Patrick Leahy: “I came from the funeral of a Guard member in Vermont, and I might say to my distinguished friend, the senior Senator…”

“I came from the funeral of a Guard member in Vermont, and I might say to my distinguished friend, the senior Senator from Virginia, the widow of this Guard member was very touched by a message the distinguished Senator from Virginia had expressed to her via me, and I appreciate that. It was his typical generosity of spirit to do so. It tells me in the war on terror, our Guard and Reserves are a 21st century fighting force, but they have a 20th century health insurance, and this partnership with Senator Graham of Florida, Senator Daschle, Senator Clinton, and others has been very good. I hope it will help. For the past 2 years, we have worked to expand the availability of health insurance to members of the 800,000-person National Guard and Reserve. It is squarely and strongly in our national interest, as well as in the interests of our Guard and Reserve soldiers and their families, to ensure that this force is strong, that our citizen-soldiers are healthy, and that these proud men and women know that there is an extensive benefit network to reward them for their sacrifice.”