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“SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, JESSE BROWN” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E135 on Feb. 1, 1996.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, JESSE BROWN
______
HON. JAMES P. MORAN
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, January 31, 1996
Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my gratitude for the noteworthy accomplishments achieved by Secretary Jesse Brown on behalf of the veterans of this great Nation. Since his selection as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the women and men who served our country have had a knowledgeable and responsive supporter in that post.
Among some of Secretary Brown's greatest accomplishments are:
The creation of new clinics allowing veterans more access to VA health care.
Assistance to one and a half million veterans with employment services in a joint venture with the Department of Labor to increase the number of veterans hired in the Federal Government.
The expansion of programs for homeless veterans by doubling the resources dedicated to these initiatives, and the institution of a grant program to assist public and non-profit organizations in assisting homeless veterans.
A more complete accounting on the register of Vietnam veterans' diseases for which services-connected compensation is awarded based on exposure to herbicide agents.
The expansion and great improvement in health care services for those combat veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The increased attention given to the needs of women veterans including mammography quality control and counseling, and medical programs for women veterans who suffer the after-effects of service-
related sexual trauma.
The establishment of a home refinancing program that enables veterans to obtain lower home loan rates, thus saving an average of $1,500 a year.
There are about 70,000 veterans in the Eighth Congressional District of Virginia, so I am very concerned about the service these individuals receive. Even with such a large number of veterans' needs to be processed from just northern Virginia, the VA procedures are exceptional. The VA under Secretary Brown has worked so well, in fact, that my need for inquiries has declined from several cases a month to several cases a year.
Secretary Brown's initiative to improve services to veterans also saved money through streamlining, privatizing or consolidating activities. I could not ask for better support for those who served this country.
While Secretary Brown's promotion of a decent budget to support these benefits has frequently been rebuffed, the services his Department provides shows his steadfast commitment to our Nation's veterans and their families. We should not forget the responsibility this Nation has to our service members and their survivors. Budgets and associated dollars cannot replace the sacrifices these veterans have made.
As a combat veteran himself, Secretary Brown has walked the walk. He has ensured that VA benefits and the health care system are efficient and support our veterans. He is a true American, a friend, and a great man.
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