Protecting Our Gold Star Families Education Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. ELLZEY. Madam Speaker, I come before the House of Representatives to discuss the newest and best version of the PACT Act before us today.

Putting the needs of our veterans first is something we can all agree on. On March 3, the House passed a version of the PACT Act that was unworkable and unaffordable. At that time, I joined my colleagues in calling for negotiations and refinements that would best help the veterans and gain bipartisan support, and I voted ``no'' on that original bill.

The bill that we have before us today is the result of those long and difficult negotiations. This version of the bill reinforces why I opposed it during the initial passage. When we work together and put the well-being of veterans above partisan politics, we get a workable, effective bill that will save the lives of those who have given so much for us.

It is not a perfect bill. There remains language, including the costs and mandatory spending that are somewhat troubling, but I am confident that we will be vigilant about carrying out our oversight of the implementation of those provisions and the spending associated with them. I also call on the moneys moved to mandatory spending be moved back to discretionary when we take back the majority.

America's veterans who were exposed to toxins during their voluntary military service in combat to preserve America's liberty and freedoms will finally receive the healthcare and benefits they need.

I support this legislation because it requires the VA to contact every single veteran who filed a claim for benefits that related to toxic exposure but had the claim originally denied, allowing them to refile their claim. I support this legislation because it expands the screening of possible toxic exposure to every veteran receiving VA care.

America's obligation to our veterans is best conveyed by the words of Abraham Lincoln: ``To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.''

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to vote in favor of the amendments to H.R. 3967.

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