Political Quotes

“I make that request now. Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, October 8, 2013. Hon. Chuck Hagel, Secretary of Defense, Washington, DC. Dear Secretary Hagel: Let me express my appreciation for your service to our nation and for the sacrifices being made by men and women in uniform serving far from home to keep America safe. As you may be aware, this past weekend five members of the Armed Forces fell in battle while serving in Afghanistan. All Americans mourn their loss and extend our condolences to their families. I am particularly disturbed to learn that death benefits have been withheld from the families of the fallen due to the government shutdown. I am therefore requesting that you review H.R. 3210, the ``Pay Our Military Act,'' which the President signed into law as Pub. L. 113-039 on September 30, 2013, and direct that death benefits be paid to the families immediately so that they can travel to Dover Air Force Base and defray the cost of funeral expenses for these fallen heroes. As a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, I know how important the work done by our men and women in uniform serving abroad is to the mission of keeping the homeland secure. I know also that your commitment to our men and women in uniform is unparalleled. Thank you for your reconsideration. Please contact me if I can be of further assistance. Very Truly Yours, Sheila Jackson Lee, Member of Congress.”