[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 25, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H4624-H4631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS JESSE BROWN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore [Mr. Tiahrt]. Under the Speaker's announced 
policy of January 7, 1997, the gentlewoman from Florida [Ms. Brown] is 
recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority leader.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special 
tribute to someone that I feel is one of the brightest stars in 
President Clinton's administration, Secretary Jesse Brown. But before I 
begin, I would like to say a word about a woman who is in Washington 
today, a member of the Russian Duma, Mrs. Svetlana Go Voyz Da Va is the 
deputy chief of the Economic Policy Committee in the Russian Congress. 
During our visit this afternoon, we have agreed to set up an 
international conference where elected

[[Page H4625]]

women, officials from Russia, France, England, Africa and the United 
States can meet to discuss solutions and strategies for the problems 
that face women across the world. These problems include education, 
labor, health care and poverty. We have pledged our cooperation and 
will continue to work together to help women and children throughout 
the world. As she said earlier today, ``Why not?"
  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to recognize the great 
achievement of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jesse Brown. Secretary 
Brown will leave his post on July 1st of this year after serving a 
distinguished 4 years with the administration. Secretary Jesse Brown, a 
combat-disabled Vietnam veteran, guided VA through a significant 
transition period where health care delivery systems evolved to reflect 
marketplace changes, where severe budgetary challenges presented 
themselves in the wake of deficit reduction, where growing demands were 
placed upon existing veterans' services, and where emerging illnesses 
from Gulf War veterans challenged the Nation's best physicians and 
scientists. Secretary Brown embraced all of these challenges with vigor 
and directed the Department of Veterans Affairs to be more responsive 
in the areas of claims processing, more sensible in its benefits for 
Agent Orange veterans, more proactive in developing programs for the 
significantly growing number of women veterans, and more compassionate 
with the treatment and compensation of Gulf War veterans suffering from 
illnesses. I commend Secretary Brown for his outstanding work in these 
areas, and I also call for Members of this House to observe his example 
and not abandon veterans in our budget, veterans who have fought so 
hard for this country.

                              {time}  2100

  The United States have the most comprehensive system of assistance 
for veterans in any Nation in the world.
  Jesse Brown begins serving as Secretary of Veterans Affairs on 
January 22, 1993. As Secretary he directed the system that included 
hospitals, clinics, benefit programs and national cemeteries. In his 
vision statement Secretary Brown said, ``Our vision is as simple and is 
noble. It is to provide our veterans with quality health care, timely 
benefits and burial with dignity.''
  I believe this simple statement says a lot about Secretary Brown. It 
shows how he has the leadership to put our Nation's veterans at the top 
of the priority list in terms of receiving benefits and service they 
deserve for fighting to protect this Nation's liberty and freedom.
  I was most impressed with his motto, putting veterans first. Let me 
repeat that. The motto: Putting veterans first. That is exactly what he 
did as Secretary, and it is so important that we continue to do so.
  I yield to my colleague the distinguished gentlewoman from Florida, 
Carrie Meek.
  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Thank you very much to my colleague, the 
gentlewoman from Jacksonville, FL Florida's Third Congressional 
District, who is held in outstanding esteem by everyone in the State of 
Florida and beyond. I want to thank her for this special order 
recognizing the contributions of Secretary Jesse Brown.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only to thank Corrine Brown for 
bringing this to the country, the accomplishments of Secretary Brown; 
he has been one of our Nation's most faithful and valiant veterans, and 
we want to thank this man because he has successfully led the Federal 
Government's second largest department for the past 4 years.
  You do not get much glory out of Washington, hardly any praise. But 
this man is praiseworthy, and we are so happy to take the time to give 
him the praise that he deserves.
  Three words, my dear friend, Corrine Brown, and to the Speaker, three 
words personify Jesse Brown: dedicated, heroic, accomplished.
  The Department of Veterans Affairs was created by Executive order in 
1930 as the Veterans Administration. At that time there were 54 
hospitals, 4.7 million veterans and 31,600 employees. The Department 
that Jesse Brown, Secretary Brown, inherited in 1993 when he was sworn 
in by President Clinton as Secretary of VA, well, he was one, 1 of 
266,000 employees responsible for a nationwide system of health care 
services, benefits and national cemeteries for America's 26.5 million 
veterans.
  Dedicated, heroic, accomplished, Mr. Speaker.
  Mr. Brown has successfully managed this huge department with great 
care and concern for the welfare of our Nation's veterans and has 
successfully led the charge to improve its operations and services.
  Jesse Brown has been accomplished, Mr. Speaker. That is why the 
gentlewoman from Florida, Corrine Brown, called this special order, to 
raise the consciousness of this Nation about the accomplishments of 
this great man.
  Jesse Brown's accomplishments at the VA and his outstanding service 
to veterans, they are not surprising given his distinguished career. 
Mr. Brown was a honors graduate of Chicago City College and also 
attended Roosevelt University in Chicago and Catholic University. Jesse 
Brown served in the Marine Corps in 1963 and was wounded in combat in 
Vietnam in 1965.
  Heroic, Mr. Speaker. Secretary Jesse Brown is a hero.
  Mr. Speaker, before his appointment as Secretary of VA, of the 
Veterans Administration, he spent his professional career as executive 
director with the Disabled American Veterans where he directed the 
DAV's Washington office. He has led legislative, employment and 
volunteer programs as well as advocacy efforts on behalf of disabled 
veterans and their families.
  Mr. Brown has been criticized sometimes for his zealous advocacy on 
behalf of our Nation's veterans and their families. That is why he is a 
cut above a lot of bureaucrats who survive here in Washington. However, 
it was his faithful, consistent and abiding commitment to these 
national heroes that resulted in the success he has realized as head of 
VA.
  Under Secretary Brown's leadership the VA has expanded benefits for 
veterans who were prisoners of war or were exposed to Agent Orange, 
radiation or mustard gas. He has expanded treatment services to those 
suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder. Secretary Brown 
successfully worked for the enactment of laws authorizing the VA to pay 
compensation for Persian Gulf war veterans' undiagnosed illnesses and 
to provide them with priority health care, the illnesses they may have 
incurred in the gulf.
  I have seen Secretary Brown in action before the Committee on 
Appropriations. He has taken no shelter. He has pushed hard for 
veterans. Additionally, he has formed the task force whose recommended 
changes have led to reduction in the backlog of veterans' benefits 
through improved technology, redesigned work processes and more staff 
training.
  The gentlewoman from Florida [Ms. Brown], of the Third Congressional 
District of Florida, we can attest to the fact that many of our 
veterans had to wait for years before they got their claims adjusted. 
Secretary Brown cut that out. He made this system more efficient for 
the veterans of this country.
  Mr. Brown's campaign of putting veterans first has formed the basis 
of his work to maintain the VA system as an independent provider, to 
broaden veterans' access to the system and to offer a continuum of 
comprehensive care. The Secretary's program coverage has spared 
numerous categories of veterans' concerns ranging from the homeless to 
women veterans' issues to sensitivity training for VA employees. He 
continues to press for changes to make the VA medical system 
competitive in a changing health care environment.
  Mr. Speaker, I say Secretary Brown is dedicated. The Department of 
Veterans Affairs will lose a stellar leader when Jesse Brown leaves his 
position as Secretary this year. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
commending him for his success and thanking him for his outstanding 
service to our Nation through his dedicated service to our veterans.
  Secretary Jesse Brown, I salute you as a leader of men and women who 
are willing to give their lives for our beloved country. God bless 
America, thank God for Jesse Brown.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. I thank the gentlewoman.
  I yield to the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Davis].

