[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 171 (Saturday, November 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMENDING BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ON EXEMPLARY EFFORTS TOWARD THEIR 
                  MILITARY GUARD AND RESERVE EMPLOYEES

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                        HON. HENRY E. BROWN, JR.

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the 
efforts of many in the business and industry community who far exceed 
current-law requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and 
Reemployment Rights Act, better known as USERRA. The act simply states 
that when a Reserve or Guard member returns from active duty he or she 
is entitled to the job that they left behind.
  However, USERRA not only protects Reserve and Guard members and their 
families, it also gives America's business and industry a chance to be 
part of the ongoing effort to protect our freedoms.
  Companies like Schering-Plough, ExxonMobil, SCANA Corporation, Wal-
Mart, W. W. Grainger, International Paper, and the McNaughton-McKay 
Electrical Company in South Carolina, all have added enhancements such 
as paying the full salary deferential, continuing health and life 
insurance for the servicemembers and their families, and even creating 
special Web sites for spouses. These are outstanding corporate citizens 
and I applaud them.
  With more than 150,000 reserve component service members still on 
active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on 
Terrorism, this effort is very critical. Mr. Speaker, I urge all 
employers to not only follow the letter of the law with respect to 
mobilized Reservists, but to also do their part in supporting the war 
on terror.

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