Legislative Report for June 2015 Thunderbird Chapter 985 members, many important issues have come from you, the member. So, we want to know what issues are of interest to you. For tracking purposes, we want to know all efforts members are taking to help our AFSA issues, so please let us know anytime you make contact with an elected official. Whether you call or write a letter/email, help us with what topic you contacted them with and what the response was. Responses can be e-mailed or called in to me, any copies of your information can also be dropped off at our General Membership meeting on the 2nd Thursday of every month; next meeting is 4 June 2015. Together we can make a difference! Andrew C. Wojciuch, AFSA Chapter 985 Trustee. Hqafsa.org Inside the Issues Offset Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) - Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Issue: Congress should repeal the law that reduces military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities by the amount of any survivor benefits payable under the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program. Discussion: AFSA believes SBP and DIC payments are paid for different reasons. SBP is purchased by the retiree and is intended to provide a portion of retired pay to the survivor. DIC is a special indemnity compensation paid to the survivor when a member's service causes his or her premature death. In such cases, the DIC payment should be added to the SBP the retiree purchased, not substituted for it. It's also noteworthy as a matter of equity that surviving spouses of federal civilian retirees who are disabled veterans and die of military-service-connected causes can receive DIC without losing any of their purchased federal civilian SBP benefits. In the case of members killed on active duty since October 7, 2001, a surviving spouse with children can avoid the dollar-for-dollar offset by assigning SBP to the children. But that forces the spouse to give up any SBP claim after the children attain their majority -- leaving the spouse
with less than a $14,500 annual annuity from the VA. Those who give their lives for their country deserve fairer compensation for their surviving spouses. The October 2007 report of the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission urged elimination of the offset for all SBP-DIC widows. In 2008, Congress acknowledged the inequity in law, authorizing a modest Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA) for SBP-DIC widows to begin phasing out the offset. In June 2009, Congress increased the SSIA monthly payments to $150 in FY 2014 and increasing to $310 by FY 2017. The press release announcing the SSIA increase said, This legislation is the latest step in our continuing effort to eliminate the so-called widow s tax. Under current law, SSIA authority will expire 1 October 2017. Additionally, in the past several years, the Senate repeatedly has passed Senator Bill Nelson's, D-Fla., amendment to repeal the SBP-DIC offset in its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), only to have the provision dropped in final negotiations with the House. AFSA Position: AFSA supports a full repeal of the DIC offset to SBP. Even in today s budgetconstrained environment, the elimination of the Widow s Tax must be viewed as a funding priority. Key Bills/Status: In the 114th Congress, Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., has introduced H.R. 1594, the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., has introduced S. 979. Both bills would eliminate the SBP-DIC offset. Putting an end to Concurrent Receipt ISSUE: Congress should repeal the law that reduces military retirement pay, paid by the Department of Defense (DoD), by the amount of service-connected disability compensation received from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), for those disabled military retirees whose disability rating is less than 50 percent. BACKGROUND: For many years, the law stipulated that a citizen could not be paid twice for the same disability/service. The result was a one-for-one reduction in military retirement pay for every disability dollar received from the VA. However, since 2003 Congress has incrementally provided full concurrent retirement and disability pay (CRDP) for VA serviceconnected disability levels of 50 percent and higher. Currently, disabled military retirees with a disability rating of less than 50 percent, and also those who were medically retired with less than 20 years of service (Chapter 61), are not eligible for CRDP. Over the past several years, members of both houses of Congress have introduced legislation calling for full CRDP, only to see their legislation dropped before inclusion in the annual defense bill. In the past few years, Senator Harry Reid, D-Nev., amended the Senate s version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a CRDP provision, only to see the measure dropped in the House-Senate NDAA Conference. DISCUSSION: AFSA believes, and past congressional action on this matter affirms, that military retirement pay is provided to servicemembers who have honorably served over a
designated period of time. Also, VA disability compensation is paid for the physical or mental harm that was done to a servicemember during his/her period of service. There is no logical reason why one payment is reduced because a veteran is receiving the other. In recent years, Congress has taken steps to incrementally eliminate this reduction, with those rated 50 percent and higher now receiving all of their retirement pay from DoD and all of their VA serviceconnected disability compensation. However, the job is not yet done. AFSA POSITION: It is time for Congress to take the final step toward removing this inequity by providing full retirement pay and full disability compensation (CRDP) regardless of serviceconnected disability level for longevity retirements and for those that resulted from medical separations (Chapter 61). KEY BILLS/STATUS: In the 114th Congress, Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., has introduced H.R. 303, the Retired Pay Restoration Act, which would provide full CRDP for disabled retirees rated less than 50 percent disabled. Rep. Sanford D. Bishop s, D-Ga., H.R. 333, the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act, covers those disabled retirees addressed by H.R. 303 and also would provide full CRDP for Chapter 61 retirees who served less than 20 years. Senator Reid has introduced S. 271, the Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2015, which