[[Page H4626]]

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. First of all, I just want to commend and 
congratulate the distinguished gentlewoman from Florida [Ms. Brown] for 
her sensitivity and enlightenment in organizing and bringing together 
this group who will give tribute to Jesse Brown. And so, Mr. Speaker, I 
rise today to recognize another great leader with roots in the Chicago 
community, another individual who lived in the congressional district 
which I am fortunate to represent. Rarely does an individual come along 
who possess qualities which tend to elude the multitudes.

  This individual is driven. He must be if he is to set an example for 
those around him. This individual is intelligent, not only from the 
study of books or formal training, but from applying the lessons of 
life, lessons learned at the nadir of life's inevitable pitfalls and 
also those which come while at the pinnacles of its glorious triumphs.
  This individual is selfless. If he was not, he might not be able to 
administer with wisdom and compassion the great resources with which he 
has been entrusted. This individual is a leader. But also a good 
follower, committed to service.
  Mr. Speaker, I do not have to tell you that Jesse Brown is one such 
individual. He has maintained an exemplary record of service not only 
to the Nation's veteran community but to his family, numerous 
professional organizations and indeed to his country. Jesse's tireless 
efforts are certainly felt throughout my congressional district and all 
over America each day, a large veteran community with 3 major VA 
hospitals: Lakeside, Hines and West Side, all of which lie within the 
boundaries of my district in Chicago and the western suburbs.
  As Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Jesse Brown worked diligently to 
insure that our Nation's veterans received the quality health care and 
other benefits which they are deserving. In fact, throughout his entire 
professional career Jesse Brown has worked to ensure that America lives 
up to the promises made to our veterans.
  Oftentimes I did not have to ask Jesse Brown for a thing. I did not 
have to ask because he would not let me.
  Jesse is proactive and meets issues head on. I admire his bold 
determination to guarantee that those who have served this country 
beyond her borders will not suffer and, in fact, will receive quality 
services and benefits.
  I must tell you that Jesse's mother is a resident of Chicago, and I 
know that she beams with pride at the very mention of her son's name. I 
know veterans in my district who have nothing but positive things to 
say about Jesse and directly attribute their success to his lifelong 
efforts, and I can tell you that I know that all of us are perhaps 
stronger and better because we have had the benefit.
  And so, Jesse, I know that we could not persuade you to stay. I know 
that if we did, we would be stealing your gift from those whom you will 
be moving on to enlighten, and if you taught us anything in this 
country, it is that your company is too precious to keep all to 
ourselves.
  And so I say thank you on behalf of my constituents and veterans all 
over not only America, but all over the world. And I know that Jesse's 
heart is saddened when he thinks about the budget, our spending plan 
and tax cuts. We are passing laws which has taken away health care for 
veterans and doing nothing for military retirees. So maybe, Jesse, you 
are leaving at the right time because I know that it would be very 
difficult to do justice to veterans with all of these cuts and tax 
breaks for the rich as we balance the budget on the backs of the poor.
  And so, Jesse, as you leave, hopefully the same people who voted for 
the flag will now learn to vote for veterans and their families. We 
thank you for being a great servant to the American people.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. I yield now to the gentleman from California 
[Mr. Filner] from the committee.
  Mr. FILNER. I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for having this 
special order for a very special person. That picture looks at us, and 
we know his warmth and his friendship and his charisma and his concern 
for so many people, and it just beams out from that picture, and we 
thank you for that.
  As you said, I serve on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and 
although I greatly enjoy the challenges and responsibilities and even 
the frustrations involved with being a Member of Congress, my service 
on that committee is a source of particular satisfaction to me. 
Veterans are special and unique members of our American family, and it 
has been a great honor to work on their behalf.
  Additionally, my service on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs has 
given me the opportunity to meet and work with many remarkable people, 
and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Honorable Jesse Brown, is 
one of the most extraordinary.
  Adlai Stevenson once said that patriotism is not a short and frenzied 
outburst of emotion but the tranquil and steady dedication of a 
lifetime. By this or any other definition Jesse Brown has lived the 
life of a patriot.
  As a young man Jesse enlisted in the Marine Corps and was among the 
first American forces to be sent to Vietnam. In 1965 he was ambushed in 
a rice paddy outside Da Nang.

