[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 27 (Thursday, March 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  GOP FIGHTING FOR AMERICA'S VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 4, 2004

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I want to discuss how President Bush and 
this Republican Congress have fought to honor America's veterans.
  After 18 years, that's nine legislative sessions, I am proud to say 
under the leadership of Congressman Michael Bilirakis the Republicans 
are the only ones who can claim credit for allowing disabled military 
retirees to concurrently receive their full disability compensation and 
retirement benefits. We corrected the flaw in a 100-year-old law.
  For the first time, because of Republicans, our country's wounded 
warriors, those who were injured in combat, while training for combat, 
or who are 50 percent or more disabled as a result of service-connected 
causes, will receive both the disability compensation and retirement 
pay they have earned.
  According to the most recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) 
estimates, full concurrent receipt would cost approximately $41 billion 
over the 10-year period between 2004 and 2013. Almost 700,000 retirees 
will be eligible in FY 2004 alone.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud that our Republican colleagues in the House 
and Senate have fought to ensure that America's veterans get what they 
deserve.

                          ____________________