Native Vetsuccess At Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the veterans of our military who, following their service, are housing insecure.

Although we have made significant strides in combating veteran homelessness, the fact remains that more than 37,000 veterans are homeless right now, and many more are worried about keeping a roof over their heads.

That is why the Affordable Housing for Homeless Veterans Act is needed. I introduced this bill with Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Ranking Member Mann, and it is included as part of H.R. 2878 today.

This legislation will allow the VA to continue to acquire homes through foreclosure, and then sell or lease these homes to veterans in need of housing.

This much we know: A veteran who has sworn to give everything for the United States, up to and including their life, should not be without a roof over their head and a safe place to sleep when their service is over.

As President Kennedy said of those who have served: ``As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.''

Let's show our veterans our gratitude by addressing housing insecurity and passing this legislation today, as well as the underlying bill sponsored by Representative Gallego.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source