U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) is working to enact legislation that would help military families with the costs of sending letters and care packages to active duty service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan and those hospitalized because of injury or disease.

The legislation, H.R. 923, would provide a monthly voucher to the family of any soldier participating in either Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom to cover the full cost of mailing one package of up to 15 pounds.

"Our soldiers are making huge sacrifices," Rahall said. "This bill will help make life a little better for them and ease the financial burden on those waiting at home. It's just a small way to say thank you to our heroes."

Rahall said he has received a number of complaints from military families in West Virginia concerning the cost of sending regular care packages to their loved ones overseas.

According to Rep. Vito Fossella (D-NY), author of the legislation, it is common for the typical family to spend at lest $1,500 annually on postage for care packages, which often consists of necessities like shampoo, toothpaste and blankets.

"With energy prices threatening to stretch the budgets of many West Virginians this winter, we need to protect the things that are most important," Rahall said. "The basic well-being of our troops overseas should be among our top priorities."

The legislation currently enjoys bipartisan support of more than 100 members of Congress.

"With energy prices threatening to stretch the budgets of many West Virginians this winter, we need to protect the things that are most important," Rahall said. "The basic well-being of our troops overseas should be among our top priorities."

The legislation currently enjoys bipartisan support of more than 100 members of Congress.