The publication is reproduced in full below:
{time} 1445
CLARIFYING ROLE OF DOCTORS OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE IN DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2545) to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the role of doctors of podiatric medicine in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 2545
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. ROLE OF DOCTORS OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE IN
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Clarification of Role.--Section 7306 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (6), by striking ``a Director of Podiatric Service,'';
(B) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (11); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following new paragraph:
``(10) A Podiatric Medical Director, who shall be a qualified doctor of podiatric medicine and who shall be responsible to the Under Secretary for Health for the operation of the Podiatric Service.'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``podiatric medicine,'' after ``doctors of medicine,''; and
(3) in subsection (c), by striking ``and (8)'' and inserting ``(8), and (10)''.
(b) Clarification of Pay Grade.--Section 7404 of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by inserting ``, podiatrists,'' after ``physicians'' ; and
(2) in subsection (b), in the first heading of the list following the colon, by striking ``PODIATRIST'' and inserting
``PODIATRIST (DPM)''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2545.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to support H.R. 2545 to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the role of doctors of podiatric medicine in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
H.R. 2545 is offered by former Veterans' Affairs Committee member, Dr. Brad Wenstrup. This legislation seeks to clarify a technical error affecting the Director of Podiatric Services which developed following the inclusion of Dr. Wenstrup's VA Provider Equity Act in the MISSION Act.
The renaming of the position to Podiatric Medical Director will create equity by allowing this position holder to be paid on par with their peers rather than below, which is currently the case.
If VA is to recruit top talent, we must ensure VA is able to offer competitive salaries whenever possible, that is why I support this legislation and I hope my colleagues will too.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2545, a bill that would clarify the role of podiatrists in the VA health system. Podiatrists are increasingly called upon to care for veterans in the VA medical facilities.
This bill would make a technical correction to current law to ensure that they are properly compensated for their important work.
This bill is sponsored by Dr. Wenstrup. Dr. Wenstrup is a veteran, a podiatrist, and a former member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. I am grateful for his continued commitment to those who he serves.
Madam Speaker, I urge every Member of the Chamber to join me and Dr. Wenstrup and the chairman in supporting this bill today, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers and I am prepared to close.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I encourage everyone to support this piece of legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support the legislation and join me in passing H.R. 2545, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2545.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion are postponed.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 104
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up