                              {time}  2115

  In his letter of resignation to the President, Jesse described this 
life-altering event. As he said in 1965, in one short moment, my life 
was changed by a shot I never heard.
  Subsequently, as we have heard already, Jesse went to work for the 
Disabled American Veterans and began his career as a passionate 
advocate for veterans. As he told the President over the succeeding 32 
years, I have been driven by an obsession to make sure that veterans, 
whose lives have also been changed, are not disadvantaged by having 
honorably served in the military. That was Jesse Brown.
  As Secretary, he demonstrated the same courage he showed as a marine 
in Vietnam. He spoke out on behalf of fellow veterans with a directness 
and honesty that was criticized by some, but deeply appreciated by 
every veteran in this Nation. He never faltered in his personal 
commitment, and never lost sight of his duty as Secretary to ensure our 
country never faltered in its commitment to our veterans.
  I was honored to have Secretary Brown visit my district on several 
occasions. He spoke with veterans, he spoke to veterans, and they 
recognized him as one of their own. These veterans left those meetings 
more optimistic because they had met Jesse Brown.
  I took him to high schools where he met our young people. They saw a 
man, a black man, a black man with a paralyzed arm, who sat in the 
Cabinet of the President of the United States, and I think those 
youngsters will have a better chance to succeed because they met Jesse 
Brown.
  I took him to churches, and he could preach. He could preach. He was 
a different man in the church, and I know that my constituents who 
heard him were spiritually enriched because they met Jesse Brown.
  He was an extraordinary man. I am proud to call him my friend, and 
like all of my colleagues tonight, we will miss him as Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs. I thank the gentlewoman for being so involved in 
this.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. I would now 
like to yield time to Delegate Donna Christian-Green, who I had the 
opportunity to visit her veterans, and also note the work that 
Secretary Brown has done for the veterans from the Virgin Islands.
  Ms. CHRISTIAN-GREEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my esteemed colleague, the 
gentlewoman from Florida [Ms. Brown], who, as she said, traveled with 
me to the Virgin Islands to speak with our veterans, for organizing 
this Special Order and tribute to our outgoing Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs, the Honorable Jesse Brown and for affording me this time to 
offer remarks.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Secretary Brown on behalf 
of the veterans of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Though relatively small in 
absolute numbers, these brave men and women have served our country in 
per capita numbers unequaled by many States.
  I am proud to say that I too come from a family of veterans who 
served, beginning with the First World War and, who along with the more 
than 26 million veterans nationwide, have benefited greatly because of 
the efforts and the advocacy of Secretary Jesse Brown.

[[Page H4627]]

  While it would have been easy to overlook the veterans of our small, 
but beautiful territory, Secretary Brown, as always, putting each and 
every veteran first, and recognizing the uniqueness of our situation, 
traveled to the Virgin Islands to meet with our veterans and their 
families and to listen to their concerns.
  Because of his caring and strong leadership, that visit marked a 
turning point in improved services for the veterans of St. Thomas, St. 
Croix, and St. John.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have this opportunity to add my voice to 
the many others in recognition and gratitude for the outstanding years 
of commitment and service to veterans, their families, and the Nation.
  The legislature of the Virgin Islands and Senator Alicia Chucky 
Hansen, chair of its Committee on Veterans' Affairs, add their thanks 
and their congratulations.
  So, Mr. Speaker, we reluctantly let him go, but we do so knowing that 
he will be leaving a better Veterans' Administration, and that he has 
laid the groundwork for ever improving services to our veterans. Mr. 
Speaker, we thank Secretary Jesse Brown and wish him well and God's 
blessings in all of his future endeavors.
  I thank the gentlewoman for affording me this time.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Now I would like to yield time to Congressman 
Sanford Bishop, who is also on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and 
for giving me the opportunity to pay tribute to a friend and to a real 
friend of America's veterans. It is an honor to join my colleagues, 
especially the gentlewoman from Florida [Ms. Brown], in honoring the 
outgoing Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary, Jesse Brown. He is a 
true American hero who has served his country with honor and with 
distinction. Moreover, he has been a real asset to the Clinton 
administration and his bold leadership in behalf of our Nation's 
veterans will definitely be missed.
  Jesse Brown, a native of America's Midwest; a proud marine, a combat 
veteran, who served bravely in Vietnam and a disabled veteran who has 
worked for the past three decades to help make sure his fellow veterans 
receive the full benefits they have earned through their service and 
their sacrifice.
  When he was named to the President's Cabinet as Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs in 1993, veterans everywhere knew that this would be an 
outstanding appointment, one that would provide strong, effective 
leadership for the core interests of veterans at the highest level of 
our national government. And it certainly has been.
  During his tenure, Secretary Brown has been instrumental in the 
enactment of a landmark VA health care eligibility reform bill which 
promises to open up VA health care services to many more veterans and 
pave the way for improvements throughout the whole VA health care 
system.
  Benefits for veterans suffering from exposure to agent orange in 
Vietnam and to the Persian Gulf illness, full payment of veterans' cost 
of living adjustments, expanded benefits for surviving spouses of 
veterans, greater employment protection for Americans who are called up 
for military service: These are just a few of the initiatives he has 
helped get enacted into law.
  As a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I have the 
privilege of working closely with him, and on these and other 
legislative goals, he proved to be a real bulldog, the tenacity that 
you would not normally see in a Cabinet member working in behalf of 
America's constituency.
  The partnership between the Secretary and our committee has been 
exceptionally productive, and throughout our country's history, brave 
Americans have answered America's call, a great personal sacrifice. 
Jesse Brown sacrificed much. He served greatly, and he will be greatly 
missed in the office of veterans affairs.

