[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 2 (Friday, January 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E25-E26]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF THE COMBAT MILITARY MEDICALLY RETIRED VETERANS ACT

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                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 5, 2007

  Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam Speaker, we owe our veterans a great 
debt of gratitude. Their sacrifices have protected the democratic 
ideals that are the foundation of our country, and their heroism 
continues to be an example for all Americans.
  Perhaps now, more than any time in recent history, it is important to 
remember that our Nation has remained strong because of those who have 
fought and died for our country. By answering the call of duty and 
risking their lives to protect their fellow citizens, these patriots 
have inspired us with their courage, compassion, and dedication.
  Many of these brave men and women become severely wounded due to 
combat related injuries, and are forced to retire as physically unfit 
to perform his or her duties. Once forced out of the service, many are 
unable to find gainful employment due to their injuries while at the 
same time being rated at less than their actual disability rate by the 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). They have little to fall back 
on and deserve better for their sacrifice.
  That is why I am reintroducing the Combat Military Medically Retired 
Veterans Act, (H.R. 995 in the 109th Congress), which allows combat 
military medically retired veterans who received the Purple Heart to 
collect their prorated military retirement pay.
  This legislation differs from the current concurrent receipt benefit 
because it exempts combat military medically retired veterans from the 
current 20-year service requirement. The benefit will match their time 
of service.
  The Congressional Budget Office scored my bill at $496 million over 
ten years, certainly a small price to pay for those who have sacrificed 
so much for our great nation.
  I am proud to state that my bill has been endorsed by the American 
G.I. Forum of the United States; American Legion, Department of 
Illinois; American Legion, National Office; Blinded Veterans 
Association; Gold Star Wives of America; and the Hispanic War Veterans 
of America.

[[Page E26]]

  All military combat veterans who are military medically retired from 
combat related disabilities and have been awarded the Purple Heart 
should be exempt from the requirement of 20 years of service in order 
to be entitled to their prorated military retirement pay.
  America's disabled combat veterans gave their all for us and should 
not be penalized just because they are receiving compensation from the 
VA. While many disabled veterans go on to enjoy happy productive lives, 
many are unable to due to the severity of their wounds.
  Under any doctrine of fairness it is our moral obligation to ``care 
for him who shall have borne the battle.'' This bill is a good step in 
correcting the inequity of retirement and disability benefit to our 
combat disabled veterans.

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