Chris Smith: “Mr. Speaker, as the prime sponsor of H.R. 3253, as amended, I rise to urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting…”

“Mr. Speaker, as the prime sponsor of H.R. 3253, as amended, I rise to urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this vital legislation that will expand the role of the Department of Veterans Affairs in homeland security. It may come as a surprise to many that the Department of Veterans Affairs operates the world's largest integrated health care network, with over 200,000 health care professionals, 163 medical centers, more than 800 outpatient clinics, 115 medical research programs, affiliations with over 100 schools of medicine, and a $25 billion budget annually. Dedicated to providing health care to America's military veterans, the VA is now the Federal Government's leading provider of direct medical services, with over 4.5 million patients treated last year. From providing top-quality medical care to veterans to performing comprehensive cutting-edge research, such as for prosthetics and Alzheimer's disease, the VA health care system has become a unique national resource and a unique national treasure.”