[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SUPPORT A DISABLED VETERANS MEMORIAL

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                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 24, 2007

  Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, today Representative Dennis Moore and I 
introduced the American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin 
Act, H.R. 634. This legislation seeks to recognize the sacrifices made 
by America's more than three million disabled veterans by building a 
memorial for them here in Washington, DC.
  In 2000, Congress authorized the construction of the American 
Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial just south of the Rayburn Building. 
Last December President Bush signed into law a bill transferring 
control of the land for the memorial from the District of Columbia to 
the National Park Service. Now the American Veterans Disabled for Life 
Memorial Foundation needs to raise approximately $65 million to cover 
the cost of construction.
  This legislation will authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to mint 
commemorative silver dollars that will be sold with a surcharge that 
will help the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Foundation 
raise the money needed to construct the memorial. Not only will these 
coins be collector's items, they will benefit a worthy cause.
  With more than 3 million disabled veterans in the United States 
today, it is fitting that a memorial to their sacrifice be erected in 
Washington, DC. It is my hope that all my colleagues will join 
Congressman Moore and me in supporting this legislation to help make 
the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial a reality.

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