On the recordJune 10, 2015
I thank the gentleman from Maryland for yielding and for his leadership on this critically important issue. I rise in very strong support of this amendment. For many years, I have worked with hospitalized veterans and their families who have often had to travel far from home to get treatment and have seen what the Fisher House has done. The Fisher House Foundation does wonders in being a home away from home during very difficult times for our veterans and their families. As Congress continues to address veterans issues, it is critical that their families also have support systems in place and a safe place to stay while the veterans are receiving treatment. We should be building more Fisher House facilities across the country. We are currently trying to put one in Michigan and, as I explored that public-private partnership, discovered that there is more than a 5-year wait in that pipeline. This bill isn't a silver bullet, but it would help reduce that timeline. I want to thank my good friend Congressman Delaney for his leadership on this issue, and I urge all Members to support this bipartisan amendment that helps veterans and their families.