  Jesse Brown brings to my mind many, many very, very pleasant 
memories. He visited the Second Congressional District of Georgia on 
several occasions, and he touched the hearts of many, many veterans. It 
was heartwarming and it often brought tears to one's eyes to see him 
just as at ease with a young active duty military person, or a gold 
star wife, and he could remember her, having met her 10 or 15 years ago 
at a veterans service organization convention.
  Jesse Brown is a very, very special individual. He genuinely loves 
the work that he has done for veterans. Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays said 
that you make your living by what you get, but you make your life by 
what you give. Secretary Jesse Brown has truly made a life, for he has 
given so much and he has, indeed, made a life not just for himself, but 
for all of America's veterans and for that, we are forever grateful.
  God bless Jesse Brown; God bless America.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman.
  Now I yield to the gentlewoman from Indiana [Ms. Carson].
  Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman very much for 
bringing to the fore this tribute to the Honorable Jesse Brown. Truly 
Jesse Brown is an honorable man, and I would not want it to appear that 
we are doing anything tonight beyond commending Jesse Brown, even 
though it may sound as though we are doing something else about Jesse 
Brown. But I am glad that Jesse Brown has an opportunity to hear the 
praise and the accolades that he so richly deserves during his 
lifetime.
  So, Mr. Speaker, and certainly to the people of the United States in 
general and to the veterans in particular, on July 1, an all-American 
public servant, the Honorable Jesse Brown will step down out of his 
formal role as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, a position that he has 
served honorably, tirelessly, courageously.
  The Honorable Jesse Brown's public service as VA's Secretary is 
unparalleled. It is unsurpassed, it is uncompromising on behalf of this 
Nation's 26.5 million veterans. Mr. Brown directed the Federal 
Government's second largest department responsible for a nationwide 
system of health care services, benefit programs, and yes, indeed, 
cemeteries.
  Mr. Brown enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1963 and was wounded during 
combat in 1965 while patrolling the Da Nang area of Vietnam. As a 
consequence, he is a member of the military order of the Purple Heart.
  When he left the battlefield in Vietnam, he landed on the American 
battlefield for this Nation's veterans. He became a warrior for 
veterans in countless ways: Successfully working for the enactment of 
laws authorizing the VA to pay compensation for those veterans with 
undiagnosed illnesses and to provide them with priority health care for 
illnesses they possibly incurred in the gulf.
  To reduce a backlog of veterans' benefit claims, the Secretary formed 
a task force whose recommended changes have led to improved technology, 
redesigned work processes and staff training.
  Mr. Brown convened the first national summit meeting on homeless 
veterans under his leadership, expanded services to women veterans, 
including counseling for sexual trauma suffered in the military, new 
health centers with specialized treatment capabilities, and more full 
time coordinators for women's care at VA medical centers. Mr. Brown 
ordered sensitivity training for all of the employees as part of his 
campaign of putting veterans first. He guided the VA's role in the 
administration of health care reform.
  In Mr. Brown's resignation statement recently he reminded this Nation 
that the Veterans Affairs Department ``was formed to care for those men 
and women who placed themselves in harm's way. They are the citizen 
soldiers who have borne the battle, suffered the consequences of their 
determination to defend the freedoms we enjoy, and stood by our allies 
around the world when needed.''

                              {time}  2130

  He reminds us that there is still much to do, not the least of which 
is to continually remind this Nation that all we enjoy under the Bill 
of Rights the laws of the land, and bountiful fruits of the Nation are 
ours because more than 1 million citizens died to protect those 
precious freedoms, and another 1\1/2\ million citizens came home 
wounded and scarred for life.

