[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 42 (Wednesday, April 5, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H1458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              REPUBLICAN BUDGET ON WOMEN MILITARY RETIREES

  (Mrs. DAVIS of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I want the women who have 
served in uniform to know one thing. Some of us in Congress understand 
your struggle, and we are fighting for you.
  Shockingly, the Republican budget adopts significant increases to 
out-of-pocket costs for our women retirees who depend on the TRICARE 
program for their health care.
  Managed care enrollment fees for senior enlisted women retirees would 
double, and those for retired female officers would triple.
  I have serious doubts about the validity of any projected cost 
savings from these fee increases. It is insulting to even think of 
shifting such costs onto the backs of the brave women who have 
sacrificed so much and so selflessly.
  Moreover, this budget sends a terrible message to our past and 
present servicewomen at a time when we should be doing all that we can 
to appreciate and to reward their contributions.
  The United States made a promise to these women and to every woman 
before them who has worn the uniform. This Nation promised to take care 
of them, and the Republican budget just does not fulfill that promise.

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