[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 40 (Tuesday, April 8, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H1296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          OPPORTUNITIES TO BOLSTER OUR COMMITMENT TO VETERANS

  (Mr. REYES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, as a Vietnam veteran and a member of the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I rise today to talk about veterans 
along the border and opportunities that we have to bolster our 
commitment to our veterans.
  This is the 105th Congress's first piece of veterans' legislation, 
and I am here to rise in support of this bill, because in this era of 
downsizing, it provides increased job opportunities and security. Let 
us send a strong message to our veterans by overwhelmingly passing this 
bill.
  Furthermore, while back in the district, I invited local veterans to 
participate in my veterans' advisory panel, a panel that will meet 
regularly to advise me on ways to improve the lives of our veterans. I 
am proud to say that we have an overwhelming response. Already, they 
have expressed their concerns about our Persian Gulf war veterans and 
the need for continued research.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to seek similar ways to stay 
informed, and with tomorrow's vote, take a first step in this Congress 
for our veterans.

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