Matteo Renzi: “I am moved by the bipartisanship that has carried this bill through the House. The outstanding leadership of my…”

“I am moved by the bipartisanship that has carried this bill through the House. The outstanding leadership of my colleagues, Mr. Jones of South Carolina and Mr. McGovern of Massachusetts, illustrates the dedication of this Congress to support service members and their families who have sacrificed so much for this great country. This legislation will increase the death gratuity payment to $12,000 and will return the payment to its historical tax-exempt status. This payment must remain a gift to surviving families as a gesture of a grateful nation that dignifies their ultimate sacrifice of their loved ones. At a time when our nation is sending its sons and daughters to war, it is unconscionable to ask their families to shoulder a tax burden on a gift of thanks intended to be free from taxation. It is because of three of my constituents who gave their lives to defend our freedom that I became involved with this legislation.”