[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 199 (Thursday, December 14, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2363-E2364]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 VETERANS HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS, AND EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BENEFITS 
                              ACT OF 1995

                                 ______


                               speech of

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 12, 1995

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the House of Representatives voted 
for legislation to ensure continued assistance to our Nation's 
veterans. I voted for this bill, the Veterans Housing and Employment 
Rights Benefits Act, which would permanently extend programs which 
provide invaluable assistance to our Nation's veterans and military 
retirees.
  The bill would extend a number of important home-loan programs. One 
such program permits veterans to negotiate for favorable interest rates 
and terms for mortgages. Another service allows veterans to get 
mortgage loans with interest rates fixed by the Department of Veterans 
Affairs. A third program extended by the bill allows veterans to secure 
mortgages for energy-saving improvements to their homes.
  All of these services allow veterans, who often do not have the 
collateral or financial resources normally needed to purchase a home, a 
chance to pursue the American dream of owning and maintaining their own 
home.
  Other programs reauthorized by the bill include the Homeless Veterans 
Employment Program, and the VA program providing housing assistance to 
homeless veterans. It also makes changes to current law to help 
veterans further and prevent discrimination against veterans--such as a 
measure ensuring that employers cannot force employees to use their 
vacation time to participate in military training programs.
  I thank my colleagues, Chairman Bob Stump and Representative Sonny 
Montgomery, for bringing this important legislation to 

[[Page E2364]]
the House floor. It is my hope that we shall soon see this bill signed 
into law.

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