Sam Gibbons: “in honor of our former friend and colleague, a World War II veteran, the veterans' great friend across this country, the…”

“in honor of our former friend and colleague, a World War II veteran, the veterans' great friend across this country, the late Bob Stump, I rise in strong support of this legislation, S. 1156, the Department of Veterans Affairs Long-Term Care and Personnel Authorities Enhancement Act of 2003. I want to add my voice in support of those who have already spoken in support of this legislation. This bill goes a long way in providing our Nation's veterans with the medical care that they have earned and deserve. The long-term health care that this bill provides communities across the country, including southern Nevada, is desperately needed. Southern Nevada, as you have already heard, has one of the highest, fastest-growing veterans populations in the country; and their needs have far outstrip the current care capacity of the current VA facilities in the area. Fulfilling the current and future health care needs of our veterans must remain a high priority. I applaud the commitment of our colleagues in the House, especially the Nevada delegation, in meeting the needs of Nevada's veterans. I also applaud the work of my colleagues in the other Chamber on this bill. I urge my colleagues in the House to support S. 1156. The assistance it provides to Nevada's veterans and veterans across this country is long overdue.”