[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 186 (Thursday, November 9, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H5664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS' BRAVE VETERANS

  (Ms. PLASKETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. PLASKETT. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Veterans 
Day to honor the brave souls from the Virgin Islands and throughout the 
Nation for their selfless and valiant service.
  In the Virgin Islands, our veterans' spirit of service is a beacon of 
inspiration. Yet, the very liberties they fight tirelessly for are 
mirrored by the injustices they confront upon returning home: the 
inequitable access to healthcare and benefits they deserve. This 
disparity is more than an oversight. It is an egregious mistreatment of 
our Nation's heroes and has been a driving force for my relentless 
advocacy to rectify the wrong.
  That is why last year I supported the landmark PACT Act guaranteeing 
veterans harmed by burn pits or other toxins to receive automatic VA 
healthcare and benefits. I am proud for the successful advocacy for an 
amendment requiring the GAO to study the state of access and barriers 
and benefits to veterans living in the territories.
  Madam Speaker, we owe our veterans more than gratitude. We owe them 
action. It is time to deliver on our promise.

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