[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 7920]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         IN SUPPORT OF VETERANS

  (Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I stand before 
Members today outraged at the disgraceful treatment of our Nation's 
veterans. While some may disagree with the United States' decision to 
lead the charge against Iraq, all would agree that the men and women 
putting their lives on the line deserve our unwavering support. These 
volunteers deserve respect not only during times of war, but also when 
they return home.
  The administration has spent a great deal of time showcasing our 
proud troops, but that same administration is attempting to make cuts 
to health care and other benefits that impact our veterans. Unless this 
body takes action, many veterans will be financially responsible for 
paying for the injuries they receive as a direct result of their 
sacrifice in defending us and our values.
  This is hypocrisy at its best. What kind of message does this send to 
our troops? It says that we appreciate them putting their lives on the 
line when we need them, but we cannot offer them that same assistance 
when they need us.
  House Concurrent Resolution 95, the budget resolution that recently 
passed the House, would require an across-the-board cut of 1 percent in 
mandatory appropriations for veterans programs. This budget would cut 
compensation for service-connected disabilities and education benefits 
and other health care funding by $14 billion over the next 10 years.
  In addition, while the Bush budget anticipates an increase in the 
number of veterans eligible for compensation due to service-connected 
disabilities, the budget does not add one dime for benefits for 
additional disabilities and deaths.
  As an American, as a patriot, and as a Member of this esteemed body, 
I encourage all Members to support the efforts to restore the funding 
cuts in mandatory spending for veterans benefits. Our past and future 
veterans deserve the respect and gratitude of this Nation. The least we 
can do is take care of them when they return home from defending our 
American values.

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