[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14147]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 SENSE OF THE HOUSE COMMENDING NATION'S BUSINESSES AND BUSINESS OWNERS 
              FOR SUPPORT OF OUR TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 2003

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I rise today in support of H. Res. 201, 
which commends American business for its support of U.S. Reservists and 
National Guardsmen called to active duty.
  Nationwide, Reservists are averaging far more number of days either 
deployed or away from home than at the height of the Gulf War in 1991. 
They are being called up more often, are serving for longer periods of 
time, and are absolutely vital to our national military strategy. The 
U.S. military does not undertake any sustained operations anywhere in 
the world without using the National Guard and Reserve.
  Over 216,900 reservists have been called to active duty since 9/11, 
with most having to temporarily leave their civilian jobs to serve. 
Although their jobs are assured when they return, for their employers, 
war means having to continue business without key employees. Small 
firms in particular must make extraordinary sacrifices when they lose 
one of their most productive workers. Yet, despite these hardships, 
many companies continue to support these employees and their families 
while they serve their nation. H. Res. 201 expresses the sense of the 
House that our nation's businesses and business owners should be 
commended for their support of our troops and their families as they 
serve our country.
  It is important to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions made 
by American business in support of the Reservists and Guardsmen they 
employ. Many of these companies, without legal obligation to do so, 
continue to pay reservists the difference between their military pay 
and what they earn on their civilian jobs. Many also continue to pay 
health and insurance benefits for those employees and their families.
  Members of the guard and reserve can't do their job without the 
support of their family and employers. It is fitting that we take this 
opportunity to acknowledge the contribution that American business, 
both corporate and family-owned, is making to the defense of our nation 
and to our national military objectives.

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