Political Quotes

“I rise in support of H.R. 4110, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 1998. We are all too familiar about recent criticisms and accusations from America's veterans about Congress' failure to keep its promises. H.R. 4110 gives us a chance to somehow address some of the problems and demonstrate our concerns for our veterans. H.R. 4110 provides a much needed re-adjustment of benefits and compensation. This bill, among others, focuses upon improvements of the current veterans educational benefits system, better adjudication of V.A. claims, the adjustment survivor annuities and burial entitlements, and the extension of certain benefits to reservists. Guardsmen and reservists currently comprise almost half of our nation's military forces. As we tend to rely and place more demands upon reserve components for our nation's defense, we are continually faced with the challenge of providing benefits commensurate to the demands placed on these men and woman. Provisions on H.R. 4110 extending V.A. loan benefits and some burial entitlement for members of the Selected Reserves would definitely go towards recognizing the vital role of 'citizen soldiers' in our nation's defense. Amid accusations that our veterans are being 'sold out' and that we have reneged on our promises, I urge my colleagues to take a step towards reassuring our commitment to the brave men and women who served and made great sacrifices for this nation.”