Washington, May 9 -  

Today, the House debated the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act, a bill cosponsored by Congressman Scott Garrett, which would ensure that veterans’ funerals are not disrupted by anti-war protests. The House will vote on, and is expected to pass, this bill later this evening.

"This Act ensures that families can mourn their loss in peace and veterans can be buried with respect," stated Garrett. "I am a strong believer in free speech and I believe that the expression of conflicting opinions is vital to a thriving democracy. This bill places reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on protests at Federal veterans cemeteries, which have become unfortunately commonplace at these heroes’ funerals. Often, these men and women have died literally protecting the right to free speech; they have earned the honor this bill affords them."

Garrett also supported the Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities Act, which would allow soldiers serving in combat zones to contribute more to their retirement savings plans. By including combat pay as part of gross income for tax purposes, soldiers will be able to save more of the pay they have earned by risking their lives defending our nation.

Congressman Garrett submitted the following statement for the Record today:

"Mr. Speaker, today I rise to support the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act. I only wish that it was not necessary for Congress to have to step in to protect veterans’ funerals from the dishonorable protests that have lately become all too common. And, I applaud the Patriot Guard Riders for taking on this task as well.

Regrettably, in recent months, anti-war protesters have taken to demonstrating their opposition to the war in Iraq at heroes’ funerals. And, while we can all agree that it is vital to our democracy that free speech and debate on important policy issues like Iraq be unencumbered, I think we can all also agree that intruding on a family’s mourning to make a political point is distasteful and intolerable.

This bill, which I cosponsored, will set up reasonable time and place restrictions on the demonstrations so that the loved ones of a fallen hero can pay their last respects with our respect. Veterans have given so much to protect our freedoms – time away from their families, their safety, and often their lives. To allow them to be buried in peace is the very least we owe them.

I also want to applaud my colleague from North Carolina, Congresswoman Foxx, for introducing the Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities Act that will allow soldiers serving in combat zones to contribute more to their retirement savings plans. By including combat pay as part of gross income for tax purposes, soldiers will be able to save more of the pay they have earned by risking their lives defending our nation.

Our country is strong, safe, and free because of the sacrifices of the men and women of the U.S. military. These are but two small ways we can show our gratitude for their unselfish service."

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