[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 91 (Thursday, July 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




PERMITTING USE OF CAPITOL ROTUNDA FOR CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE THE 75TH 
           ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 10, 2006

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, this week H. Con. Res. 427 passed 
the House of Representatives by voice vote. This bill would permit the 
use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony to commemorate the 
75th anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Veterans 
Affairs. I would like to lend my voice to this memorable event.
  Madam Speaker, in 1930 President Hoover signed Executive Order 5398 
which established the Veterans Administration a ultimately led to the 
formation of the Department of Veteran Affairs. The VA (as it has 
affectionately become known) has strived to both honor and serve the 
men and women who protect one of our Nation's most treasured ideals--
liberty. For 75 years, the VA has helped ensure that those who choose 
to enter the armed services are not forgotten after they honorably 
serve their country.
  For this reason, we should celebrate the concept and accomplishments 
of the VA. Indeed, the VA is a vital cabinet level department, which 
oversees an honorable and necessary function of the U.S. Government.
  The VA has three branches, which aim to provide a smooth transition 
for veterans when they return home from active duty. These branches--
the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits 
Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration--should be 
roundly applauded for their service to America's former servicemen and 
servicewomen.
  Beginning in 1946, the VA's health unit, now known as the Veterans 
Health Administration, has sought to provide adequate health care to 
injured veterans returning from war, starting with World War II. 
Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, the VHA expanded into a 
leading health care provider and now has over 150 medical centers 
across the country. According to the VA, provided care to more than 5.3 
million individuals in 2005.
  In addition to providing health care services, the VA, through its 
Veterans Benefits Administration branch, has provided educational 
services to veterans, beginning with the passage of the GI Bill in 
1944. According to the VA, 7.8 million World War II veterans, alone, 
benefited from educational opportunities that the bill offered. I also 
applaud the VA for assisting the families of our fallen heroes, the men 
and women of our armed services who died in combat fighting for 
liberty. The VA's National Cemetery Administration should be praised 
for providing memorials to those veterans who died for our liberty.
  Madam Speaker, it is an honor for me to have the opportunity to 
recognize the VA for what is has and will continue to do for our 
veterans. As a member of the House of Representatives, I always look to 
support legislation that honors our veterans. On June 27, 2006, the 
House of Representatives agreed to H.R. 4843, the Veterans' 
Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006. H.R. 4843 increases 
compensation rates to veterans with service-oriented disabilities, and 
the House of Representatives should be proud of this great legislation.
  But, Madam Speaker, on July 19, 2006, when we commemorate the VA's 
75th Anniversary, let us not forget that much more needs to be done to 
pay homage to our veterans, particularly those who are coming home from 
Afghanistan and Iraq.
  Madam Speaker, the VA reported in August 2005 that almost 23 percent 
of homeless men and women are veterans. Madam Speaker this percentage 
is far too high and far too shameful.
  On a bi-partisan basis, Congress must work with the Veterans Affairs 
to right this seemingly forgotten atrocity. The men and women who 
honorably serve our great Nation deserve not only to be treated as 
heroes in war; they deserve to be treated as heroe when they return 
home.
  The men and women of the U.S. armed services make it possible for us 
to debate. Madam Speaker, let us not debate the honor veterans deserve.

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