Rep. Fossella Introduces Legislation to Provide Free Mail Privileges For Military Families

Many Military Families Finding It Difficult to Afford Postal Expenses

[Washington, DC] – Congressman Vito Fossella (R NY13) today introduced legislation to provide military families free mail privileges to send letters and care packages to active duty service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan and those hospitalized due to injury or disease.

The legislation provides a monthly voucher to the family of any soldier on the ground and participating in either Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom to cover the full cost of mailing one package up to 15 pounds.

“Our servicemen and women are making enormous sacrifices fighting the War on Terrorism and defending freedom and liberty,” Fossella said. “They face great challenges under trying circumstances, and often without the benefit of basic necessities like blankets or toothpaste. It falls upon their families back home to get them these supplies and to cover the cost of shipping them overseas. To help make life better for our soldiers and to ease the financial burden on those back home, this bill will cover the cost of mailing a monthly package to our servicemen and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is a simple way to bring a touch of home to America’s heroes overseas.”

Fossella said he drafted the legislation in response to complaints from many military families that it was becoming too costly for them to send regular care packages to their loved ones overseas. Fossella said it is common for a typical family to spend at least $1,500 annually on postage for care packages, which often consist of necessities like shampoo, powder, blankets and lines, phone cards and toothpaste.

The legislation was introduced by Fossella in the 109th Congress and passed the House as part of the Department of Defense Reauthorization Act. It was not included in the final conference report. 

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