Weekly Update - 23 May 2008
WASHINGTON REPORT
House Approves NDAA
On Thursday evening the House, by a vote of 384-23, approved H.R. 5658 the FY 2009 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The bill rejects the Administration attempt to raise TRICARE fees and provides funding to cover the gap created. In addition, a 3.9 percent raise for active duty troops was approved along with increases in overall troop strength for the Army and Marine Corps. NAUS will continue to review the entire bill and as we glean other items of interest, we will pass them on.
Of interest to our readers, the NAUS supported Mail Voucher program, H.R. 1439, introduced by Rep. Vito Fossella (R-NY), was added as an amendment to the NDAA. As you recall the bill provides free mailing privileges for family members to send mail and packages to their loved ones serving in combat areas. Senator Clinton (D-NY) is the sponsor of S. 1444, which is the companion bill. We urge the Senate to also adopt the measure and include it in their version of the NDAA.
Hopefully there will be a sense of urgency, which will spur the Senate to complete action and approve their version of the NDAA and allow a conference to be completed before Congress recesses in October for elections.
NAUS Note: The bill approved by the House also carries a proposed cut in a future retiree COLA. The COLA cut is a partial payment to offset the bill's rejection of the Administration's proposed fee increase. Several military organizations refer to this move as a "simple budget gimmick." NAUS see the "gimmick" as a clear signal from the Committee of intent, indicating a possible future position on the issue; namely, one way or the other, our elected members of Congress are turning to higher TRICARE fees or lower COLAs or some other alternative.
Though the actual affect of the Committee's action is prospective (doesn't occur until fiscal 2013) and more-than-likely never going to happen, the fact remains that it looked to retirees to pay more. And that's a red-flag.
Senate Approves Supplemental Spending Bill, Expansion of MGIB
On Thursday, the Senate passed a two-part supplemental spending package that included $165 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as increased veterans' benefits and an extension of unemployment insurance and other domestic programs.
Senate lawmakers attached much of the text of S.22 introduced by Senator Jim Webb, (D-VA), which would essentially provide a four-year scholarship to any public university to individuals who have served since Sept. 11, 2001. It would also give the prospective student a monthly stipend based on their housing costs, and ensures Guard and Reserve members have access to similar benefits.
On numerous occasions DoD and the Administration have cited opposition to S. 22 due to the bills overall cost, ($51 Billion over 10 yrs) and the belief that a "too generous" benefit would negatively impact retention in the military. Likewise the President has repeatedly threatened to veto the emergency supplemental if it includes spending for domestic programs or exceeded his proposed budget cap.
The bill approved by the Senate yesterday heads to the House for consideration after Congress's Memorial Day recess. Though the House bill approved zero war funding in its supplemental last week, it approved similar language on the Montgomery GI Bill expansion, increasing the likelihood that improved educational benefits will occur in the near future.
House Approves Numerous Veterans Bills\
As Memorial Day approaches, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the following ten bipartisan measures on Wednesday to improve benefits and services for veterans.
H.R. 2790, as amended, which passed by voice vote, will establish the position of Director of Physician Assistant Services within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
H.R. 3681, as amended, the Veterans' Benefits Awareness Act of 2007, which passed by voice vote, will authorize VA to purchase advertising in national media to promote awareness of veterans' benefits.
H.R. 3889, as amended, which passed by voice vote, will require a longitudinal study of VA vocational rehabilitation programs.
H.R. 5554, as amended, the Justin Bailey Veterans' Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008, which passed by a voice vote, will expand and improve VA health care services for substance use disorders.
H.R. 5664, as amended, which passed by voice vote, will direct VA to update, at least once every six years, plans and specifications for its specially adapted housing program.
H.R. 5729, as amended, the Spina Bifida Health Care Program Expansion Act, which passed by voice vote, will direct VA to provide comprehensive health care to certain Vietnam veterans' children born with spina bifida.
H.R. 6048, which passed by a voice vote, will amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for the protection of child custody arrangements for parents deployed in support of a contingency operation.
Additionally the House unanimously approved the following three bipartisan measures to improve benefits and services for veterans.
H.R. 3819, the Veterans' Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2007, which passed the House by a vote of 412-0, will require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse veterans receiving emergency treatment in non-VA facilities for such treatment until transfer to a VA facility is possible.
H.R. 5826, The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008, which passed the House by a vote of 417-0, will increase, effective December 1, 2008, the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities, and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans.
H.R. 5856, the VA Medical Facility Authorization and Lease Act of 2008, which passed the House by a vote of 416-0, will authorize major medical facility projects and major medical facility leases for VA in fiscal year 2009, and will authorize approximately $2.2 billion over the next five years to improve access to healthcare for our nation's veterans.
