[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 144 (Wednesday, October 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE ARMED 
       FORCES FROM PAYING SUBSISTENCE CHARGES WHILE HOSPITALIZED

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                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 2003

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
2998, and am proud to say that I am one of 239 Members who have 
cosponsored this bipartisan legislation. I commend my colleague from 
Florida, Bill Young, for working with such diligence to bring this 
important legislation to the floor.
  In 1958, Congress initiated a system of charging hospitalized members 
of the armed forces for subsistence costs. H.R. 2998 will exempt 
members of the armed forces, hospitalized as a result of armed conflict 
or engaged in hazardous service, from incurring this charge.
  Although the FY 2004 Defense Authorization bill does put this 
exemption in place for 2004, H.R. 2998 amends Title 10 to make this 
exemption permanent. It is simply unfair and unjust that this 
additional burden is placed on the brave men and women who serve with 
such honor and distinction. This is, truly, the very least we can do 
for these brave men and women. I urge my colleagues on both sides of 
the aisle to vote in favor of this important change to Title 10.

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