Providing for Consideration of (H.R. Sunshine Protection Act of Providing for Consideration of (H.R. National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, Providing for Consideration of (H.R. Take Care of America's Veterans Act; Providing for Consideration of (H.R. Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act; and for Other Purposes

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chair for yielding, and I am proud to stand beside her today in support of this good rule and talk about the future of America.

I first have to say this: One of the things that makes America great is that anything is possible, and I am very optimistic that we will be able to pass legislation to make us all proud.

Just last week, we celebrated the 250th anniversary of America and the idea of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In my mind, when you talk about the pursuit of happiness, it means improved by care. That is exactly what we are looking to do when we change for the better our VA system.

As the son of a veteran and a father of a person now in the military, we make very simple pledges: that if you choose to serve your country, we will provide for you after your service. This bill will make sure that surely not only will you get the pension you deserve, but also benefits if injured in service. It is common sense, and it has, unfortunately, taken this long to get it all together.

The good news is that help is on the way. We respect those who serve, those soldiers who put their lives on the line every single day for us and allowed us to live in freedom for over 250 years.

For too many veterans, getting healthcare benefits means dealing with long lines, confusing paperwork, or unnecessary government red tape. This bill will fix that.

It makes it easier for veterans to see a doctor when they need one, whether it is at a VA hospital or a trusted provider back at home. It speeds up disability payments, expands access to mental health care, and also improves care for veterans with serious injuries. It also helps families who have sacrificed alongside them. It provides more support for caregivers, protects benefits for surviving spouses, and gives servicemembers better tools to transition from military life to civilian careers.

Just last week, I met with so many veterans back in my district, and they know that there are some things that maybe we can improve, as always. What I think politics is is the art of the possible, and without a doubt, this bill will move forward, keeping the promise that you will get not just your pension but your benefits that you have earned should you be injured in service.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chair for putting this forward. It is so important that we move this type of bill forward because we are celebrating the 250th anniversary and the pursuit of happiness because of the sacrifice our veterans have made.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source