Cotton Votes to Support the Families of America's Fallen Heroes

Statement

Congressman Tom Cotton (R-Dardanelle) released the following statement following the passage of the Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers Act:

"Last week, Congress provided the President with authority to pay our troops and fund all Department of Defense operations during a government shutdown--including benefits for the families of our fallen heroes. Regrettably, the administration interpreted this law unreasonably to deny these death benefits, in its latest effort to impose as much pain as possible on the military, veterans, and their families.

"As a soldier in The Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery, I had the solemn honor of conducting the dignified transfer of remains of our fallen soldiers at Dover Air Force Base. The loved ones of fallen heroes are provided the opportunity to greet their remains at Dover--a tradition that should remain no matter the status of government's operations.

"Today, the House has passed legislation to force the administration to pay death benefits and provide travel to Dover for the families of the fallen. I urge the Senate to pass this bill immediately and call upon the President to act in a manner befitting a commander-in-chief, not a Chicago political hack. This bill should be law before the sun sets at Dover."

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