Annie Kuster: “Thank you, Congresswoman Sinema, and thank you so much for bringing us together today. This is a unique experience since…”

“Thank you, Congresswoman Sinema, and thank you so much for bringing us together today. This is a unique experience since I've been here in the United States Congress. Mr. Speaker, today we've heard from Republicans and Democrats, men and women, people from literally every corner of our country, young and old, who have served this country and who honor those who serve us. Each of us has been touched by this issue. And I want to say, from a personal perspective, having been raised by a combat veteran--my husband and I are both the children of combat veterans. My father was a World War II pilot, and he flew in 63 missions before he was shot down and served in a POW camp. My father- in-law landed on the beaches of Normandy when my father was flying overhead. Both my husband and I were raised in households that, although successful, had many dark secrets. These were households where we lived with PTSD. And I want to say to the veterans who have served our country, of every era, that we are here to serve you, and we will not leave you on the battlefield. I serve on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and it's a tremendous honor. With my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, led by Congressman Benishek, whom you've heard from today, on the Health Subcommittee, we will stand by the veterans who have served our country.…”