Introduction of Legislation Regarding Military Retirement Credit

INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION REGARDING MILITARY RETIREMENT CREDIT-HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY (Extensions of Remarks - February 17, 2005)

HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2005

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce legislation, along with Representative PETER KING (R-NY), which would ensure that members of the National Guard who served in the counties declared federal disaster areas because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks receive military retirement credit for that service. Many of the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Division of the New York Army National Guard, which is located in my district, served at Ground Zero and in the surrounding counties after the terrorist attacks for almost a year to assist with security, reconstruction, and recovery efforts. These soldiers were serving under state active duty rather than federal active duty. As a result, those days of service currently are not being counted toward their military retirement credit. However, other Companies in the 1st Battalion were activated under federal duty and served at West Point for a similar length of time to help with its security.

This legislation will correct this inequity. Because all of these National Guard members clearly aided in the federal response to the 9/11 attacks, I strongly believe that they should have those days counted toward their military retirement credit. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were an unprecedented event in American history. We should show our gratitude to these brave men and women by giving them the retirement benefits to which they are entitled.

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