Political Quotes

“Today we consider President Bush's nominee to serve as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. At a time when America's men and women in uniform are not only serving but actively fighting in combat, this is a particularly significant nomination for us to consider. This nominee will be responsible for managing the benefits for our longtime veterans as well as those who recently have served and sacrificed for us all. Those who have served in uniform deserve our Nation's deepest gratitude. Beyond gratitude, we, as a nation, have committed to providing our veterans with certain benefits and services which they deeply deserve in honor of their sacrifice for our common good. These benefits can never fully repay America's debt to her veterans but they are an important expression of our thanks and commitment to their well-being. Sadly, the delivery of these benefits and services has been less than optimal. Every day, deserving veterans wait too long and wade through needless redtape before receiving the help to which they are legally and morally entitled. I am also particularly concerned about the vast disparities in the VA's compensation payments to disabled veterans and the way the current system shortchanges disabled veterans in my State of Illinois. Illinois now ranks 50th in the Nation in average veteran's disability compensation.”