Congressman Silvestre Reyes delivers a Memorial Day message from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus: There are roughly 1.3 million Hispanic veterans making up 5% of our nation's 26 million veterans. One hardship facing many of these veterans is inadequate healthcare. If we fail to address this problem now, it will no doubt become a burden for our newest generation of veterans as well. As a Vietnam vet, a Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, and the Representative for over 70,000 veterans in my district, I have made caring for those who proudly served one of my top priorities. My colleagues in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) have also made veterans and their issues a priority. Members of the CHC have expressed their support for H.R. 2318, the "Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act of 2003." This bill would automatically fund the veterans' healthcare system by the number of enrolled veterans and the anticipated changes in the hospital inflation rates for each year. Mandatory funding would guarantee adequate funds for the Veteran Health Administration's healthcare system and address the increased burden the system anticipates due to the returning troops. When young soldiers sign their name on the dotted line to protect our country, they understand that they could end up in harm's way and may have to give the ultimate sacrifice. As veterans and as Members of Congress who have the power to speak for the millions of American veterans, it is our duty to do so and to ensure that we provide them with adequate healthcare. Many Americans may not realize that Hispanic veterans are almost twice as likely to lack insurance, and that 19% are uninsured compared to 10% of the total veteran population. These veterans are also more reliant on the VA for their healthcare services, making it even more crucial that needed resources be provided. The Members of the CHC believe that honorably recognizing America's veterans takes more than just lip service. We will continue to work to address the needs of our current and future veterans. There are no words that can truly express the gratitude felt for our veterans, but by adding actions to our thank yous, we hope to begin that task. The Bush Administration, unfortunately, seems content to offer veterans thank yous and little else.