On the recordFebruary 28, 2014
Mr. Speaker, this is a final amendment to the bill. This will not delay the bill. This will not kill the bill. This will not send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will proceed immediately to final passage, as amended. Mr. Speaker, we should all be able to agree that just as it is absurd to say that all regulations are good, it is absurd to say that all regulations are bad. Unfortunately, this bill does just that. It assumes that all regulations are bad; it weakens or delays them. Even those that advance important bipartisan priorities are going to be hurt. That is why my amendment is so important. It will ensure that this bill does not create unnecessary hurdles in several important areas, including those that help veterans find jobs, keep health care safe and affordable, and rebuild communities after natural disasters. Mr. Speaker, there is probably no issue where there is more bipartisan support than in the need to support our Nation's veterans. Those who have risked and sacrificed more than anyone else deserve for us to help keep them safe: veterans, veterans like my constituent George Martinez, who found a job through the program for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, an important program overseen by the VA. This bill will unfortunately weaken or delay regulations that help veterans like George find jobs when they leave the service.…





