Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, both bills received extensive scrutiny at a subcommittee hearing last October. They include measures recommended by the administration and members of the Committee on Veteran's Affairs. H.R. 1483 has received strong support from the Disabled American Veterans and other veterans organizations. Mr. Speaker, there has been some concern expressed about the possible effect that this bill may have on the backlog of appeals at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. I met with BVA Chairman Cragin and we discussed the Administration's concern about this possibility. While I do not believe that this legislation will have any appreciable effect on the BVA backlog, I want to reflect several important matters concerning this bill. First, since veterans already have the right to raise a claim of clear and unmistakable error before the regional office, any increase in the BVA backlog should be minimal. Veterans have long had this right, and it does not appear to cause unusual or time-wasting problems today.”