[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 124 (Friday, October 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE VETERANS COMMEMORATION ACT OF 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JAY INSLEE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 5, 2000

  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the Veterans Commemoration 
Act of 2000. This piece of legislation will help to alleviate a serious 
impediment to adequate health care for our veterans.
  Many veterans have trouble getting to and from VA hospitals. The 
legislation that I am introducing today would create a coin 
commemorating Executive Order 5398, signed by President Herbert Hoover 
on July 21, 1930, which established the Veterans Administration. The 
proceeds from the sale of this coin would fund a transportation program 
for veterans, provided by the Disabled American Veterans.
  This program provides a much-needed service to our nation's veterans. 
The DAV provides transportation services to veterans to and from VA 
hospitals. Considering the fact that many veterans live far away from 
VA hospitals and are disabled, the lack of transportation can be a very 
serious impediment to adequate health care.
  In my home state of Washington, the Veterans Administration hospital 
in Seattle serves the entire Pacific Northwest. Many of the patients 
who rely upon the care provided by the VA have severe disabilities that 
prevent them from easily accessing the clinic. Public transportation 
serves those veterans that live in the Metropolitan area, but for the 
thousands of veterans without access to public transportation, the DAV 
steps in to provide door to door services. This essential program is 
truly the missing link for veterans' health care.
  The DAV has recognized this need by creating the transportation 
program. This program has been very successful so far. But it only 
operates in a few select areas and serves only a handful of veterans. 
This program should be available to all veterans, but the DAV simply 
cannot afford to fund a project of that magnitude. This bill would 
create the funds necessary to expand this program.
  With no cost to the taxpayer, we can help our nation's veterans and 
show them that their needs are important. We must show our support to 
the brave men and women who have risked their lives to serve this 
country. This unique program, provided by the DAV, deserves our 
support.
  Today I stand with over 150 of my colleagues to introduce this 
legislation. This bipartisan bill has diverse and broad support. We 
have the time and the support to pass this bill now. We should not wait 
for the next Congress to take action when we have the ability and the 
will to do so now. I urge my colleagues to stand with me and with the 
Disabled American Veterans to pass this bill and support our veterans.

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