Sean Patrick Maloney: “while I rise today in support of H.R. 1815, the ``National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006,'' I do have…”

“while I rise today in support of H.R. 1815, the ``National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006,'' I do have concerns about language in the bill that would limit the role of women serving in the military and restrict the opportunities available to them. I am hopeful that we will pass an amendment later today to correct this language. I am pleased that the bill includes provisions to provide retirement credit to the members of the National Guard serving on State duty who responded to the 9/11 attacks in New York and at the Pentagon. I, along with my friend and colleague, Representative King, and other members of the New York delegation, have introduced legislation, H.R. 2499, which would accomplish the same goal, and I am thankful that the Committee has worked with us to correct this inequity. I would like to thank Chairman Hunter, Ranking Member Skelton, Representative Synder, and especially Representative McHugh, who were so instrumental in this process, and I commend them for their commitment to the men and women serving this country all over the world. I also would like to acknowledge both the military and minority staff of the committee for their assistance. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 were an unprecedented event in American history. The provisions included in this bill will show our gratitude to the brave men and women who responded on that day by giving them the retirement benefits to which they are entitled.…”