[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 1, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 2003

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the concurrent resolution 
     (H. Con. Res. 95) establishing the congressional budget for 
     the United States Government for fiscal year 2004 and setting 
     forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2003 and 
     2005 through 2013:

  Mr. Chairman, today, our nation is united behind one goal and one 
purpose: to support our men and women in uniform who are fighting in 
Iraq and Afghanistan. Their bravery and courage is unmatched and we 
pray for their swift and safe return.
  Our support for our troops must continue even after those battles are 
won. And for those who have answered the call of duty in the past, now 
is not the time to renege on our commitment to them. We need to support 
our troops of the past in the same way we support our troops of the 
present.
  That's why I rise today to call attention to the terrible cuts to 
veterans benefits that narrowly passed the House of Representatives as 
part of the Budget Resolution last week. It is unconscionable that at 
the same time our military men and women are fighting overseas, 
Congress passes legislation to pull the rug out from under them when 
they return.
  That's why I speak again today in opposition to the Budget Resolution 
that passed narrowly last week. It doesn't reflect the priorities of 
this Congress and it doesn't reflect the values of Americans.
  How can we support a budget that includes $28.8 billion in cuts to 
veterans programs over 10 years? How can we turn our backs on the men 
and women that fight to protect and defend our homeland? The answer is: 
we can't.
  The Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans 
of America and the bipartisan leadership of the Veterans Affairs 
Committee all have publicly opposed these cuts in veterans' funding and 
I stand with them. I support a budget alternative that provides $30.8 
billion in higher funding for veterans programs over 10 years.
  In my district, I gather with hundreds of veterans each November at 
McCambridge Park near my house in Burbank to honor men and women who 
have fought for our country--both those who have survived injuries 
received in battle and those who lost their lives while serving their 
country so proudly.
  I hear scores of first-hand stories about the importance of veterans 
programs and I cannot sit idly by while billions of dollars are cut 
from their healthcare and disability benefits. Let's honor our troops 
overseas and let's honor them when they get home.

                          ____________________