Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023

Floor Speech

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Mr. GOLDEN. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the amendment.

I represent the largest district east of the Mississippi. It is the second most rural district in the country, and home to more than 53,000 veterans.

The VA facilities that these veterans rely on--these are clinics in places like Houlton, Maine, Fort Kent, and Rumford--are at risk of being shut down if we don't permanently end the Asset and Infrastructure, or AIR Commission.

Our VA hospital in Maine would be moved from Augusta. It would be downsized to an urgent care facility then be moved to Portland, Maine, which is a long distance away from most of the rural communities that I represent.

Of course, Congress created this panel and tasked it with processing the recommendations given to streamline VA facilities. I think if you live in a rural State, it turns out that has largely been shorthand for closing facilities or reducing access to healthcare services.

I introduced a bipartisan bill to eliminate the AIR Commission. Just about a month ago, I helped secure the language referred to earlier in the National Defense Authorization Act of that bill and, of course, I now support this amendment to defund the Commission and transfer the money to the VA's Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program. It is a far better use of the money.

I thank Mr. McGovern for his support of our Nation's veterans.

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