[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25378]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 
                                  2004

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Enhancement Act of 
2004, the Veterans' Benefits Improvements Act of 2004, and the Veterans 
Health Programs Improvement Act of 2004. These three pieces of 
legislation are critically needed. Our men and women in uniform 
exemplify the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people 
to securing freedom and democracy throughout the world. We owe it to 
our Armed Forces and veterans to ensure that their benefits are 
protected.
  The Personnel Enhancement Act of 2004 sets forth new pay provisions 
for physicians and dentists employed by the Veterans Health 
Administration that will increase their income. This bill requires, 
among other provisions, that base pay be uniform nationwide and that 
performance pay be linked to individual achievements. This bill further 
provides for pay that is tailored to several variables, such as 
geographic region, area specialty, the nature of the assignment, and 
individual experience.
  The Veterans Benefit Improvement Act of 2004 increases the maximum 
housing loan guarantee amount for which veterans are eligible and also 
increases the voluntary contribution amount that active duty members of 
the Armed Forces may make in order to receive increased monthly 
educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill.
  The Veterans Health Programs Improvement Act of 2004 allows the 
principal office of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to be 
in the Washington, D.C., and metropolitan area instead of restricting 
it to the District of Columbia. The bill also expresses the sense of 
Congress that a courthouse and justice center should be provided for 
the Court, if feasible, by the Pentagon.
  Mr. Speaker, these three bills will improve the services available to 
our country's armed services personnel and veterans. Those who put 
their life on the line to fight for the continued freedom this country 
enjoys should be entitled to a support system that meets their needs. 
These three pieces of legislation do just that. I urge my colleagues to 
support all three bills.

                          ____________________