[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 26, 2006

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4843, 
the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006.
  As a cosponsor of this bill, I would like to thank my colleagues in 
the House Veterans' Affairs Committee for expediting its consideration 
in committee and for their strong bipartisan support.
  H.R. 4843 would raise disability compensation for veterans and 
dependency and indemnity compensation for their survivors by 2.2 
percent beginning December 1, 2006. It would also increase benefits for 
spouses with children under 18 who recently experienced the death of a 
husband or wife due to military service.
  Rising medical expenses coupled with disabilities generate some of 
the most burdensome financial situations veterans face. El Paso, TX, is 
home to approximately 60,000 veterans, many of whom depend on 
government compensation to sustain them as well as of their families. 
Increasing rates for veterans' compensation is an important part of 
recognizing and repaying veterans after they so courageously risked 
their lives in service to our country.
  Mr. Speaker, our Nation's veterans and their dependents deserve our 
utmost appreciation for their service to our country. I ask all my 
colleague to join me in voting favorably on H.R. 4843.

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