[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD W. POMBO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 5, 2003

  Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to state for the record how I 
would have voted on the Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital 
Improvement Act, H.R. 1720. Regretfully, I was unavoidably detained and 
absent from the House floor on October 29, 2003.
  I take great pride in representing our military personnel and the 
veterans of our great nation. Theodore Roosevelt once said, ``A man who 
is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be 
given a square deal afterwards.'' The United States owes our veterans a 
debt which can never be fully repaid.
  For these reasons, had I been present for rollcall No. 576, I would 
have voted ``aye'' for H.R. 1720.

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