Providing for Further Consideration of H.R. 5658, Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009

Floor Speech

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I want to thank the gentleman from California for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule and the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Bill. I want to thank Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter for the way they worked together to craft the balanced bill before us today.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is about the men and women who serve and defend our country. One of these heroes lives in my home town of Sacramento, Sergeant Jeremiah Anderson. Sergeant Anderson is a decorated soldier who served as an armored crewman for more than 4 years. He is an American hero.

But a provision in current law has kept him from receiving the full scope of Army College Fund benefits he earned and deserves. At least 40 other veterans around the country have had the same thing happen to them. The military's educational benefits are a crucial part of the promise we make to our soldiers. We vow to repay their service by providing them with opportunities to further their education. These education benefits help our soldiers reintegrate into their communities when they return from overseas, and in return, our communities benefit from their invaluable contributions, both in the military and here at home.

We must deliver on what we promise, Mr. Speaker. I urge my colleagues to support the defense authorization bill for the good of our military families and for the safety of our Nation in the future.

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