House Passes the HEART Act -- Berkley Aupports Bill Providing Tax Relief for Military Families, Home Ownership Assistance for Veterans

Press Release

HOUSE PASSES THE HEART ACT - BERKLEY SUPPORTS BILL PROVIDING TAX RELIEF FOR MILITARY FAMILIES, HOME OWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV) added her vote of support Tuesday to passage of The HEART Act. The bipartisan legislation makes permanent essential tax relief for military families and increases access to low-interest home loans for veterans.

"The HEART Act is a thank you to America's military families, our armed forces and our veterans. I am proud to have helped craft this legislation which provides valuable tax relief to those who are serving our nation in the armed forces and their families, as well as important home ownership assistance for America's veterans," said Berkley. "The HEART Act directly responds to the financial needs of our men and women in military uniform by extending $2 billion in tax relief for them and their families."

As a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, Berkley helped to craft the package, which passed on a vote of 410-0. The HEART Act's $2 billion in tax relief will help ease the financial impact of extended military deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan which have created significant economic hardships for many military families. The bill is supported by the American Legion, National Military Family Association and the Blinded Veterans Association.

"The HEART Act will allow more families to qualify for the earned income tax credit or to make penalty free withdrawals from retirement plans in time of economic need. Sadly, there have been 59 casualties of the war to date with ties to Nevada, including 46 in Iraq. That is why I strongly support the provisions of this bill that allow the spouses of those who sacrifice their lives to better plan for their futures and those of their children," said Berkley. "Qualifying veterans will also be eligible for more low-interest home loans as a result of the HEART Act."

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