[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 17663]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                               H.R. 2738

  (Mr. TEAGUE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. TEAGUE. Mr. Speaker, during the 4th of July recess, I traveled 
home to visit with constituents and speak with them about their 
problems and find ways in which we could help them.
  As is often the case, my constituents continue to inspire me with 
their willingness to take on hard challenges and help their family and 
neighbors in need. Many throughout my district volunteer their time to 
drive veterans to medical appointments, even though the drive can last 
over 3 or 4 hours. It is tough, but oftentimes it is what needs to be 
done for a veteran needing medical services.
  That is why I have introduced H.R. 2738, a bill that would direct the 
Secretary of the VA to reimburse family caregivers of disabled veterans 
for travel expenses, including lodging and food, when they take vets 
for appointments and treatments. Rural veterans face too many obstacles 
when seeking medical treatment, and I believe this legislation will 
make their lives a little easier and help get them the care that they 
need. We made a lot of promises to our veterans, and it's about time we 
begin to honor them.
  I hope that my colleagues will support this very important piece of 
legislation, and I urge its passage.

                          ____________________