WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) spoke on the House Floor in support of H.R. 8371 – the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. This bill ensures that veterans have access to modern, quality care and services, including improved healthcare, educational, and vocational programs. Rep. Van Orden’s bill, the Protect Military Dependents Act, which ensures that veteran dependents, such as a spouse or child, who utilized service-based educational assistance would not be held liable should the servicemember lose rights to his or her benefits, was included in this landmark legislation.
Rep. Van Orden spoke on the House Floor in support of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. Click here or the video below to watch.
Rep. Van Orden’s remarks, as prepared for delivery:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Madam Speaker.
I rise today in support of H.R. 8371 – The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.
I do this for two individuals and one group.
The two individuals are Robert Francis Mulligan and Mary Jean Mulligan – my Uncle Bob and Aunt Mary Jean who were both World War II veterans and members of the greatest generation.
My Uncle Bob and Aunt Mary Jean unfortunately died in nursing homes in poor conditions because of the fact that they were not able to have funding through this act.
The group I stand in strong support of today is our Gold Star Families.
When a servicemember passes and their family members remain, that’s not a mortgage, it’s not a 30-year commitment, it’s a lifetime commitment.
We have to do everything we possibly can so they can move on with their lives in memory of their loved ones who served our nation and allowed us to have this debate in freedom.
With that, I yield back.