[[Page H4628]]

  We can never fully repay them for their losses, but we must never 
forget them nor shove them aside when freedom is abundant and 
unchallenged. We cannot shove them aside when, under the guise of 
balancing the Federal budget, we deny and neglect those who fought 
ferociously for freedom all over this world.
  So, Mr. Jesse Brown, in honor of all of your good work, we thank you, 
Mr. Secretary, for your heroic public service, and we are reminded 
tonight that unto whom much is given, much is required. Mr. Brown has 
certainly given us much, as Secretary of the Veterans Affairs 
Department. Our gratitude is eternal. Unto whom much is given, much is 
required, Mr. Speaker, lest we forget the veterans that Mr. Brown, who 
himself is a veteran, has so capably and ably represented.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from 
California [Ms. Juanita Millender-McDonald].
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to first thank my 
esteemed colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida Ms. Corinne Brown, for 
allowing us the opportunity to come tonight to, Mr. Speaker, applaud an 
outstanding American, an outstanding African-American, with 
commendations. That person is Veterans Affairs Secretary Jesse Brown, 
whom we all applaud for his tireless advocacy on behalf of America's 
veterans.
  His departure from the Clinton administration creates a loss for 
veterans and for all of us. It will be hard to find another champion 
for veterans with such outstanding capabilities, commitment, and a 
track record of groundbreaking accomplishments.
  Brown made a difference in the quality of veterans' lives. Brown was 
a veteran, and that experience enabled him to provide special 
leadership at a critical time of Government downsizing but increasing 
service needs.
  Jesse Brown came to the office of Secretary with very unique 
qualifications. Brown grew up in Chicago's South Side and was 
recognized even as a youngster as a natural leader. He graduated from 
Chicago's City College, and later joined the U.S. Marines, where he 
served his country during the Vietnam war.
  In 1965 Brown crossed a rice paddy near Da Nang when an enemy bullet 
shattered his right arm. He was awarded a Purple Heart. After a year of 
rehabilitation at a Naval Hospital, Brown joined the Disabled American 
Veterans, the DAV, as a service officer in Chicago. Brown said, that 
job offered fire to my life; it gave me a reason for living and a noble 
cause. He eventually became DAV's executive director. President Clinton 
appointed Brown to Secretary of Veterans Affairs in 1993. To say that 
Jesse Brown has fought in the trenches would not adequately describe 
Brown's efforts on behalf of veterans.
  Some have said his commitment verges on obsession, but I think he 
would find a compliment in that assessment. Brown has championed 
American veterans' causes, especially during the budget-cutting 
debates, by pointing out that veterans' benefits are not entitlements. 
They are the equivalent of inalienable rights. Brown has asserted that 
veterans should not be discussed in the same breath as welfare 
recipients. ``We can't spend billions preparing people to go to war and 
then, when they come home, nickel and dime them to death.'' That was 
Secretary Brown.
  Secretary Brown has consistently reminded those of us here in 
Congress of the critical role played by American veterans and the 
respect they deserve for their efforts on our behalf. Some of Secretary 
Brown's accomplishments include changes in how the VA is run, changes 
that will allow VA doctors to treat veterans for whatever ails them, 
not just conditions linked to their active duty service. Brown's 
reforms also include care for children of veterans who may have spina 
bifida linked to a parent's duty in Vietnam, and Persian Gulf war 
veterans whose ailments cannot be linked to any specific illness.
  Brown's reforms also enabled female veterans to finally have medical 
clinics at most VA facilities. As a female Member of Congress, I 
applaud Jesse Brown's sensitivity to the needs of women veterans and 
the changing composition of our U.S. military.
  I know that whatever Jesse Brown tackles in this next phase of his 
public service, the veterans of America will be better off because of 
his efforts. Again, I commend Jesse Brown's many accomplishments and 
wish him all the best. And as one veteran would say to another one, and 
I am sure all American veterans are saying this, God bless America, God 
bless Jesse Brown, for having graced our stage. Again, I thank the 
gentlewoman from Florida for allowing us this opportunity.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from 
Texas Ms. Sheila Jackson-Lee.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from 
Florida for, one, her advocacy on behalf of veterans, and the 
recognition that it is important to give flowers when they can be 
accepted and received.
  It was interesting to hear the gentlewoman from Indiana, who made a 
humorous remark; no, this is not Secretary Brown's eulogy. It is a 
commemoration and celebration for all of the service that he has given 
to so many. I am certainly grateful that the gentlewoman from Florida 
[Ms. Brown], in her leadership in the veterans arena, recognized that 
he should not go quietly into the night.
  Let me for a moment do the formal statement, and very briefly 
acknowledge Secretary Brown as a friend. How interesting, so many of us 
coming from so many different places around the country, California, 
Illinois, where he is from, and he spoke fondly, frequently, of Chicago 
and Illinois, Florida and Indiana and other places who have paid him 
tribute, to be able to stand here and call him a friend. That is very 
special.
  Mr. Speaker, I say that he is a friend to all veterans. There is not 
a one that he comes upon, whether it is the veterans still living from 
World War I, or that veteran with a glitter in his eye from World War 
II or the Korean action, whether it was the Vietnam action or the 
Persian Gulf and other places unknown that we fail to remember, when he 
comes and sees these veterans, there is a spark, an excitement of 
recognition that a friend has come into their eyesight.
  Jesse Brown served this Nation in uniform long before he came the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs. His experience in and after military 
service provided much-needed insight and sensitivity into the plight of 
our Nation's veterans. Secretary Brown's slogan ``Putting Veterans 
First'' sounds almost like a campaign for the next election, ``Putting 
the people first,'' but Secretary Brown did not use this as a campaign 
slogan. It was a heartfelt commitment, putting veterans first, and 
putting that slogan into every action at every level of the Department 
of Veterans Affairs.

