Charles Rangel: “Mr. Speaker, again, I would like to say that we should feel very proud that we are making this minor adjustment to…”

“Mr. Speaker, again, I would like to say that we should feel very proud that we are making this minor adjustment to improve the quality of life by reducing tax liability on men and women in uniform. It is hard for me to believe that as we talk, it is suggested that we are reducing the money for education for those people who are in uniform around the country, those that are dependent on Federal funds to support the localities where the men and women are stationed here in the United States. In addition to that, we are cutting back on aid for our veterans. I would hope that in the spirit in which we pass this very modest bill, that all of us, Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives, make some spirited effort to not have patriotism just be a flag on the bumper of a car, but to make some special effort to give priorities to those men and women in uniform by making certain that their kids are not denied an opportunity to get an education, and making certain that those who go in and serve, that their benefits are not being reduced.”