Senator Tom Carper of Delaware gave the weekly Democratic address.

Transcript

“A RETIRED NAVY CAPTAIN AND 23 YEAR VETERAN IN THE U.S. NAVY AND NAVAL RESERVES AND NOW A U.S. SENATOR FROM DELAWARE, WITH A ARE KICKING OFF THE FIVE STAR REACHES STAR BEACHES OR A BARBECUE IN YOUR BACKYARD. I WANT TO WISH YOU A HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY. WE WANT TO RECOVER THOSE WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE TO PROTECT OUR COUNTRY. IT IS A SACRED DAY. ON THIS DAY, WE REMEMBER THE VETERANS STILL WITH US. THESE MEN AND WOMEN ARE LIVING TESTIMONY TO THE SACRIFICES MADE TO PROTECT THE FREEDOMS THAT WE CHERISH. IT IS ONE OF THE GREATEST HONORS OF MY LIFE TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY FOR 23 YEARS IN THE NAVY. TODAY AS A SENIOR SENATOR FROM DELAWARE, IT IS ONE OF MY TOP PRIORITIES TO ENSURE OUR NATION FULFILLS ITS MORAL OBLIGATION TO CARE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE GONE INTO BATTLE. WE OWE OUR VETERANS MORE THAN A DEBT OF GRATITUDE FOR THEIR SERVICE. WE OWE VETERANS A STEADFAST COMMITMENT, PROVIDING THEM WITH HEALTH CARE, ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES, A SAFE PLACE TO CALL HOME, AFFORDABLE COLLEGES, AND CAREER TRAINING PROGRAMS. REALITY IS NOT EVERY VETERAN HAS ACCESS TO THE V.A. FOR HEALTH CARE. 2 MILLION VETERANS, ONE IN 10, RELY ON MEDICAID. THAT INCLUDES 6000 VETERANS IN DELAWARE. THE REPUBLICAN CARE TO DISMANTLE THE INFORMAL CARE ACT, CUTS MORE THAN $800 BILLION FROM MEDICAID. THIS PLAN COMBINED WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP’S BUDGET PROPOSAL WILL BUMP THAT TO $1 BILLION. IT AT WORST CAUSES THEM TO LOSE BENEFITS ALTOGETHER. THE VETERANS WILL SEE HIGHER HEALTH CARE COSTS LOWER QUALITY CARE, AND LESS ACCESS. TO THINK THAT PROBABLY NO VETERANS ARE HIGH RISK FOR SERIOUS AND COMPLEX HEALTH CARE ISSUES BECAUSE OF OUR SERVICE. FOR SOME VETERANS, ACCESS TO CARE IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH. CHRONIC CONDITIONS LIKE DRAMATIC BRAIN INJURY, POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, OPIOID ADDICTION, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDERS AFFECT OUR VETERANS. THE REPUBLICAN PROPOSAL SADLY TO CUT MEDICAID WILL MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR OUR MEN AND WOMEN TO GET THE HEALTH CARE THAT THEY NEED AND FRANKLY DESERVE FOR THESE SERIOUS MEDICAL ISSUES. THE BEST WAY WE CAN HONOR THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR OUR COUNTRY IS TO ARE THE ONES WHO ARE STILL WITH US TODAY. CUTTING HEALTH BENEFITS IS NO WAY TO FULFILL OUR MORAL OBLIGATION TO HELP THOSE WHO HAVE WON THE BATTLE. WE SHOULD MAKE IT EASIER FOR VETERANS TO HAVE ACCESS TO GET THEY NEED WHEN THEY NEED IT. THAT MEANS STRENGTHENING MEDICAID, FULLY FUNDING MEDICAID, NOT CUTTING IT. THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, I HOPE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ENJOY THE START OF SUMMER. I HOPE YOU REMEMBER WHY WE PAUSE TO COMMEMORATE THIS HOLIDAY. THANK YOU. GOD BLESS YOU.”