Dependable Employment and Living Improvements for Veterans Economic Recovery Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. DELGADO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman, Mr. Takano, for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7105. This legislation incorporates two bills I was proud to introduce.

The first bill is my bipartisan Fairness for Local Veteran Cemeteries Act, an easy bipartisan fix to allow localities to honor our Nation's veterans.

As the law is currently written, only State-run veteran cemeteries are eligible for the National Cemetery Administration's Veterans Cemetery Grants. This cripples counties and States that don't have State-operated veteran cemeteries, including New York, Florida, Alaska, and Oregon, where veteran cemeteries are operated by counties or county-equivalents.

Our bill will ensure counties and localities can use Federal funds to help run veteran cemeteries.

H.R. 7105 also incorporates my Improving Benefits for Underserved Veterans Act, which would require the VA to publish a report on veterans' benefits, disaggregating by sex or minority group member status. This is an important step in leveling the playing field for women and minority veterans.

The men and women of the armed services dedicate their lives to defending our Nation and its values. I am proud to support this legislation that helps our Nation provide better care for our veterans and protect their final resting place.

Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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