Pelosi: 'Democrats Made the Disabled Veterans Tax Too Hot for Republicans to Handle'

October 16, 2003

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today upon news that the House Republican Leadership was preparing to bring to the House floor legislation addressing the disabled veterans tax:

"I applaud the announcement today that the House Republican Leadership has finally decided to do something about the unjust disabled veterans tax. It is an important first step, but it is not good enough.

"Republicans have put forward a deal that leaves far too many veterans behind. Under the Republican deal, some veterans still will not receive one penny of compensation for their disabilities. Our veterans served for all of us -- we must be there for all of them. The Republican deal will end the tax for some veterans, but not others. That is not good enough. For those it does address, the tax may not fully end for as many as 10 years. That is not good enough.

"This deal comes as Democrats and veterans across the country continue to pressure Republicans for action to end the disabled veterans tax. In June, Democrats launched a discharge petition to give Members a chance to vote to end completely the disabled veterans tax for all military retirees. Democrats made this issue too hot for Republicans to handle. Without the pressure of the discharge petition, Republican leaders would not have considered any relief from the disabled veterans tax.

"Democrats have proposed immediately ending the disabled veterans tax for all veterans. Democrats will also fight to add $1.8 billion in the spending bill for veterans' health care and to improve survivor benefits for the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Democrats will continue to fight to ensure that America fulfills its moral obligations to those who have paid the high price for our freedom -- those who have worn our nation's uniform."

###