[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL VISITOR CENTER ENFORCEMENT ACT

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                               speech of

                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2006

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, we owe our veterans a great debt of 
gratitude. Their sacrifices have protected the democratic ideals that 
are the foundation of our country, and their heroism continues to be an 
example for all Americans.
  That is why I rise today to express my strong support of H.R. 4882, 
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center Deadline Enforcement Act. This 
bill would ensure the proper remembrance of Vietnam veterans and the 
Vietnam War by designating a site for a visitor center for the Vietnam 
Veterans Memorial.
  I voted ``no'' by accident on this important bill yesterday, but 
strongly support it and intended to vote ``yes.''
  Further, I praise Chairman Pombo for his leadership on this issue, 
and congratulate him on the overwhelming support he received yesterday 
on passage of the Act.
  As this valuable bill has not passed the Senate yet, I encourage them 
to take it up as soon as possible and pass it without delay.
  For the record, I have been a long time supporter of our Nation's 
veterans and will continue to support them in their causes and needs.
  In fact, I have introduced legislation that would further honor them, 
H.R. 995, the Combat Military Medically Retired Veterans Act, which 
allows combat military medically retired veterans who received the 
Purple Heart to collect their prorated military retirement pay.
  Many of these veterans served in the Vietnam War, and gave their all 
for us and should not be penalized just because they are receiving 
compensation from the VA. While many disabled veterans go on to enjoy 
happy, productive lives, many are unable to due to the severity of 
their wounds.
  Under any doctrine of fairness it is our moral obligation to ``care 
for him who shall have borne the battle.'' This bill is a good step in 
correcting the inequity of retirement and disability benefit to our 
combat disabled veterans.
  Again, let me express my support for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial 
Visitor Center Deadline Enforcement Act and my gratitude for Chairman 
Pombo's leadership for our Nation's veterans.

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