COCHRAN ISSUES VETERANS DAY STATEMENT

Senator Says New Generation of Vets Deserves Appreciation & Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement to commemorate Veterans Day 2011:

“We should be proud to be part of a nation that honors the men and women who serve or have served in its Armed Forces.  From its formation to its role today as a global power, our nation has been blessed with Americans who have bravely taken up arms to protect us and the freedoms we enjoy as citizens.

“Veterans Day is designated as a formal time to acknowledge the courage and the sacrifices of our military servicemen and women.  I am consistently impressed with the many Mississippians of all ages who actively participate in programs and activities to express gratitude for our veterans.

“Mississippi has a long and proud appreciation for our Armed Forces and those who serve that exceeds a single and special day of recognition.  This is important as the nation continues to welcome home a new generation of veterans from operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world.  Like the veterans of wars that came before them, these men and women, along with their families, will need our continued appreciation and support.

“In commemoration of Veterans Day 2011, I join my fellow Mississippians and all Americans in honoring the men and women who have served and fought for the United States and its cherished principles of freedom, justice and democracy.”

The Senate on Thursday approved legislation to aid veterans.  Cochran voted for an amendment to assist veterans, including a hiring tax credit and veterans assistance provisions.  The amendment was added to the 3% Withholding Repeal and Job Creation Act (HR.674).  This legislation is offset.

Both the amendment and HR.674 garnered overwhelming support in the Senate, passing 94-1 and 95-0, respectively.  The legislation will now be returned to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The following is a brief summary of the veterans benefits supported by Cochran:

Veteran hiring tax credits:  The amendment provides a tax credit for businesses that hire veterans.  The credits will range from up to $2,400 to up to $9,600 in 2012 depending on the veteran hired.  The credits vary for veterans with service-connected disabilities, service-disabled veterans, long-term unemployed veterans and other conditions. The credit is only available for calendar year 2012.

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