Political Quotes

“we were encouraged to learn yesterday that the administration has announced that it will support an increase in death benefits for our troops and their families. This has been a priority for the Democrats in Congress as well as many Republican Senators who have suggested it. I have cosponsored legislation with Senator Mike DeWine of Ohio proposing increases in death benefits as well as health insurance and educational assistance for the families of those soldiers who lose their lives in service to our country. In fact, one of the highest priorities on the Democratic side is a second bill standing with our troops which embodies that particular proposal that the President endorsed yesterday. But there is a lot more that needs to be done. In the bill on the Democratic side, we proposed that there be additional provisions for our troops, and Guard and Reserve forces and their military families and American veterans. Unfortunately, we have not heard from the administration that they support these other proposals. Let me tell you, though it is incredible to believe, if a soldier gives his life in service to his country today in combat, that soldier's family is entitled under the law to $12,000 in death annuity benefits--tax-free death benefits. Twelve thousand dollars is hardly enough to give to a spouse and her children when a soldier dies in combat. We have proposed that be increased at least to $100,000.”