[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, JESSE BROWN

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 1996

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my gratitude for the 
noteworthy accomplishments achieved by Secretary Jesse Brown on behalf 
of the veterans of this great Nation. Since his selection as the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the women and men who served our country 
have had a knowledgeable and responsive supporter in that post.
  Among some of Secretary Brown's greatest accomplishments are:
  The creation of new clinics allowing veterans more access to VA 
health care.
  Assistance to one and a half million veterans with employment 
services in a joint venture with the Department of Labor to increase 
the number of veterans hired in the Federal Government.
  The expansion of programs for homeless veterans by doubling the 
resources dedicated to these initiatives, and the institution of a 
grant program to assist public and non-profit organizations in 
assisting homeless veterans.
  A more complete accounting on the register of Vietnam veterans' 
diseases for which services-connected compensation is awarded based on 
exposure to herbicide agents.
  The expansion and great improvement in health care services for those 
combat veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
  The increased attention given to the needs of women veterans 
including mammography quality control and counseling, and medical 
programs for women veterans who suffer the after-effects of service-
related sexual trauma.
  The establishment of a home refinancing program that enables veterans 
to obtain lower home loan rates, thus saving an average of $1,500 a 
year.
  There are about 70,000 veterans in the Eighth Congressional District 
of Virginia, so I am very concerned about the service these individuals 
receive. Even with such a large number of veterans' needs to be 
processed from just northern Virginia, the VA procedures are 
exceptional. The VA under Secretary Brown has worked so well, in fact, 
that my need for inquiries has declined from several cases a month to 
several cases a year.
  Secretary Brown's initiative to improve services to veterans also 
saved money through streamlining, privatizing or consolidating 
activities. I could not ask for better support for those who served 
this country.
  While Secretary Brown's promotion of a decent budget to support these 
benefits has frequently been rebuffed, the services his Department 
provides shows his steadfast commitment to our Nation's veterans and 
their families. We should not forget the responsibility this Nation has 
to our service members and their survivors. Budgets and associated 
dollars cannot replace the sacrifices these veterans have made.
  As a combat veteran himself, Secretary Brown has walked the walk. He 
has ensured that VA benefits and the health care system are efficient 
and support our veterans. He is a true American, a friend, and a great 
man.

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