Washington, DC (May 24, 2006) – Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) today issued the following statement recognizing those who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom and loyalty to country:
“This year we again commemorate Memorial Day while our country remains committed to conflicts overseas. This is especially poignant as we remember not just those who gave their lives in wars and conflicts of year’s past, but as we also remember those who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. The debt owed to them is immeasurable. Without the brave efforts of members of our nation’s military and their families, our country would not stand where it does today.
“As we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we must take this opportunity to renew our efforts to support those still with us. There are 25 million veterans in America – and 1.7 million in Texas alone – many of whom served during war or an official period of hostility.
“Earlier this year, it was reported that more than 260,000 veterans applied to receive health care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in fiscal year 2005 but were turned away because of cost cutting decisions to limit veterans’ access to VA hospitals, clinics and medications. I can think of no logical explanation or reason why veterans who loyally served their country should be turned away for health care and services. Data show that the VA turned away more than 19,000 Texas veterans (the second highest amount in the country behind Florida) who applied for VA health care in FY 2005 due to the enrollment ban. We need to urge the Administration to restore funding levels and provide adequate care to the rising number of veterans, and we must ensure that our veterans in Texas have access to health care services in their own communities.
“Congress must consider and support to the New GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century. In 1944, Congress enacted the GI Bill of Rights, which supported returning troops from World War II with educational benefits, home loans, and medical assistance. Now is the time for the U.S. government to again fulfill our moral obligation to those who have fought for freedom and democracy. The GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century will improve benefits for our men and women in uniform and provide long overdue benefits for the veterans and military retirees who have already served.
“On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind, and as a nation, we must do the same. We must celebrate, honor, and remember these courageous men and women by ensuring they have access to the benefits they deserve. This is our moral obligation as we honor those who have fallen on this Memorial Day.”