CHAIRMAN BOB STUMP STATEMENT FULL COMMITTEE HEARING - FY 1999 BUDGET FEBRUARY 12, 1998
The hearing will come to order. I want to welcome all of the witnesses who will be presenting testimony today. As most of you know, the Committee heard from Secretary West last Wednesday, February 4. Today’s hearing will give Members the opportunity to focus on the testimony from: The Honorable Frank Nebeker, Chief Judge, United States Court of Veterans Appeals; The Honorable Espiridion "Al" Borrego, Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training, Department of Labor; The Independent Budget Panel, consisting of the DAV, VFW, AMVETS AND PVA; as well as The American Legion and the National Military Veterans Alliance. Let me mention one other matter which may be of interest to Members of the Committee. Mr. Evans and I plan to introduce legislation today codifying restrictive eligibility criteria for burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Chair of the Subcommittee on Benefits, Mr. Quinn, and the Ranking Member, Mr. Filner, expect to hold prompt hearings on this measure so that we can bring it to the House floor in March. The bill makes two changes in the current criteria which have been used for the last thirty years to determine who may be buried at Arlington. First, it terminates eligibility of Members of Congress and other high-ranking Government officials who are veterans but who do not meet the distinguished military service criteria applicable to all other veterans. Second, it clarifies that only veterans and family members described in the legislation are eligible for burial at Arlington. In other words, it does not contemplate any "waivers" or exceptions for persons who don’t meet the statutory criteria. If any Member present wants to join us as an original cosponsor of the bill, make sure that you tell Jeannie McNally this morning. Before we begin with our first witness, Judge Nebeker, I would like to recognize our Ranking Member, Mr. Evans, for his opening statement. ---------- Judge Nebeker, as you know, your statement will be submitted in its entirety for the record as well as other witness statements for today. Please proceed as you wish. ---------- Our next witness is the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training, Al Borrego. Mr. Borrego is making his first appearance in his capacity as Assistant Secretary, a post to which he was confirmed last fall. However, he is no stranger to the Committee and its hearings on veterans employment issues. The Committee welcomes you, Mr. Secretary, and extends its best wishes for your success in this very important position. ---------- Our third panel consists of four veterans service organizations who have prepared the Independent Budget. Gentlemen, we appreciate all the effort you have put into the preparation of this document, and the cooperative spirit which this document represents. Each witness is recognized for five minutes. Please proceed as you wish. ---------- Our fourth and final panel consists of Carroll Williams of The American Legion and Larry Rhea of NCOA testifying on behalf of the Military Veterans Alliance. We’ll start with Mr. Williams and then hear from Mr. Rhea. Mr. williams, you are recognized for five minutes. Please proceed as you wish. ---------- The Committee may submit questions for the record. This hearing is adjourned. |