Cruz wants tax break for soldiers exposed to Ebola

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) wants tax breaks for U.S. troops fighting the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

Cruz introduces S. 2965, the Operation United Assistance Tax Exclusion Act, which would extend an existing tax break for soldiers in combat zones to those who undergo a 21-day quarantine.

{mosads}“Once our armed forces are placed in harm’s way, Congress, and the Commander-in-Chief have a responsibility to support them and to provide security for the families who remain behind while they face danger,” Cruz said. “The morbidity rate of Ebola poses a substantial danger to those who have been sent to combat it and, for the first time, this risk extends beyond the battlefield and directly threatens the safety of their families.”

Cruz said that performing in the hazardous mission is the same as being deployed to a combat zone.

“Congress should give these service members the appropriate recognition and respect for their service in times of grave danger,” Cruz said. “The risks posed to our Armed Forces conducting their assigned mission in Africa warrants this consideration.”