[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 152 (Tuesday, October 29, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             VULNERABLE VETERANS HOUSING REFORM ACT OF 2013

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                               speech of

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 28, 2013

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1742, the 
Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2013.
  Our country enjoys unparalleled freedom because of the commitment and 
sacrifice of our troops. I believe that if you serve our country, we 
should have your back. That means ensuring that military families and 
veterans have access to the full level of benefits they have earned.
  Mr. Speaker, it is unacceptable that the aid and assistance we 
provide to our heroes and their families, would end up diminishing 
housing benefits. Treating this allocation as part of the income 
calculation to determine HUD benefits could lead to an increase in 
homelessness. Why force our heroes to choose between the care they 
require and the shelter they need?
  H.R. 1742 clarifies that the benefits earned by our military retirees 
shall remain used to the purposes provided--and that assistance for 
caring for the disabled shall not jeopardize the ability to get the 
housing and shelter they require.
  Again I am proud to support the Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform 
Act of 2013 and urge my colleagues to do the same. Let's continue our 
commitment to our veterans. Let us do what we can to honor their 
service and sacrifices. With more and more servicemen transitioning to 
veteran status, it's critical that we protect the benefits they have 
earned in service to their country.

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