(Reprinted from The Macon Telegraph. Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003)

Veterans back Marshall's push for disability and retired pay

By Gene Rector
Telegraph Staff Writer

WARNER ROBINS - U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall's push for an immediate House vote on concurrent receipt picked up steam Thursday as several veterans organizations joined the Macon congressman in a display of solidarity.

Marshall has introduced a discharge petition to force a vote on H.R. 303, the Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2003. If passed, the measure would permit military retirees to receive both their retired pay and disability compensation. Current law - passed in 1891 - requires a dollar-for-dollar offset for most retirees. At least 218 House members must sign Marshall's petition to force the vote.

The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fleet Reserve Association, Military Officers Association of America and other veterans groups joined Marshall at a Thursday press conference in Washington.

"It's time for Congress to put up or shut up," Marshall said. "This legislation has been introduced each Congress for the last 16 years. That's 16 years too many." H.R. 303 was introduced by Rep. Michael Bilirakis, R-Fla. It has 326 co-sponsors.

"MOAA strongly endorses Marshall's discharge petition," said retired Vice Adm. Norb Ryan. "There is overwhelming support to right this wrong. The challenge now is to convert that support into legislative action."

The American Legion national commander, Ronald Conley, said more than 500,000 disabled veterans are impacted by the 1891 law.

"Mr. Marshall apparently wants the House to quit stalling. We agree," said Conley. "It's time for Congress to stop this travesty - the sooner the better."

Robert Washington from the Fleet Reserve Association said retired disabled veterans deserve the same treatment as other federal retirees. "This is an equity issue," he said. "Those who have served the armed forces for 20 years or more deserve the same benefits."

Doug Moore, Marshall's press aide, said 56 Congressmen have signed the petition so far, although obtaining the required 218 remains in doubt.

"The Republican leadership in the House doesn't support this," he said. "It's going to come down to the veterans and their ability to let members of Congress know how much they support this bill. If they're able to do that, they can bring a significant amount of pressure to bear."

The Senate has already passed a similar bill.

Marshall said most military retirees do not receive disability benefits from the government due to the offset. "Most don't," he said. "But to add insult to injury, as a veteran's disability increases, so does the penalty imposed by our government."

Congress passed concurrent receipt last year for a limited number of disabled military retirees who have Purple Heart related injuries of at least 10 percent or combat related disabilities of 60 percent or higher.

Both the Defense Department and President Bush oppose the legislation due to its cost - estimated at close to $60 billion over a 10-year period.