Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. I would like to begin by thanking Chairman Takano for his incredible leadership on this legislation and tireless work on behalf of veterans all across our country. H.R. 3967, the Honoring our PACT Act of 2021, recognizes the full range of military toxic exposure, from contaminated water at military bases and airborne hazards from burn pits, to radiation from atomic testing. It upholds and recognizes the promise we made to every servicemember that we would care for them should they become wounded or sick while risking everything to protect this country. This legislation is long overdue, and it is the least we can do for the more than 3.5 million veterans who are currently suffering without the healthcare they need and deserve. These veterans and their loved ones should never have been forced to come to Congress demanding that we and the VA provide the care they have so clearly earned, which is why I am glad that this bill ensures that future veterans will be able to get the help they need without waiting decades for help by streamlining the VA's toxic exposure presumptions. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill.”