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This country was built on the blood and sacrifices of the men and women who fought bravely for the cause of freedom. It is because of the unselfish action of a few that we can enjoy our way of life today. I was reminded of the tremendous sacrifice a soldier makes on a trip to the Middle East in August. While I was there I visited with many soldiers from the United States who were far from the comforts of home and family, yet honored for the opportunity to serve their country. These soldiers, like many men and women in our history, go to the front lines and put their lives in grave danger, to protect our country and our freedom. Watching those men and women in the line of duty, makes me appreciate our military and what they do for us even more.
Each year America honors the sacrifice of our soldiers on Veterans Day observed on November 11. November 11, 1918 marked the official end of World War I. The following year President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation to observe that day as Armistice Day. It was not until1938 that Congress passed a bill that each November 11 "shall be dedicated to the cause of world peace and ...hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day." After World War II, there were many new veterans who had little or no association with World War I. The word, "armistice," means simply a truce; therefore as years passed, the significance of the name of this holiday changed. Leaders of Veterans' groups decided to try to correct this and make November 11 the time to honor all who had fought in various American wars, not just in World War I. The name was changed to Veterans' Day by an Act of Congress on May 24, 1954.
Our veterans have given so much on behalf of our country; I believe it is our responsibility to use our resources to make their lives and the lives of their families more comfortable. Most veteran's issues fall under the responsibilities of the federal government, and I am proud to report that we have accomplished a lot for disabled vets and retirees this session of Congress. The most noteworthy accomplishment for veterans this session is the landmark agreement to provide concurrent receipt to more disabled veterans than ever before covered by law. This year in the Defense Authorization Act, we were able to eliminate the Social Security offset under the Survival Benefit Plan (SBC). I was one of four original co-sponsors of this plan that will ensure there will no longer be a discrepancy between the benefits given to military retirees and the benefits given to survivors of other federal retirees.
The total Veterans Administration budget has increased from $48 billion in FY 2001 to nearly $66 billion in the House version of next years veterans spending bill. Total appropriations for veterans health care have risen from $20 billion in 2001 to over $26 billion this year. That is an increase of over 30 percent in three years. The Veterans Administration will provide health care services to over 5 million veterans this year, which is over 1.2 million more than three years ago. Also, because of new resources, provided through the appropriations process, the VA was able to reduce the number of veterans on long-term waiting lists by more than 98 percent in just two years. The number on the waiting list has fallen from 300,000 in 2002 to less than 6,000 today. Congress is also working to provide veterans with additional educational, housing and career opportunities. I believe Congress can and should do more. I will continue to work to take care of veterans on the federal level. Congress is committed to taking care of our veterans. It is our responsibility for the tremendous sacrifice they have made on behalf of each of us. It is a way for us to show our gratitude and appreciation. Please join me this Veterans Day in thanking our veterans for all they have done to protect our freedom. |
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