Political Quotes

“10 years ago a patriot from Freeport, Illinois, named Dan Steele went off to war in Iraq to fight for the American people and protect the freedoms this country has known for more than 200 years. During the buildup in the Gulf, Dan's leg was fractured by an Iraqi soldier's apparent suicide attack. Over the next 8 years, Dan suffered from various conditions shared by many in the Gulf War. In May of 1999, Dan succumbed to his illnesses and passed away. The county coroner listed 'Gulf War Syndrome' as a secondary cause on his death certificate. Shortly after Dan's funeral, I dispatched Al Pennimen, a retired judge on my staff, to contact his widow, Donna. She vowed to Dan to do whatever she could to help other Gulf War veterans suffering from mysterious ailments. Her story moved me to introduce legislation, H.R. 612, that now has the support of over 225 Members of Congress. A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson. I am pleased to announce that significant portions of H.R. 612 are included in this benefits package today.”