Political Quotes

“Today I want to right a wrong--a small wrong, but a wrong nevertheless. It affects a handful of our diplomats who serve in the world's most dangerous places: Beirut, Bosnia, Kosovo, the unsettled nations of Africa and the former Soviet Union and elsewhere. And unfortunately, as the events of recent weeks prove, the need for Americans--soldiers and diplomats alike--to go in harm's way, is unlikely to abate. Our diplomats, colleagues of those killed last summer in the tragic embassy bombings in Africa, receive an allowance for their service in the most frightening places in the world--a danger allowance. This allowance is not unlike that paid to our military when they are in combat. In fact, in some places, such as Bosnia, where our military and diplomatic personnel serve side by side, both receive a special allowance for their sacrifices. The military justifiably receives this benefit tax-free. But our diplomatic personnel do not. Through an oversight in the Internal Revenue Code, diplomats are taxed on their danger pay, even though they often face similar hardships and dangers. I think that's wrong. I have a bill which would amend the Internal Revenue Code to right this wrong. It affects just a handful of people. But to them it will serve as recognition of the sacrifice they make when they represent the American people in dangerous settings overseas. I urge its quick passage.”