[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 15416]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               FALLEN HEROES AND FAMILIES ASSISTANCE ACT

  (Mr. BARBER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, our Nation lost five brave 
servicemembers in Afghanistan. Shortly after they were killed, their 
families were notified that our government would not pay their survivor 
benefits due to the shutdown. This is disgraceful and an outrage.
  These servicemembers gave their lives in defense of our country. When 
they stepped up to defend our Nation, we promised that they and their 
families would be cared for. Now, due to the shutdown, we have broken 
and abandoned that sacred commitment.
  Today, I am introducing the Fallen Heroes and Families Assistance 
Act, which will ensure that the promises we made to our fallen 
servicemembers are fulfilled. I urge its immediate consideration by the 
House. We must honor our commitments to our fallen heroes and their 
families.

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