Date: 2015-11-30
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 1755. a bill which modifies the congressional charter for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to expand the purposes of the organization to include educating the public about the sacrifices and needs of disabled veterans. as well as educating disabled veterans about the benefits and resources available to them. If enacted into law. H.R. 1755 modifies the DAV charter to make explicit that the organization is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. a change that would allow the DAV to qualify as a "public charity" under the Internal Revenue Code. The legislation also provides that upon dissolution or final liquidation of the Disabled American Veterans. any assets remaining would be transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs for the care of disabled veterans. Since its founding in 1920. the Disabled American Veterans has been dedicated to a single purpose: empowering disabled veterans to lead highquality lives with respect and dignity. Mr. Speaker. under DAVs existing congressional charter. an individual generally is eligible for membership in the organization if he or she was wounded. gassed. injured or disabled in the line of duty during time of war while serving in the U.S. military. DAV works to ensure that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them and advocates for the interests of Americas injured heroes and their families. Most important. DAV educates the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. On the battlefield. the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation. let it be our pledge that when they return home. we leave no veteran behind. Mr. Speaker. I support H.R. 1755 because it is an important affirmation of our commitment to honor the service of disabled veterans with actions that fulfill our commitment to them and their families. and which are worthy of a grateful nation. This is also the reason that I cosponsored the H.R. 333. the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act. which increases veterans pay and disability compensation and maintains secure. dependable and reliable veterans programs. especially for disabled veterans is very important. And it is why I also strongly supported and voted to pass H.R. 3202. the Veterans Access. Choice. and Accountability Act of 2014. which expands access to health care for veterans. addresses the shortage of health professionals in the VA. ensures access to care for rural veterans. and provided funding to establish 27 new VA clinics. including a new research facility in Houston. And it is why as Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security. I championed the Helping Heroes Fly Act . which improves airport security screening for wounded and severely disabled service members and veterans by ensuring personal privacy and consistent application of efficient screening procedures so that our selfless disabled veterans never again have to face lengthy. invasive. and even humiliating screening procedures at our airports. I urge all Members to join me in voting to pass H.R. 1755.