Tony Thurmond: “S. 4, The Soldiers', Sailors', Airmen's and Marines' Bill of Rights Act of 1999, may be the most significant national…”

“S. 4, The Soldiers', Sailors', Airmen's and Marines' Bill of Rights Act of 1999, may be the most significant national security legislation approved by the Senate this year. It will provide the basis for major improvements in the welfare of our military personnel and their families, recruiting and retention and, in turn, the readiness of our Armed Forces. Although I was a cosponsor of the bill introduced by the leadership, the bipartisan bill reported out by the Armed Services Committee is a stronger piece of legislation because it includes a provision revising the benefits under the Montgomery GI bill. This provision proposed by Senator Cleland will be a major recruiting incentive and provide significant educational benefits to our military personnel and indirectly to families. Madam President, despite initial criticism by some officials in the Department of Defense, the provision in the bill providing an option to the career service member to choose a $30,000 bonus and stay in REDUX or a 50 percent retirement is gaining support among the military community.”