[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 129 (Thursday, July 31, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          VETERANS' HEALTH CARE POLICY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2008

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                               speech of

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 29, 2008

  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation, which 
will bar the collection of co-payments from veterans for hospital and 
nursing home care if the veteran is considered catastrophically 
disabled. I strongly advocate a noninterventionist foreign policy that 
would result in far fewer wars and, thankfully, far fewer 
catastrophically disabled veterans. But I also strongly believe that we 
must take care of those veterans who have been so severely wounded or 
otherwise disabled. Too often those who are most vocal in support of 
foreign military action are most silent when it comes time to take care 
of those who have paid a very high price for these actions. This 
legislation will provide at least a little relief to the most seriously 
injured veterans.
  I am concerned, however, that this bill incorporates language from 
H.R. 6114, which rescinds a current law requirement that the VA obtain 
a signed consent form from a veteran before conducting an HIV test. We 
have seen veterans punished severely for attempting to avoid the 
required but controversial myriad of inoculations they are required to 
receive. Now we see that they will have less control over what medical 
tests to which they might be subjected. I am concerned over this loss 
of control over one's healthcare decisions among those who voluntarily 
join the military, and I urge the adoption of a more flexible policy. I 
would also urge my colleagues and the American people to contemplate 
this deprivation of medical and privacy rights on a massive scale 
should we ever reinstate the draft. I believe taking care of veterans 
should include both providing promised benefits and protecting their 
privacy rights.

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