National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006 -- (House of Representatives - May 25, 2005)

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Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I would like to commend the gentleman from Washington on this amendment. It is important to evaluate and understand the financial difficulties that citizen-soldiers face when called to serve their country.

Over 400,000 citizen-soldiers have been mobilized since September 11, 2001. This is the largest activation of National Guard and Reserve members since World War II and will likely continue for the immediate future. About half of our total military are National Guard and Reserve forces.

Recent government studies show that 40 percent of them make less money while mobilized than they earn in their civilian jobs. To solve this pay problem, I have introduced H.R. 838, which would offer employers a tax credit to help make up some of the pay gap.

Military Reservists and Guardsmen unselfishly answer the call to serve and protect their country at a moment's notice, many times at a personal and financial cost. In turn, we need to show appreciation and support for their patriotic efforts.

We ask a lot of those who serve the cause of American freedom. Financial ruin should not be one of those sacrifices.

I commend the gentleman for his work on behalf of our Guard and Reservists and urge passage of this amendment.

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