[Danette]

The White House, while expressing support for the legislation, issued a statement questioning some of its components. It criticized the use of war reserve funds for military construction projects, and urged Congress to eliminate the 66 earmarks that the administration had not requested.

It also opposed cuts in spending to carry out the 2005 base closing act, and urged Congress to consider administration proposals to increase copayments and enrollment fees for higher-income non-disabled veterans and for military retirees under 65 using Tricare.

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Military retirees are about to get screwed at the request of President Bush. I'm very disappointed in Bush.

[Army MP Retired]

Danette - fret not, this is such a small issue in the big scheme of things. As a retiree, I have the highest tier of medical insurance offered. I currently pay $480 a year for full coverage for my family of four. So long as we use our primary care provider (for non emergencies) first, there are no co-pays or deductibles. In an emergency we can go anywhere. Furthermore, almost any prescription imaginable is available - also free by mail or at a military pharmacy. In the off chance a script has to be filled in a civilian pharmacy - there is a $5 charge. The fact is that insurance premiums for retirees has fallen significantly behind costs. Too many dollars are being spent on health care and not enough dollars are being spent on bullets and tanks. I will gladly pay $960 a year for my medical insurance, which is the proposal - and still a huge bargain. I would, however, like to see vets with combat related disabilities, or maybe Purple Heart recipients, receive the coverage for free.