[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 23, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H1012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        SHUTDOWN HARMS VETERANS

  (Mr. CROW asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak out against the great harm 
this shutdown has on our Nation's veterans. I have often said, when 
politicians talk tough, real people get hurt.
  Today, over 150,000 veterans are furloughed or working without pay. 
In Colorado, over 20,000 veterans who rely on SNAP food assistance are 
left wondering if they will be able to afford to feed their families.
  This is more than just a delayed paycheck. It is about the denial of 
dignity and respect.
  As one furloughed veteran in Colorado told me, when he took off the 
uniform, he wanted to continue serving our country by working for the 
government. We owe it to him and all others to honor that service by 
getting them back to work. There is a sacred promise in America that, 
if you step up to serve, we will be there for you when you take off the 
uniform.
  After I returned from my third tour of duty, I was grateful that my 
country was there for me, and today, I stand before you to make sure we 
are there for them. It is time for the Senate to vote. It is time to 
reopen the government. And it is time to end this travesty.

                          ____________________