen F. Lynch,
Rush Holt, Chellie Pingree, David N. Cicilline, Bill Foster,
Gloria Negrete McLeod, Jim McDermott, Elijah E. Cummings.
John F. Tierney, Chaka Fattah, Dave Loebsack, Matt
Cartwright, Juan Vargas, John Delaney, David Price, Jim
Himes, Julia Brownley, Lois Frankel, Collin C. Peterson, Alan
Grayson, Gregory W. Meeks, Spencer Bachus, John Garamendi,
Robert A. Brady, Marc Veasey, Cheri Bustos.
Mark Pocan, Elizabeth H. Esty, Ann Kirkpatrick, Susan A.
Davis, Dan Kildee, Dan Benishek, M.D., Ben Ray Lujaan, Ron
Barber, Grace Meng, Tim Walz, John Conyers, Jr., Mike
Thompson.

Ms. LEE of California. There are 2 million people worldwide living
with MS. This complicated and unpredictable neurological disease
interrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the
brain and the body.
MS is a chronic disease that can often be debilitating for those
living with it, and the symptoms of MS are as diverse as the people it
impacts.
I am pleased to introduce this amendment to the Defense
Appropriations bill, since MS has a significant impact on our armed
services. Some 23,000 veterans are currently being treated for MS, with
more than 5,000 cases having been identified as service connected.
Because of increased research funding in MS, the first disease-
modifying drugs became available for people living with MS 20 years
ago. However, these drugs only work for a subset of the population, and
many people living with MS still have no viable treatment options.
Increased research funding could give scientists a better
understanding of the disease, which could potentially unveil new
therapies.
I will close by adding that I understand, on a very personal level,
the impact of this disease. My sister, Mildred, shows me every day what
life is like to live with the disease, and I am consistently amazed by
her strength and her bravery. She and the millions of people around the
world living with MS are really a testament to the importance of making
stronger investments to find a cure.
Mr. Chairman, on behalf of my sister Mildred and on behalf of all of
those living with MS, on behalf of the families and caregivers, I urge
my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Will the gentlewoman yield?
Ms. LEE of California. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. First, I commend you on your amendment, and I
withdraw my reservation.
The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Duncan of Tennessee). The reservation of the
point of order is withdrawn.
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman, and I
urge a ``yes'' vote.
I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).
The amendment was agreed to.

Amendment Offered by Mr. Lamborn

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk read as follows:

Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(reduced by $5,000,000) (increased by
$5,000,000)''.

The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 628, the gentleman
from Colorado and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Colorado.
Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Chairman, there is an important program to help our
Special Forces troops and families. It is called the Preservation of
the Force and Family program.
Admiral McRaven, who is the commander of Special Operations Command,
has told the Armed Services Committee that this is his highest
priority. It combines several kinds of help and assistance to wounded
warriors and to their families in a holistic way. For those who are in
it and have benefited from it, it has been a tremendous, tremendous
program.
What I am proposing in this amendment is to take $5 million from the
Special Operation Command's budget request for flying hours, which in
my understanding was increased by the Appropriations Committee, which
is normally an excellent thing to fund, but they even gave, in my
understanding, Mr. Chairman, above and beyond what the command had
asked for.
So based on that, I am asking for a transfer back of $5 million from
the flying hours budget to the Preservation of the Force and Family
Program.
This aligns with what the Armed Services Committee had put in the
NDAA after their deliberations in committee. I would ask that the House
adopt this amendment.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's
amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Indiana is recognized for 5
minutes.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition. The subcommittee

[[Page H5448]]

has always done everything we can to take care of our special
operators, and that is reflected in the mark.
I do believe the gentleman's amendment is philosophically
inconsistent with the underlying bill. I cannot justify devoting
significant resources to SOCOM's $1 billion proposal to establish their
own separate contractor-staffed facilities, when our services are
undergoing tremendous downsizing pressures. It runs contrary to what we
are trying to do in the bill.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. VISCLOSKY. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey, the
committee chair.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Further, SOCOM has provided no information or data to support this
costly new endeavor, and Congress has raised questions in both the
authorization bill and the appropriations bill about the affordability
and efficacy of this program.
As our mark reflects, we have also raised serious concerns regarding
SOCOM's prioritization of its requirements. Again this year, SOCOM
proposed to fund their flying hour readiness programs at only 67
percent of their requirement, so they could fund these new contractors
and facilities. They then made restoration of flying hours their number
one unfunded priority.
I believe it is ill-advised to provide a 50 percent increase to hire
personal trainers, sports nutritionists, and sports psychologists for
special operators at an average cost in excess of $200,000.
With all due respect, all those who serve in our military--men and
women, whether they be Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve or whether they
are special operators--deserve the type of equipment and programs that
keep them healthy and steadfast.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's remarks and
would also point out that the committee has raised significant
questions regarding duplication with service-related facilities and
services by the Special Forces.
More importantly--and I think this is key--we must be careful not to
create or give the perception that we are treating Special Forces
differently than anyone else who serves this country in uniform.
Anyone who puts the uniform of the United States military on, they
are all special. I strongly oppose the gentleman's amendment.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Chairman, I would agree with the assertion that
every single fighting man and woman is special. The Special Operations
Forces do have some tremendous stresses that they can undergo,
especially in the kind of combat missions that they perform.
I believe that this is a program that has been successful in
preventing suicide, so for that reason, I think it is timely. It is
appropriate.
There are different programs to treat our wounded warriors who have
PTSD, and every program does not work for every soldier, sailor,
airman, or marine; but for those who do get the treatment they need, it
is literally a lifesaver.
For that reason, I think it is a priority to address the aftereffects
of PTSD, and this would be a very good program. I do appreciate the
Appropriations Committee work that they do and the tough choices that
they are constantly making, and I respect that, but I think this is a
good choice, so I offer the amendment.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I would simply close by saying that all
members of the military are equal and that this amendment is
unwarranted, and I do oppose it.
I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey if he has anything to add.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, we have $19 million specifically to
address the high incidence of suicide among our special operators, so
it is not only servicewide, but we recognize the special burdens that
special operators bear through their incredible work.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn).
The amendment was rejected.

