Wilson, Taylor Secure Tricare for Reserve Personnel

May 19, 2005Wilson, Taylor Secure Tricare for Reserve PersonnelWASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Armed Services Committee yesterday approved an amendment sponsored by Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Congressman Gene Taylor (D-MS) to permanently provide Tricare coverage to all Reserve Component service members. "Reservists are playing an indispensable role in the War on Terror, making up over forty percent of our forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. When they are facing the same terrorists and the same dangers as our active duty personnel, they deserve to receive the same health care coverage," said Wilson. "Large scale mobilizations of the Guard and Reserve have been integral to the War on Terror, and we must address the recruitment and retention challenges facing these services. Providing permanent health care coverage is an essential step for ensuring that more men and women volunteer to serve as citizen soldiers. The Wilson-Taylor amendment to the FY 2006 National Defense Authorization Act passed with a 32-30 bipartisan vote. The House Armed Services Committee passed the FY2006 National Defense Authorization Act last night, and the full House of Representatives is expected to consider the defense bill next week. ###