[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 116 (Thursday, July 11, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H5594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       PROTECTING MILITARY WIDOWS

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Congress should strive for 
Democrats and Republicans in Washington to truly work together. When 
the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act reached 365 bipartisan 
cosponsors, I was grateful to share the good news. That is a remarkable 
more than 80 percent of Congress.
  House Democrats had the ability to bring the Military Surviving 
Spouses Equity Act to the floor tomorrow to repeal the widow's tax. 
Instead, Democratic leadership has diverted a vote by tacking it onto a 
flawed and hyperpartisan bill without notice late at night, which they 
know will not receive support on both sides of the aisle.
  This is heartbreaking for the 65,000 military widows in America. 
However, it is not too late to do the right thing and keep this as a 
standalone bipartisan bill.
  I encourage our colleagues across the aisle to put H.R. 553 on the 
Consensus Calendar. Together, we can give servicemembers and their 
families the recognition they deserve.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

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