Engel Condemns Congressional Republican Leadership for Refusing to Listen to Veterans
ENGEL CONDEMNS CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP FOR REFUSING TO LISTEN TO VETERANS
Friday November 11, 2005
One Day before Veterans Day, Congress ends long standing practice of Veterans groups addressing a joint session
Washington, D.C.- Congressman Engel, a longtime supporter of Veterans rights, has come out against the recent decision of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee to no longer allow National Veterans Organizations the opportunity to present testimony before a joint hearing of the House and Senate Veterans Committees. Engel issued the following statement:
"Our nation's veterans have shown their devotion to our country. We owe it to them to hear their concerns presented in front of the relevant committees in Congress. To issue a statement on the eve of Veterans Day implying that Congress will be less receptive to the concerns of veterans is abysmal. We should be focusing on getting our Veterans jobs, health care and family support services. We must send a message to those who are fighting in Iraq and willing to give their lives for America that we will take care of them and heed their concerns when they come home.
"Instead of putting the Veterans affairs on the back burner, Congress should pass the GI Bill for the 21st Century. This bill will improve benefits for our men and women in uniform today and provide long overdue benefits for the veterans and military retirees who have already served.
"On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind. Let us honor their service with a new GI Bill of Rights worthy of our grateful nation."
The GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century sponsored by House Democrats' was endorsed by a number of veterans' and military organizations, including the American Legion.
http://engel.house.gov/index.cfm?ContentID=619&ParentID=7&SectionID=17&SectionTree=7,17&lnk=b&ItemID=616