  Under Secretary Brown's leadership the Department of Veterans Affairs 
had expanded benefits for veterans who were prisoners of war or exposed 
to Agent Orange, radiation or mustard gas, and has expanded treatment 
services to those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Mr. 
Brown also directed the Veterans Affairs' aggressive research 
initiative to determine the causes of illnesses of Persian Gulf 
veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, there is something special, albeit we have a great love 
for all of our veterans, but the special kindness that Secretary Brown 
had for our Vietnam veterans, the fondness and the relationship that he 
was able to show to those who still had relatives, loved ones, 
husbands, fathers, brothers, who were MIAs, he could empathize and 
sympathize realistically.
  I remember as a member of the City Council in Houston how special to 
be part of those veterans who would come and celebrate Veterans Day or 
Memorial Day, and continue to raise up the POW and MIA flag. Secretary 
Brown knew this in his heart, that he must continue the fight dealing 
with veterans and dealing with those who were MIAs and who were POWs.
  Secretary Brown convened the first National Summit on Homeless 
Veterans programs and medical centers, and I know that the standdown 
that we had in Houston, and that has occurred across the Nation, 
brought homeless veterans from around our community who felt loved and 
respected, because volunteers came every spring to cater to them and to 
allow them to get over some of the illnesses and addictions

[[Page H4629]]

that many faced. Secretary Brown always acknowledged that these were 
veterans, too.
  He expanded services to women veterans to include counseling for 
sexual trauma suffered in the military, new health centers with 
specialized treatment capabilities, and more full-time coordinators for 
women's care at Veterans Affairs medical centers.
  My own Shirley Smith in Houston worked so very hard to have the 
women's section of the veterans hospital grow and thrive and make women 
feel comfortable. When I visited on many occasions, whether it was a 
holiday occasion and when we had Valentine's Day with the veterans, it 
was special to see women veterans, a true product of the work of 
Secretary Brown, feeling comfortable and being treated well with 
special services in our veterans hospitals.
  I would like to salute Secretary Brown for his commitment to 
America's sick, homeless, and disabled veterans. As Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs, Secretary Brown was the best and brightest from his 
generation to take on the job of preparing the Department of Veterans 
Affairs for the next century.
  Secretary Brown was an effective voice in the administration and on 
the Hill for this Nation's veterans. His leadership in the 
administration to promote and defend the interests of veterans in the 
making of policy that our Nation's government promulgated is worth 
noting tonight.
  I said to the gentlewoman from Florida [Ms. Brown], interestingly 
enough they both have the same last name, and it is appropriate to note 
that, no, they are not related, but apparently the Browns stand strong 
in America because they come, apparently, from the same good stock. 
That is the stock of serving this country well.
  I have given my official compliments to Secretary Brown, and if the 
gentlewoman would allow, let me just say some things straight from the 
heart. First of all, the gentleman from California [Mr. Filner] said 
something very special. The gentlewoman has his picture there on the 
floor, how wonderful it is that tonight we pay tribute to an African-
American, an American war hero. How important it is for all of this 
Nation to recognize, as the flag is reflected behind the gentlewoman, 
that we are best when all of us can shine, Hispanics and Anglos and 
Asians and African-Americans. In this time when there has been a call 
for apologies for slavery, there has been a call for a dialog, it is 
important that this gentleman led our veterans.
  I hope those who may be thinking of negative comments, that we do not 
need to live together in harmony, can look tonight and see that a man 
who stands tall by the name of Jesse Brown did not lead the Veterans 
Department as an African-American, but he led the Veterans Department 
as an American.
  I think the many veterans and those who worked in our Veterans 
Affairs Department and those who worked in our veterans hospitals who 
happen to be people of color, and let me be honest with you, I heard 
from many who felt that in these hospitals sometimes, as employees, 
they were not treated the best; and I am trying to work with those in 
Houston who have concerns, but they felt that Secretary Brown cared 
about them and their treatment as employees, no matter what their 
racial background was.
  I remember the sad times. The gentlewoman from Florida [Ms. Brown] 
was right, we were here fighting to avoid the shutdown across this 
Nation in the 104th Congress. We wanted to avoid putting those people 
out on the street who worked hard every day in the veterans hospitals.

