Extending Authorization for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial

EXTENDING AUTHORIZATION FOR THE AMERICAN VETERANS DISABLED FOR LIFE MEMORIAL

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Mr. KIRK. Madame Speaker, on February 12, I joined my colleague from Illinois, Mr. Hare, in introducing H.R. 995 to extend the authorization of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial through 2015. This legislation will give the American Veterans Disabled for Life Foundation more time to raise the money needed to build this memorial just south of the Rayburn Building. I believe the time has come to recognize the sacrifices made by America's more than three million disabled veterans by building a memorial for them in here in Washington, D.C.

Last December President Bush signed into law a bill to transferring control of the land for the memorial from the District of Columbia to the National Park Service. Now the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Foundation needs to raise approximately $65 million to cover the cost of construction. By passing H.R. 995 today, we will give the foundation time to raise this money.

Earlier this year I joined my colleague from Kansas, Mr. Moore, in introducing legislation to authorize the minting of commemorative coins to help raise money for this cause. As we extend the authorization for the memorial today, I want to encourage my colleagues to join us in cosponsoring H.R. 634 to issue these coins. No federal funds will be used to build the disabled veterans memorial, but it is appropriate for Congress to do all it can to support and encourage its construction.

With more than three million disabled veterans in the United States today, it is fitting that a memorial to their sacrifice be erected in Washington, D.C. It is my hope that passing Mr. Hare's legislation will bring us closer to making the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial a reality.

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