Amendment Offered by Ms. Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk read as follows:

Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced
by $500,000)''.
Page 33, line 11, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $500,000)''.
Page 33, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $500,000)''.

Ms. JACKSON LEE (during the reading). Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous
consent that the amendment be considered as read.
The Acting CHAIR. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order on the
amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. A point of order is reserved.
Pursuant to House Resolution 628, the gentlewoman from Texas and a
Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Texas.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, this is a daunting time to be on the
floor of the House during Defense Appropriations, and I add my
appreciation to the chairman and to the ranking member for the
bipartisan approach with which they have treated our men and women.
As we speak, there are soldiers who have left our soil, and they are
in Iraq protecting our men and women at our embassy. There is never a
time that we do not call upon our soldiers to stand and to defend our
Nation or our citizens. My amendment recognizes that.
My amendment is a budget-neutral amendment. It adds $500,000 by
reducing another account by $500,000 for an emphasis on PTSD, for
outreach toward hard-to-reach veterans, especially those who are
homeless or reside in underserved urban and rural areas.
Let me congratulate the committee for its hard work in recognition of
the crisis of PTSD, but let me also cite that Houston is the third
largest military retirement community in the United States, exceeded
only by San Antonio and San Diego, California.

{time} 1615

Houston is the second highest military recruiting district in the
United States for all Armed Forces, to include the Coast Guard, and
many return back to Houston. Twenty-three percent of the Houston adult
homeless population are veterans, and nearly 2,500 men and women. I see
them every day in my district. I have several homeless facilities that
are particularly for veterans. As I interact with them, I see the clear
signs of PTSD.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with this
committee in establishing a PTSD center in one of our hospitals that
was not a veteran facility. An estimated 7.8 percent of Americans will
experience PTSD at some point in their lives, with women 10.4 percent
and men 5 percent to develop PTSD; as well, estimates of PTSD from the
gulf war as high as 10 percent; estimates from the war in Afghanistan
are between 6 percent and 11 percent; and current estimates of PTSD in
military personnel who served in Iraq range from 12 percent to 20
percent.
Posttraumatic stress disorder is of course something of great
concern, and many times I have seen, again, these individuals who are
in these very facilities. My amendment will help to ensure that no
soldier is left behind and the urgent need for more outreach toward
hard-to-reach veterans suffering from PTSD, especially those who are
homeless and reside in underserved areas.
Mr. Chairman, I have been to what we call stand-downs. We have a
number of them in our community. I started going to stand-downs way
before I came to the United States Congress. These are street events
that soldiers, retirees, or veterans come together, and particularly
those who are homeless. I would say to you they are the most moving
experiences that I have ever seen. The soldiers, the veterans are glad
to see people who care. Many of them are suffering, but many of them--
all of them--put on that uniform and served us.
Joe, for example, saw a good deal of active combat during his time in
the

[[Page H5449]]

