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| Wilson Supports Veterans Bills |
May 09, 2006 |
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Preventing Disruption of Military Funerals; Increasing Retirement Plan Options
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson today voted to prevent harassment of mourners at military funerals and to expand savings opportunities for veterans’ retirement plans.
The Respect for Fallen Heroes Act (H.R. 5037) passed the House by a vote of 408-3, and the Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities Act (H.R. 1499) passed 412-0.
The Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities Act (H.R. 1499) allows members of the Armed Forces to include their combat zone compensation (otherwise excludable from gross income) in their calculation of earned income when determining their allowable income tax deduction for contributions to retirement savings plans.
“We can’t thank our combat troops enough for their service, but with a simple adjustment in the law, we can expand their ability to save a few more dollars each paycheck for retirement. Every dollar counts, especially when growing in a retirement saving account,” Wilson said.
The Respect for Fallen Heroes Act (H.R. 5037) would prevent disruption of military funerals at national cemeteries beginning 60 minutes before and continuing for 60 minutes after the service, and keep protestors at least 500 feet away from mourners during any demonstration. It also includes a sense of Congress that all 50 states should adopt similar legislation affecting all military funeral and burial sites.
“Families who’ve lost a loved one deserve to be able to honor and remember their family member with dignity. They should be protected during this time of grief,” Wilson said.
This effort is supported by American Veterans (AMVETS), Disabled American Veterans Fleet Reserve Association, Gold Star Wives of America, Jewish War Veterans of the USA, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Military Order of the Purple Heart-Department of Michigan, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and We Care America.
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