Rep. Sak offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 247.

            A resolution to express opposition to the President's pocket veto of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 and to memorialize Congress to work to enact this legislation and to include its provisions for improved veterans benefits.

            Whereas, In a move that has drawn strong reaction from across the country, President George W. Bush has employed the pocket veto to reject the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. This action, which in itself is procedurally questionable in the opinion of some, has a significant negative impact on our military personnel and veterans; and

            Whereas, With the veto of this sweeping $696 billion defense authorization measure, the President has negated legislation that would not only have increased benefits for the brave men and women serving our nation in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but also would have provided increased services to assure that veterans receive better care and treatment. The bill included a 3.5 percent pay raise, authorizations for well-deserved bonuses, and provisions for tighter oversight of critical military spending; and

            Whereas, The President has cited as his rationale for the veto his concerns over a provision pertaining to liabilities that he feels could impede reconstruction of Iraq. The legislation was enacted with overwhelming majorities in both the House and Senate and from both parties; and

            Whereas, It is extremely disheartening for the President to have taken this veto action on so crucial a step to defend our country and support our men and women in harm's way and those who have served us and now need our support as veterans. Clearly, this situation must be remedied to protect our country and those who work to keep it free; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we express opposition to the President's pocket veto of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 and memorialize Congress to work to enact this legislation and to include its provisions for improved veterans benefits; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.