military. Some incidents in particular have never left his mind, like
the horrifying sight of Gary, a close comrade and friend, being blown
up by a land mine. Even when he returned to civilian life, those images
haunted him. Scenes from the battle would run repeatedly through his
mind and disrupt his focus on work. Filling up at the gas station, for
example, the smell of diesel immediately rekindled certain horrific
memories. At other times, he had difficulty remembering the past, as if
some events were too painful to allow back into his mind. He found
himself avoiding socializing with old military buddies, as this would
inevitably trigger a new round of memories. His girlfriend complained
that he was always pent up and irritable, as if he were on guard, and
Joe noticed that at night he had difficulty relaxing. When he heard
loud noises, such as a truck backfiring, he literally jumped as if he
were readying himself for combat. He began to drink heavily.
I am glad that this committee has recognized the importance of
providing these services for our soldiers, no matter the long range of
time that they have been out, that they are now veterans, that they are
still important and they still were willing to put on the uniform.
In light of our crisis with the Veterans Affairs, I would ask my
colleagues to support this amendment providing extra outreach to those
veterans who did not think for one moment to put on that uniform and
defend their Nation. Let's now provide them with that extra comfort.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Will the gentlewoman yield?
Ms. JACKSON LEE. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I withdraw my reservation.
We on the committee commend the gentlewoman for her concern for the
health and well-being of all of our brave men and women in uniform.
Taking care of the health and welfare of our servicemembers is of
paramount importance and a concern to all of us.
I can assure you that both Mr. Visclosky and I will work with you as
well as the money we put in our bill to address the concerns you have
rightly raised.
I thank you for yielding.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, as I said earlier, I don't know if you
heard, I thanked you for your caring response, along with the ranking
member, putting together a bill that really recognizes service to our
veterans.
With that, let me conclude and ask my colleagues to support the
Jackson Lee amendment. I indicate that Mr. Conyers of Michigan joins me
in this amendment.
I thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Chair, I want to thank Chairman Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member
Visclosky for shepherding this legislation to the floor and for their
devotion to the men and women of the Armed Forces who risk their lives
to keep our nation safe.
Mr. Chair, thank you for the opportunity to explain my amendment,
which is virtually identical to an amendment that I offered and was
adopted in last year's Defense Appropriations Act (H.R. 2397).
My amendment increases funding for the PTSD by $500,000. These funds
should be used toward outreach activities targeting hard to reach
veterans, especially those who are homeless or reside in underserved
urban and rural areas, who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD).
Mr. Chair, along with traumatic brain injury, PTSD is the signature
wound suffered by the brave men and women fighting in Afghanistan,
Iraq, and far off lands to defend the values and freedom we hold dear.
For those of us whose daily existence is not lived in harm's way, it
is difficult to imagine the horrific images that American servicemen
and women deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other theaters of war see
on a daily basis.
In an instant a suicide bomber, an IED, or an insurgent can
obliterate your best friend and right in front of your face. Yet, you
are trained and expected to continue on with the mission, and you do,
even though you may not even have reached your 20th birthday.
But there always comes a reckoning. And it usually comes after the
stress and trauma of battle is over and you are alone with your
thoughts and memories.
And the horror of those desperate and dangerous encounters with the
enemy and your own mortality come flooding back.
PTSD was first brought to public attention in relation to war
veterans, but it can result from a variety of traumatic incidents, such
as torture, being kidnapped or held captive, bombings, or natural
disasters such as floods or earthquakes.
People with PTSD may startle easily, become emotionally numb
(especially in relation to people with whom they used to be close),
lose interest in things they used to enjoy, have trouble feeling
affectionate, be irritable, become more aggressive, or even become
violent.
They avoid situations that remind them of the original incident, and
anniversaries of the incident are often very difficult.
Most people with PTSD repeatedly relive the trauma in their thoughts
during the day and in nightmares when they sleep. These are called
flashbacks. A person having a flashback may lose touch with reality and
believe that the traumatic incident is happening all over again.
Mr. Chair, the fact of the matter is that most veterans with PTSD
also have other psychiatric disorders, which are a consequence of PTSD.
These veterans have co-occurring disorders, which include depression,
alcohol and/or drug abuse problems, panic, and/or other anxiety
disorders.
My amendment recognizes that these soldiers are first and foremost,
human. They carry their experiences with them.
Ask a veteran of Vietnam, Iraq, or Afghanistan about the frequency of
nightmares they experience, and one will realize that serving in the
Armed Forces leaves a lasting impression, whether good or bad.
My amendment will help ensure that ``no soldier is left behind'' by
addressing the urgent need for more outreach toward hard to reach
veterans suffering from PTSD, especially those who are homeless or
reside in underserved urban and rural areas of our country.
I urge my colleagues to support the Jackson Lee Amendment.

PTSD Anecdotes

Anecdote #1: (Veteran)

Joe saw a good deal of active combat during his time in the
military. Some incidents in particular had never left his
mind--like the horrifying sight of Gary, a close comrade and
friend, being blown-up by a land mine.
Even when he returned from to civilian life, these images
haunted him. Scenes repeatedly through his mind and disrupt
his focus on work.
Filing up at the gas station, for example, the smell of
diesel immediately rekindled certain horrific memories. At
other times, he had difficulty remembering the past--as if
some events were too painful to allow back in his mind. He
found himself avoiding himself socializing with old military
buddies, as this would inevitably trigger a new round of
memories.
His girlfriend complained that he was always pent-up and
irritable--as if he were on guard, and Joe noticed that at
night he had difficulty falling asleep.
When he heard loud noises, such as a truck back-firing he
literally jumped, as if here were readying himself for
combat. He began to drink heavily.

