[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 108 (Thursday, June 27, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H4397-H4400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Lee of Florida). Under the Speaker's
announced policy of January 9, 2023, the
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gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bergman) is recognized for 60 minutes as
the designee of the majority leader.
General Leave
Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to
submit extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Michigan?
There was no objection.
Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Smucker), my good friend and fellow freshman
classmate from the 115th Congress.
In Memory of Randy Alan Walker
Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, thank my friend for yielding a few
minutes of the Special Order.
I rise today, Madam Speaker, to honor the life and memory of Mr.
Randy Alan Walker of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, who passed away last month
after a 10-year battle with ALS. Randy had an exceptional impact on the
lives that he touched.
Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity to meet with Randy and his wife,
Lisa, earlier this year just days before Randy's passing. Randy shared
with me his story in a letter that he wrote.
ALS is a devastating disease that takes a tremendous toll on those
living with the disease as well as their families and caregivers.
Despite this disease, Randy continued to live life to the fullest.
Following his diagnosis, he created a bucket list of all of the
things he wished to accomplish, and he managed to complete every item
on it.
In his own words, Randy told me his most exhilarating experience was
skydiving with his daughter and his fondest memory was watching his son
graduate high school and college.
Madam Speaker, Randy shared with me what his life was like with ALS.
In his letter, he said: You can be me for just 1 hour. Get comfy on
your couch. Put your phone down and remote out of reach. Standing for
any reason is against the rules. I can't stand. Neither can you. Now,
for the hard part, when you get an itch, and you will, there is no
scratching. If you survive the hour, kudos to you. Imagine that 24/7.
Welcome to my world.
Randy and his wife, Lisa, were tireless champions for individuals
affected by ALS, traveling to Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., to share
their story and advocate for a cure.
Their efforts extended beyond legislative halls as they supported ALS
research initiatives, raised public awareness, and provided unwavering
emotional and practical support to families affected by the disease.
Through their dedicated activism, Randy and Lisa have profoundly
impacted the ALS community.
Randy graduated from Ephrata High School in 1982 where he played
football, baseball, and was on the diving team. Following graduation,
Randy joined the Marine Corps and served until 1985.
We extend our gratitude to Randy for his service and dedication to
our country. He was a loving husband to Lisa, a father to Calvin and
Victoria, a grandfather to two, and a friend to all. Randy will be
deeply missed.
We wish those who are grieving comfort and give thanks for the
opportunity to know Randy who positively impacted so many people during
his 60 years.
Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I am honored to lead this Special Order
today to discuss post-traumatic growth. I repeat: Post-traumatic
growth.
June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, and today,
June 27, is National PTSD Awareness Day.
Post-traumatic stress is a serious condition that impacts far too
many members of the communities that we love and serve and especially
among those who have served in uniform.
Raising awareness of PTSD has helped in our efforts to reduce stigma,
recognize the struggles faced by many, and encourage those in need to
seek help. However, it is also critical that we balance the story we
tell about times of struggle and trauma.
For far too long, society has focused exclusively on the negative
impacts of trauma and struggle and pushed a narrative dominated by
ideas of dysfunction, disorder, and diagnosis. This language can feel
debilitating, a label far too heavy to carry.
The result is we are left feeling permanently diminished and damaged
and victims of the worst experiences of our lives.
It is time to change the conversation, to shine a light on the
possibility of growth in the aftermath of trauma and how struggle can
be a catalyst, a positive catalyst, for profound growth and
transformation.
Last year, in partnership with the Boulder Crest Foundation, I
introduced H. Res. 496, a resolution to proclaim June 13 as National
Post-Traumatic Growth Day. This June 13, Boulder Crest launched the
Choose Growth initiative, focused on proliferating the notion of post-
traumatic growth, or PTG, across our country.
This initiative is intentionally brand and organization agnostic. The
objective is to spread the word of growth, possibility, and hope to
every corner of our country.
