OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

The Retired Pay Restoration Act and The Military Surviving Spouses Equality Act

Date: May 11, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Military Personnel


THE RETIRED PAY RESTORATION ACT AND THE MILITARY SURVIVING SPOUSES EQUITY ACT (H.R. 303 AND H.R. 808) -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 11, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. CONNIE MACK
OF FLORIDA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2005

* Mr. MACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our greatest national treasure--our veterans. Throughout our Nation's history, brave men and women have been committed to protecting our freedom, security and prosperity. It is only right for us to do all we can to help those who have fought to keep us free. That is why I rise in support of two thoughtful and prudent pieces of legislation: H.R. 303--The Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2005 and H.R. 808--The Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act, sponsored by Mr. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS and Mr. HENRY BROWN, respectively.

* Mr. Speaker, these two critical pieces of legislation are smart, balanced and respectful of the time served by our Nation's veterans and the sacrifices made by their families.

* The Retired Pay Restoration Act would address a policy that has long been unfavorable to the men and women who have returned home from battle. This legislation will let our disabled veterans receive not only the disability compensation they deserve, but the retired benefits they have toiled long and hard to receive. It is incumbent upon us to mark the time given by these brave individuals with appropriate legislation, such as this, that honors their courage and dignity.

* I am also proud to support and cosponsor the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act. This common sense bill ensures surviving husbands and wives of our veterans will still be able to count on the consistent income earned by their spouses in service to our country.

* Mr. Speaker, with the passing of the War Supplemental last week, this body came together to raise death benefits for our soldiers and sailors who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I was proud to enthusiastically support that measure. It is with that same spirit that I ardently urge my colleagues to again put politics aside, come together, and pass these patriotic and dutiful pieces of legislation to support our proud veterans.

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