Ruppersberger Introduces Legislation to Make "Operation Hero Miles" Permanent

www.heromiles.org

Washington, DC - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives today that will make "Operation Hero Miles" permanent. The bill gives the Department of Defense (DOD) the authority and flexibility to give free, unrestricted, last minute plane tickets to servicemen and women on leave - to handle an urgent family situation or other unexpected emergency. The legislation also gives DOD the authority to give free plane tickets to family members of wounded troops traveling to visit their injured loved ones at military hospitals around the world.

"Military spouses, parents, and other family members are well aware of the important situations that come up when a loved one is stationed away from home for an extended period of time. This legislation will help servicemen and women quickly fly home for free to address the situation together with their family. These men and women are risking their lives for their country. I feel it is the least we can do," said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).

The "Operation Hero Miles Act of 2004" is supported on both sides of the aisle. Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and Ranking Member Ike Skelton (D-MO) of the House Armed Services Committee, Chairman Jerry Lewis (R-CA) and Ranking Member John Murtha (D-PA) of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee are co-sponsors of the legislation.

The bill gives DOD the authority to collect unused frequent flyer miles, mileage credits, or free tickets and designates an office to manage "Operation Hero Miles." In just five months, 534 million 'hero miles' have been donated. That is enough miles for 22,000 free tickets for the troops.

"The overwhelming response to Operation Hero Miles shows that Americans are truly patriotic. They want to help members of Armed Services travel to see their loved ones in their time of need. This legislation will help them do that in the years to come," said Congressman Ruppersberger.

The legislation also orders the DOD to reimburse troops who paid for their Rest and Relaxation (R & R) travel from September 15, 2003, to December 18, 2003, before DOD began paying for travel.

HR 4130: Operation Hero Miles Act of 2004

-end-