DPNM Chairman's Remarks on Memorial Day

31 May 2010
For Immediate Release

Albuquerque, NM – Today the Democratic Party of New Mexico, along with citizens across the state, remember the sacrifice of our Nation's Armed Services:

"Today, as we join with our families and friends at gatherings, matanzas, and barbecues, it is important to remember why. We honor and give praise to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country and our families: the men and women who have died in military service while protecting our freedom and the United States of America.

At 1pm MST, a national monument of remembrance will take take place -- flags will be flown at half staff -- and we will all give thanks to those who have fallen in order to protect our great Nation and preserve it's people's rights towards the pursuit of happiness and the American dream."

Sincerely,

Javier M. Gonzales
Chairman, Democratic Party of New Mexico

Heinrich Introduces Bill To Help Military Families Extend Health Care Coverage To Their Children

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich (NM-1) has introduced H.R. 4923, the TRICARE Dependent Coverage Extension Act, a bill that would increase the maximum age to 26 at which our troops and military retirees are allowed to provide health coverage to their dependent children.

“Our brave men and women in uniform sacrifice so much for our country, and it is our duty to make sure that they have access to quality, affordable health care,” said Rep. Heinrich. “Because of the new health reform bill passed by Congress, Americans who receive health insurance through a group plan will soon be able to provide coverage to dependent children up to age 26—our military health coverage must meet that same standard and be nothing less.”

Rep. Heinrich introduced this legislation following the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the sweeping health care overhaul that will allow all American citizens the opportunity to gain access to quality, affordable health care. Under the new system, individuals with private health insurance will now be able to provide coverage to their dependent children up to age 26.

TRICARE, the health insurance for military service members, retirees, and the families of both, is under the control of the U.S. Department of Defense and governed by a different section of the United States code, so it will not be affected in any way by the new health reform legislation. To provide our troops and military retirees with the same new benefits given to civilians, H.R. 4923 would amend Title 10 to change the maximum age of coverage for children from 23 to 26.

“Our military families stand behind our troops and lift them up, often making significant sacrifices like our service members themselves,” said Rep. Heinrich. “Allowing parents to provide health coverage to their dependent adult children is just one of the many small things we can do to show our military families how much we appreciate them and honor their service to our country.”

DPNM Chairman Releases Veterans' Day Statement

Albuquerque, N.M. – Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier Gonzales released the following statement for Veterans’ Day:

“New Mexicans have a proud history of serving their country as members of the United States’ Armed Forces. The Democratic Party of New Mexico remembers and honors all New Mexicans who have served, are serving or have paid the ultimate price to our great Nation.”

“Ranking 15^th in the country for the percentage civilian veterans, New Mexico has a rich history of service. Whether on Cannon, Holloman or Kirtland Air Force Bases, White Sands Missile Range – or elsewhere – we continue our legacy of military service in the modern era.”

“On this federal holiday, we turn our attention to our Veterans and thank their self-less service. The Democratic Party of New Mexico will continue to work for policies and legislation which provide support for our returning service-members and their families.”

President Obama Addresses Veterans' Issues

Today in Phoenix, Arizona, President Obama spoke to a Veterans of Foreign Wars convention. Along with his speech, several health care related protests surrounded the hall in which President Obama was speaking. As is becoming more prevalent, at least one protester (although there have been reports of others) felt the necessity to bring loaded weapons to the event.

When asked why the protester would bring a weapon to a Presidential speech, he responded that "in Arizona, I still have some freedoms." As you can expect, the main stream media latched onto this story, obscuring if not ignoring the main points of the President's speech -- which sought to clear up some issues relating to America's Veterans.

In seeking to address the needs and concerns of America's Veterans, President Obama firmly praised their service, stating veterans represented the true spirit and skill of this nation's military. He also noted the size of the modern military -- citing that never have so few served so many.

Using this statement as a segue to a broader approach to conflict resolution, President Obama stated that in the future, national security would also expand to diplomacy, development, economic might and moral example. Such a change in approach would represent a review of military priorities and postures -- "questioning conventional wisdom, rethinking old dogmas and challenging the status quo."

In addition to the reevaluating the position of the modern military in this country, President Obama promised conference participants that health care funding for veterans would be increased -- hundreds of millions of dollars to serve veterans in more rural areas of the country. He also rejected the myth that veterans' benefits would be cut under proposed health care reforms, stating flatly, "No one is going to take away your benefits. That's the truth."

For more information on Veterans in America and President Obama's policies, visit here.