[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 45 (Thursday, March 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ARMED FORCES TAX FAIRNESS ACT OF 2003

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                               speech of

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 19, 2003

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support of H.R. 
1307, the Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003. It is only appropriate 
during this time of conflict that we take every opportunity to 
recognize and support the brave men and women of our armed forces. The 
original version of this legislation provided a number of significant 
tax benefits for our armed forces, National Guard and Reserves, and I 
am pleased and relieved to see that the bill has been restored to its 
original form and intent.
  As a veteran of the United States Army, I know firsthand the 
contributions our military service personnel make in defense of our 
nation and the tremendous burden their families are forced to bear. 
Here in the U.S. House, I serve on the Army Caucus, and I have worked 
on a bipartisan basis to support our men and women in uniform. 
Furthermore, North Carolina's Second Congressional District includes 
Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base, home to many soldiers now on the 
ground in Southwest Asia. Our service personnel are dedicated, 
professional and devoted to duty. Congress must stand up for these 
brave men and women who risk their lives to defend our country, our 
ideals and our interests around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1307 includes a number of provisions to reduce 
taxes for the members of the armed services. It provides capital gains 
tax relief to soldiers who invest in a home for themselves and their 
families but have to move due to reassignment or deployment before they 
satisfy the five-year qualifying period.
  The bill also provides National Guard and reserve members an ``above-
the-line'' tax deduction for overnight expenses when they travel more 
than 100 miles from home to attend National Guard and Reserve meetings, 
as well as filing extensions and penalty-free withdrawals from 
education accounts for students attending one of our service academies.
  Mr. Speaker, prompt passage of this legislation is a small gesture of 
support to active duty personnel as well as members of the Reserves and 
National Guard. In these uncertain times, we must remember that many of 
our soldiers put their civilian lives on hold in service to our 
country. More than 50,000 Reservists are supplementing active duty 
forces for our war against terrorism, and another 120,000 have been 
mobilized for our conflict with Iraq.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge quick passage of H.R. 1307 in the House and 
Senate, and I hope the President will promptly sign it into law as a 
gesture of support and respect for our armed forces. The brave men and 
women of America's armed forces need to know that Congress stands 
behind them, and passing this legislation will demonstrate that 
Congress will put national interests ahead of special interests.

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