http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Democrats-Reserves.htmlAugust 28, 2004
Democrat Urges Better Reservist Benefits
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Filed at 11:38 a.m. ET
FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- National Guard and Reserve soldiers deserve better health care and other benefits from the federal government, said North Dakota Democrat Rep. Earl Pomeroy.
In his party's weekly radio address Saturday, Pomeroy said Congress should pass a bill he introduced to provide them increased benefits.
``These soldiers don't want out,'' Pomeroy said. ``They just want to make sure families don't suffer as a result of their service.''
The National Guard and Reserve Fairness Act would provide for increased access to TRICARE, the military health care system, and more education benefits through the GI Bill, Pomeroy said. The legislation also has incentives for employers who continue to pay Guard or Reserve soldiers after they are deployed.
``At a time when we are asking so much of the members of our National Guard and Reserve, we have to take action to increase these benefits provided in return for their courageous service,'' Pomeroy said
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