William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry: “I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Puerto Rico (Miss Gonzalez-Colon). Miss GONZALEZ-COLON of Puerto…”

“I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Puerto Rico (Miss Gonzalez-Colon). Miss GONZALEZ-COLON of Puerto Rico. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the bloc of amendments, and amendment 41, for the Department of Defense to gather the data necessary to successfully extend the TRICARE Prime healthcare benefit to Puerto Rico to meet the needs of our retired military families on the same basis as in the mainland. More than 200,000 Puerto Ricans have served in all branches to date, and the VA has registered almost 100,000 veterans residing in Puerto Rico, yet they face disparity in benefits. TRICARE treats Puerto Rico as an overseas location, with fees and copays higher than what they would be for Prime. Dependents of retired veterans in Puerto Rico either get fewer benefits or pay more. Puerto Rican veterans have fought, bled, and died side by side with their comrades in arms from the whole Nation. The information required through this amendment will support the decision to finally do justice for our servicemembers and veterans. Mr. Chair, I support this amendment.”