New Legislation To Help National Guard Families

March 11, 2004

In times of deployment, life is difficult for families of active-duty soldiers. But the burden can be greater for families of National Guard and Reserve members because they do not have the support system from living on a base. With that in mind, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., has introduced a bill to help families of Guard members deployed for over 30 days.

Murray's legislation, the Guard and Reserve Enhanced Benefits Act of 2004, would provide expanded health care, family assistance, education, and financial benefits for soldiers and their families.

She said in a statement that the Pentagon has reported there are currently more than 194,000 Guard and Reservists on active duty. They make up almost 40 percent of total U.S. forces in Iraq.

In January, Murray visited Camp Murray and Ft. Lewis in Washington and met with members of the 81st Brigade and their families. She heard concerns ranging from the need for accessible childcare, loss of income and difficulties in repaying student loans.

Under her bill, the Family and Medical Leave Act would be extended to cover the spouses of Guard and Reservists called to extended duty (over 30 days). Childcare grants would be provided to the parents or guardians of soldiers' children.

In addition, the measure requires that the federal government cover the pay differential for federal employees called to active duty. Currently, families of deployed Guard and Reserve members can experience financial hardships living on the lower soldier pay instead of income from regular employment.

The bill also would make access permanent to Tricare, the military healthcare program, for all members of the Guard and Reserves and their families, regardless of employment or insurance status. Under Tricare, participants pay no deductibles, premiums or co-payments for authorized medical visits and prescriptions.

Families of National Guard members and Reservists saddled with student loans would benefit too from the legislation. It would provide relief from interest rates and defer payments of unsubsidized student loans. It also would require any college receiving federal funds to offer students returning from active-duty service readmission without penalty or additional fees.