Legislative Update by Congressman Mike Ross

Honoring Our Veterans
 
November 7, 2003
 
This week in Congress, my colleagues and I voted on a number of measures that will improve the lives of our veterans, our men and women in uniform currently serving our country, and their families. 

I voted to double the military death gratuity payment, given to families of fallen soldiers, from $6,000 to $12,000. This tax-free payment, which was currently subject to federal tax, will help families offset the cost of funerals and other immediate expenses when the tragic death of a loved one occurs in the line of duty. 

I also helped secure $3.6 million for the construction of a new National Guard Armory within the Warren Industrial Park. The construction of this Armory is long overdue.  This funding will give the National Guard in Warren the resources it needs to build a quality training facility, so our men and women in uniform can sufficiently prepare for our nation’s mission, and can support the state of Arkansas in times of natural disasters and emergencies.

I am also working hard to remove the unfair practice of concurrent receipt. Under current law, veterans who retire after a full military career are entitled to a pension. If they were disabled while in service, they also receive compensation for that disability. But current law reduces the retirement pension of these disabled vets -- one dollar for every dollar -- of disability pay they receive. I call it the disabled veterans tax.

This is a terrible way to “thank” our soldiers whose sacrifice for our country resulted in a debilitating injury. My colleagues and I are working hard to make sure this practice ends.

In honor of Veterans Day, I express my sincere appreciation to the soldiers from Arkansas and all across America. These selfless individuals and their families make great sacrifices, including spending time away from their homes and jobs, to serve our country.  

And to our men and women who have fought for us, thank you. I honor you, and I am grateful for all you have done to keep our great nation free. 

God Bless you all.  


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