NAUS Testimony
Thursday NAUS Legislative Director Rick Jones presented testimony to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance on "Examining the Effectiveness of VBA Outreach Efforts." NAUS presented an analysis comparing the years from 2002-2006 in which the VA had issued a memo that directed VA representatives not to attend market VA services and benefits to veterans at Stand Downs, veterans organization conventions, retiree days or other gatherings. Rick commented that the recent VA outreach initiative marks a positive step. But he also cautioned the subcommittee that NAUS remains concerned that the culture in the VA needs to change as evidenced by the recent disclosure of an email by a VA employee which suggested that PTSD should not be as prevalent a diagnosis. Presumably this is an indication that many VA employees are continuing to look at the "cost" of treatment rather than the results, which are more important for those men and women who served on the front lines in defense of our country and our way of life. NAUS urged the subcommittee to continue to stay on top of this situation. The May 22 testimony is available on the NAUS web site at http://www.naus.org/what/testimony.html.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day provides the nation an opportunity to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation. It is a time of remembrance. The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity (duration: one minute). The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday.
We encourage you to enjoy Memorial Day, but ask that you take time on Monday to remember and honor our loved ones, our friends, and our ancestors who fought and died in service to our country. And please don't forget, on Memorial Day the flag should be flown at half-staff until noon, when it should be raised to the top.
HEALTH CARE NEWS
Are Generics and Brand-Name Drugs the Same?
A generic drug contains the same active ingredients in the same dosage forms and strengths as the brand-name drug. Since they have the same active ingredients, generic drugs can be used by patients of all ages to achieve the same medical effects of brand-name drugs.
Manufacturers do add small amounts of inactive ingredients for specific purposes, such as to add flavor and color. As a result, brand-name drugs and their generic equivalents often look different. Because these ingredients are inactive, they usually do not pose any risk for patients. If you'd like to know more about generic medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
US Family Health Plan
The US Family Health Plan is a TRICARE Prime option offered through networks of community-based, not-for-profit health care systems in six areas of the United States . You must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and reside in the one of the following designated US Family Health Plan service areas:
Learn more about the US Family Health Plan by Clicking Here.
ACTIVE DUTY NEWS
Air Force Battling Spam
All Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) bases have noted that the number of spam e-mails has been increasing for months. The potential damage from spam e-mails can come in the form of harmful attachments and Denial of Service Attacks. Recipients should send spam, as an attachment in a new e-mail, to their base/site network control center spam mailbox for analysis. Users at each AFMC base can obtain that e-mail address from their client support administrator. Those assigned to Headquarters AFMC should send them to this Email Address.
Navy Seeking Applicants
Applications are being sought for the 2008 Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21) Commission Program, which is a full-time undergraduate education and commissioning program open to enlisted Navy personnel of all pay grades and ratings. Selectees are provided a maximum of 36 months of full-time, year-round study to complete a baccalaureate degree. The deadline for submission of applications for the 2009 STA-21 Program is July 1, 2008. Specific details, eligibility criteria, application requirements and selection procedures can be found under the Program Options link at the STA-21 website.
VETERANS NEWS
CRSC Eligibility Under Disability Retirement
For retirees eligible for CRSC entitlement but retired under a disability retirement law, an offset is calculated before the final CRSC entitlement is determined. To learn more on how CRSC entitlement is calculated, Click Here.
Retiree Seminars and Conferences
Are you aware that DFAS participates with the Services in holding Retiree Seminars throughout the year at various locations? Seminars are typically one day and provide a forum for updating retirees and annuitants on pay matters as well as issues such as legislative updates. To read more the Retiree Seminars and Conferences, Click Here.
Tax Benefit for Ohio Residents
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has signed into law relief from State taxes for military members, including retirees, whose home of residence is in the State of Ohio . The new Ohio law is effective for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2007, military retired pay from the active or reserve components of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the National Guard. To read more about Ohio 's tax law, Click Here.
The Wall Updated
The names of four U.S. service members were recently etched onto the walls of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. 14 designation changes were made as well. The new names will become "official" when they are read aloud during the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at The Wallon Monday, May 26, at 1:00 p.m. With the additions, the total number of names on The Wall now stands at 58,260. To read more, Click Here.
Wearing Your Medals: A Statement of Patriotism
The Veterans Pride campaign was launched to promote veterans wearing their military medals on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and the Fourth of July. Beginning with Veterans Day 2006, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) began a program aimed at to bring veterans together across the country in a symbolic demonstration of unity and patriotism. Read more about Veterans Pride by Clicking Here.
Memorial Day Website
VA has also established a Memorial Day Website. This site provides information from the History of Memorial Day to Military Funeral Honors to Veterans Statistics. To visit the site, Click Here.
What's Going on in America : Families Sue School over English Policy
Four Hispanic families are suing St. Anne's Catholic School in Wichita , Kansas , over its requirement that students speak English at all times. The lawsuit calls for an end to the policy, which they say is discriminatory, and asks for an order barring similar policies at other schools.