Max Baucus: “this is the Military Fairness Act. I am offering it, and it is being cosponsored by Senator McCain. Very simply, this is…”

“this is the Military Fairness Act. I am offering it, and it is being cosponsored by Senator McCain. Very simply, this is the amendment that is Ping-Ponging back and forth between the House and Senate. We did pass, at one point, provisions that allow National Guard, Reservists, and other military personnel to have a level playing field and not be unfairly taxed, particularly while serving in our Armed Forces. One is the death benefits gratuity and another is the travel expenses. There are similar provisions like that. It is only fair, particularly as we are winding down the war in Iraq--and the hostilities there are not over--about 80 percent of the benefits of this amendment are to our Reservists and National Guard who will always be serving our country. This amendment makes very good sense. It is paid for by slightly reducing the rate reduction at the top rate. It is a very modest change. I think it is only fair and proper. Again, the major cosponsor of this amendment is the Senator from Arizona, Senator McCain. I urge adoption of the amendment at the appropriate time.”