[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 134 (Friday, October 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TAYLOR MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES ON H.R. 4546--BOB STUMP NATIONAL 
                 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FY 2003

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                          HON. CHARLIE NORWOOD

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2002

  Mr. NORWOOD. Mr. Speaker, the freedom we enjoy here in America is 
anything but free. Our Nation's disabled military retirees have paid 
the ultimate price for that freedom. Yet today we show our gratitude to 
these heroes by denying them the benefits they have earned through 
their service. I'm speaking of the dollar-for-dollar offset of military 
retired pay and VA disability compensation that is currently being 
imposed.
  A law passed in 1891 requires a disabled career military veteran to 
waive the amount of his retired pay equal to the amount of VA 
disability benefits he is rightfully owed. Mr. Speaker, this is a poor 
way to show our gratitude to America's disabled veterans. During my 
time in Congress, I have remained a strong advocate for correcting this 
law and bringing an end to the prohibition that exists with concurrent 
receipt.
  I think it is particularly appropriate that on this day--the day when 
this body rightfully granted the President the authority to call on our 
Armed Forces in dealing with Saddam Hussein's wicked regime--we have a 
unique opportunity to keep our promise to the service men and women who 
have served so bravely in defense of freedom and this Nation throughout 
the years.
  We in Congress do have a unique opportunity and more importantly, a 
responsibility, to do the right thing for America's disabled retired 
veterans through the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act of FY 
2003 (H.R. 4546). By addressing the inequity that exists through this 
legislation, we can take a major step towards ending this injustice and 
sending a strong message of support for these true American heroes.

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