                              {time}  2145

  When I was able to go back to my veterans hospital and see those 
people working without pay to keep the veterans there safe, it was 
because they believed in Secretary Jesse Brown, that he would not let 
them down. And he instructed his veterans hospitals to find any way 
possible to coordinate with local banks to reach out to avoid the 
employee's credit going bad or their being out of apartments or 
housing. He truly cared whether this government was shut down by my 
Republican colleagues.
  So I am saddened somewhat that he is going to leave us from 
government, but I want to make a commitment to Jesse Brown, because 
tomorrow we will be putting forth a tax bill. And I heard just a few 
minutes ago some of my Republican colleagues talking about people who 
do not pay taxes, people making 15,000 and 20,000 and 25,000.
  I know, when I have had a chance to talk to Secretary Brown, he said, 
you know, some of those people are veterans. Some of those people who 
have to get food stamps and work are veterans. So let me set the record 
straight, because I will be voting no on the Republican plan and it 
will be somewhat of a tribute to Secretary Jesse Brown.
  That is because the EITC, the earned income tax credit, is important 
and because people making $25,000 a year, former members of the 
military, now veterans, are paying taxes.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, would the gentlewoman believe that 
one-third of the homeless people are veterans, veterans who have 
slipped through the cracks? We owe service to these people who have 
paid their dues up front. When I look at the budget that is put forth 
tomorrow, I look with disgust, because we are sacrificing the veterans 
who have paid their dues. Perhaps it is a good time for Secretary Brown 
to leave, although we will miss him. He is and I am sure he will 
continue to be a strong voice for the veterans in this country.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as I come to a close, the 
gentlewoman is so very right. I know that you know this because I have 
heard you speak so eloquently on the floor about your veterans 
hospitals and trying to work so hard for the veterans in your area.
  We thank the administration for giving Jesse Brown the latitude and 
leeway to fight for veterans. As I was saying, these individuals who 
are veterans, some homeless, but some who work every day, but they make 
$15,000 a year or $25,000 a year, let me set the record straight, since 
we will vote on the tax bill tomorrow.
  They do pay taxes. They pay Social Security taxes. Payroll taxes are 
taken out. And it is important that we have a tax bill that responds to 
Americans who served their country, who may not be making $250,000 a 
year.
  Jesse Brown used to go across this Nation. He came to my district 
several times. So many of us can account for his time. He was not 
sitting in his office with the door closed. He was on the road working 
and reaching out to veterans.
  Let me tell you something tonight and to all of my colleagues, 
because I know that Jesse Brown will live and this is not his eulogy; 
my promise to you Secretary Brown is, one, to wish you well, and 
hopefully your voice will continue to be raised on behalf of the 
veterans as a private citizen. I have an obligation now to work with my 
colleagues, the gentlewoman from Florida, to ensure that the veterans 
of this Nation are continuously supported by this United States 
Congress.
  Yes, to support tomorrow the fairest tax bill, the Democratic 
alternative that does not turn its back on the veterans of this 
country, the working men and women of this country, those that make 
$25,000, those that make $50,000, those who make $85,000, working every 
day to send their children to college, to make ends meet, those are the 
folks that we will be supporting. That is my promise and tribute to 
Secretary Brown, that I will continue to work for the 1,646.700 
veterans in the State of Texas and, yes, the veterans all over this 
Nation.
  Secretary Brown, we will miss you in your service to this Nation, but 
how proud you have made all of us for what you have done by offering 
almost your life on our behalf of freedom and, yes, fighting for the 
least of those, our brothers and sisters. God bless you and God bless 
America.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman. Someone 
said earlier tonight, let the work I have done speak for me. It is 
clear that Secretary Brown has done the work, and we all are grateful.
  The gentlewoman from Florida [Mrs. Meek] wants to make a few closing 
remarks, but before she makes those remarks, I have a story that I want 
to share with America about Secretary Jesse Brown.
  Often in this Chamber I hear bashing of government employees on this 
and government employees on that. I have got a story that tells how 
government

[[Page H4630]]

should work. In my district that extends from Jacksonville to Orlando, 
in the Orlando area we had a serious problem as far as a facility for 
veterans. When the Base Closure Commission recommended closing the 
Naval Training Center in Orlando, which was devastating, we came up 
with how we could take that lemon and make it lemonade.
  We invited the Secretary to come down to the Naval Training Center. 
He did. He viewed the hospital facility there. And he wrote the 
Secretary of Defense and asked him to give this facility to the 
veterans in this country. The Secretary of Defense gave the hospital to 
the veterans. They came, they needed an appropriation of $14 million.
  Well, they came to me and we were able to get that $14 million in the 
budget. It was a win-win for the veterans in the area. And, of course, 
taking a lemon, making it lemonade.
  But do you know that when the Republicans first took over, the first 
thing they did was to take that $14 million out?
  I went to Orlando and met with the veterans and they got on the phone 
and called the Congresspeople from Florida, and we put that money back 
in. And today I can tell my colleagues that that hospital is up and 
operational, thanks to Secretary Brown.
  That is an example of how government should work for the people.
  Mr. Speaker, I now yield to the gentlewoman from Florida [Mrs. Meek] 
for a few closing remarks.
  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from the 
Third Congressional District of Florida.
  The anecdotal record that you have just stated about Secretary Brown 
is proof in itself that he is a leader, that he is someone who knows 
management. He is a man who knows service.
  I think his dictum was, service is the price you pay for the space 
which God has let you occupy. Secretary Brown was elevated to that 
position by President William Jefferson Clinton. I want to commend 
President William Jefferson Clinton for appointing Secretary Brown, for 
having the foresight to look for a man who had fought the wars and was 
back to this country. And the only thing he asked for was fairness for 
veterans.

