In response to a phone call made to Congressman Joe Wilson of S.C. I received his written response. He submitted an amendment to the National Healthcare bill to EXEMPT military personnel from that bill and it was favorably voted on in committee. There are 3 committees that are involved in this bill. Those committees are named in the letter below. Congressman Wilson is a Retired Colonel SC Army National Guard. Please forward to your list and make an urgent call to your own member of Congress on this subject. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said today she will endeavor to bring this legislation up for a vote this week.It needs to be passed now We need to flood the Capitol switchboard with calls and stop Pelosi in her tracks. 202-224-3121 http://www.house.gov/ MSGT Jim Whittington USAF ret

July 27, 2009 Dear Jim, Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding the role of TRICARE and military benefits in the debate on healthcare reform. I appreciate your taking the time to write. I understand your concerns and welcome your interest in this matter. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, I take the TRICARE medical costs issue very seriously. I believe it is important to maintain the high standards of healthcare that TRICARE beneficiaries currently enjoy. The House of Representatives is currently considering H.R. 3200, “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009″, which has been divided into three parts that are covered by the House Committees on Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means. As a member of the Education and Labor Committee, I took part in a marathon mark up session on July 16, 2009, that lasted well over 20 hours. While there are a number of considerations that need to be factored in to health care reform, I believe that it is of the utmost importance that our veterans are taken care of. I also offered an amendment which clarifies that TRICARE is not subject to this bill’s new mandate and penalty scheme. I believe it is necessary to ensure that TRICARE is exempt from the “pay or play” employer mandate. I am committed to shielding the men and women of our armed forces from possible coverage deterioration as a result of H.R. 3200’s complex new health care governing plan. This amendment was adopted after a unanimous vote in favor. Nevertheless, I am deeply displeased with the final legislation that the Education and Labor Committee approved by a vote of 26-22, which I voted against. Funding for our brave men and women in uniform should never be a partisan issue. Our men and women who serve this country with honor and distinction deserve to be recognized for their sacrifice, and receive the best care possible. As a retired Colonel in the South Carolina Army National Guard and the father of four sons in the military, I have a strong history of protecting the benefits of our service personnel and will continue to do so in the future. Please be assured that I will continue to strongly support our troops and veterans as health care legislation comes before me on the House floor. It is an honor to represent the people of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, and I value your input. If I may be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me. Very truly yours, Joe Wilson Member of Congress