At this time, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Alabama (Mrs. Roby), who has been a tireless advocate for the needs of the veterans in her community in Alabama.

Today, it is my honor and privilege to bring H.R. 2029, the fiscal year 2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, to the House of Representatives. I present this bill alongside my good friend…

I must rise reluctantly in opposition to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes.

I reserve a point of order on the gentleman's amendment. The CHAIR. A point of order is reserved. Pursuant to House Resolution 223, the gentleman from Georgia and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the…

Exactly 2 weeks ago, the VA Office of the Inspector General released its report on the gross mismanagement and claims manipulation that has long corroded the Philadelphia VA Regional Office. The issues revealed through that report reflect…

I reserve a point of order on the gentleman's amendment. I haven't seen the amendment yet. The Acting CHAIR. A point of order is reserved. Pursuant to House Resolution 223, the gentleman from Oregon and a Member opposed each will control 5…

I commend the gentlelady for her work to improve the services VA provides to our women veterans. You really ought to be commended. I know your work on the authorizing committee is very important to you. Since women comprise nearly 15…

I make a point of order against the amendment because it proposes to amend portions of the bill not yet read. Section 17 of chapter 2 of the House Practice book states in part: ``It is not in order to strike out or otherwise amend portions…

I understand my colleagues are very sincere in their attempt. I am sympathetic to at least listening to the arguments for medicinal marijuana, but this discussion must be driven by the science. I would love to hear from the National…

I make a point of order against the amendment because it proposes to amend portions of the bill not yet read. Section 17 of chapter 2 of the House Practice book states in part: ``It is not in order to strike or otherwise amend portions of…

Thank you, Congressman Payne, for your shared interest in this very important topic. Mr. Chairman, I commend my colleague for his steadfast support of colorectal cancer awareness research, prevention, and treatment efforts. As the second…

I do not oppose this amendment. I am prepared to accept it. Mr. LaMALFA. I thank the chairman. Mr. Chairman, again, this will be an important step towards helping reduce that backlog and getting our veterans claims processed and the…

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

I object to the unanimous consent. I don't know which amendment we are talking about here. The Acting CHAIR. Objection is heard. The Clerk will report the amendment. The Clerk continued to read. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House…

I just wanted to let the gentlelady know that we support the amendment, which was accepted last year. I know the gentlelady is offering it to reaffirm the congressional obligation to provide veterans the assistance they need to avoid…

I just want to say I rise in support of the amendment. A number of Members have offered amendments relating to the VA performance bonus awards. The gentleman's amendment is the most comprehensive, and I would encourage other Members to…

At this time, I yield the balance of my time to the distinguished gentleman from Louisiana, Dr. Fleming.

I support the amendment. Mr. LaMALFA. Again, Mr. Chair, it is a very simple amendment, and it will make a clear picture of what the real backlog is of informal claims, which has not gotten enough attention in the work of the VA in recent…

I would also like to remind the Members that Bowe Bergdahl was exchanged for five detainees at GTMO who have been sent elsewhere outside the United States and outside of Guantanamo. It is hard to keep eyes on these folks who have been…

I reserve a point of order on the gentleman's amendment. The Acting CHAIR. A point of order is reserved. Pursuant to House Resolution 223, the gentleman from Louisiana and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes…

I just wanted to state, too, that the underlying legislation does not include any funds to close the naval station at Guantanamo Bay, a facility I have visited. I also should point out, as the distinguished ranking member just stated, Mr…

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

I do rise in opposition to my friend's amendment. We had a similar debate in the full committee just last week. The VA must comply with all Federal laws, including the Controlled Substances Act. This act designates schedule I drugs, such…

May I inquire as to how much time is remaining? The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent) has 1 minute remaining. The gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer) has 1 minute remaining.

I am aware the South Dakota delegation has been struggling with the VA's determination to move services out of historic facilities into a new geographic area. We had language in last year's bill forcing the VA to do a full analysis of the…