[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

[[Page H4398]]

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.

[[Page H4399]]

  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.

                          ____________________