David Loebsack: “I rise today to echo the vital message of this resolution. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed the…”

“I rise today to echo the vital message of this resolution. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Authorization bill with overwhelming bipartisan support. Included in that bill is a 3.5 percent pay raise for the men and women who wear our country's uniform. While we will never be able to fully repay the debt we owe to our troops and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of our Nation, this pay raise is the very least that we can do in recognition of their commitment to our country. Today our servicemembers and our military families are answering their call to duty with dedication and honor, despite lengthy deployments and little time at home. I recently returned from visiting our troops in Iraq--including the Iowa National Guard 833rd Engineer Battalion based in my District. What I heard overwhelmingly from our servicemembers is that they take pride in serving their country but are concerned about the hardship placed on their families at home. The 833rd was redeployed to Iraq after only 14 months at home. These citizen soldiers have paid a high price in their civilian and family lives in order to serve their country. The pay raise provided by the Defense Authorization bill is well deserved and a token of the appreciation of a grateful Nation.”