[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 176 (Thursday, December 12, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H7700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
               TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, each year, Congress 
deliberately acts to craft, pass, and sign into law the National 
Defense Authorization Act, the annual policy bill for the U.S. 
Department of Defense.
  For the first time in 52 years, this may no longer be the case. This 
year, the House passed its version in June, while the Senate, again, 
dragged its feet.
  Fortunately, earlier this week, congressional leaders reached a 
compromise that will allow both Chambers to move forward. It includes 
an important amendment I offered accepted under the House version 
dealing with the Transitional Assistance Management Program, or TAMP, 
which offers health care coverage for servicemembers transitioning into 
civilian life.
  All too often, symptoms related to post-traumatic stress do not 
appear until 8 to 10 months after deployment. The amendment will extend 
coverage under TAMP by 180 days for all services rendered through 
telemedicine, which is critical, especially for those coping with 
mental injuries.
  As a father of an Active Duty soldier, I am hopeful we can bring this 
bill to the finish line and make good on our commitments to our troops 
and continue meeting our obligations around the world.

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