I claim the time in opposition, but I don't oppose the amendment. The CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

I am certainly sympathetic to the intent of the gentleman's amendment to increase funding for suicide prevention outreach programs. Obviously, we all know this is a very serious problem. These programs already received an 11 percent…

I rise up somewhat reluctantly to my friend in opposition. The CHAIR. The gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized.

Today, it is my honor and privilege to bring H.R. 4974, the fiscal year 2017 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to the House for consideration. I present this bill alongside my very good…

There are no projects in the FY 17 request for this purpose in the United States. There is $33 million in funds to support the naval station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, at the request of SOCOM, Southern Command, to deal with various issues of…

I share the gentlewoman's concern about the importance of telehealth as a way to provide healthcare services remotely to patients. It is especially useful in the treatment of mental health and behavioral health issues. The VA is a leader…

I certainly know the gentleman from Florida is very committed to improving veterans' experiences when they deal with the VA, and modernizing infrastructure is certainly an important part of that. I have no objection to the amendment, and I…

I respectfully object. We haven't seen any of the amendments yet; so I think we should just proceed in the regular order. The CHAIR. Objection is heard. The Clerk will report the amendment. The Clerk read as follows: Strike page 65, lines…

I claim time in opposition, but I do not oppose the amendment. The CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

I claim the time in opposition, but I am not opposed to the amendment. The CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

I claim the time in opposition to the amendment. The CHAIR. The gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes.

The gentleman is addressing a problem that many Members have contacted us about, the long delays that community practitioners are experiencing in being paid by VA for their care for veterans. Our report requires VA to provide comprehensive…

I claim the time in opposition, but I do not oppose the amendment. The CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

I do want to commend Mr. Fitzpatrick for his diligence and his attentiveness to his constituency. I know he feels very sincerely about this particular amendment. It is, of course, disturbing to hear adverse consequences of any drug or…

Mr. Blumenauer is a very genuine and sincere, very thoughtful Member of this body. I understand that the country is evolving on this issue, as many States, including my own, have moved forward on medical marijuana. As a Member of this…

I reserve a point of order on the gentleman's amendment. The CHAIR. A point of order is reserved. Pursuant to House Resolution 736, the gentleman from Louisiana and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the…

I just want to say I have no objection to the gentleman's amendment, and I am prepared to accept it.

I will just say very briefly, Mr. Chairman, I know the gentleman is very interested, as we all are, in finding ways to ensure that the VA healthcare providers receive up-to-date and comprehensive training in the proper use of pain…

I reserve a point of order until we get the amendments. The CHAIR. A point of order is reserved. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from South Carolina.

Again, I have no objection to the gentleman's amendment. He offered the same amendment last year, and it passed by voice vote. So I certainly urge adoption of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

I make a point of order against the amendment because it proposes to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriation bill and, accordingly, violates clause 2 of rule XXI. The rule states in pertinent part: ``An…

On the VA claims backlog, we have fully funded the President's request. I have no objection to the amendment, and I am prepared to support it. I yield back the balance of my time. The CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the…

This funding, I believe, for the Air Force, this is going to be directed toward Bulgaria, Spangdahlem, Iceland, Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia. Again, I oppose the amendment. It is very important to our allies, particularly as it relates…

I would like to point out that where this money is going to be expended is in the report, and it is also online in many of the budget documents. So the information is available where the money is actually going to be spent. I just wanted…

As I said, I reluctantly oppose the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.