CONGRESSWOMAN HIRONO TO ATTEND TWO MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES IN HAWAI’I
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai’i) is scheduled to attend Memorial Day services in her home state, this weekend, as she returns to Hawai’i.
"I join the millions of Americans around the world in reflecting on the immense sacrifices made by our servicemen and women,” said Hirono. “We can never forget those who have given their lives in defense of our great nation and its people throughout our country’s history.”
Congresswoman Hirono voted tonight in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2009 (H.R. 5658), which passed the House 384 to 23. The bill aims at strengthening our military readiness while ensuring American troops receive the pay raises and the benefits they deserve.
"As we approach this solemn national holiday to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf, we must also make sure our active soldiers, sailors, and airmen, who continue to answer the call, receive the support they need and deserve,” Hirono said.
“We must also keep our promises to our veterans,” said Hirono. “For example, it’s important that we honor our commitment to the Filipino World War II veterans who fought alongside our troops by providing them the benefits they were promised and long denied.”
The Congresswoman also supports a number of key pieces of legislation aimed at assisting America’s military veterans that passed the House this week, including:
H.R. 3819 - the Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2007.
This bill requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse veterans receiving emergency treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilities until those veterans can be transferred to Veterans Affairs facilities.
H.R. 5826 - the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008. This bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, as well as indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.
H.R. 5856 - Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Authorization and Lease Act of 2008. This bill authorizes major medical facility projects and facility leases for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2009, across the country.
Congresswoman Hirono returns to Hawai’i, this weekend, where she is scheduled to attend a Memorial Day morning service, on Monday, May 26, 2008, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, as well as an afternoon Memorial Day service at the State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe.
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