Thomas Daschle: “The GAO study noted that since the attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center, utilization, mobilization of the…”

“The GAO study noted that since the attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center, utilization, mobilization of the Guard and Reserve has gone up 700 percent. We are not only seeing an increase in integration with Active-Duty Forces, but we are seeing a remarkable, continued mobilization of the Guard and Reserve for other roles having to do with the war on terror. As these continued mobilizations arise, the disruption, the extraordinary pressures and demands put on the Guard and Reserve almost require that we look upon them as active-duty personnel because they play far more an active-duty role. The fundamental question is, Do we owe them the right--not for additional compensation, no to be treated like Regulars--the right to buy health insurance so they have the coverage for their families and themselves both in war and in peace. Why is it appropriate to buy coverage for war but not appropriate to buy coverage for peace when they are purchasing it themselves?”