Through the Choose Growth community, we will increase support and
awareness of the possibility of growth in the aftermath of trauma. We
will encourage individuals to share their stories of turning their
personal struggles into strength and positivity.
The initiative aims to foster a supportive community that embraces
growth as part of the healing process. We must ensure that all of those
who struggle, no matter who they are, and those who love and care for
them, realize that how things are isn't how they have to be, and that
growth and strength are possible in the aftermath of trauma.
There is much more for us to do here in Washington and around the
country in support of those who have experienced trauma. We hope you
all will join us in raising awareness of post-traumatic growth as we
continue these efforts.
Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon), a
fellow classmate from the 115th Congress and fellow General officer.
Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I thank Lieutenant General Bergman, the
most senior officer ever elected to Congress. I am proud to serve with
him.
I rise today to advocate in support of those fighting to transform
trauma into triumph.
June is PTSD Awareness Month. I want to stop right there. I don't
like to say PTSD because it is not a disorder. It is actually normal
when someone encounters a traumatic situation in their life to have
that kind of response. It is time to recognize a serious condition,
though, that affects many veterans and civilian members of our
community.
As part of this awareness, Post-Traumatic Growth Day, as General
Bergman said, was June 13, a day to recognize the transformative power
of resilience, strength, and courage, and an opportunity to embrace the
challenges and opportunities that come with growth and transformation.
Research tells us that 70 percent of American adults have experienced
at least one traumatic event in their life and that two-thirds of
children experience trauma before the age of 16. Of the 6 million
veterans served by the Department of Veterans Affairs in fiscal year
2021, about 10 out of every 100 men and 19 out of every 100 women were
diagnosed with post-traumatic stress.
Many battle their demons alone, especially veterans, focused almost
exclusively on negative impacts of trauma and struggle, trying to
protect loved ones from their suffering. Feelings of hopelessness or
failure often permeate their thoughts and add to the challenge of
healing. This often leaves individuals feeling alone and victims of
their own worst experiences.
It is time to change the conversation and highlight the possibility
of growth after trauma, to show how struggle can be a catalyst for
profound growth and transformation. It is time to advocate for success.
In Proverbs 4:23--one of my favorite books in the Bible--it tells us
to ``Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.''
This is especially true for those trying to overcome horrific events in
their lives, and it is the foundational message of the Choose Growth
campaign, an initiative focused on raising awareness that trauma
doesn't have to be the end of the story.
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Awareness is necessary to remove the stigma and to encourage those
suffering to seek proper and timely treatment that may save their lives
and restore them to being productive and successful members of society.
Treatment can take many forms, from peer-related therapies to
medications. The key is finding what works best for each individual.
Support from loved ones and groups provides a positive impact on
outcomes. That is why I share my own experience with PTS after spending
1 year in Iraq and having been on the receiving end of 3 to 30 rockets
or mortars a day.
When I got home, I had reflexive instincts wherever I went to be
ready to find cover. Even in Chicago, walking with my dad, my dad
looked at me and said: What are you doing?
I said: I can't help it. I am looking for where I should dive if a
mortar rocket comes in.
Though I know it is not going to happen, I did that every day
multiple times for over a year. It is called muscle memory.
Thankfully, for me, this slowly ebbed away after 2 or 3 months, but I
know others are not so fortunate. That is why we are here today.
The bottom line: In these trying times, I urge my colleagues to come
together and advocate for those fighting to transform trauma into
triumph and to reclaim their lives.
Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank General Bacon for his words.
One of the first steps to healing is to be able to share stories.
When you think about previous times of conflict in our country, the
ability to de-stress was a lot simpler than it is now. I will deal with
that here in a couple of minutes.
The topic of post-traumatic growth is an opportune time to discuss
the promise of psychedelic-assisted therapies to treat mental health
disorders like PTSD.
