Dear Friend, This holiday season, we may find ourselves rushing off to the grocery store for that finishing touch to the big, family dinner or struggling to finish our search for that perfect gift. Soon we will be attending holiday parties and wondering how another year could have passed so quickly. Holidays are a time to be shared with family, expressing gratitude for the joys and blessings in our lives and realizing how lucky we are to share each other's company. Unfortunately, many families of military personnel will be spending this holiday season missing a loved one. For these families, it's even more obvious how important our family and loved ones are to us, and how important it is to have them around. That's why I am so proud that I could make it easier for military families to spend time together.

On Oct. 17, the House passed a bipartisan amendment I introduced to remove the travel burden on military personnel, serving in combat zones when they take rest and recuperation leave. The Ramstad-Moore amendment to the Iraq supplemental passed on a voice vote with unanimous support, and has now been signed into law by the President. The amendment will reallocate funding to cover all travel and transportation costs necessary to return military personnel, who will serve in combat for twelve months or more, home to their families and loved ones. Our troops should not have to bear any more burdens - financial or otherwise - than their service to our country already demands. I am thankful for the sacrifice and dedication of our loyal servicemen and women, and will continue to do all that I can to honor those who serve in defense of our country.

Wishing you a warm and happy holiday season,

DENNIS MOORE
Member of Congress