Political Quotes

“thank you for the opportunity to address the U.S. Senate and the American people. In a few moments, the Senate will vote on the Tester-Moran Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act. For far too long--way far too long--our Nation's veterans have been living with chronic illnesses as a result of exposures during their time in uniform. Today, we are continuing to take the steps necessary to right this wrong with our legislation that will provide veterans and their families with the healthcare and benefits that they have earned and that they deserve. In March, Secretary McDonough testified before our committee, the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and he stated that the House toxic exposure bill needed additional work before being brought to the full Senate for a vote. Because of the improvements we have made in the House bill, the VA Secretary yesterday told our committee that he can now ``certify'' this legislation will be implemented without negative operational impacts on existing disability claims and healthcare for veterans. All along, I have had concern about the consequences of this legislation and the volume of cases that the VA will now encounter, what it may mean for those veterans as well as veterans who need VA care and benefits who are not toxic-exposed. Secretary McDonough yesterday went on to say: ``We're ready for it, we've been preparing for this. . . .…”