[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         STATEMENT ON VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2004

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, 60 years ago Democrats fought to pass the GI 
bill. The GI bill provided assistance for veterans to pay for a college 
education, purchase a home, and find a job.
  Today, Democrats are still fighting hard to make sure our veterans 
have the benefits they need. We are fighting to improve the health 
benefits for veterans, to end the Widow's Tax and the Disabled Veterans 
Tax.
  Last year, I introduced the Department of Veterans Affairs Claims 
Backlog Reduction Act of 2003 to help the 450,000 veterans who have 
claims pending for federal benefits.
  But as Democrats continue to fight for our veterans, Republicans 
continue to underfund the programs that are so important to our 
veterans. House Republicans have passed a budget that underfunds 
veterans health care by $1 billion, meanwhile they have managed to find 
room for more tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.
  Our brave men and women in uniform are serving our country. They are 
sacrificing for our freedom. It is our duty to make sure that they are 
taken care of when they return home.
  Republicans have broken the promise the GI bill made 60 years ago.
  Not one Republican has taken a stand against the Bush budget 
proposal.
  Our soldiers are fighting our enemies abroad. They should not have to 
fight our government at home too.

                          ____________________