August 26, 2004

We owe an immeasurable debt to our military retirees and their families who made many sacrifices for our country.  This nation must keep faith with our veterans and honor our commitments to them. 

After decades of paying premiums into the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), retirees and their families understandably feel unhappy when they learn that their SBP annuities will be reduced once they reach 62.  The Fiscal Year 2005 Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House with my support, includes a provision that would phase-out the reduction in benefits once a military survivor has reached age 62.  We must honor our commitment to military widows.

I will not stop fighting for those who gave so much for this country and will continue working to make sure that their surviving spouses are well cared for.