would accomplish the same as H.R. 333 full CRDP for all disabled retirees. AFSA Round-up GOP Rejects Illegal Immigrants in DoD Every year the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) comes up on the congressional calendar it seems inevitable that some social issue will somehow get tied to it, most often inappropriately. While it's obvious to many that reform is necessary in the US's immigration policy, keep in mind that the primary purpose of the NDAA is to give a spending plan for defense. To read The Hill's full story on some republican perspective in this area click: Immigration <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/xytqne_bpblv7dyotlkojg> House Funds Pentagon at $579 Billion Coming on the heels of a House passed $612 billion National Defense Authorization bill, House appropriators funded the Department of Defense with $579 billion. The NDAA contains an extra $33 billion for State Department, military construction and veterans benefit, thus the differing top line. To read more about this important legislation and how it provides a 2.3% pay raise versus the Administration's proposal of a 1.3% raise, click here: Appropriations <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/q_u27zxti3rpnep1bpcvaw>
In-State Tuition for Vets Delayed Whether or not they actually served, when most people hear "Veterans Choice Act" it usually inspires thoughts about medical treatment and choosing where to get it when VA can't. Another important provision of the Veterans Access, Choice & Accountability Act of 2014 required that public colleges and universities offer veterans in-state tuition rates regardless of the veteran's legal residence. Originally slated to take effect July 1, 2015, veteran students will now have to wait until January 1, 2016. For more details check out this piece from Inside Higher Ed: Tuition <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/1pkh0vmescze4l_pc9bunq> Doolittle Raid Documentary If May is Military Appreciation Month, then perhaps we should reflect on one of the most impactful military actions in history, the Doolittle Raid. AFSA was proud to sponsor legislative efforts, as well as the ceremony itself, in awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the heroes of that historic mission. Japan had previously been all but untouchable until 80 men boarded 16 B-25s and launched them off an aircraft carrier for the first time ever, with about 250 feet of runway, and flew a 1-way trip to send the message "We can get to you, and we're coming." To read more from the Air Force Times click: Doolittle <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/wwaksyu8zhkv7hzpguu4ow> AFN to Offer Live Streaming and VOD Multitudes of American families live overseas in support of their patriotic spouse or parent, so its often quite nice to get a taste of where that patriotism originates. The American Forces Network (AFN) is continuing to improve its services to increase access to US programming. Stars & Stripes reports "AFN also plans to develop video-on-demand apps for all major mobile platforms." For more click: Overseas <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/mhonnpvzark8wt5qurjjqw> Top Memorial Day in the National Capital Region The annual National Memorial Day Observance to honor America's fallen military service members is scheduled for Monday, May 25 at Arlington National Cemetery. Often lumped together with Veterans Day due to similar demographics as well as public perceptions, it is important to keep this one fact in mind: Veterans Day is meant to recognize those veterans who have returned to us; Memorial Day is meant for remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. In keeping with our history, AFSA will be attending or participating in a number of special Memorial Day Observances in the National Capitol Region.
The first event took place May 21, as AFSA Division 3 President Steven Zalesky and AFSA Director of Military & Government Relations Morgan Brown attended the annual Housing and Urban Development Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony and the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration. The Air Force Association and the Air Force Sergeants Association invite the public to join their commemorative Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony May 25 at 9:00 a.m. at the Air Force Memorial. This annual event serves as an opportunity to recognize and pay tribute to the many service members who have died in service to this nation. Several wreaths will be placed at the Air Force Memorial on this day of remembrance in honor of the many generations of military heroes. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody will be the keynote speaker at the ceremony. AFA Acting President Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Mark Barrett and AFSA Chief Executive Officer Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Rob Frank will also speak on behalf of their associations, as AFSA Chief Operating Officer Mark Stevenson will be attendance. At the same time, part of AFSA's Military& Government team, Morgan Brown and Paul Grugin, will join the Friends of the National World War II Memorial and the National Park Service in paying tribute to the more than 400,000 Americans who lost their lives during WWII during a special Memorial Day Observance at the National World War II Memorial. As part of the commemoration, a dozen World War II veterans will lay wreaths at the Freedom Wall in remembrance of their fallen brothers and sisters At 11:00 a.m., AFSA International President Dan Yeomans and Deputy Director of Government Relations Scott Porter will attend the Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by an observance program hosted by the Department of Defense in Arlington's Memorial Amphitheater. At approximately 12:01 EDT, IP Yeomans will lay a wreath before the Tomb of the Unknowns on behalf of the members of AFSA. Finally, though your weekend plans may include travel and gatherings with friends and family, make plans now to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance. Please pause from whatever you are doing for one minute at 3:00 p.m. (local time) on Memorial Day in honor those who died as a result of service to this nation. Air Force leaders' Memorial Day Message Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III sent a Memorial Day message to the Airmen of the Air Force and their families. Read More <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/-_a0z9xidkqgefwcx4ip6g>.
