Bob Filner: “all across this country, reservists have been called up to defend this Nation. They are doing this because they are…”

“all across this country, reservists have been called up to defend this Nation. They are doing this because they are patriotic Americans. They do it willingly, and our country is indebted to them. But these reservists face critical problems with their budgets back home. I have gotten letters, very emotional letters, from families, and I am sure every Member has, that say, for example, ``My husband is a U.S. Border Patrol agent and a reservist. On the evening of October 1, he was called to duty and ordered to report for active duty on the next day, October 2.'' She writes, ``I clearly understand this country is headed for very stressful, difficult and unpredictable times, and it is our duty to serve. But we have three children ages 1, 6 and 8, and our 6-year-old is autistic and has special needs. At this point, the country is not willing to provide me with enough money to meet his needs for the next 11 months. I cannot afford any out-of-pocket money to provide him any additional income.'' There are other letters from people who face losing their homes because they cannot keep up with the mortgage, they cannot keep their children in school because of the sudden reduction in their take-home pay. My amendment says that for Federal employees, this Nation ought to make up the difference between their pay as a reservist and their pay in their normal job. This is absolutely critical to the budgets of people all across this country.”