Ranking Member DeLauro Floor Remarks on Veterans Benefits Supplemental

WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in support of the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024:

- As Prepared For Delivery -

Thank you, Ranking Member Wasserman Shultz, for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation which will provide our nation’s veterans with the benefits they have duly earned in their selfless service and sacrifice to our nation.

Veterans Affairs is imminently facing a shortfall – why? Because of the successful efforts of the Administration to identify and reach veterans across the country who are entitled to these benefits. This is a success story – and we should applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for ensuring America is holding up its promises to our brave veterans.

However, I am disappointed that the majority did not work across the aisle on this bill to ensure we are meeting all our veterans’ needs.

While I support this bill, it falls short of what is needed to ensure Veterans exposed to toxic substances receive the care they deserve and require. Two summers ago, we enacted the PACT Act and promised our veterans that they would receive the benefits and medical care that they require after exposure to toxic substances with dedicated funding.

We need to provide the additional $12 billion to ensure there is no interruption for our veterans’ health care, which the majority failed to include in this bill, and in their half-year continuing resolution.

I support this bill and urge my colleagues to vote in support of it.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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