[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 140 (Thursday, October 8, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1945]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRESS UPHOLDING COMMITMENT TO VETERANS

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                           HON. DAVID DREIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 1998

  Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I believe that there is no better advocate 
for our nation's veterans than Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale. 
Throughout his military career and in his private life, Admiral 
Stockdale has tirelessly worked on behalf of those who served our 
country in the Armed Forces. While a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, 
Stockdale injured himself so that his fellow prisoners could escape 
torture and punishment. For his service to our country, Admiral 
Stockdale has been awarded two Purple Hearts, two Distinguished Flying 
Crosses, three Distinguished Service Medals, four Silver Stars and the 
Congressional Medal of Honor. In fact, he is the only three or four 
star officer in the history of the U.S. Navy to wear both aviator wings 
and the Congressional Medal of Honor.
  In a recent speech on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, which I submit 
for the record, Admiral Stockdale urged Congress to uphold the nation's 
commitment to our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I believe that we have indeed 
heeded that advice. Last month, the House approved the Defense 
Authorization conference report which allows military retirees to join 
the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan. Furthermore, yesterday the 
House approved the fiscal year 1999 VA/HUD Appropriations conference 
report, which provides $19 billion for veterans programs, $439 million 
more than was requested by President Clinton. In short, I believe that 
Congress is following Admiral Stockdale's leadership by approving 
legislation that honors those who valiantly served our country.

          Speech Delivered by Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale

         The Capitol Steps, Washington, DC, September 22, 1998

       Thank you very much for that warm introduction and for the 
     opportunity to join you here today.
       Over the years, I have come to Washington many times for 
     many reasons--but on this visit, we come together to focus 
     the nation's attention on our responsibilities to the men and 
     women who have nobly worn the uniform of their Country--the 
     valiant Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Air Force personnel 
     who have answered their Country's call to service.
       In the history of this wonderful republic, we have 
     celebrated those who have been willing to put their lives on 
     the line--to pay the ultimate sacrifice to protect the ideals 
     that made America great. To protect the basic freedoms that 
     characterize the majesty of the American experiment in 
     defining the relationship between citizens and their 
     government.
       As a nation, as a people, we have never hesitated to ask 
     our fellow citizens to don the uniform of their country to 
     fight for--to protect against forces detrimental to the 
     interests of the United States. We have asked our sons and 
     daughters to endure the horrors of war and to serve as agents 
     of peace. We have, for 200 years, always asked, and they have 
     always answered. Any alternative would be unthinkable. But an 
     integral part of this bargain has been a fundamental 
     understanding--a MORAL CONTRACT--that we will not turn away, 
     we will not abrogate our obligations to them after they have 
     done their part for us. For our ideals, and for the 
     preservation of our great nation.
       Now, we stand here together with the recognition that this 
     sacred compact has been shattered. With a heavy heart, I have 
     come to this place, to our nation's Capitol, to ask the 
     Congress of the United States to honor America's traditional 
     commitment--a hithertofore unquestioned commitment--to its 
     military veterans.
       For generations Presidents have approved the promise of 
     free, lifetime medical care for military veterans. 
     Legislative and administrative authority made these promises 
     law. As far back as 1799, the U.S. Government offered free 
     medical and hospital care to Seamen and Marines. In 1995 this 
     all changed.
       Now the government says that Veterans over the age of 65--
     we're talking about World War II and Korean Vets--are no 
     longer eligible for treatment at military hospitals. Rather 
     than fulfilling its historical contract with its fighting men 
     and women, the Government now demands that these retirees 
     must personally supplement Medicare benefits to obtain basic 
     health care.
       I am here today to carry this message for everyone who has 
     worn the great uniform of the United States. To urge the 
     Government to do the right thing for all of its retired 
     military service personnel. Many of them are old. Many are 
     sick, and many simply cannot afford to pay the costs of 
     supplemental health care on military retirement pay.
       A great American once said, ``Old soldiers never die--they 
     merely fade away.'' I am confident that General Douglas 
     MacArthur would agree with me that they should surely be 
     allowed to ``fade away with dignity!''
       Today, there are a million and a half retired military men 
     and women, each with a dependent, 3 million all together, who 
     simply cannot afford supplemental health insurance and are 
     not receiving the benefit of the bargain--the bargain the 
     United States Government made with them when they signed up 
     to serve their Country. There are all too many heartbreaking 
     examples of retired GI's who have had to sell their homes, 
     liquidate their savings, or suffer the indignities of 
     inadequate medical care because of the Government's current 
     position. This is shameful. This is un-American. And this is 
     totally unacceptable. I come to Washington to join you in 
     asking our Congressional leaders--Senators Lott and Daschle, 
     and Speaker Gingrich and Minority Leader Gephardt to right 
     this wrong.
       To enact legislation to provide lifetime retirement medical 
     care for those Americans--and their dependents--who were 
     willing to put their lives on the line for their Country. 
     Over the last 200 years, America has asked and received so 
     very much from its fighting men and women--now they are 
     asking us for so little in return. For the opportunity to see 
     a doctor. For medical treatment. For medicine.
       As the richest, most powerful nation on Earth, I believe 
     the United States of America can and should do the right 
     thing for the very people who have suffered enormous 
     sacrifice and burden to ensure the existence of a society we 
     so enjoy--and a Country we so love.
       I hope together, we can right this terrible wrong!
       God Bless the United States of America, and God bless and 
     protect the men and women of the United States military 
     services. Thank you very much.

     

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