Political Quotes

“in May 1996, there were approximately 2.2 million veterans receiving disability compensation. They are men and women who served the Nation with honor and pride. However, through no fault of their own, they now are disadvantaged to varying degrees and are experiencing impaired earning capacities due to their respective service connected disabilities. This concerns me as much as it concerns the more than 1.2 million aging veterans in the State of Illinois. Among those are the more than 26,000 members of Illinois' Disabled American Veterans who write and call me with a real sense of alarm about their future. I would like to think that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle recognize the sacrifices and contributions these men and women have made. According to a recent national survey commissioned by the Disabled American Veterans, 96 percent of those polled believe our Nation has an obligation to provide ongoing disability and death benefits to veterans and their families for injuries and fatalities occurring while in the Armed Services. Mr. Speaker, passage of this amendment is essential, and with the passage of time, it is becoming critical. As we vote today, let us remember that the basic purpose of the disability compensation program is to provide a measure of relief from the impaired earning capacity of veterans disabled as the result of their military service.”