Mark Takano: “I want to take a moment on this historic day to recognize the effort of former Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking…”

“I want to take a moment on this historic day to recognize the effort of former Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Tim Walz. He was a primary mover of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act for 12 years while he was in Congress, and I know this effort was very important to him. He said many times that compensating and providing care for toxic exposures is one of the greatest challenges the Veterans' Affairs Committee faces but that no veteran should ever have to wait more than 40 years again. When he left, he challenged us to make sure that this pattern of denying benefits does not continue. As chairman of this committee, I will do what I can to meet Tim Walz's challenge. Mr. Speaker, I know that Tim has a big smile on his face in the Governor's mansion back in Minnesota, and I just want him to know that he has had a big part in today's victory. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”