I am here to speak in support of H.R. 679, Honor America's Guard-Reserve Retirees Act.

This is smart stuff.

This bill is not about financial benefits. It is about what I consider to be a simple oversight that they do not have the legal ability to call themselves veterans of America's Armed Forces.

I may be somewhat biased, but I am incredibly proud of this Committee and the work you have done.

It is about duty, honor, country, and respect.

I would like to thank Chairman Runyan and the group of bi-partisan Members of Congress who introduced this bill with me.

I support this bill but understand the reservations concerning moving the envelope on what type of service accords veteran status.

For those who have completed 20 years or more in the reserve component but have not served a qualifying period of Federal active duty, we honor their service with similar benefits given to active duty military retirees.

The men and women of the reserve components take the same oath to serve and protect our country as the active component.

I see no mention of long-term TBI rehab provisions that came out of the Lejeune Act.

I think it is important that we understand that it is the outcome that matters, effectiveness is what matters, and we have got to look at this.