Political Quotes

“I rise in support of H.R. 2206, as amended, the Veterans Health Programs Improvement Act. The bill before us today extends several important authorities which are scheduled to expire and approves a number of programs critical to meeting the needs of veterans with health care problems. Specifically, this measure takes important steps to address some of our most serious concerns about homelessness among our veterans in our country. On any given night in America, a third of those living in the streets of America are veterans. I find this hard to live with both as a veteran and as an American citizen. I believe we must do more to respond to this problem. As the VA's health care system makes important changes, at a minimum we must assure that the VA maintains both the quality and quantity of services delivered to homeless veterans today. This proposal will ensure the VA is able to continue such worthwhile activities which are allowing veterans to become independent and restore dignity to their lives. Importantly, this legislation makes Persian Gulf veterans eligible for VA health care by virtue of their service in the gulf rather than through a particular exposure.”