Brian Jones: “On Thursday, July 9, I saw a report on ABC News that former President George W. Bush charged $100,000 to speak at a…”

“On Thursday, July 9, I saw a report on ABC News that former President George W. Bush charged $100,000 to speak at a charity fundraiser for military veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was disappointed to learn that a President who sent thousands of Americans to die in an unnecessary war justified by manipulated intelligence would charge a fee to speak at a fundraiser for wounded veterans. ABC also reported that, in addition to charging $100,000 to speak at the charity: ``The former President was also provided with a private jet to travel to Houston at a cost of $20,000.'' Further, ABC News reported: ``One of the wounded vets who served on the charity board told ABC News he was outraged that his former commander in chief would charge any fee to speak on behalf of men and women he ordered into harm's way. `` `For him to be paid to raise money for veterans that were wounded in combat under his orders, I don't think that's right,' said former Marine Eddie Wright.'' Eddie Wright, Mr. Speaker, lost both hands in a rocket attack in Fallujah in Iraq in the year 2004. This is so disappointing and outrageous. These veterans have been severely wounded, and the President that led us into an unjustified war charges $100,000 to be in their presence. That is wrong, Mr. Speaker. That is really, really wrong. Many of these wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan live in the Third District in North Carolina, which I have the privilege to represent.…”