[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 64 (Monday, May 16, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PHONE CALLS FOR THE TROOPS!

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                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 16, 2005

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, we are all committed to ensuring that our 
troops have the support they need to succeed in their mission and 
maintain high morale.
  As part of this effort, we have taken important steps to ensure that 
the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan can make free phone calls home to 
their loved ones. Last year, we passed a Defense Authorization bill 
that provided a $40 per month calling program to these soldiers. And 
our military hospitals have created adhoc programs, largely based on 
privately donated calling cards, to ensure that hospitalized troops can 
call home as well.
  In order to strengthen and expand these efforts, I have introduced 
the bipartisan ``Troops Phone Home Free Extension'' Act (H.R. 2366). 
This legislation would extend the calling program until the end of 
operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. My bill would also extend the 
program to future contingency operations to ensure that our troops do 
not have to wait for the legislative process to catch up with their 
phone call needs. Finally, the ``Troops Phone Home Free Extension'' Act 
would extend the monthly calling card program to the wounded to ensure 
that the Federal government will provide the phone benefit if private 
donations are insufficient.
  I invite you join me in fighting to maintain the morale of our 
troops, support our military families and give our soldiers the 
benefits that they have earned through their sacrifice and courage. 
Please join me in co-sponsoring the ``Troops Phone Home Free 
Extension'' Act!

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