Donald M. Payne: “I would like to thank Chairman Dent and Ranking Member Bishop for your work on this bill. And congratulations to…”

“I would like to thank Chairman Dent and Ranking Member Bishop for your work on this bill. And congratulations to Congressman Dent on the work he has done on H.R. 2029, his first bill as chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. I admire Chairman Dent's and Ranking Member Bishop's commitment to our veterans of America. They have demonstrated day-to-day that they are here for our people in the armed services. I would like to especially acknowledge this bill's provisions relating to the importance of early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer. As the bill notes, the VA has made screening patients for colorectal cancer a priority, and I am encouraged by the steps that this bill would take to ensure that the VA continues to dedicate the resources and attention to this important issue which it deserves. Almost every family in America, including our veterans, including Members of Congress, including people all over this Nation, have been touched by cancer. My father, former Congressman Donald Payne, who served New Jersey's 10th Congressional District for 23 years, prior to me coming here and taking his place, succumbed to this preventable and treatable disease. Chairman Dent, thank you for your partnership on this issue. I am looking forward to continuing to work together to advance the fight against colorectal cancer and lessen the needless loss of life.…”