Defense Bill Represents Achievement and Disappointment

These are difficult times, and we are asking our military to do difficult things. With this bill, we continue to support them by providing equipment, training, resources and peace of mind for their families. I am disappointed that many good Democratic amendments were not made in order. Our servicemembers and the overall Department of Defense would have benefited greatly from their inclusion. One significant provision that was rejected on a near party-line vote would have eliminated the Widow’s Tax paid by the spouses of servicemembers who either are killed in combat or lose their lives as a result of combat wounds. It is unfortunate that an amendment to correct this unjust offset was not agreed to.