Mark Takano: “Before I yield to my distinguished colleague, I am going to make a few remarks in reference to what the ranking member…”

“Before I yield to my distinguished colleague, I am going to make a few remarks in reference to what the ranking member said. I will first say that the bill has been in the public for more than 2 years. In fact, the committee held a Guard-and-Reserve-only benefits hearing just over a year ago to review the disparity in these benefits, and we have worked closely with the stakeholders, as evidenced by the numerous numbers of VSOs whose support letters I entered into the Record earlier. And we also worked with the minority to ensure that this bill achieves the aims that we intend. We have also worked closely with the Department of Defense and VA to ensure all Guard and Reserve members are covered. The VSOs have been asking for this reform, and that is why we stand with them in support of H.R. 1836. Now, moreover, it is not accurate to say that before the Rules Committee yesterday I characterized the $2 billion cost of this bill, which is paid for, as insignificant. I merely compared it to the idea that we should use this bill as part of an offset for the $300 billion or so that we are going to need for toxic exposure. And I thank the ranking member for joining together in trying to find a solution for our toxic-exposed veterans. However, that $300 billion, I know we are going to figure out how to take care of that. It is really not a choice; it is a moral obligation we have to those veterans that were exposed to burn pits.…”