Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I also want to thank Congressman Roe for his service as well, and I appreciate the gentleman recognizing that for me as well. Having already thanked, with the previous amendment, the chairman and ranking member, I want to thank Congressman Brindisi for cosponsoring this amendment. The gentleman comes from a place similar to mine, a very rural area, which leads me to the subject of the amendment. Too often in this country, I think that Congress can make laws that benefit cities and urban areas without understanding fully how those laws impact rural communities. I represent Maine. It is one of our country's most rural States. Almost a quarter of all veterans in the United States, about 4.7 million, return from active military careers to reside in a rural community where they experience the many rural healthcare challenges that are only intensified by combat-related injuries and illnesses. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 58 percent of rural veterans are enrolled in the VA healthcare system, significantly higher than the 37 percent enrollment rate of urban veterans. In rural areas, basic levels of healthcare or preventive care may not be available to support residents' long-term health and well-being. Compared to urban areas, rural communities tend to have higher poverty rates, more elderly residents, and fewer physician practices, hospitals, and other health delivery services.…”