Pelosi: With Passage of HEART Act, Congress Continues to Deliver on Our Promises to Our Troops and Veterans

May 22, 2008

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi today released the following statement tonight after the Senate passed the Heroes Earning Assistance and Tax Relief Act (HEART Act), which provides permanent tax relief for military families, expands the availability of Recovery Rebates for military families, and expands homeownership opportunities for veterans. The House approved the bill earlier this week; today's action means the bill will go the President's desk for his signature into law.

"This week, the New Direction Congress is continuing to deliver on our promises to our troops and veterans, providing common sense tax relief for them and their families at a time of a weakening economy and rising prices.

"The five tax breaks in the HEART Act will help our troops, their families, members of the National Guard and Reserve, and our veterans. The bill is part of our historic and ongoing effort to improve the military pay, benefits, readiness, and safety.

"The New Direction Congress is committed to meeting the needs of our troops, from ensuring that they have the tools and training they need in battle to caring for them and to delivering the quality health care they need when they return home.

"We hope the President will sign the HEART Act and will work with us as we move closer to sending him the GI Bill for the 21st Century, which will give free college education to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans."