[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 30, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TWO OTHER WAYS TO HELP AND HONOR OUR TROOPS

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                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 30, 2004

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of two 
important bills enacted by the House earlier today that will provide 
much-needed and deserved assistance to the families of U.S. troops, and 
provide special recognition for the distinguished service of our 
military personnel in the global war against terrorism. This 
legislation would reimburse U.S. service personnel for their 
transportation costs and create two new campaign medals designating 
military service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  The first bill, S. 2057, builds on the much-needed and highly 
successful Operation Hero Miles, which allows Americans to donate their 
unused frequent flier mileage, by also reimbursing troops for travel 
expenses to their final destinations. Under the U.S. Armed Forces 
Central Command Rest and Recuperation Leave Program, those troops who 
traveled before Dec. 19, 2003 are not eligible to be reimbursed for 
commercial airfare beyond U.S points of entry--Atlanta, Baltimore, 
Dallas-Fort Worth, or Los Angeles. Also, there is still a need for 
travel assistance for soldiers on emergency leave, and for family 
members of soldiers being treated at U.S. military hospitals. This bill 
would allow troops to seek reimbursement retroactive to Sept. 25, 2003 
which will help many of their families save hundreds of dollars each.
  I am also proud to cosponsor and vote for a second bill passed by the 
House today, H.R. 3104, which would create separate campaign medals 
specifically designed to recognize service by members of the Armed 
Forces who participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation 
Iraqi Freedom. These decorations will be worn proudly by our troops and 
provide important symbolic recognition by distinguishing their service 
in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and emphasizing their specific and 
unique significance in our mission to win the global war against 
terrorism.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute the troops for their continuing valor, 
patriotism and commitment to our Nation. We thank them for their 
heroism and sacrifices, and we support these bills to honor their 
service and to provide much-needed relief for their families. Now that 
a year has passed since U.S. troops were deployed to Iraq, we wish them 
all a safe return and hope this legislation makes their trip home a 
little easier.

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