[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 30, 2009

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I stand in support of our 
veterans and in support of H.R. 1513, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-
of-Living Adjustment Act by my colleague from Arizona, Representative 
Ann Kirkpatrick, and the Members of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.
  Congress annually reviews veterans' service-related disability 
compensation, and other compensation programs for surviving spouses and 
dependent children to ensure that such benefits provide reasonable and 
adequate compensation. This year, the Department of Veterans Affairs 
estimates that it will provide disability compensation to just over 
three million veterans with service-related disabilities.
  Importantly, H.R. 1513 would increase the amounts paid to veterans 
for disability compensation and to their survivors for dependency and 
other compensation by the same cost-of-living adjustment payable to 
Social Security recipients. The increase would take effect on December 
1, 2009.
  We, as Members of Congress, must stand together to support our 
veterans and their families. Our nation has a proud legacy of 
appreciation and commitment to the men and women who have worn the 
uniform in defense of our country. We must be united in seeing that 
every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine is welcomed back with all the 
care and compassion this grateful nation can bestow to them and to 
their supportive families.
  I firmly believe that we should celebrate our veterans after every 
conflict, and I remain committed, as a Member of Congress, to both more 
than 32,000 veterans living in my Congressional district alone. I hope 
we will all take the time to show appreciation to those who have 
answered the call to duty. As the former British Prime Minister Winston 
Churchill famously stated, ``Never in the field of human conflict was 
so much owed by so many to so few.''
  Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting our 
troops of yesteryear and of today, as well as their families, by 
providing for this cost-of-living increase.

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