VETERANS

H.R. 2131, the GI Bill of Rights for the 21^st Century

Congress and the President must take steps to ensure those who serve are taken care of when they are relieved from duty.  In an effort to keep our promise to America's service men and women, I have joined more than 150 of my colleagues in endorsing H.R. 2131, the GI Bill of Rights for the 21^st Century. 

Among other provisions, this legislation would increase funding for veterans health care, improve mental health services and block increases to prescription drug co-payments and enrollment fees.  The bill would fully repeal the Disabled Veterans Tax, which forces disabled military retirees to give up one dollar of their pension for every dollar of disability pay they receive, and the Military Family’s Tax, which forces widows to sacrifice their survivor benefits if they receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits.  In addition, the New GI Bill will enhance education and job training programs for all who serve and would expand military health care and other benefits to members of the National Guard and Reserve and their families.

H.R. 5037, the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act

Below is my statement on the House floor in support of H.R. 5037, the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act, which passed the House on May 9, 2006.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5037, the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act, which would ban all non-approved demonstrations 60 minutes prior to and after funerals taking place at VA national cemeteries or at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as impose a 500-foot restriction on demonstrations. Furthermore, the bill would allow for a Class A Misdemeanor for

violations with penalties up to $100,000 in fines or up to one year in prison.

As we have seen, a troubling public display has been taking place around the country perpetuated by groups who wish to call attention to a cause. This activity is not a case of free speech and should be stopped. There is a time and a place for protest in our Democracy, but it is wholly inappropriate to use a funeral as an opportunity to make statements about a personal belief, a political cause or federal policy. Families and loved ones should be allowed to grieve in peace.

For this reason, I am a cosponsor of this legislation along with more than 170 of my colleagues.

Mr. Speaker, more than 2,500 brave men and women have given this country the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their families and loved ones should be proud of their service to their country. The sadness of those left behind is bad enough without having to face screaming protesters with an agenda.