William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021

Floor Speech

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Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of Representative Palazzo's and my bipartisan amendment, which would ensure that the National Guard servicemembers aiding in our response to COVID-19 have the care that they have earned when they return home.

Under current law, National Guard soldiers and airmen on Federal orders are entitled to 6 months of transitional health coverage after they are demobilized. However, the servicemembers activated in response to the coronavirus are not eligible.

This amendment, which is identical to my bill, the Support Our National Guard Act, would expand this important benefit to the over 45,000 National Guard servicemembers serving on the front lines of this pandemic. These brave men and women are sacrificing to ensure our Nation overcomes this unprecedented crisis, and they deserve our unconditional support.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring our obligation to our National Guard and vote in support of this amendment.

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