Maurice Hinchey: “it is sad to see how this Congress has hardened its heart toward America's veterans. The latest expression of that is…”

“it is sad to see how this Congress has hardened its heart toward America's veterans. The latest expression of that is contained within this bill and the rule that controls it. The bill, first of all, makes inadequate provision for a growing problem in America with regard to veterans health care. It may be the result of so few Members of this House having had the opportunity to have the experience of serving their country in uniform. Whatever the reason, this bill deals inadequately with the problems of veterans health care, it funds veterans health care inadequately, and, furthermore, it makes provisions to transfer inadequate funds inappropriately and discriminately against the interests of veterans. There are many reasons why this bill should be defeated, but particularly, today, as our veterans from World War II, from Korea, and even Vietnam are aging, and the illnesses, physical and psychological, which they suffered as a result of those conflicts are expressing themselves more deeply, it is time that we pay attention to the needs of America's veterans and fund health care adequately. Defeat this rule if you care about the veterans of America.”