Anecdote #2: (as told by a Military Spouse)

My husband's PTS manifested itself in different ways. I
remember Fourth of July at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., when we were
all standing outside listening to the band, enjoying the
picnic and listening to fireworks.
The fireworks bothered Adrian because they sounded so much
like gunfire.
It made other soldiers upset too, and we all went inside. I
thought it was ironic because the celebration was supposed to
be for the American soldiers; they couldn't even enjoy it.
He'd see a can on the side of the road and swerve, thinking
it was an improvised explosive device.
When he'd go out to dinner with other soldiers, I'd say it
looked like a ``The Last Supper'' painting because they'd all
sit there with their backs against the wall.
If a room became too busy, he'd want to leave. He'd
suddenly become unfriendly or unapproachable.
At first, I confused his behavior with depression, or I
thought maybe he was just tired. I also couldn't help but
think it had to do with me; I'm only human.
I was fortunate that Adrian was willing to get help once he
got back. Once he was diagnosed, I knew we'd know better how
to deal with his symptoms. I educated myself on PTSD; I went
to his group therapist and reached out to the Real Warriors
Campaign for information. But the most important thing I did
was listen to Adrian.

Anecdote #3: (teen-aged girl)

Maria was only 15 when she was attacked by a group of men
on the way home from school. They took turns screaming abuse
at her and then they each raped her. Finally, they tried to
stab her to death and would almost certainly have succeeded
had the police not arrived on the scene.
For months after this horrifying event, Maria was not
herself. She was unable to keep the memories of the attack
out of her mind. At night she would have terrible dreams of
rape, and would wake up screaming.
She had difficulty walking back from school because the
route took her past the site of the attack, so she would have
to go

[[Page H5450]]

the long way home. She felt as though her emotions were
numbed, and as though she had no real future. At home she was
anxious, tense, and easily startled. She felt ``dirty'' and
somehow shamed by the event, and she resolved not to tell
close friends about the event, in case they too rejected her.

Anecdote #4: (civilian woman)

A 35-year-old lady was riding a bicycle in a carpark when
she was hit from behind by a car.
Six months after the accident, she still had frequent vivid
and intrusive memories of the incident.
She described seeing the car's wheels stopping just in
front of her face and hearing the screeching sound of the
brakes.
It felt as if it were happening again each time she
recalled it. She jumped whenever she heard loud traffic
noises and especially when she heard car brakes screeching.
She stayed in her room much more than usual, avoided using
the bicycles at all and avoided travelling in any vehicle as
much as she could.
She felt helpless and useless to overcome her symptoms even
though her family were warm and encouraging to her.
____

Houston is the 3rd largest military retirement community in
the United States (exceeded by San Antonio, TX and San Diego,
CA).
Houston is the 2nd largest Veterans Community in the United
States in terms of resident Veterans.
Houston is the 2nd largest Military Recruiting District in
the United States for all Armed Forces Services, to include
the U.S. Coast Guard.
23% of the Houston adult homeless population are veterans,
nearly 2,500 men and women.

The Acting CHAIR. The reservation of a point of order is withdrawn.
The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from
Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
The amendment was agreed to.

Amendment Offered by Mr. Lamborn

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Chair, I am offering the second Lamborn amendment,
052.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk read as follows:

Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(reduced by $5,000,000)''.
Page 12, line 17, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(increased by $5,000,000)''.

The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 628, the gentleman
from Colorado and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Colorado.
Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Chairman, when you look at press accounts on what is
happening at our southwest border, we are being overwhelmed. This
amendment would take $5 million and give it to the Army National Guard
out of the Department of Defense's administration operations account so
that the National Guard is better able to get people and station them
at our southwest border. They do not have dedicated funding or the
additional funding they need for this border protection mission, yet
they are involved in trying to establish order at the border.
The primary role of the Federal Government is to provide for our
national security, and securing our borders is part of that national
security mission. Mr. Chairman, I believe that this $5 million would be
better spent on securing our border than adding more people to the
Secretary of Defense's staff.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. LAMBORN. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I appreciate the gentleman's interest in defending
our borders, appreciate your raising this important issue, and we
support your amendment.
Thank you for yielding.
Mr. LAMBORN. Reclaiming my time, I appreciate the chairman's hard
work and for his support of this amendment.
With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn).
The amendment was agreed to.

Amendment Offered by Mr. Jeffries

Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk read as follows:

Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(reduced by $10,000,000)''.
Page 33, line 11, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(increased by $10,000,000)''.
Page 33, line 19, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(increased by $10,000,000)''.

