On the recordSeptember 21, 2021
As I mentioned, this amendment would provide an unprecedented $25,000 one-time payment for VA World War II merchant marines. It did not go through regular order. It did not go through the committee of jurisdiction. This amendment should be placed in the committee that has jurisdiction to justify so that if not only this group but other groups would be able and should be able to receive benefits, as this amendment requires, we would be able to do that. Madam Speaker, I support our merchant marines. I always have. My 20 years in the State legislature, I did just that. As a matter of fact, at every veteran ceremony, I mentioned and brought up our merchant marines as our veterans. That being said, this is not the way to handle this bill. I plead with the Members of this body not to accept this. I am adamantly opposed. I would love to take it up in the committee, not in this bill where it is not the proper place. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. {time} 2245
