Political Quotes

“I want to quickly thank my colleague and chair of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Mr. Takano, for urging, in his testimony before the House Committee on Rules, that this amendment be made in order. I rise to offer an amendment which would include ``intensive healthcare services related to physical therapy for a service-connected disability'' in the definition of ``covered healthcare service.'' Physical therapy is an important aspect of any human process and is often necessary for veterans suffering from sustained pain or discomfort from a service-connected disability. This experience can often involve lengthy commitments and long commutes to achieve results. For my constituents, accessing physical therapy services at VA health clinics, receiving regular physical therapy means making a regular commitment to be stuck in traffic on the 405 to drive to the Long Beach VA hospital. My amendment will ensure that veterans in need of physical therapy for a service-connected disability are specifically afforded access to childcare services. VA benefits are not truly benefits if the costs associated with childcare during regular appointments place too large a burden on veteran caretakers. Veterans and their families face many obstacles when transitioning back to civilian life, but access to healthcare should not be one of them. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.”