The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 628, the gentleman
from New York and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.
Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Chair, let me first thank the distinguished
chairman as well as the distinguished ranking member for their great
work with respect to this legislation.
This amendment makes a modest adjustment to the bill that would
increase funding for the Defense Health Program by $10 million. It is
budget neutral by reducing the Department of Defense's departmentwide
operation and maintenance funds by a corresponding amount.
Let me first take this opportunity to express my strong support for
the critical work of the Defense Department overall. The adjustment
made by this amendment will still leave the Department with an
extremely robust amount of operation and maintenance funding while
ensuring that necessary resources are available for vital research and
development that will aid both servicemembers and civilians alike.
The Defense Health Program oversees all medical and health care
programs for the Defense Department. DHP's research and development
activities help advance medical research to provide innovative
solutions for servicemembers and their families facing medical trauma
as well as advance the state of medical science in areas that benefit
our broader society.
Over the last 10 years, there has been a significant increase in the
amount of reported cases of PTSD in servicemembers. These increases are
seen in both those deployed overseas as well as in nondeployed
servicemembers. For those servicemembers who are deployed, the number
of incidents of PTSD has increased twelvefold over the last 10 years.
For those not deployed, the number of reported incident cases has
nearly doubled. The annual total for reported PTSD cases has remained
at unprecedentedly high levels over the last 5 years.
While we are currently winding down the war in Afghanistan, American
troops continue to see action on the battlefield. With more of these
troops returning from deployments over the next several years, it is
likely that the number of PTSD cases will hold steady, if not increase.
Furthermore, increased international unrest and uncertainty may result
in future troop deployments to other parts of world, making it likely
that the number of reported PTSD cases will remain at a high level.
This amendment will invest resources to help inform health
professionals on how best to treat our military personnel moving
forward.
Furthermore, the need for increased research concerning PTSD is not
limited to our military. High levels of violence in many communities
throughout America have induced PTSD-like conditions for some trapped
in these unfortunate circumstances. Research undertaken by the
Department of Defense can benefit families and community health
professionals in treating our children and others impacted in this way.
I, therefore, urge my colleagues to support additional medical research
to help the military victims of PTSD and our broader society.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. JEFFRIES. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. We on the committee thank the gentleman from New
York for his concern regarding funding levels for traumatic brain
injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, and psychological health
research.
Just for the record, you should know that our bill does include $414
million, including a plus-up of $125 million above the request level of
$289 million for all of those important issues.
We appreciate his work and his willingness to work with us, and we
accept his amendment.
Mr. JEFFRIES. I thank the Chair for his work on this issue as well as
the ranking member.
I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries).
The amendment was agreed to.

Amendment Offered by Mr. McKinley

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

[[Page H5451]]

The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk read as follows:

Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced
by $21,000,000) (increased by $21,000,000)''.

The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 628, the gentleman
from West Virginia and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from West Virginia.
Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, earlier this year the Office of
Management and Budget admitted that they made a mistake when they
presented the President's budget request for the National Guard Youth
ChalleNGe Program. Since then, they have expressed that they intend to
correct this mistake by offering a supplemental appropriation, because
you and I know supplemental appropriations don't happen very often
around here.
Congresswoman Napolitano and I have a two-part approach to solve this
mistake that has been created by OMB. First, Congress already has
unanimously passed our amendment to the National Defense Authorization
Act by increasing the authorization by $55 million to take care of this
mistake. Under this amendment--this amendment--this bipartisan approach
is we are willing to compromise to lower that amount to $21 million and
restore the program, keep it intact.
Mr. Chairman, we shouldn't perpetuate the mistake that has been
created by OMB by rejecting this amendment. Two mistakes don't make it
right.
Mr. Chairman, this program addresses some serious needs and a dropout
epidemic among our youth. These are real people with real problems.
They need our help. Society may have given up on them, but we in
Congress shouldn't.
Ms. NAPOLITANO. Will the gentleman yield?
Ms. McKINLEY. I yield to the gentlewoman from California.
Ms. NAPOLITANO. I rise to address this amendment, Mr. Chairman.
I thank my cochairman, Mr. McKinley, on the National Guard ChalleNGe
Program.

{time} 1630

Thank you for your great help in the outreach to all of our Members
of Congress.
We have been working in a bipartisan manner to help our Nation's
throwaway children, those who have fallen through the cracks.
For 2015, Defense Appropriations will fund the program at $114
million. The current funding is $135 million, so it would be short.
This amendment increases by, as he mentioned, $21 million to have the
same funding as 2014, increasing it to the same level of $135 million.
It would prevent cuts to critical programs that are helping our youth
integrate back into society. It reduces the budget line in operation
and maintenance by the same amount.
It is critical for hundreds of our young people who drop out yearly
to have an opportunity to be accepted into the program. The ChalleNGe
Program has already educated 120,000 young people nationally. It also
is a volunteer program free for 16- to 18-year-olds at no cost to the
child or the family; 22\1/2\-week residential boot camp-like program
led by the State's National Guard cadre; prepares them, educates them,
instills discipline, builds employment potential, and returns them to
school.
The 2012 RAND Corporation study finds that for every dollar spent, in
return is $2.66, a yield of 166 percent return on investment--the best
youth program in the Nation.
It effectively addresses part of our Nation's dropout epidemic on a
very small level. America needs more of these programs, not less.
It is beneficial to our local businesses, to our communities, and to
our Nation's ability to compete, to our future economy.
According to the 2009 National Labor Market study, California alone
has 714,000 dropouts yearly, the sixth-worst State.
Our graduates are 800 a year. Basically, we need more funding to
expand it to more qualified individuals who are on a waiting list. Our
best retention rate is in California. It is educating, training, and
retaining more than 90 percent.
There is very much a need for these programs. Please support this
amendment.
Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, this is a mistake caused by OMB. We can
correct it right here today. Again, as I said, these are real people
with real problems, and they are trying to get on with their lives. The
program has worked all across America. Let's not perpetuate this
problem by reducing their funds. It was a mistake by OMB, and we can
correct it here today.
I ask that my colleagues support this amendment, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. McKinley).
The amendment was agreed to.

