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Rep. DeGette Votes for Additional Aid to G.I.'s and Veterans
Friday November 07, 2003FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2003
Contact: Josh Freed
(202) 225-4431
Rep. DeGette Votes for Additional Aid to G.I.’s and Veterans
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO), released the following statement on her vote for H.R. 1588, the Defense Authorization bill:
“Today, I voted for a plan that provides essential funding for our soldiers and veterans. Given our current military situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, I believe it is incumbent upon us to send an unequivocal message of support for our troops who are currently serving in the field. It is equally important that we provide veterans - those who have made sacrifices in order to protect the safety of our country, the benefits they have rightfully earned.
Not since the Korean War have we as a country relied on the members of our reserve forces and National Guard as we do now. We are depending on them to preserve the peace in Iraq and protect our safety at home. We have uprooted them from their families, taken them away from their jobs and put them in the line of fire. Yet, it is not uncommon that after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, members of the reserve forces return home without the basic benefits they so rightfully deserve. While this legislation is far from perfect, it takes an important step by ensuring that activated members of the reserve forces and National Guard and their families receive health benefits.
Importantly, this legislation extends the increase in "combat pay" and a Family Separation Allowance for all of our troops who are currently serving in the military. Given the sacrifice that our troops make in the name of protecting our country, it is only right to guarantee that they and their families have adequate financial resources in their time of need.
Additionally, this legislation addresses the unfair Disabled Veterans Tax. It allows certain disabled military retirees to receive both their retirement and disability benefits. However, it only allows concurrent receipt of these benefits for one third of the approximately 700,000 disabled veterans. I believe this is sorely inadequate and is the reason why I voted to recommit this bill so conferees could have the chance to repeal the entire Disabled Veterans Tax and let all disabled veterans rightfully receive both their military benefits as well as their retirement benefits.
While I do not believe this bill is perfect and I am particularly concerned with certain provisions regarding civil service reform and the environment, I do believe that given our current military obligations, it is essential that we support our troops. By extending benefits for our troops and veterans, we are guaranteeing that those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country are not left behind during this critical time.”
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November 7, 2003
Contact: Josh Freed
(202) 225-4431
Rep. DeGette Votes for Additional Aid to G.I.’s and Veterans
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO), released the following statement on her vote for H.R. 1588, the Defense Authorization bill:
“Today, I voted for a plan that provides essential funding for our soldiers and veterans. Given our current military situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, I believe it is incumbent upon us to send an unequivocal message of support for our troops who are currently serving in the field. It is equally important that we provide veterans - those who have made sacrifices in order to protect the safety of our country, the benefits they have rightfully earned.
Not since the Korean War have we as a country relied on the members of our reserve forces and National Guard as we do now. We are depending on them to preserve the peace in Iraq and protect our safety at home. We have uprooted them from their families, taken them away from their jobs and put them in the line of fire. Yet, it is not uncommon that after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, members of the reserve forces return home without the basic benefits they so rightfully deserve. While this legislation is far from perfect, it takes an important step by ensuring that activated members of the reserve forces and National Guard and their families receive health benefits.
Importantly, this legislation extends the increase in "combat pay" and a Family Separation Allowance for all of our troops who are currently serving in the military. Given the sacrifice that our troops make in the name of protecting our country, it is only right to guarantee that they and their families have adequate financial resources in their time of need.
Additionally, this legislation addresses the unfair Disabled Veterans Tax. It allows certain disabled military retirees to receive both their retirement and disability benefits. However, it only allows concurrent receipt of these benefits for one third of the approximately 700,000 disabled veterans. I believe this is sorely inadequate and is the reason why I voted to recommit this bill so conferees could have the chance to repeal the entire Disabled Veterans Tax and let all disabled veterans rightfully receive both their military benefits as well as their retirement benefits.
While I do not believe this bill is perfect and I am particularly concerned with certain provisions regarding civil service reform and the environment, I do believe that given our current military obligations, it is essential that we support our troops. By extending benefits for our troops and veterans, we are guaranteeing that those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country are not left behind during this critical time.”
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