The measure I introduced today for myself, and almost 100 of my colleagues, is named to recognize and honor Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000. During her year of service to America, Heather French Henry committed the full measure of her time, talents and energy to addressing the needs of homeless veterans. She was our national conscience, calling on us to do more, to do enough to help veterans escape the prison of homelessness. She encouraged homeless veterans to break free from their chains of homelessness. She seems to be everywhere at once advocating for our homeless veterans.
Homeless veterans have no better friend and voice.
If we consider how much one young woman accomplished during her year of service as Miss America on behalf of our nation s homeless veterans, there can be no doubt this nation can end homelessness among veterans within a decade. If our nation demonstrates the care, compassion, and fidelity to ending homelessness among veterans as Heather French Henry did during her year of service as Miss America, a decade from now there will be no homelessness among veterans. The end of veteran homelessness and prompt action on the Heather French Henry Homeless Veterans Assistance Act are a high priority for many. These goals are strongly supported, for example, by the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans and its hundreds of member organizations throughout the nation who daily provide essential services to homeless veterans. I am also pleased the Veterans Organizations Homeless Council which represents many major military and veterans service organizations strongly supports the legislation I am introducing today.