Bob Filner: “I just want to say when I first arrived in Congress, there was no one who was more gracious or more giving of his time…”

“I just want to say when I first arrived in Congress, there was no one who was more gracious or more giving of his time and knowledge than the gentleman from Mississippi; and I appreciate his service, of course, to our Nation's veterans, and his assistance to me personally, as I have tried to learn the issues of veterans. Sonny, you are going to hear this many times in the next few months, but you will be missed greatly. I thank the gentleman very much. Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise in support of H.R. 1483. I was a proud cosponsor of the bill, as were the various organizations, such as the Disabled American Veterans and the Vietnam Veterans of America. This bill, as we have heard, provides a review for veterans who have been denied their benefits in the past. If there was a clear and unmistakable error involved in a VA decision the veteran may appeal, even if the current time limit for appeals has expired. Retroactive benefits will be paid to veterans whose appeal results in a favorable decision.”