Just a couple weeks ago, I spoke here on this floor in support of two
amendments that I had led with my friend Congressman Lou Correa of
California in support of psychedelic-assisted therapies at the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
{time} 1700
Both amendments were passed unanimously by this Chamber.
Psychedelic-assisted therapies have the potential to be the first
genuine advancement in the treatment of veterans' mental health in
decades. It is a true breakthrough therapy potential.
Unfortunately, just recently, the FDA's drug advisory committee
recently voted against recommending approval of MDMA-assisted therapy
to treat PTSD.
Many of us in Congress, and especially among those of us who have
served in uniform, were deeply disappointed and frustrated by this,
what I believe and what we believe to be, shortsighted decision.
The advisory panel chose to ignore the voices of veterans whose lives
have been forever improved by MDMA-assisted therapy in favor of those
who have been on a mission to discredit--and I repeat discredit--this
promising treatment at all costs.
That is shameful. We can accept a ``no,'' but it should be for the
betterment of the greater good, in this case, of helping veterans and
those who need different kinds of help. It should not be a shortsighted
and potentially uninformed bureaucratic decision.
I have had the opportunity to personally meet with many of the
researchers involved in this study and the veterans whose lives have
been forever changed by these therapies in such a positive way.
That experience made the potential of this treatment clear to me, and
many of the veterans told me that they would not be alive today were it
not for this therapy.
I am confident that this will be a speed bump in our overall efforts
to truly heal the invisible wounds like PTSD that millions of Americans
face today.
Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-
Meeks), who is another fellow leader in uniform and an esteemed member
from the Iowa delegation.
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, General
Bergman, for yielding.
Madam Speaker, I rise today during PTSD Awareness Month to honor the
millions of Americans, including thousands of veterans, who have been
diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. As a 24-year Army
veteran and one of 82 military veterans serving in Congress, I am
grateful to have had the opportunity to work on legislation that helps
veterans diagnosed with PTSD get the care and support they need.
One example is the Veterans Care Act, a bill I introduced that would
require the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct and support
research on the effectiveness and safety of certain forms of cannabis
and cannabis delivery for veterans diagnosed with PTSD.
As the chairwoman of the Health Subcommittee of the House Veterans'
Affairs Committee along with General Bergman, I have also been able to
host several key hearings and roundtables where we discussed effective
treatment for PTSD, including emerging breakthrough therapies with
psychedelic-assisted therapy.
I have also passed the VIP Act, or Veterans in Parks Act, which
allows lifetime passes to our national parks for veterans, Gold Star
family members, and even Active-Duty military because we know of the
meditative qualities and healing qualities that can come about through
outdoor activity and work within nature.
For far too long, society has focused on the negative impacts of
trauma and struggles caused by PTSD, especially among our veterans. It
has reached a point where being labeled as someone with PTSD has become
debilitating. While it is crucial to recognize these challenges and get
appropriate care, it is equally important to reduce stigma and offer
more hope to those diagnosed.
If you are someone with PTSD, I want you to know that you are not any
less of a person because of your diagnosis. You are not a burden. Being
diagnosed with PTSD isn't the end of your story. There is a pathway to
extraordinary growth and transformation in your life.
As a veteran serving in Congress, I am dedicated to ensuring that you
understand that and receive the treatment you need to continue living
your life to the fullest.
God bless our veterans, and God bless General Bergman for bringing
this to the attention of Congress and America.
Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize
Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.
Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month is a time to heighten awareness
about the disease and to show our support for the one in nine people
aged 65 and older who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. My
mother was one of those.
Over 66,000 Iowans and nearly 7 million Americans are victims of this
disease. As a doctor myself, I have advocated for affordable healthcare
and doing everything we can to make medical research possible and to
make medical research transferred into action.
I am committed to working on legislation that ensures Americans
impacted by Alzheimer's disease receive the care they deserve, and I
call upon my fellow Members of Congress to remember those who have
Alzheimer's and their families during this month and join me in the
fight to end Alzheimer's.
