Steve Lynch: “Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning on behalf of our friend and colleague Gerry Connolly, the gentleman from Virginia, with…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning on behalf of our friend and colleague Gerry Connolly, the gentleman from Virginia, with the hope of infusing this debate with his passion and wisdom on behalf of the Federal workers for whom there was no greater champion. Gerry was especially grateful for the Federal workers at the VA and the Walter Reed Medical Center, especially the nurses, therapists, physicians, and support staff who care for our veterans and active military. In all honesty, Gerry was furious at the way the Federal workers and veterans are being treated under this bill. He was angry that Donald Trump purged 325,000 Federal workers, including at least 3,000 workers at the VA. He was angry that the cuts in this reconciliation bill will require the firing of 80,000 more workers at the VA. At least 27,000 of those workers are veterans themselves. While the termination of these workers at the VA is outrageous and disrespectful, it is only half the story because it is the mission of those workers at the VA to care for our veterans that will be ended, as well. Each of us should remember that veterans' benefits are different. They are special obligations taken on by our country, our society, and our Congress. Veterans' benefits are obligations owed to our veterans for courageous service previously rendered.”