Political Quotes

“I rise also in support of H.R. 3787, as amended, introduced by my good friend, the former Command Sergeant Major Tim Walz of the Minnesota National Guard. I know where he wanted to go with this legislation. I think what he has done is really struck the right compromise. I discussed this even at the time in the committee. We don't like to think of America as a coalition government, but in fact that's what we are. We are States out there for which we all have to recognize the constitutions of each of the States and we are bound together by a U.S. Constitution. Different States have their own militia but at the same time they're also under the United States Code, and can be called upon. When they're called upon to serve in Federal status, in particular serving the Nation at war for a period of greater than 180 days or are injured on active duty, they gain access to not only being called a veteran but also to veterans' benefits. But this is a pretty good title. It is an honorary title with regard to those who served greater than 20 years in the National Guard and they had not been called to active duty for an extended period of time, which would make them eligible for VA benefits under the statute. So I think what the gentleman from Minnesota has tried to do is to strike the appropriate balance, and I believe that he has found it. I urge all Members to support H.R. 3787, as amended.”