[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 53 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         GUARDSMEN AND RESERVISTS FINANCIAL RELIEF ACT OF 2003

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                               speech of

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2004

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Guardsmen and 
Reservists Financial Relief Act of 2003.
  This bill allows military reservists or national guardsmen to make 
withdrawals from their retirement plans without incurring penalties.
  Unfortunately, this bill is a short-term fix for a larger problem.
  Why hasn't the Administration and Congress done more to help 
reservists and soldiers in Iraq?
  Our brave men and women are fighting and dying in Iraq. Their 
families are struggling to get by.
  We need to help our soldiers.
  We can start by giving targeted pay raises. We can give meaningful 
tax relief for military families, not tax cuts for the rich that 
President Bush supports.
  We can make sure they receive the benefits and healthcare that they 
have more than earned!
  We can make sure that our veterans, those brave Americans who already 
gave so much for this country are also taken care of.
  Over 500,000 veteran's benefits claims are still pending in the VA. 
My bill, H.R. 1264, will help reduce this backlog of claims. This is 
the type of help our soldiers and veterans need!
  Our reservists, soldiers, and veterans deserve our help! Let's not 
keep them waiting any longer!
  Congress has to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to 
taking care of those who help protect this nation. We have no other 
choice.

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