Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) got part of his Military Family Bill of Rights legislation in the Senate’s just passed emergency tax relief measure for persons affected by Hurricane Katrina. Kerry’s provision offers tax relief to employers of members of the National Guard and Reserve. The tax relief equates to an employee retention credit, providing a 40 percent tax credit for wages paid up to $6,000 after Aug. 28 and before Dec. 31. The Senate and House are in conference resolving differences of their respective bills.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
