Walter B. Jones: “I am back on the floor today to talk about the repeal of the death gratuity tax on the families who have given their…”

“I am back on the floor today to talk about the repeal of the death gratuity tax on the families who have given their loved ones to die for freedom in America. Mr. Speaker, behind me are the faces of just a few of those who have died in either Afghanistan or Iraq. In the year 2001, there were 292 families that received a bill from Uncle Sam in the way of a tax because their loved one died in uniform fighting for freedom. In the year 2002, there were 1,007 families that received a bill from Uncle Sam because their loved one died in uniform for freedom. Already in 2003, it is well over 280 families. Mr. Speaker, the history on this issue is that prior to 1991 or 1992, there was a $3,000 death gratuity that was given by the government to the families whose husband or wife or daughter or son died in uniform. It could be in an accident or war situation. The Congress in the early 1990s increased that from $3,000 to $6,000, but what happened is it did not go through the proper committee to take the tax off. So, Mr. Speaker, I have a bill that is H.R. 693 to repeal this tax; and in fairness to the committee and to both sides, it has been supported by both sides.”