On the recordNovember 9, 2023
Today I rise in recognition of Veterans Day to honor the brave souls from the Virgin Islands and throughout the Nation for their selfless and valiant service. In the Virgin Islands, our veterans' spirit of service is a beacon of inspiration. Yet, the very liberties they fight tirelessly for are mirrored by the injustices they confront upon returning home: the inequitable access to healthcare and benefits they deserve. This disparity is more than an oversight. It is an egregious mistreatment of our Nation's heroes and has been a driving force for my relentless advocacy to rectify the wrong. That is why last year I supported the landmark PACT Act guaranteeing veterans harmed by burn pits or other toxins to receive automatic VA healthcare and benefits. I am proud for the successful advocacy for an amendment requiring the GAO to study the state of access and barriers and benefits to veterans living in the territories. Madam Speaker, we owe our veterans more than gratitude. We owe them action. It is time to deliver on our promise. ____________________
