[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 21, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H4020]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING GOLD STAR FAMILIES

  (Mr. HIGGINS of New York asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day, 
we are reminded of the brave servicemen and -women who have given their 
lives to defend our country.
  The families of those who died in conflict, known as the Gold Star 
families, can never forget these sacrifices. Our country is indebted to 
these selfless Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice.
  No amount of financial support can ease the pain of losing a loved 
one, but veterans' benefits to surviving spouses and children provide 
an important lifeline during these times of need.
  The 2017 tax law brought many unintended consequences that Congress 
is now trying to fix, including a significant increase in tax rates on 
benefits for children of these fallen servicemembers. This is 
completely unacceptable. Congress must pass legislation to fix this now 
so families that have already given so much are not asked to give even 
more.

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