[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14224]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


    PROVIDE VETERANS WITH BEST HEALTH CARE AND HIGHEST COMPENSATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2004

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the spirit of 
Independence Day to recognize the will and strength of our men and 
women in uniform as they fought in wars past and continue to maintain 
our commitment to democracy throughout the world. Our veterans are 
living examples of the ideals of our founding fathers and it is those 
same ideals that are inspiring a new generation of veterans.
  More than 300 years ago, the first generation of American veterans 
fought a war to establish our sovereignty. Along with our independence 
came the understanding that America would need protection, and we would 
need a constant military force to ensure the preservation of these 
freedoms. Americans answered the call to duty, and the willingness of 
our troops to boldly go into harm's way in the defense of democracy has 
not wavered.
  As our nation's veterans volunteered to risk their lives for our 
protection, our country and its leaders have an obligation to provide 
them with the care and resources they need and are entitled to once 
they retire. Veterans have made significant, personal sacrifices and 
have earned the very best we can offer them.
  Yesterday marked the 60th anniversary of the GI Bill, an important 
step our leaders took to recognize the commitment we owe our veterans. 
Because of the GI Bill, our veterans were given assistance with the 
costs of a college education and helped with the purchase of a home or 
business.
  A lot was done, but there is still much to do. Health benefits need 
improving, the Widow's Tax and Disabled Veterans Tax need ending and 
education benefits should still be expanded. We cannot increase their 
costs for health care, and we must not cut funding to their system.
  George Washington said ``the willingness with which our young people 
are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be 
directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars 
were treated and appreciated by their nation.'' Our nation's veterans 
served and protected us, and they inspired the soldiers who responded 
to the call after them. They fought for our country, for the continued 
prosperity of our government, and once their service has ended, they 
should not have to fight the government for the benefits they deserve.
  I call on my colleagues in Congress to continue to work together to 
provide veterans with the best healthcare and the highest compensation, 
as it is the least they have earned for their years of service.

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