[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 156 (Tuesday, November 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2056-E2057]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            COMMENDING VETERANS OF SUSSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2001

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
outstanding veterans we are so fortunate to have in our community in 
Sussex County, New Jersey. On Saturday, November 10, 2001, a County 
Salute to all Military Veterans from Sussex County will be held at the 
Sussex County Fairgrounds. On this day, we will honor the veterans of 
Sussex County and celebrate the spirit of those who have fought so 
bravely to preserve our tradition of democracy.
  As Veterans' Day approaches, the eyes of the nation turn to the 
service and sacrifice of those who serve. As a nation, we owe these men 
and women our gratitude. I believe that the government has made solemn 
promises to its citizens who served in the armed forces that must be 
kept! I believe that Congress must make sure that this promise is not 
broken. By ensuring that we maintain a system of reliable, effective 
and compassionate benefits, this nation both keeps its promise and 
honors veterans.
  In my 22 years in the House of Representatives, I have kept in close 
contact with our veterans of New Jersey. And I have learned that none 
of the legislation we pass in Congress can provide real assistance to 
veterans if our veterans do not know these benefits exist.
  That is precisely why I have cosponsored the Veterans Right to Know 
Act. This bill requires the Veterans Administration (VA) to inform 
veterans about eligibility for benefits and health care services 
whenever a veterans first applies for any benefits. In my conversations 
with veterans and veterans' leaders, this legislation is a top 
priority.
  In addition to this bill, the Congress has taken important steps in 
keeping our promise to veterans. This June, the President signed into 
law our Veterans' Survivor Benefits Improvement Act. I co-sponsored 
this bill which created new life insurance and health care benefits for 
up to 2 million eligible spouses and children of veterans.
  I strongly supported the 21st Century Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement 
Act which we passed in the House. This bill increases the Montgomery GI 
Bill education benefit by 70 percent over the next 3 years and raises 
the value of VA education benefits from $23,400 annually to $39,600.
  I have co-sponsored the Veterans Hospital Emergency Repair Act which 
authorizes $550 million over two years for much over-due-repair of 
dilapidated and obsolete Veterans medical facilities. This bill was 
also strongly supported in the House.
  And just this week, on Thursday, November 8, 2001, the House and 
Senate both approved of the final appropriations for veterans for the 
Fiscal Year 2002. This budget increases the total spending for VA 
programs by $4.3 billion,

[[Page E2057]]

including a $1.2 billion increase in VA health care. There will also be 
a 16 percent boost in funding for the Veterans Benefits Administration 
(VBA) to remedy the backlog of compensation claims as well as an 
additional $300 million for the Veterans Hospital Emergency Repair Act. 
I am proud that Congress could pass this legislation before we return 
to our districts to honor our veterans.
  There can be no compromise when it comes to our veterans. Defending 
the Constitution of the United States is the greatest duty the nation 
can ask of its citizens. These men and women answered the call to duty 
and performed it to the highest standard. I will do everything in my 
power to ensure that the promises made to our veterans are kept.
  Today we must prove to the world our commitment to preserving peace 
and democracy. We are showing the world the pride we have in our 
country and the values that we hold dear. It is because of our veterans 
that we have this tradition of freedom. They defended the idea so many 
years ago. They fought and sacrificed to ensure our peace. They are the 
inspiration which keeps the dream of democracy alive for us and 
everyone around the world. And this weekend in Sussex County, we bring 
this point home as we honor the heroes in our midst. Let us renew the 
dreams and the spirit of brotherhood that brought this nation through 
more than two centuries of struggle and kept it vibrant and free.
  Finally let me state as clearly as I can: I am committed to ensuring 
that Congress will take all appropriate actions to ensure that our 
veterans are properly supported. They were there when the nation 
called; now we must be there when they need our help.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Veterans 
of Sussex County, New Jersey, that will be recognized this weekend at 
the County Salute to all Military Veterans from Sussex County. And I 
urge my colleagues to join me in keeping our promise to our nation's 
heroes--our veterans.

                          ____________________