[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 11, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCING THE EQUAL ACCESS TO PRE-SEPARATION ACT OF 2010

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                          HON. CHELLIE PINGREE

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 2010

  Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to be 
introducing the Equal Access to Pre-Separation Act of 2010. This bill 
requires the Department of Defense to give benefit information to 
members of the Reserve Component before they separate or retire.
  For too many years, members of the Guard and Reserve have left the 
service without a clear picture of the benefits their service has 
earned them. This legislation ensures that these individuals and their 
families are educated on how to access benefits like VA health care and 
Tricare health care programs.
  For years the Guard and Reserve have played a critical strategic role 
in our national defense. I am grateful to these individuals for their 
service to the Nation. They have made great sacrifices, and I believe 
that Congress has a moral obligation to educate these heroes on the 
benefits they have earned. This bill is just one way we can begin to 
re-pay them for all that they have done to protect this country. I 
strongly believe that Congress has a moral obligation to keep the 
promises made to our troops in return for their service.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming weeks to 
pass this important legislation in the House.

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