Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) today supported two separate measures aimed at helping and honoring America's fighting men and women. Both passed the House Floor by overwhelming majorities.
The Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities Act, H.R. 1499, provides troops receiving combat pay with the option to set aside some of that money into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Current law may prohibit troops from saving in an IRA. Contributions to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) are limited to the lesser of $4,000 (in 2006) or the individual's taxable compensation. Combat pay is tax-free. As a result, members of the military who receive combat pay as their only source of compensation are not allowed to contribute to an IRA (because their taxable compensation is zero).
"It's ludicrous that service men and women defending America in a combat zone are penalized when it comes to saving for retirement. This bill ends that ridiculous discrepancy and treats our soldiers fairly," said Brady.
The House also passed a measure today to ensure that American military men and women, who give their lives in service to the nation, are buried peacefully and with dignity.
HR 5037, Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act of 2006, would prevent disruption of military funerals at national cemeteries beginning 60 minutes before and continuing for 60 minutes after the service; and keeps protestors at least 500 feet away from mourners during any demonstration.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that it is permissible to regulate the time, place and manner of demonstrations. HR 5037 includes the precise wording from SCOTUS, ensuring that it falls within the parameters of the First Amendment. HR 5037 does not regulate the content of the hate speech, but the time, place and manner of demonstrating.
"For all our soldiers and their families have sacrificed, providing a respectful and dignified atmosphere for a military funeral is the least we can do to honor their loved one," said Brady.