Amendment Offered by Mr. McGovern

Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk read as follows:

Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(reduced by $3,500,000)'',
Page 33, line 11, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(increased by $3,000,000)'',
Page 33, line 12, after the dollar amount insert the
following: ``(increased by $3,000,000).

The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 628, the gentleman
from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern) and a Member opposed each will
control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Massachusetts.
Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 3 minutes.
Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Representatives Jones, Shea-Porter,
Tsongas, Bordallo, and Moore for joining me today in offering this
amendment. They are leaders and champions in support of the benefits
that service dogs provide to our servicemen and -women on and off the
battlefield.
This amendment establishes a $3 million competitive grants pilot
program for qualified nonprofit organizations whose mission is to
address the physical and mental health needs of veterans and
servicemembers with the assistance from trained service dogs. This is a
very modest amount of money when we consider the need of our veterans
and the number of organizations around the country dedicated to
addressing this need.
Many of our servicemembers return home from the battlefield suffering
from traumatic brain injury, PTSD, blindness or impaired vision, the
loss of a limb, paralysis, impaired mobility, loss of hearing, and
other mental and physical disabilities. Too many struggle with suicidal
thoughts or find themselves unable to reintegrate back into family life
or their communities.
Working with a trained service dog is a proven aid for these wounded
warriors, the merits of which have been documented in decades of
programs for civilians with similar mental or physical challenges.
Providing grant opportunities for groups professionally engaged in this
field is critical to ensuring that our military and our veterans
receive the care that they deserve.
In December, I held a briefing that brought together experts to look
more closely at the impact service dogs have on veterans' care. Medical
experts, nonprofits, and veterans with trained service dogs
participated, including retired Navy Lieutenant Bradley Snyder, who
lost his eyesight to an IED while serving in Afghanistan. He was
accompanied by this Fidelco-trained guide dog, Gizzy. Fidelco is a
nonprofit guide dog training organization in Connecticut. Lieutenant
Snyder has since gone on to compete in the 2012 London Paralympics
Games, where he won two gold medals and one silver medal in swimming.
John Moon and service dog Rainbow represented the National Education
for Assistance Dog Services, a nonprofit accredited service dog
provider founded in 1976. Based in Massachusetts, NEADS has trained
more than 1,400 assistance dogs. Since 2005, it has been actively
working to bring service dogs to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan
wars.
Brett Simon is a veteran handler for police canines. Twice deployed
to Iraq as an explosives detector canine handler, he described his work
as a dog training specialist at K9s for Warriors Academy in Florida.
We also heard from Rick Yount, founder of the Warrior Canine
Connection. The WCC Service Dog Training

[[Page H5452]]

Therapy Program has operated at the National Intrepid Center of
Excellence at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda
since October 2011. I am very pleased to see that this bill continues
to provide funds for this very special program.
Mr. Chairman, there are scores of similar organizations across the
Nation. A modest grant pilot program will ensure that they reach even
more of our wounded warriors with the assistance of a service dog.
I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.
I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones).
Mr. JONES. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts.
Two weeks ago, I went to Walter Reed Hospital. I was told that two of
my marines from Camp Lejeune had been severely wounded in Afghanistan.
The first marine I saw was 23 years of age. He had lost both legs and
an arm. His father was there from Louisiana, and I saw pain, I saw
worry, I saw sadness in his eyes. The second marine I saw had stepped
on a 40-pound IED and lost both legs. He was telling me about his
little 8-month-old daughter and his wife. They were not there, but I
heard that.
I know that these service dogs are making a difference in the life of
the wounded, whether it be mental or it might be physical. This $3
million, when we are spending billions in Afghanistan, it would be a
sin and a shame if we cannot find the $3 million to put into this
program to make sure that those who have given so much have a little
bit of support and a little bit of pleasure in having a loving animal
that has been trained to give support to that person that has given so
much for this country.
I hope that this amendment will be accepted.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. McGOVERN. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. The committee would like to thank you, the
gentleman from Massachusetts, the gentleman from North Carolina, and
your colleagues for sponsoring this amendment.
The $3 million would be added to the $3 million which the committee,
Mr. Visclosky and I, put into our bill for similar purposes.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. McGOVERN. I yield to the gentleman from Indiana.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. I thank both gentlemen for raising this issue and
offering the amendment. I strongly support it.
Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern).
The amendment was agreed to.

