[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17676]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  IN APPRECIATION OF THE VETERANS OF NEW YORK'S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL 
                                DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2001

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, on September 17, as the smoke still rose 
above the site of a terrorist attack on America, I convened a meeting 
of veterans throughout New York's Second Congressional District. I 
wanted to hear from them, firsthand, how our Nation should respond at 
this fateful moment in our history.
  I asked for their opinions because these are the men and women who 
have already seen battle. They have already responded to America's 
call. They have already paid a price for freedom . . . and many saw 
their comrades pay an eternal price.
  Mr. Speaker, this group of veterans was unified on two essential 
points which I share with my colleagues in Congress today.
  First, the American people, the Congress, and the administration must 
provide our armed forces with the sustained support they will need to 
ensure that no terrorist has the capability of inflicting damage on 
America ever again. Not at any time. Not in any place. Never again. 
That means pursuing justice until we clean every cave, every tunnel, 
and every training base where terrorists threaten our country.
  Second, we must understand our obligation to our armed forces as we 
send them into battle . . . and after they return home. There's been a 
lot of talk about postponing America's domestic agenda. And I agree 
that we must be focused on our national and economic security. But as 
we send American troops into conflict, now is not the time to cut 
veterans benefits. Now is not the time to reduce services at our 
veterans hospitals. Now is not the time to cut health security or 
income security for our veterans. We must send a strong message to our 
armed forces that when they take care of America in battle, America 
will take care of them in peace. The maxim of battle is ``leave no 
soldier behind.'' When the battle is over, let us leave no veteran 
behind.
  Mr. Speaker, no group of people can provide more valuable insight 
about the struggle to come than those who have bravely served in 
struggles before. I appreciate the counsel that the veterans of New 
York's Second Congressional District have provided.

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