[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 15]
[House]
[Page 21272]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       FUNDING FOR DISASTERS AND HONORING OUR RETURNING SOLDIERS

  (Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we just finished debating and 
reviewing, although the time was very short, the language that would 
fund this Nation. That is our duty.
  I'm concerned, however, that some of the cuts impacted our seniors, 
our young people, and our environment. We must do better, and I 
certainly disagree with cutting again the appropriations for this 
Nation impacting our veterans and their families another 2 percent.
  I voted against it, and I believe that we must ensure that if America 
is hit by a disaster, we pay for it. We have to fight this fight again.
  However, Mr. Speaker, as our soldiers return, I thank Members who are 
wearing the yellow ribbon, but I ask you to go home and yellow ribbon 
your district offices. Ask your cities and hamlets and States to put 
yellow ribbons out to welcome the troops who are coming home and say a 
job well done.
  It ended yesterday with the casing of the colors in Iraq. It is our 
obligation and duty to not let one soldier come home to a silent 
America and a silent community.

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