Chairman Takano Gives Opening Remarks before the Legislative Presentation of the Disabled American Veterans
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (CA-41) gave opening remarks before the Legislative Presentation of the Disabled American Veterans at the Joint House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing. Below is a link to the video of the Chairman’s opening statement and his remarks as prepared:
Good Afternoon Chairman Isakson and thank you. Welcome, Commander Nixon. And welcome to every DAV member in the room and to those who couldn’t join us in person but are watching from home.
I want to thank each of you—that’s more than 1 million DAV members—for your service to our country, and your continued service to our veterans.
And before I get started, are there any Californians in the room? WELCOME!
Commander, I want to let you know that your National staff is the best in the business. Their thorough knowledge of the issues facing veterans and their tireless commitment to improve the lives of veterans and their families guide our policy making.
The success of our collective effort to care for veterans depends on building and maintaining trust and communication between Members of Congress and with organizations like DAV. I know that you join me in fostering continued bipartisanship and partnership in the care of our Veterans.
As you have pointed out in your testimony, and I agree, we are once again approaching a critical point in time - a crossroads that will determine how well our nation fulfills its promise to our veterans. Over the past couple of years, several landmark laws have been passed by Congress. Now, the question is how these laws will be implemented.
We must ensure that the progress we have made isn’t lost. The foundation of trust and communication that produced recent achievements, like the MISSION Act and Appeals Modernization, must be continued in the coming months to ensure what VA implements is in the spirit of what your organization expects.
Your priorities are my priorities. We have solemn responsibilities, to care for all Blue Water Veterans, expand the Caregiver Program, and ensure there is equitable healthcare for our minority and women veterans. These are just a handful of small things we can do to uphold our end of the bargain—that those who fight for our country receive healthcare and disability benefits— the most fundamental things veterans deserve after answering our nation’s call to serve.
I look forward to your testimony today, and again, thank you and the members of the DAV for the sacrifice all of you made for this country and the services you continue to provide to the veterans community. Words cannot express my gratitude for your work.
Thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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