Gus Bilirakis: “I thank you, Bob, for those kind comments and also the chairman. I do rise in support of H.R. 6314, introduced by the…”

“I thank you, Bob, for those kind comments and also the chairman. I do rise in support of H.R. 6314, introduced by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs chairman, Steve Buyer. For the past 24 years, Madam Speaker, I have had the pleasure of serving in this body and also the honor, true honor, of being a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. During that service I have helped create and advance numerous programs that benefit our Nation's veterans. This Congress, as chairman of the committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, I have monitored and scrutinized billions of dollars of programs and projects that benefit veterans. Today I stand before you and ask that we extend expiring provisions of current law that provide health care, housing, educational, and other assistance that help veterans and their families. By supporting H.R. 6314, we will ensure the continuation of many of the programs and benefits that our Nation's veterans have earned. H.R. 6314 is an important bill that is truly worthy of our full support. I urge my colleagues to continue meeting our obligations to our Nation's defenders by approving this measure.”