[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO OUR NATIONS' SOLDIERS AND VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 26, 2010

  Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, each year on Memorial Day, Americans take 
a day to express their gratitude and honor the memory of the men and 
women who have given their lives in service to our nation. This 
experience of patriotism and civic consciousness is a time to reflect 
on the bravery and commitment of those who have answered the call to 
serve and our responsibilities to uphold the ideals for which they 
fought.
  In Congress, this is a time to recommit ourselves to caring for those 
who served our country and their families. They have fulfilled their 
obligations to the American people, and we must fulfill our obligations 
to them.
  That's why I am pleased Congress has provided historic increases of 
60 percent since 2007 for health care and other services for our 
veterans. In fiscal year 2010, Congress increased funding by $15.3 
billion over last year's level and $747 million above the 
administration's request. Congress and President Obama also passed a 
law to fund veterans' medical care one year in advance to ensure timely 
and uninterrupted funding for veterans' health care system.
  To support our active duty personnel, I supported a 3.4 percent 
military pay increase, a $3 billion increase in funding for Defense 
Health Programs, and a $3.46 billion increase for equipment in the 
field.
  While I am pleased Congress is providing robust funding to care for 
our military and veterans, much work remains to be done such as 
ensuring increased resources for PTSD and other mental health issues, 
resolving the continued backlogs of veterans' claims, and concurrent 
receipt.
  The courage of our military and our veterans is an inspiration to us 
all, and we thank them all for their service and sacrifice to protect 
our freedoms. The thoughts and prayers of our entire nation are with 
the men and women serving today, those who have bravely served, and the 
families of those whose ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
our nation's brave soldiers and veterans.

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