WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today a bipartisan majority of the House Ways and Means Committee passed HR 3997, the “Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2007," a measure designed to deliver tax relief for members of the military and their families, as well as others volunteering in service in America. It was approved by voice vote.
“America is forever in debt to the women and men in the armed forces for the great sacrifice they make on behalf of all Americans," said Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), chief sponsor of the HEART Act which was introduced Tuesday evening. “This bill makes a small but important step honoring their commitment by giving much needed tax relief them and other volunteers who are our first line of defense in times of emergencies."
The HEART Act is a modest response to the extended military deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan that have created significant economic hardships for many military families. While Congress has passed a handful of temporary fixes to alleviate the hardships, the HEART Act takes the necessary step making these provisions permanent.
