Haley Stevens: “respectfully, the Senator from Massachusetts is wrong. Those who die in training or other activities related to combat…”

“respectfully, the Senator from Massachusetts is wrong. Those who die in training or other activities related to combat are covered by our amendment. We sought to recognize fallen heroes from the time they enter training for combat to go overseas. They are covered by our amendment. What this amendment does is it does not give us the opportunity to recognize those who put their lives on the line. We oppose this amendment because of that fact. We do believe there ought to be a distinction. The Senator's amendment will mean, if someone right here in this district while in uniform drinks too much and dies while driving home, they are going to get this gratuity, the same gratuity the fallen hero should get. It is wrong to cover anyone in uniform with this type of allowance. We have increased the insurance for everyone in uniform. They can buy up to $400,000. But raising this from $12,240 to $100,000--it should go to those related to combat and in combat. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator's time has expired.”