U.S. House of Representative seal U.S. Representative Allyson Y. Schwartz
Representing the 13th Congressional District of Pennsylvania
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 26, 2006

 CONTACT:  Rachel Magnuson, 202-225-6111
 

Representative Schwartz Continues to Fight for

Improved Veterans Health Care

 
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Allyson Y. Schwartz commended members of the U.S. House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee for voting today in support of a provision which would bar cost-sharing increases in the military’s health care program, TRICARE. TRICARE provides health coverage to active duty soldiers, veterans, and their families, including thousands of Pennsylvanians. 

 

“Our soldiers and veterans have served America with honor, and we owe them more than just our heartfelt respect. It is paramount that we as a nation ensure that our veterans and troops are provided with the best possible health care and services,” said Rep. Schwartz.

 

Schwartz has been an outspoken opponent of the cuts in veterans health care proposed by the Bush Administration. President Bush’s 2007 budget proposal called for increased enrollment fees and deductibles for military retirees under the age of 65, including a tripling of health care fees for retired officers and a doubling of them for senior enlisted retirees. For junior enlisted retirees, fees will increase more than 40 percent over two years.

 

“At this time of war, it is appalling that the Administration is trying to slash health care benefits to the men and women who have fought for our freedom. Congress has a duty to make certain that our soldiers and veterans continue to receive access to quality, affordable health care,” said Schwartz.

 

The daughter of a Korean War veteran, Schwartz is leading several efforts in Congress in strong support of our troops and veterans.

 

Schwartz is a supporter of a plan, the Military Retirees’ Health Care Protection Act, which would block the Department of Defense from dramatically raising health care fees on veterans. The bipartisan bill, introduced by Reps. Chet Edwards and Walter Jones, would block increases to TRICARE military health insurance premiums, co-payments for pharmaceuticals, deductibles for inpatient care, and premiums for those in the Reserves and Guard who are enrolled in TRICARE. 

 

In addition to her work on veterans health care issues, Schwartz introduced legislation in 2005, the Veterans Employment and Respect Act, to provide tax breaks to businesses hiring soldiers returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill has attracted national media attention and currently has the support of over 160 Republican and Democratic members of Congress.

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