Political Quotes

“the extension of priority care for veterans who were exposed to agent orange reflects the compromise reached in the Veterans' Affairs Committee last year on this issue. I must admit that I was not completely satisfied with the legislation and I still have reservations. Specifically, I still believe that we should be covering all of the categories in the Agent Orange Act of 1991. However, I still believe, as I did last year, that this is a solid compromise which will ensure that the health care needs of deserving Vietnam veterans will be met. The recent release of the Institute of Medicine's report on agent orange only reaffirms that we must continue to honor the health care needs of our Vietnam veterans. I would again like to thank Chairman Stump, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Hutchinson, and Mr. Montgomery for their efforts last year to work out legislation which I feel protects the rights of veterans. The rest of legislation, which also provides for our Persian Gulf war and atomic veterans, is right on target and should be supported by all of my colleagues.”