[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H3545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING OUR VETERANS

  (Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, the way that we show gratitude to 
those who have served in our military, the men and women, is to honor 
them, and we will join as a country doing so on Memorial Day.
  But we also can show our gratitude by making sure that they get the 
care that they need. It has been over a year since the long waiting 
lists at the VA were exposed in alarming numbers all across the 
country. We have learned just this week that at least $6 billion in 
taxpayers' money has been lost in illegal contracts at the VA and of VA 
employees improperly receiving gifts, including room upgrades, meals, 
limousine services, golf, spa, helicopter rides, tickets for the 
Rockets.
  This week the House passed six bills that give American veterans the 
support they need, and demands accountability at the VA. We must get 
answers, and I am committed to being a part of the solution.
  Next week, I will visit the Spokane Veterans Hospital and recognize 
those who do work hard to serve our veterans. Every day we are working 
to support veterans in eastern Washington. This week my team attended 
the VA2K relay for homeless veterans with military and community and VA 
staff. We are going to continue to work with county leaders to address 
the needs of our veterans throughout eastern Washington.
  May God bless all those who have served.

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