For Immediate Release Contact: Douglas Moore

June 24, 2003 202-225-6531

404-433-5561 - cell

# REPRESENTATIVES JIM MARSHALL, CHET EDWARDS INTRODUCE NEW VETERAN'S LEGISLATION

# *Legislation would end the Veterans disability fine, improve health care coverage, and expand educational opportunities* 

**(Washington, DC)** -- Today, Representatives Jim Marshall (GA-3), Chet
Edwards (TX-11), Lane Evans (IL-17), Ike Skelton (MO-4), Mike Michaud
(ME-2) and Rodney Alexander (LA-5) announced the introduction of a
comprehensive package of benefits designed to honor the sacrifices and
contributions of those who have served in America's armed forces.

"As we get ready to celebrate the first 4^th^ of July holiday after our
victory in Iraq, Congressman Edwards and I wanted to let America's
veterans know that we in Congress honor and value their commitment and
service to our country," said Marshall.

Several veterans' organizations, including representatives from the
American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American
Veterans, and the Fleet Reserve Association, attended this afternoon's
press conference in support of Marshall's discharge petition and the new
legislative initiative advanced by Edwards and Marshall.

"It is true that paying military retirees all the benefits they have
earned will be costly, but we must consider that the cost is currently
being shouldered by the men and women who devote their careers to
ensuring our freedom and security," said Brian Lawrence of the Disabled
American Veterans.

A discharge petition to bring HR 303 to the floor, recently introduced
by Marshall, has already collected 191 signatures. A discharge petition
is a special House rule allowing for a majority of the House, 218
Representatives, to force a vote on an issue that is being bottled up in
committee or by the leadership. It is the same extraordinary procedure
used to force passage of campaign finance reform legislation in the last
Congress.

"America has an obligation to support our veterans. This is the main
reason why I submitted the discharge petition to bring HR 303 to the
floor, said Marshall. "There are more than 340 cosponsors of HR 303. All
we need are 218 of those 340 members to sign the petition and bring this
to a vote. If HR 303's co-sponsors really care about veterans, they'll
sign the petition -- especially considering the vote last week to
eliminate the estate tax."

The Democratic initiative introduced by Edwards and Marshall
concentrates on issues of vital concern to retired and disabled members
of the veteran community. The new legislation would end the Disabled
Veterans Tax and establish new standards to speed up decisions on
disability claims. The legislative package would also improve veterans'
health care by making it more affordable and accessible, by reducing VA
hospital waiting times and by blocking increases in prescription drug
co-payments and enrollment fees for veterans. The new legislation would
also improve the Survivor Benefits Plan (SBP) to end the two-tiered
system of benefits for the families of those killed in the line of duty.

"As a veteran myself, I am keenly aware of the contribution America's
veterans have made to our country. Without their sacrifices, we would
not be -- could not be -- the nation we are today. I am proud to offer
this legislation on behalf of America's veterans," said Marshall.