[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 143 (Tuesday, September 25, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H10763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
(Ms. SHEA-PORTER asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute.)
Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, today we will vote for legislation
supporting the goals and ideals of Veterans of Foreign Wars Day.
For nearly 100 years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has served a
straightforward and noble mission, honoring the dead by helping the
living and by providing friendship.
In my home State of New Hampshire, we have nearly 10,000 VFW members,
another 4,500 members of the Ladies Auxiliary. I'm honored to be their
representative in this House and to work with them to ensure that all
of our veterans and their families receive the full support and
benefits they have earned.
The VFW has been an outspoken advocate for veterans rights. It has
called for expanded health care for veterans, increased funding for
research into traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress
disorder. It has also asked for improved access to health care and for
veterans support for mental illnesses and treatment.
When I met with my veterans advisory committee last fall, one
prominent member of the VFW asked me to support a sufficient budget for
the Department of Veterans Affairs. I am happy to report that the 110th
Congress passed the largest budget in the 77-year history of the
Veterans Affairs.
The House of Representatives has heard the call of the VFW and other
veterans organizations and has passed bills to support and fund these
critical issues.
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