S. 3309, Sen. Patty Murray's 'Homeless Veterans Assistance Improvement Act of 2012'

I join with Ranking Member Burr to introduce the Women's Homeless Veterans Act.

I hope that this Committee will support this legislation, and help put an end to the malicious practices of these pension poachers.

As Senator Burr mentioned, we do have to pay for all of the legislation that comes before this Committee.

I'm pleased to announce we've received formal support from AMVETS, recognizing the importance of this legislation in protecting our veterans.

We need comments back from the VA very urgently on this.

I am optimistic that by the time of the next markup, the President is going to be signing into law the Honoring America Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012.

The VA cannot offer much in the way of care for spouses.

This type of activity is so important to our wounded warriors in improving quality-of-life, health, self-esteem, socialization.

I believe the bill that Senator Burr and I have introduced, which already has strong bipartisan support, will preserve the Aid and Attendance benefit, while protecting our veterans from pension poachers who are driven only by greed.

I do appreciate the support of my friend, Senator Brown from Massachusetts, for his support on this legislation also.

Veterans legislation continues to be bipartisan and that is as it should be.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Senator Begich for his assistance and hard work with the bill

It is the right thing to do, and it is what our veterans deserve.

I have also been working with Senator Begich on S. 3094, which is a commonsense adjustment to the definition of homeless veterans.

We are also grateful for Senators Lamar Alexander, Maria Cantwell, Tom Udall, and Patty Murray's leadership in co-sponsoring this legislation.

Aid and Attendance is an invaluable lifeline for many veterans. This program is for the very sick--veterans who are no longer able to care for themselves and who do not have the resources to pay for care.

last February, in my office in Seattle, I sat down with an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran named Stephen Davis and his wife Kim. Stephen and Kim were there to talk to me about their experiences since he returned home and about the…

I ask unanimous consent that following my remarks, the Senator from Ohio, Mr. Brown, be recognized, and following that, Senator Whitehouse be recognized. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER…

it is my understanding that Senator McCain will not speak at this time, so I urge a ``yes'' vote on this voice vote. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there further debate? If not, the question is on agreeing to the amendment. The amendment (No…

the amendment we are going to vote on is bipartisan, fair, and it will make sure Congress gets a report on the impact of all aspects of the scheduled automatic cuts. We all agree the bipartisan sequestration agreed to in the Budget Control…

I ask unanimous consent that the 60- affirmative threshold be waived, since it is my understanding that we will adopt this by voice vote. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is so ordered.

I call up my amendment No. 2455 and ask that it be modified with the changes at the desk. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the amendment will be so modified. The clerk will report. The Senator from Washington [Mrs. Murray]…

I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Colorado is recognized. Amendment No. 2295

as chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I would like to take a moment to recognize the Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Heart Association for their work to raise awareness about the dangers of…