Mark Takano: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs contribution to…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs contribution to the Build Back Better Act of 2021. The committee has an important responsibility to advance measures that support veterans and honor their service and sacrifice, as well as that of their families, caregivers, and survivors. Last week, we celebrated Veterans Day. The Build Back Better Act is the perfect way to continue to show our gratitude with concrete, meaningful investment for all veterans. By making this critical investment at the VA, we can start rebuilding VA's capacity in terms of brick-and-mortar infrastructure, human capital, and support structures that serve our Nation's veterans. Now, I have a difficult time believing my colleagues across the aisle think that veterans are unworthy of this investment. The fact is, veterans from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Beaufort, South Carolina, and from Columbia, Missouri, to Clarksville, Tennessee, are among the districts that stand to gain directly from these resources. The most important piece of this legislation is the $1.8 billion for medical facility leases that fixes a longstanding backlog of lease authorizations. Take a look at VA's budget book, at the leases that are on that list. You will see it largely benefits Republican districts. Do my Republican colleagues not want VA facilities and clinics in their districts? I don't believe that for one moment.…”