[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 92 (Monday, July 11, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    MAKING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR VETERANS MEDICAL SERVICES

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                               speech of

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 20, 2005

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3130 because 
it provides much needed medical care funding for our Nation's veterans.
  As we approach our Nation's 229th birthday, we reflect upon what has 
kept the United States as a free and sovereign Nation--it is our 
veterans, who have fought to protect the freedoms we cherish every day.
  The passage of H.R. 3130 is critical, as it provides nearly $1 
billion in emergency funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs to 
continue treating veterans' health care needs. We made a promise to our 
veterans to provide them with health care when they made a promise to 
our Nation to defend us from evils around the world.
  Since 1995, Congress has doubled the spending for each veteran. In 
just the last five years, Congress has increased spending on veterans 
health care by $10 billion--and this is not counting the additional 
funding, nearly $1 billion, in H.R. 3130.
  H.R. 3130 solidifies the fact that the House of Representatives 
stands committed to ensuring that the needs of our Nation's veterans 
are met.
  I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this very important 
legislation. I continue to hold all armed forces veterans in the 
highest regard and pray for the safety of those currently serving in 
the armed forces around the world.




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