Brian Jones: “I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts. Two weeks ago, I went to Walter Reed Hospital. I was told that two of my…”

“I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts. Two weeks ago, I went to Walter Reed Hospital. I was told that two of my marines from Camp Lejeune had been severely wounded in Afghanistan. The first marine I saw was 23 years of age. He had lost both legs and an arm. His father was there from Louisiana, and I saw pain, I saw worry, I saw sadness in his eyes. The second marine I saw had stepped on a 40-pound IED and lost both legs. He was telling me about his little 8-month-old daughter and his wife. They were not there, but I heard that. I know that these service dogs are making a difference in the life of the wounded, whether it be mental or it might be physical. This $3 million, when we are spending billions in Afghanistan, it would be a sin and a shame if we cannot find the $3 million to put into this program to make sure that those who have given so much have a little bit of support and a little bit of pleasure in having a loving animal that has been trained to give support to that person that has given so much for this country. I hope that this amendment will be accepted.”