Congressional Record, Volume 143 Issue 91 (Wednesday, June 25, 1997)

[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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