Amendment Offered by Mr. Benishek

Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk read as follows:

Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced
by $2,000,000)''.
Page 33, line 11, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $2,000,000)''.
Page 33, line 19, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $2,000,000)''.

The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 628, the gentleman
from Michigan (Mr. Benishek) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of a very simple amendment, in
which I am joined and sponsored by Mr. Lowenthal of California. I
believe strongly that there is an epidemic, commonly referred to as
Alzheimer's disease, that is sweeping our country.
My amendment would increase funding for the Defense Health Program by
$2 million, with the intent of providing more peer-reviewed research to
fight this devastating disease.
As a doctor who served at the Iron Mountain VA for 20 years, I know
how important the health research programs at the Department of Defense
are. These programs provide groundbreaking research into the health
challenges that our veterans face.
These health research programs help us to provide better quality of
care to those who have served our country and frequently lead to
advances in treatment that benefit the rest of the population.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, over 5 million Americans
are currently living with this disease. This number is expected to
continue to rise, resulting in increased suffering for patients and
their families and a dramatic rise in health care costs.
As a representative for a district with a large population of
veterans and a large population of seniors, I have seen firsthand the
devastating effects of Alzheimer's. We must do more to combat this
terrible disease.
This amendment will cut $2 million in funding for the Secretary of
Defense's general operation and maintenance fund, an account which I
believe can take a small cut, and applies those funds to the Defense
Health Program for medical research.
By voting for this amendment, you will be supporting more research
and development on the ground, rather than the salaries of bureaucrats
in Washington.
I believe this amendment is a good, commonsense effort, and I hope my
colleagues will support me in this effort to increase research into
treating and eventually curing Alzheimer's.
I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. BENISHEK. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. We on the committee thank you for this amendment.
Understanding your professional background and many of our constituents
suffering under Alzheimer's, we are supportive of it.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. BENISHEK. I yield to the gentleman from Indiana.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. If supplied with a copy of his amendment, I would
appreciate it very much.
Mr. BENISHEK. Absolutely.
I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Benishek).
The amendment was agreed to.

Amendment Offered by Mr. Kildee

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk read as follows:

Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $10,000,000)''.
Page 22, line 14, after the dollar amount, insert
``(reduced by $50,000,000)''.

The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 628, the gentleman
from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would appropriate $10 million
to fund an amendment passed unanimously in the 2015 NDAA that allocates
additional financial literacy training programs for incoming and
transitioning servicemembers. This $10 million will be spread equally
among the service's operation and maintenance accounts.
This increased financial literacy training would be funded by
allocating $10 million from the Navy's $14 billion aircraft procurement
account, which includes nearly $1 billion in funding over the Navy's
request to purchase 12 EA-18G Growler aircraft. The Navy actually
requested none of these 12 aircraft.
The problem we have is that far too often servicemembers have
inadequate training or experience. We are often talking about young
people who have yet to really fully have their feet underneath them.
When a servicemember has financial difficulty, often they are preyed
upon by unscrupulous lenders, payday lenders, often.

{time} 1645

In fact, in some cases--this was reported widely recently--offering
and executing loans at up to 400 percent interest rates, often
targeting these young servicemembers.
While this has an effect clearly on the financial condition of
servicemembers, it also can have an effect on readiness, in that many
servicemembers require a security

[[Page H5453]]

clearance to perform their duties, and financial difficulties and the
loss of a clearance can have an enormous impact on readiness.
All that being said, I will be withdrawing my amendment. The offset
that we offered, according to CBO, would require a $50 million
offsetting cut to raise $10 million, and I will certainly yield to
anybody who would like to explain to me the mathematics behind some of
the scoring that comes up.
Hearing none, I will move on.
This is an important area. It is an important question. The House has
already unanimously acted in the NDAA to support this program.
While it is my intention to withdraw this amendment, what I would
ask, if the chairman and ranking member would engage and work with us
on this--and certainly engage the Department of Defense--to find the
financial resources to support this expanded literacy program, it would
be of great benefit to our servicemembers, and it would be of
tremendous value in terms of our readiness.
With that, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. KILDEE. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I am sure the ranking member and I would be
pleased to work with you on this issue
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my
amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman
from Michigan?
There was no objection.

