Randy Tate: “while I do not believe the President ever made the case to the American people and Congress that sending United States…”

“while I do not believe the President ever made the case to the American people and Congress that sending United States ground troops to Bosnia is clearly within our vital national security interests, I cannot express how profoundly proud and deeply appreciative I am of the men and women that once again have been called upon to serve our great Nation. The men and women of our military risk their lives every day in Bosnia. I believe if our Government can do anything to help our soldiers and their families during these difficult times, it is our obligation to do so. That is why I am so disappointed that the President has not extended combat zone tax benefits to troops serving in Bosnia. In the past, these benefits have been automatic. As a Member of the 104th Congress, I am proud this body has chosen to step up to the plate and show how profoundly grateful we are for those troops serving at the request of the President. Today, we will pass a measure to provide tax relief to our troops serving in Operation Joint Endeavor. This will include eliminating taxation of combat pay, reducing estate taxes in the event of combat-related death, and forgiving income tax upon a combat-related death. This tax relief cannot fully compensate members of the military for their service, but if it helps one family or service member through this trying ordeal, then it will have been worth it.”