Presidential Scholars
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Andrew Dong
from West High School in Iowa City, Iowa, for being named a 2024 U.S.
Presidential Scholar.
Andrew is one of 161 students from across the Nation being recognized
for their remarkable academic achievements, contributions to their
community, and success in fine arts. In his application, Andrew
highlighted the incredible work he has done volunteering with mental
health professionals and assisting them in developing guidelines for
educators across the State of Iowa. As the youngest person in Iowa to
be certified in Mental Health First Aid, Andrew is passionate about
ensuring our communities have the tools necessary to face the ongoing
mental health crisis head-on.
With that, I would like my colleagues to join me in celebrating
Andrew and his amazing achievements and wishing him all the best in his
future endeavors.
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Floods
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to
the recent floods impacting Iowa currently. After the recent supercell
storms, Iowa suffered widespread damage, debris, and record flooding.
Some areas received up to 15 inches of rain, and at least 1,900
properties were impacted, with hundreds destroyed. Over the weekend, at
least 250 water rescues were conducted.
Rivers all across Iowa will be impacted with extra water moving
downstream and cresting to come. With the potential for possible more
bad weather tomorrow and this weekend, the entire Hawkeye State is
keeping a watchful eye.
I urge my constituents to prepare in the event of flooding and bad
storms impacting our communities. The entire Iowa delegation is working
closely with Governor Reynolds and local officials during this
difficult time.
Finally, Madam Speaker, I am grateful to the first responders working
around the clock to help Iowans in need.
University of Iowa Boasts the Third Smallest Baby Born in the World
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the
Eilers family of Solon, Iowa. Emily and Ted Eilers are parents to
Evelyn Eilers who was born at the University of Iowa in September of
2023.
Evelyn was tied as the third smallest baby born in the world. Thanks
to world-class care available at the University of Iowa, Evelyn was
able to come home as the size of an average full-time newborn.
Evelyn's survival and the survival outcomes for other extremely
premature infants at the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family
Children's Hospital are among the best in the world. This is yet
another demonstration of the phenomenal care available to Iowans
through the university's hospital.
As a former doctor at the University of Iowa Hospital, I am proud to
celebrate the incredible work and the recent homecoming of Evelyn
Eilers, and, more importantly, support a culture of life.
God bless the Eilers family.
Congratulating University of Iowa Track and Field Athletes
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the
seven athletes from the University of Iowa track and field program on
their appearance at the Olympic trials this past weekend.
I would like to give a special congratulations to Kalen Walker, the
brother of one of our legislative interns. Kalen Walker is a three-
time, all-American record-holding athlete who competed in the 100-meter
dash at the semifinal round at the Olympic trials this weekend.
Kalen is from rural Iowa and graduated from Eddyville-Blakesburg-
Fremont High School in 2020. He attended Indian Hills Community College
in Ottumwa, Iowa, and then transferred to the University of Iowa as a
walk-on.
Kalen embodies what it means to be a true, hardworking Iowan. He came
to the University of Iowa to fulfill his dream of running as a Hawkeye,
and this weekend was a step toward fulfilling his dream of being an
Olympian.
I am proud to congratulate him and his teammates on their honor of
representing Iowa and America.
As always, go Hawks.
Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, in closing, I am extremely grateful for
all of my colleagues who have spoken here today and shared their
stories and also celebrated the people who have gone through tough
times, whether it be, if you will, something as simple as weather
related, but, more importantly, the stresses related to life.
We are the greatest nation in the world because we treat people
right, and we expect the same in return.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to raise awareness of post-
traumatic growth, and I want to repeat that: post-traumatic growth, a
positive way forward and not a negative ending.
It is my sincere hope that those of us in Congress and Americans
across our country can work to help those who have experienced trauma,
that they can find growth, purpose, and connection.
I say as a veteran and a marine: Our veterans never quit on us. We
will never quit on them.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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