[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 3, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        INTRODUCTION OF THE STAND DOWN AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999

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                          HON. BRUCE F. VENTO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 1999

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing the Stand Down 
Authorization Act of 1999. This important legislation will build up and 
expand the VA's role in providing outreach assistance to homeless 
veterans.
  According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), more than 
275,000 veterans are without homes every night and twice as many may be 
homeless during the course of the year. Based on this statistic, one 
out of every three individuals who is sleeping in a doorway, alley or 
box in our cities and rural communities has put on a uniform and served 
our country. Unfortunately, these numbers are only expected to increase 
as the military downsizes.
  In times of war, exhausted combat units requiring time to rest and 
recover were removed from the battlefield to a place of safety. This 
procedure was known as ``Stand Down.'' Today, Stand Downs which help 
veterans are held across our nation. Stand Downs are grassroots, 
community-based intervention programs designed to help the estimated 
275,000 veterans without homes in our country. Today's battlefield is 
too often life on the streets for our nation's veterans.
  The Stand Down Authorization Act of 1999 will direct the VA to create 
a pilot program that would establish Stand Down programs in every 
state. Currently, only 100 Stand Down events take place in a handful of 
states annually. In addition, my legislation would also authorize the 
VA to distribute excess supplies and equipment to Stand Downs across 
the nation.
  I have participated in several Stand Down events back in my home 
state of Minnesota. The Stand Down Authorization Act of 1999 will build 
upon the success of the Minnesota Stand Down and serve as a national 
role model for all states to adopt. Furthermore, the Administration 
allocated $1.5 million in the Presidents Fiscal Year 2000 budget 
request to Congress. This will allow the VA to formally support Stand 
Down events for veterans without homes in Minnesota and across the 
nation. This budget request is only a one year proposal, however, my 
legislation will establish Stand Downs in each state each year starting 
in the year 2000.
  The first such special Stand Down, held in 1988, was the creation of 
several Vietnam veterans. The goal of the event was to provide one to 
three days of hope designed to serve and empower homeless veterans. 
Since them, Stand Downs have provided a means for thousands of homeless 
or near-homeless veterans to obtain a broad range of necessities and 
services including food, clothing, medical care, legal assistance, 
mental health assessment, job counseling and housing referrals. Most 
importantly, Stand Downs provide a gathering that offers companionship, 
camaraderie and mutual support.
  Thousands of volunteers and organizations over the past decade have 
done an outstanding job donating their time, expertise and energy to 
address the unique needs of homeless or near homeless veterans and 
their families. Currently, the VA coordinates with local veteran 
service organizations, the National Guard and Reserve Units, homeless 
shelter programs, health care providers and other members of the 
community in organizing the Stand Down events annually. However, much 
more action is needed to address the persistent and growing number of 
homeless veterans who have fought honorably to preserve our freedom and 
now face personal crisis in their lives. The American Legion, Veterans 
of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Vets (DAV) and the Vietnam 
Veterans of America (VVA) have endorsed this legislation. In addition, 
the Stand Down Authorization Act has the strong support from over 50 
Members of Congress.
  Veterans in past service unconditionally stood up for America. Now we 
must speak up and stand up for veterans today. I urge all members to 
join with me in providing outreach assistance to veterans without homes 
by cosponsoring the Stand Down Authorization Act of 1999.

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