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Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009

Date: May 22, 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Defense


DUNCAN HUNTER NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009 -- (House of Representatives - May 22, 2008)

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Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the ranking member for yielding to me; I would like to thank the Rules Committee for making my amendment in order; and I would like to thank the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and the ranking member for making this an en bloc amendment.

Each of our veterans who have served this country deserves to be honored by a grateful Nation. I come to the floor today to offer an amendment that provides funding for the Authorized Provider Partnership Program, otherwise known as AP3.

Before the 2000 national defense authorization, veterans who had fully retired from the military were normally not afforded a traditional military funeral. The 2000 National Defense Authorization Act then established the AP3 program, which required the Department of Defense to provide at least the folding and presentation of a flag,

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the playing of taps, and to assist with any transportation or miscellaneous expenses.

The original provisions of this bill allow the Department of Defense to waive the obligation, which has resulted now in their funding being cut from this program. My amendment will reinstate the funding specifically for AP3 to $3 million, $1 million for the three branches of the military, to continue funeral honor services.

Our veterans have served our country bravely and were prepared to take the ultimate sacrifice. We owe it to them to give them a proper and fitting sendoff in the recognition that they have served this country with honor. Their love of country will not go unrecognized.

I would like to say, each of us members have attended funerals of our veterans as they passed away, and there is very compelling and very stirring of patriotism to see our older veterans pay tribute to them by honor guard or folding or presentation of the flag. It is critical we continue this, and I hope that this amendment will be passed.

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