Rodney Frelinghuysen: “And I rise in support of House Joint Resolution 91, the Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers Act. Our government has…”

“And I rise in support of House Joint Resolution 91, the Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers Act. Our government has no greater responsibility, Mr. Speaker, than to take care of the families of our brave men and women who have fought and died for our country. This bipartisan legislation provides continuing appropriations to ensure that, if troops are killed serving our country, our government will honor its obligations to them and their families without delay. Specifically, the bill would provide for the payment of death gratuities and other benefits, such as military housing allowances, to the families of our fallen soldiers. It would provide for authorized funeral and burial services for servicemembers and their families. This measure would also pay for families to travel to meet the remains of their loved ones returning home. This bill provides appropriations to pay benefits upon the deaths of military servicemembers. My colleagues, while this bill is written as a ``continuing appropriations act,'' I want to be very clear. The intent of this legislation is to fully fund the specific benefits for all authorized recipients. Mr. Speaker, we have a solemn duty to take care of our troops and their families, especially as we remain a Nation at war.…”