Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to remind my colleagues of both parties that the legislation before us could do irreparable harm to our Nation's veterans. This bill would force a 22 percent cut to nondefense spending. That would slash $30 billion from veterans' services. That means 30 million veterans will have fewer healthcare visits, fewer staff, an increased claims backlog, and longer wait times for benefits. That is the uncertainty that awaits veterans should this bill succeed. Just last month, during a committee hearing, my Republican colleagues assured us they didn't want to reduce benefits for veterans. I heard it firsthand, so I was troubled to learn that this bill completely fails to protect veterans from its cuts. Yesterday, 24 veteran and military service organizations sent a letter urging Congress not to pass this legislation. I am dismayed that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are prepared to force a default and devastate our economy if we don't go along with it. Please don't do this. Don't hold our Nation's veterans hostage.”