[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 161 (Wednesday, October 18, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1969-E1970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXTENDING CERTAIN VETERANS' AFFAIRS HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE EXPIRING 
                              AUTHORITIES

                                 ______


                               speech of

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 17, 1995

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2353 and to 
commend the gentleman from Arkansas, Mr. Hutchinson for his efforts to 
being this legislation to the floor of Congress. H.R. 2353 will extend 
spending authority for numerous Health Care and housing programs that 
aid our Nation's veterans.
  In specific terms, this measure extends the Veterans Administration's 
authority to provide health care on a priority basis to Persian Gulf 
veterans, while extensive research continues on the causes and 
treatment of these illnesses. In addition, this bill extends the VA's 

[[Page E 1970]]

authority to first, contract for substance abuse care and 
rehabilitative services at non-VA halfway houses and treatment centers; 
second, continue the pilot program providing home nursing care to 
eligible veterans as an alternative to institutional care; third, 
continue the VA's Health Scholarship Program which provides funding for 
health care professional studies in return for VA service obligation; 
fourth, carry on the compensated work therapy and Therapeutic 
Transitional Housing Demonstration Program, helping mentally ill 
veterans to make a re-entry into independent living; and fifth, to 
continue VA's pilot program to assist homeless veterans.
  This bill allows us to continue to pursue new and proven avenues to 
assist those who have risked their lives to preserve the freedoms that 
we hold so dear. This legislation enables us to lend a hand to those 
who have suffered greatly as a result of their service. I welcome this 
opportunity to speak on their behalf. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues 
to support H.R. 2353.

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