Amendment Offered by Mr. Gohmert

Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk read as follows:

Page 9, line 6, after the dollar amount, insert ``(reduced
by $35,956,000)''.
Page 36, line 14, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $35,956,000)''.
Page 36, line 17, after the dollar amount, insert
``(increased by $35,956,000)''.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I would point out to the Chair that we
do not have a copy of the gentleman's amendment.
I would also point out to the Chair, if I would be given permission
to, that this is the second time in the first hour of debate we have
not been supplied with an amendment offered on the floor.
I would certainly appreciate the courtesy of making sure that we are
noticed as far as the content of these very important amendments, so we
can give them the appropriate consideration that they are due.
I appreciate the Chair's indulgence.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will distribute copies of the amendment.
Pursuant to House Resolution 628, the gentleman from Texas and a
Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Chairman, as read, this would transfer $35.956
million into an account under the bill that specifies, ``shall be for
National Guard counterdrug program.''
We have spoken with people on the border. They know the problems they
are having. They need equipment.
This amount would allow eight UH-72 helicopters to help with drug
interdiction on the border. It is not like there are not enough
helicopters to go around. There are 100 National Guard helicopters.
This would only be utilizing eight of them, putting them in a place
where they could be used on the border to help with the problem.
Mr. Chairman, right now, with so many of our ICE agents and so many
of our Border Patrol engaged, as ICE agents said yesterday, in changing
diapers instead of being involved in interdicting, as they should be,
they need this equipment. This would be National Guard equipment that
would allow them to participate in stopping the drugs that are flowing.
It is very apparent, from what is going on, that we even have drug
cartels that are taking advantage of the situation. As ICE agents have
explained, they are using this time--with all of the attention toward
the children and the humanitarian crisis on the border--to step up
their game in getting drugs into the United States.
According to the figures from CBO and from the figures we have gotten
from the committee, this will not create an increase in outlays and
should be in order in that regard.
I would like to point out that, since 2012, aircentric operations
have resulted in an almost 70 percent increase in detection and
interdiction, compared to the ground-based operations.
So this could make a real difference in providing for the common
defense, which is our duty here in Congress, as well as the duty of the
executive branch. This would make their job easier.
With that, Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's
amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Indiana is recognized for 5
minutes.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I certainly appreciate the gentleman's
concern, but would make three points to our colleagues.
The first is that the committee is absolutely aware of the problem
that is taking place along the borders of our country.
Both relative to the problem that the gentleman has highlighted, as
well as for this Nation's defense, I would point out to my colleagues
that, in the underlying bill, we provide $1.356,227 billion for the
procurement of 87 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, which is an increase of
$119.226 million and eight aircraft above the President's request, so
there is a recognition by the committee and in the bill that there is a
need, and we filled that bill.
I would also point out that, relative to drug interdiction, the
committee recommendation is for $944.687 million to deal with this
problem; and I would, again, point out the gentleman's concern, that
that is an increase of $124 million above the administration's request.
The last point is that the gentleman is taking it out of operation
and maintenance, departmentwide.
I spoke in my opening remarks about the increases we have tried to
provide to make sure our troops are prepared, maintained, trained, and
ready. It is a mistake to take over $35 million away from our troops,
who need that money for training.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. VISCLOSKY. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Let me associate myself with the ranking member's
comments earlier. We need to see the amendments. We are not seeing the
amendments on a timely basis. As a basic courtesy, it would be helpful
if both sides were provided with amendments by our colleagues.
Relative to this amendment, for the last several years, the National
Guard has not even been able to spend the amount of money we have
provided for counternarcotics, but instead has actually chosen to
return funds to the Treasury; hence, the adjustment this year to
actually re-source the National Guard.
Also, for the record, Mr. Chairman, the intent of the gentleman's
request is to purchase equipment. This account does not provide
resources to buy helicopters. This account provides funds for the
National Guard's States' plan, operational funding, it is not money
that can be used to buy helicopters.
I urge a ``no'' vote.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Reclaiming my time, I appreciate the gentleman's
remarks.
Again, I would point out to my colleagues that I think $1.356 million
is enough, and I strongly oppose the gentleman's amendment, given the 5
minutes we were allowed to review it.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the attention that the
committee has given to the issue and that, in the past, the National
Guard may have had extra funds that were moved and able to be used
elsewhere, but these are recent developments that have been going on
even since our Appropriations Committee has been having hearings, and
so this is such a dramatic problem that it is escalating every day.
I would like to correct the record. Actually, this proposal will not
purchase any new helicopters. There are

[[Page H5454]]

100 National Guard helicopters. This would just pay for the use and the
crew and the maintenance and upkeep of eight of those they already
have. It won't purchase any more. I wish we could get helicopters that
cheaply.
It will keep eight of them in use with the drug interdiction on our
border right now because there is an invasion going on at our southern
border. It is an invasion, and it is increasing, as I say, every day.
With that request, I don't think it is asking too much to have eight
helicopters that have already been purchased--they just need crews,
equipment, and upkeep--to help in the interdiction of the invasion in
which drugs are being brought across our border in the south.
With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert).
The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes
appeared to have it.
Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Texas will
be postponed.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now
rise.
The motion was agreed to.
Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr.
Coffman) having assumed the chair, Mr. Duncan of Tennessee, Acting
Chair of the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union,
reported that that Committee, having had under consideration the bill
(H.R. 4870) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes, had come
to no resolution thereon.

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