[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1623] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. NIKI TSONGAS of massachusetts in the house of representatives Friday, September 21, 2012 Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on the day of September 19, 2012 because I was unavoidably detained back in my District. Had I been present, I would have voted for H.R. 5044, the Andrew P. Carpenter Tax Act. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I recognize the sacrifices made by our nation's servicemembers. It is appropriate and fair that when the student loan debt of a fallen servicemember is forgiven, his or her family members should not be hit with an income tax bill on that debt forgiveness. H.R. 5044 is a small step toward honoring their service and ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation, and I support it. ____________________