Beto O'Rourke: “I would also like to thank my colleague, the ranking member, Mr. Takano from California, for his support and his work on…”

“I would also like to thank my colleague, the ranking member, Mr. Takano from California, for his support and his work on the committee and not just promoting commonsense bills like these, but working across the aisle with colleagues on both sides to ensure that we move the concerns and the cares of veterans in this country forward. His leadership at this critical time is so important, and I am grateful for it. I would also like to thank the chairman of our committee, Mr. Miller from Florida, for his leadership in really ensuring that the House Veterans' Affairs Committee remains one of the most important and perhaps one of the last refuges for bipartisanship in Congress. It is really through his leadership--and I have been lucky enough to serve with him now almost 4 years--that we have been able to do some really outstanding things for veterans in this country. I know that he would be the first to agree that we are not there yet. There is no ``mission accomplished'' banner that hangs behind us, but we have made extraordinary progress under his guidance and his willingness to work with Members from both sides of the aisle--all Members of the committee--and I am truly grateful for his support of this bill. I should also note, Mr. Speaker, that this bill is cosponsored by Dr. Benishek from Michigan, a stout defender of veterans and, from his medical background, someone who is uniquely capable of informing important legislation like this one.…”