[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 154 (Tuesday, September 24, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H7891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            VETERANS' ISSUES

  (Mr. COX of California asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on two 
significant issues that affect the brave individuals who have fought 
for our Nation.
  First, almost a quarter of all veterans in the United States--
approximately 4.7 million--reside in rural communities. While veterans 
may enjoy the benefits of rural living, they also experience unique 
challenges in accessing the healthcare they need and deserve.
  Currently, through reauthorization, the Department of Veterans 
Affairs grant program for the transportation of highly rural veterans 
appropriates $3 million for the Department to provide transportation in 
rural areas. This program should not need annual reauthorization; it 
should be made permanent.
  Second, the Veterans Benefits Administration has moved to 
electronically process over 99 percent of compensation claims since the 
implementation of the Veterans Benefits Management System. This 
transition has been key in reducing the backlog of claims, modernizing 
the Federal Government, and improving efficiency.
  I propose amending title 38 of the United States Code to assist the 
VA as they modernize and utilize today's technological advancements in 
order to best serve our veterans.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in working on 
legislation that will fix these oversights and to further support every 
person who serves our Nation.

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