Mark Takano: “I thank the gentleman from Kentucky for yielding. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs…”

“I thank the gentleman from Kentucky for yielding. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am painfully aware of the toll this pandemic has taken on our Nation's veterans. I hear from veterans who are struggling to find work as unemployment numbers rise. I hear from veterans who have had their critical compensation and pension exams postponed, delaying much-needed benefits. Sadly, we have lost over 8,900 veterans and 120 VA staff to the pandemic so far. Across the Nation and at the height of the pandemic, veterans have stepped up to serve their country, a trait not uncommon for the thousands of veterans whose services continue even after they pack away their uniforms. Their service as first responders and healthcare workers battling COVID-19; as essential employees keeping our economy moving, packages delivered, and hospitals sterilized has served as an example of how strong America can be when we act together. Despite all of the setbacks our Nation has faced, it is our duty to be optimistic. Our veterans have shown the way. Mr. Speaker, VA has responded to crises across the country through its Fourth Mission, even landing on the Capitol Grounds yesterday to deploy mobile vet centers to support U.S. Capitol Police, members of the National Guard, and the congressional staff after the insurrection on January 6.…”