Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5721, as amended, the VA Infrastructure Powers Exceptional Research Act of 2021, or VIPER Act, as amended, which I introduced with Ranking Member Bost. This bipartisan bill was developed in consultation with scientific groups and veteran service organizations. It gives VA the additional authorities it needs to make its world-class research program even more efficient and innovative as it works to improve the lives of the veterans it serves. It is no secret that VA research is a jewel in VA's crown, and we need to ensure that VA can continue to be competitive in hiring the finest scientists to understand, prevent, and treat health challenges veterans face from the effects of military toxic exposures and chronic pain to post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. VA has told us and our Senate colleagues that it urgently needs the VIPER Act, especially to protect the nonprofit veterans research and education foundations so critical to the VA research enterprise. VIPER is also endorsed by major VSOs, including The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Minority Veterans of America, Modern Military Association of America, and Wounded Warrior Project.…”