Chris Smith: “Every American has a duty to respect, honor and support our veterans. Congress has the responsibility to ensure that the…”

“Every American has a duty to respect, honor and support our veterans. Congress has the responsibility to ensure that the profound respect owed to our veterans is translated into meaningful and tangible action. For generations, Members on both sides of the aisle have sought world class medical care for wounded and ill veterans, compensation for the service connected disabled, funding for higher education and housing, and programs to rescue and re-enfranchise the homeless. And as Lincoln said so eloquently, the Federal Government should care for 'his widow and orphan.' I am the prime sponsor of numerous veterans laws, including the Homeless Veterans Assistance Act, the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act, Veterans Survivor Benefits Improvement Act and numerous health care laws including the Veterans Health Program Improvement Act which, among scores of provisions, made permanent the authority of the Secretary to provide sexual trauma counseling to veterans--especially women.”