[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 14, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H1744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        PROTECTING QUALITY OF LIFE OF VETERANS IS A TOP PRIORITY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Virginia (Mrs. Luria) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. LURIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2368, the 
COVENANT Act, legislation to ensure our Nation's veterans can receive 
the benefits they deserve after being exposed to toxic substances in 
the course of their service.
  Mr. Speaker, protecting the quality of life of our veterans is a top 
priority of this Congress, and particularly for my colleagues on the 
House Veterans' Affairs Committee, where I chair the Disability 
Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.
  One such veteran I have the privilege of representing, Master 
Sergeant Brian Graves of Virginia Beach, flew missions over the Middle 
East for the United States Air Force. Today, he lives with breathing 
problems after inhaling jet fumes and being exposed to other toxins 
during his time of service.
  The COVENANT Act will dramatically streamline the VA benefits process 
for thousands of veterans like Master Sergeant Graves.
  Between June 2007 and February 2021, we know that 13,900 veterans 
filed a disability benefit claim related to toxic exposure. Mr. 
Speaker, of those nearly 14,000 veterans, only 4,000 claims were 
granted. That is simply unacceptable. We cannot allow history to repeat 
itself. Veterans like myself watched our peers who served in Vietnam 
wait decades for the benefits they deserve.
  The recent veterans who served in the Middle East, southwest Asia, 
east Africa, and the Philippines need our help today. Mr. Speaker, they 
are hurting and, in some cases, dying. Congress must not neglect them 
in their time of need.
  That is why I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the 
COVENANT Act, a comprehensive approach to securing benefits for 
veterans exposed to toxic substances overseas.

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