[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HELP END DISCRIMINATION AGAINST OUR VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAY W. JOHNSON

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. JOHNSON of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to my 
colleagues attention an important piece of legislation that Congressman 
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., of Maryland and I recently introduced to ensure 
that our veterans who are receiving disability benefits are not 
discriminated against when they apply for housing benefits.
  Our bill, H.R. 2820, the Helping America's Veterans With Disabilities 
Act of 1997, is a very simple measure which would exempt veterans 
disability benefits from consideration when applying for the benefits 
provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs [HUD]. Although 
disability benefits can never fully compensate those veterans who have 
sacrificed for our country, they are a small step toward repaying the 
debt we owe them. This is why Federal and State income taxes are not 
deducted from disability benefits. Likewise, we believe disability 
benefits should also not be taken into consideration when a veteran 
with a disability applies for section 8 or other housing benefits.
  Across the political spectrum, there are many different opinions as 
to the proper role of Government. Regardless of your party affiliation, 
I hope that my colleagues will share our strong concurrence that 
veterans with disabilities deserve our help. As you know, veterans with 
disabilities face many challenges every day. For example, many veterans 
with disabilities must overcome employment discrimination and 
transportation obstacles, while trying to provide a decent standard of 
living for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, some veterans 
reside in public housing and have difficulty making ends meet. Many 
other veterans with disabilities are denied eligibility for housing 
assistance because of the disability benefits they receive.
  As the International Union of Gospel Missions reported this week, one 
in three men at homeless shelters are veterans. With an estimated 
250,000 homeless veterans in our country--one-third of the total--this 
legislation is the least we can do. I believe that H.R. 2820 is 
consistent with the philosophy of helping those who cannot always help 
themselves, especially when that person has sacrificed for this 
country.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I would urge my colleagues to join us in showing 
their support for the many veterans who have sacrificed so much for our 
country's freedom of cosponsoring H.R. 2820.

                          ____________________