| At a time when Arkansas is experiencing the largest deployment of Arkansas
troops in decades, it is important this Congress does everything in our
power to provide these brave men and women with the resources to fight
this war, but we must also provide for them and their families upon returning
from their mission. I strongly believe we can do better for these
soldiers and am cosponsoring legislation in an effort to demand they receive
the benefits they need and deserve.
The National Guard and Reserve Bill of Rights Acts of 2004 is comprised
of nine principles related to deployments, equipment, compensation, health
care, child care, employment, education, retirement and representation.
Our Guard and Reserve forces sacrifice their lives daily to nobly defend
this great nation, and they deserve better treatment. This is a common-sense
piece of legislation that would require the Department of Defense to treat
active and reserve forces the same when deciding the length of deployment
and makes certain to do everything possible to ensure employment is available
upon returning from their mission.
We have an obligation to our men and women who have been activated to
provide them with the best equipment available to get the job done, and
this bill orders a study to ensure we are holding up our end of the bargain.
This bill also expands TRICARE eligibility unconditionally for members
of the Ready Reserve, seeks to fix problems with the current pay system
so that all members are fairly compensated and lowers the retirement age
from 60 to 55.
This bill also promises to raise reservists’ education benefits and
creates a new position within the Department of Defense to supervise issues
related to Reserve and Guard affairs. But we must not forget those
who are left here at home while loved ones are away. This bill would
increase funding for child care for families with parents deployed away
from home.
The fact is, we are at war, and these men and women in the National
Guard and Reserves who are fighting this battle overseas deserve to be
treated the same as full-time duty military. We should not expect
anyone to defend this country without receiving the best treatment and
compensation the government can offer. Right now, we are not doing
our best, and The National Guard and Reserve Bill of Rights of 2004 is
the first step to correcting the problems these soldiers and their families
face and shows our appreciation for the sacrifices they make for this great
nation. |
