On the recordJuly 26, 2023
Madam Chair, I think it is important to point out that the new motto still is reflective of President Lincoln's beliefs, and his promise is one that was developed after surveying veterans who receive care from the VA and their employees. Perhaps we should listen to the veterans who are served by the VA and the people who work with them every single day about the need for a more inclusive motto. The more inclusive motto says, ``To fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our Nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors,'' making sure that the motto of the VA ensures that all patients who are served there, all employees who work there, all the surviving families who interact with the VA every single day understand that the motto applies to them and the more outdated motto that dates back to President Lincoln's time is no longer reflective of who is served at the VA. This is 2023. It is hard to imagine that we are actually debating a motto on the floor of the House of Representatives and have a Member of Congress suggesting that that motto should remain exclusive of women instead of ensuring, as the motto voted on as a result of the surveys of VA employees and VA patients, is more reflective of who the VA treats today. Madam Chair, I urge opposition to the gentleman's amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy).…





