[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 78 (Friday, May 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2003

  Ms. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1683, 
the ``Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2003.''
  Texas is the home of 1.8 million veterans. Of those, 40,998 veterans 
live in the 18th Congressional District of Texas. That means 8.6 
percent of the district's adult population is veteran.
  These brave men and women have fought valiantly in our wars. They 
risked their lives to protect the freedoms that every American citizen 
holds dear. Every American owes every veteran a debt of gratitude. I 
support H.R.1683 because it is a means for this Chamber to show our 
appreciation for our veterans.
  This legislation provides a financial boost to our deserving 
veterans. H.R. 1683 increases the disability compensation rates for 
veterans who have suffered injuries as a result of their service, and 
also increases the rates of compensation for dependency and indemnity 
compensation for the survivors of certain veterans. Furthermore, H.R. 
1683 increases the compensation for veterans, their dependants, the 
clothing allowance, and dependency and indemnity for surviving spouses 
with minor children.
  Our veterans have made immeasurable sacrifices for all Americans. 
H.R. 1683 ensures that veterans get the cost-of-living adjustment they 
need and deserve. This legislation will increase the compensation our 
veterans receive to offset the additional cost associated with 
inflation. This adjustment in compensation is very timely considering 
the present sluggishness of our economy.
  More than 2 million veterans receive disability compensation each 
month as a result of injuries suffered in the course of military 
service. Nearly 600,000 spouses, children, and parents of veterans will 
also receive additional compensation and benefits as a result of H.R. 
1683.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1683 is a bill that helps our heroic veterans live 
more comfortable lives. I support H.R. 1683 and I salute our veterans.

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