Today, Congresswoman Kathy Hochul voted in favor of two bills that will provide support to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as members of the National Guard and Reservists.
Hochul first voted for the Risk-Based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act, which would ensure that uniformed members of the Armed Forces, and their families, traveling on official orders receive expedited security screenings at airports.
"Our troops risk their lives each and every day in order to protect our way of life," said Congresswoman Hochul. "I am proud to support members of the U.S. Armed Forces in any way I can and believe that, at the very least, we should provide them and their families with the courtesy of expedited security screenings when they are traveling on official orders."
The bill requires the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to develop and implement a plan to provide this service to soldiers. Congresswoman Hochul first supported this amendment in the House Committee on Homeland Security on September 21, 2011.
Representative Hochul also supported the National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act, which extends the National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Act of 2008 by ensuring reservists and National Guard members who have served on active duty for at least 90 days since Sept. 11, 2001 do not face severely difficult restrictions for filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Hochul added, "At the drop of a hat, these men and woman make the difficult decision to leave their homes, their jobs, and most difficult, their families in order to protect Americans both domestically and internationally. Many Guard members are called up for duty unexpectedly, making financial planning difficult and placing a burden on their spouses to support their family. This bill will help families stay afloat while their loves ones serve our country."
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act will have no significant impact on the federal budget.