[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 9 (Wednesday, February 2, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H291-H292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               THE PRESIDENT'S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, tonight the President will 
converse with the American people. And I hope that he will announce 
tonight, as I join and support him, the increase of the survivor 
benefit for those who have lost their lives in battle in the United 
States military to $250,000 and to those who die in the service of the 
military whether in battle or not, the $250,000 survivor benefit to 
their families. It is long overdue.
  Mr. President, use the bully pulpit for that legislation to be passed 
immediately on behalf of America's military families. I do believe it 
is crucially important that the President announces to the American 
people the next step after the democratic elections in Iraq. Tell us 
the exit strategy for our troops and the strategy for rebuilding Iraq 
and returning our troops home to their families. Now is the time to 
respond to the needs of the American people as we build with the Iraqi 
people the next step of freedom.
  And then I believe it is important to tell the American people that 
you are

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not going to betray them by eliminating Social Security. Social 
Security is not a retirement benefit. It is also a survivors benefit 
for children and the disabled. It is time now to recognize that we 
invested in Social Security. Do not betray us. Tell the American people 
how we can move forward together.

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