[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 7]
[House]
[Pages 9199-9200]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   REPUBLICANS UNDERFUND OUR VETERANS

  (Mr. FILNER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, as we near Memorial Day, it is especially 
important to recognize the dedication of the men and women who have 
served in our Armed Forces over the years. Across the country on 
Monday, flags will be flown, parades will be held, and many Americans 
will enjoy a day off work. However, truly honoring our veterans means 
making sure their needs are met every day of the year, not just on one 
day in May.
  Democrats believe strongly in providing for America's veterans. That 
is why we introduced the New GI Bill for the 21st Century, 
comprehensive legislation that will strengthen benefits for veterans 
and military retirees, as well as the men and women serving our country 
today.
  Unfortunately, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle do not 
seem to share this same dedication to fully funding veterans programs. 
In fact, the Republicans recently passed a 5-year budget that cuts 
veteran health care by $6 billion, even as hundreds of thousands of new 
veterans return from Iraq and Afghanistan in need of VA care. They yell 
``support our troops, support our troops,'' but these returning men

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and women will have to wait almost a year for some appointments.
  Mr. Speaker, the brave men and women who risk their lives in our 
Armed Forces deserve more than just our respect. They also deserve the 
quality health care we promised them when they enlisted.

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