Congressman John D. Dingell

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) gave the following statement in support of H.R. 3793, the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007. The bill, which passed by a vote of 405 to 0, ensures that members of the Armed Forces who are discharged as a result of combat-related wounds receive the full compensation to which they are entitled by the Department of Defense.

"Madame Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3793, the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation because I believe the men and women who bravely serve our country deserve everything they are promised when they sign up for the military.  This bill ensures those forced to leave military service because of a combat injury will receive the bonuses they are entitled to.  Moreover, this bill recognizes that the men and women injured in battle, in Iraq and Afghanistan, would much rather be with their brothers and sisters in the field than in a hospital nursing their wounds.  The least we can do is afford them with the benefits, pay, and assistance to which they are already entitled.

"I would like to thank Congressman Altmire for his tireless work on this legislation.  It is a fine example of how the Democratic Congress is keeping its promises to our dedicated men and women valiantly fighting on behalf of our country.  I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act."