  It is wonderful to talk about Secretary Brown. That is why this seems 
a little like a eulogy, but it is not. It is not a memorial. He is a 
vibrant, young person who will leave here with all of the benefits 
accrued to a person who has been on Capitol Hill representing veterans.
  We know we owe him a debt of gratitude. We owe you one for helping 
America understand about this great heroic gentleman who stepped out 
from the crowd, with a uniqueness and a cut above from the rest, to 
lead this country and to say to the world, we respect our veterans. We 
owe them a debt of gratitude for wanting to give up their lives for 
this country.
  This is a unique tribute tonight. My heart is strangely warmed, as I 
know that people of this country, their hearts are warmed, and so are 
the veterans. We thank you. We thank America for having shared this 
fine gentleman who is of African descent and shared him with the world. 
I thank the gentlewoman.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from 
Florida.
  As I close, I want to also thank President Clinton for appointing 
Secretary Brown as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. I 
often say when we begin our committee meetings, that Secretary Brown is 
one of the brightest spots in President Clinton's administration, but 
he is also one of the brightest spots in this country.
  I guess I am going to say good luck. Joy go with you. Leave us here 
fighting. I know you are going to help us out when you can.
  I thank my colleagues for joining me. I just want to thank Jesse 
Brown's family for letting him share this time with us. Let me say, God 
bless Secretary Jesse Brown and God bless America.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise on this occasion to offer remarks on 
the imminent departure of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jesse 
Brown. Secretary Brown is due to leave the helm of the second largest 
Federal agency at the conclusion of this month.
  Special thanks should go to my Committee colleague Representative 
Corrine Brown of Florida for her efforts to organize this special 
order.
  As the second secretary of this relatively new cabinet-level agency, 
I believe that Jesse Brown's steadfast advocacy has defined the role 
for future holders of this post.
  No one has worked harder or more effectively to be an advocate for 
veterans. His decision to be an advocate inside the administration was 
both courageous and necessary. His passionate voice will be missed. 
Secretary Brown has truly been a ``Secretary for Veterans Affairs.''
  We have had some differences in matters of policy. But we have 
shared--and we will continue to share--a sincere desire to serve our 
veterans. For I believe there is no higher calling than to serve those 
who have given to our country.
  I want to take a moment to point out what I believe to be one of the 
major accomplishments of Secretary Brown's administration. His decision 
to hire Dr. Kizer as Undersecretary for VA Health Care, and permitting 
him to reshape the VA Health Care System, shows world-class vision. It 
was that kind of vision that was necessary for revitalization of the 
Nation's largest health care system.
  I have been frustrated in the past by the lack of sustained progress 
in making our VA health care system better. I believe that with Dr. 
Kizer's stewardship, we are on the correct course. Secretary Brown 
should be highly commended for such foresight, and for the support he 
has provided to those who are improving the delivery of medical care 
services to our veterans.
  On behalf of the entire VA Committee, I want to express my gratitude 
for Secretary Brown's undiminished support for veterans, and his 
willingness to speak on behalf of the veteran whenever it was needed. 
Secretary Brown, you have left an enduring legacy, and have raised the 
bar of expectations for your successors.
  Mr. MASCARA. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlelady, and my 
colleague on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for organizing 
this special order tonight to honor our esteemed Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs, Jesse Brown.
  Jesse Brown came to his job with a long and distinguished career 
fighting for veterans and their needs. As the executive director of the 
Disabled American Veterans and a decorated veteran, Secretary Brown had 
already fought many battles in the trenches, joining with leaders of 
other veterans' service organizations in convincing the Bush 
administration that veterans' problems could not be ignored.
  He is renowned for his ``in-the-face,'' frank talk about what his 
department needs in the way of money and resources to serve veterans. 
Many stories abound about how he cornered President Clinton--or some 
other administration officials--and bluntly let them know veterans 
would suffer if their budget proposals became law. He personally got 
the President to agree to add millions to the VA budget--a step which 
made many budget crunchers winch and many veterans smile.
  The Wall Street Journal put it best when it said that to Secretary 
Brown, veterans' benefits are not entitlement but ``the equivalent of 
inalienable rights.'' To the Secretary, it is unconscionable that our 
Nation will not hesitate to spend billions to prepare for war and then 
wants to ``nickel and dime'' veterans.
  I stand squarely with Secretary Brown in believing our Nation owes a 
deep and lasting obligation to veterans. I can only hope his successor 
will have the same level of passion for our veterans.
  I know we are going to deeply miss Secretary Brown and I sincerely 
wish him the best in his future endeavors.
  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, the 
distinguished lady from Florida, Corrine Brown, for reserving this 
special order. I join her and many others in paying tribute to Jesse 
Brown, the retiring Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Secretary Brown has served in this post for 4\1/2\ years. His departure 
brings to a close a distinguished Cabinet assignment which earned him 
the respect and admiration of veterans, their families, and people 
across America.
  In January 1993, Jesse Brown accepted the call from President Clinton 
to head the Department of Veterans Affairs. He took responsibility for 
directing the Federal Government's second largest department, 
responding nationwide to the need for health care services, benefits, 
programs, and national cemeteries for America's 26 million veterans. 
When the President asked Jesse Brown to head the Department of Veterans 
Affairs, he selected an outstanding individual who was more than 
prepared to meet the challenge.
  Jesse Brown is a veteran of the Marine Corps. He was wounded during 
combat in 1965 while patrolling in the Danang area of Vietnam. Before 
joining the Clinton administration, he spent his professional career 
with the Disabled American Veterans, serving as its executive director 
from 1989 to 1993. While in this post, he earned a reputation as a 
fearless

[[Page H4631]]

advocate for disabled veterans and their families.
  Mr. Speaker, under the leadership of Secretary Brown, the Department 
of Veterans Affairs has entered a new level of commitment and service. 
These accomplishments are the direct result of Secretary Brown's strong 
leadership. During his tenure, the Veterans Department has expanded 
benefits for veterans who were prisoners of war or exposed to agent 
orange, radiation or mustard gas. The agency has also expanded 
treatment for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. 
Further, Secretary Brown has undertaken an aggressive research 
initiative to determine the cause of illness for military personnel who 
were involved in the Persian Gulf war.
  Secretary Brown has to his credit the fact that they convened the 
First National Summit on Homeless Veterans during his tenure. He 
oversaw the reorganization of the veterans health care system to 
broaden access to the system and offer the highest level of 
comprehensive care.
  Mr. Speaker, I am the former chairman and now ranking minority member 
of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs--Housing 
and Urban Development--Independent Agencies. I know of no one more 
committed to service than Jesse Brown. Veterans and their families are 
the beneficiaries of his hard work and dedication.
  Mr. Speaker, as he prepares to depart his post, we take this 
opportunity to recognize and thank Secretary Jesse Brown for a job well 
done. We salute his tireless efforts and wish him well in his future 
endeavors.

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