Text of Senator Charles Schumer's Letter to President George W. Bush

Dear Mr. President:

I would like to again extend my best wishes and support to you and the troops defending our nation overseas. The American people admire their bravery, and are grateful for their sacrifice on our behalf. We join you in praying for a swift and decisive victory.

Today I am writing to respectfully urge the Administration to expand the combat zone tax exemption that currently applies to soldiers so that it includes income earned by their spouses. As I know you do, I have incredible admiration for the thousands of courageous and hard working men and women defending our country overseas. At times like these, it is important that we also remember the forgotten heroes at home - the husbands and wives of these military personnel who not only have the emotional burden of knowing their loved one is overseas and in harm's way, but also the financial burden of making up for their absence.

Many of these spouses are forced to pull double duty now that the troops are deployed - holding down jobs and taking care of their families all by themselves. Because they bear such a tremendous financial and physical strain, and because their sacrifice makes the deployment of their loved ones possible, they too are serving our country.

I believe we ought to recognize and reward their efforts, and extending to them the combat zone tax benefit would exempt these spouses from paying federal and state income taxes, providing thousands of families across New York with an average of $600 a month each in tax relief.

With their families half a world away, the men and women deployed in Iraq face the ultimate sacrifice everyday so that the people of the United States are able to enjoy the freedoms afforded them by the Constitution. Without the sacrifice of their loved ones at home who tend to their children, property, and day-to-day tasks, many of these soldiers would be unable to serve. I believe the federal government has an obligation to provide as much support as possible to these families during these troubled times

By immediately issuing the Executive Order formally conferring this designation, the Administration would be providing needed financial relief to these soldiers' families during these uncertain times. More importantly, it would also convey our nation's deep appreciation for the extraordinary sacrifices the soldiers and their loved ones are making on our behalf.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. As always, if I may be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator