Thomas Daschle: “today I join with a bipartisan group of colleagues from the Senate Guard Caucus to introduce the National Guard and…”

“today I join with a bipartisan group of colleagues from the Senate Guard Caucus to introduce the National Guard and Reserve Comprehensive Health Benefits Act of 2003. This bill will allow reservists and their families to receive health coverage through Tricare by paying a modest premium. These dedicated men and women deserve a better benefit package, given the dramatic expansion of their role within our military. Indeed, there is concern that the high rate of mobilizations--which no one expects to abate--will erode this force's ability to recruit and retain top-notch personnel. South Dakota Guard leaders tell me this bill would be perhaps the most powerful tool we could give them for recruiting and retention. By providing access to quality affordable health care for reservists and their families, this bill will also ensure that when they are mobilized, they are healthy and ready to go. As I stand before you today, nearly 2,000 members of South Dakota's Guard and Reserves are deployed throughout the world--from force-protection missions at home to assignments in Europe and the Persian Gulf.”