Sheila Jackson Lee: “I thank the gentlewoman from Florida and the gentleman from Illinois, and I join Mr. Horsford in expressing my…”

“I thank the gentlewoman from Florida and the gentleman from Illinois, and I join Mr. Horsford in expressing my appreciation to them both for their continuing leadership. Mr. Speaker, this is a particularly important Special Order, honoring our veterans far and wide; and then telling the stories of our Black veterans, who often have been at the wrong end of the history of this country. It should be noted that African Americans, some enslaved, have fought in every war since the Revolutionary War, and it is extremely important to recognize that sometimes their stories have not been told. I was very pleased today to support the legislation that supported a veterans' COLA, cost of living increase. As I indicated previously, we all know that veterans have been victims of homelessness, been discriminated against in terms of not being appreciated for their service, taking their service where they are commanding thousands and giving them an entry-level job. I think it is important that we recognize the importance of their work. We also know that there have been many who have had service-related injuries who have not been fully compensated. We continue to fight for those who have had exposure to Agent Orange. Certainly, we are more than excited about the passage of the PACT Act brought in the House, where I introduced the Jackson Lee amendment, which would require a report on the feasibility of modifying the individual longitudinal exposure record.…”