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Congressman Scott Garrett
New Jersey's Fifth Congressional District
MEDIA RELEASE Contact: Steve O'Halloran

garrett backs tax relief for america's armed forces

Washington, DC - Recognizing the sacrifice of defending the principles of America's freedom, Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) today voted to provide the men and women of our armed services with meaningful tax relief. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved H.R. 878, The Armed Services Tax Fairness Act of 2003.

"Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, the men and women of our armed forces have been called into service to face a different kind of war," Garrett said following his vote. "It's a war that we have never faced before. We have asked our soldiers to serve in many places far from home and at great risk - in a cause for America's liberty, freedom and dignity.

"Though we can never truly repay the members of our Armed Forces for the sacrifices they and their families make, the least we can do is provide them with much needed tax relief to reflect our deep gratitude for their bravery and commitment to America."

Highlights of The Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003:

§ Enables military and Foreign Service personnel to expense up to $250,000 capital gains from the sale of a home with no time or residency restrictions.

§ Exempts the full $6,000 death gratuity payment from income taxes.

§ Allows dependent care benefits provided under a military dependent care assistance program to be excluded from income.

§ Provides up to $1500, above the line deduction for non-reimbursed travel expenses incurred by military reservists who serve more than 100 miles away from home for overnights stays.

§ Modifies eligibility criteria for veterans' organizations by allowing ancestors or lineal descendents to be treated as members - making it easier for veterans' organizations to qualify for tax-exempt status.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/C?c108:./temp/~c108QQCJ5d

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