The American Battle Monuments Commission Just in case you're stationed overseas, the American Battle Monuments Commission is honoring America's war dead at ABMC sites throughout the world during Memorial Day weekend 2015. A list of locations and planned activities can be found here <http://www.abmc.gov/newsevents/news/memorial-day-2015-abmc-sites#.vv805gfbk72>. SASC Releases Text of FY 2016 Defense Authorization Measure This week the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) released text of its $612 billion fiscal 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, S. 1367, which it approved May 14 by a 22-4 vote. As previously reported, the SASC bill only provides a 1.3 percent active duty pay raise, versus the 2.3 percent raise allowed under current law. It also imposes new pharmacy copays which outpace index-inflated pharmacy fees already mandated by law. Last but not least, the SASC bill requires servicemembers to pay 5 percent of their housing costs out-of-pocket and directs huge budget reduction for military resale programs that could eventually undermine the benefit. Sources tell AFSA this important defense policy bill which is still a work in progress could come to the Senate floor as early as the first week of June. If your so inclined, you can read all 902 pages of the draft bill at SASC NDAA <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/gr4ujdwcnez6f_u77b7exg>. House Extends Authorization for Denver VA Project It's been a primary source of contention all week for Congress; how best to provide the nearly $830 million VA says it needs to finish a vastly over-budget hospital project in Aurora, Colorado. Lawmakers have been haggling over the issue for months now; numerous proposals have been made but none enacted, prompting this warning <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/xtkxji2k9tynxoqazw-zka> from Bob McDonald, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that without immediate action, construction on the Denver Replacement Medical Center in Aurora would shut down Sunday due a lack of funding for the project. Fortunately Congress did act, by agreeing to raise the project's cost cap to $900 million so work could continue for approximately three more weeks. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald made the following statement regarding the probable compromise (the Senate must still affirm) to prevent the shutdown: "I am pleased that Congress has taken action to ensure that construction at the site of the Denver Replacement Medical Center will continue. VA remains committed to doing the right thing for taxpayers and for the nearly 400,000 Colorado Veterans and families that the Aurora hospital will serve. I look forward to working with Congress in the coming weeks to determine a path forward to finishing the campus."
Congress in Recess Except for pro-forma sessions (basically to prevent any Presidential recess appointments), the House and Senate will be observing their annual Memorial Day Recess this week. The Senate plans to come back in on Sunday, 31 May; the House the following day. SASC Calls for Commissary Funding Cuts; Privatization Study Unlike the House, which voted to reject the Administration's proposals to greatly cut government support of commissaries, the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)-led by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.-called to both cut funding for commissaries by 23 percent, and to initiate a study to privatize the benefit. Because the House and Senate are in clear disagreement on this, it will be a conference item to be debated and hammered out later this year. An article by journalist Tom Philpott as reported in Stars and Stripes, explains the SASC action. You can read this article at Commissary <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/ghf9jnfdzc6rivvzy_xmpa>. Former Commissary Chief Tapped to Advise Military Store Leaders According to a Military Times article, anticipating that major changes may be coming to the military commissary benefit, DoD has named an official to provide advice. According to that article, "A former director of the Defense Commissary Agency has been tapped for a one-year appointment to be an adviser in the Defense Department as top officials make decisions related to the future of commissaries and exchanges. Philip E. Sakowitz, Jr., has joined the office of the deputy chief management officer in DoD "as a qualified expert" in a part-time capacity, according to DoD spokesman Navy Cmdr. Bill Urban." You can read more on this at Military Stores <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/behxcmkcei3tkdvkvpxghq>. Birth Control Options for Military Members and their Families Would Expand The Military Times reports, "House and Senate legislators are moving toward widening contraception options available to service members and their families. Draft versions of each chamber's 2016 defense authorization bill include provisions related to birth control and contraception available through the military health system. The House bill would expand options available at military treatment facilities, while the Senate bill calls for increased family planning counseling and updates to the military health system's clinical guidelines on birth control."
Those who are interested can read more on this at Birth Control <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/grjgqhwsxggxgdv2aqlacg>. TRICARE Cuts Prescription Benefits for at Least 70,000 An article in The Hill reports "This week, in the middle of Military Appreciation Month, approximately 70,000 active duty military personnel and veterans are learning that that they will no longer receive the pain medication prescribed by their physicians that were, up until last week, covered by Tricare. "The Department of Defense (DoD)... recently instituted new pricing for compounded prescriptions that went into effect on May 1 of this year. These changes reduced payments for these physician-prescribed medicines by approximately 70 percent. Despite these cuts, made at the expense of our military heroes, many in the specialty pharmacy industry were able to adapt and agree to these changes, and reduced reimbursements for Tricare beneficiaries." For more details, go to Prescription Cuts <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/ghcgknrwhzbbwzdmhxevq>. VA to Offer Medical Marijuana The Senate Appropriations Committee has backed a proposal, rejected earlier by the House, to allow the VA to consider marijuana as a treatment option in those states where medical marijuana is currently legal. This provision will still need to make it through a full Senate vote and then survive a conference with the House later this year. To read an article in The Hill about this development, go to Medical Marijuana <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/myn6ipy2pyvsrc4xqny_xg>. Top Free Admission to More than 2,000 Museums According to the Military Times, "More than 2,000 museums - showcases of fine arts, science, history, nature and more, including dozens of children's museums - are offering free admission to active-duty, National Guard and Reserve members and their families this summer." To read more, go to Free Admission <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/2kroscx6mnexy2vansgotq>.
Legislation of Interest H.R. 2465, by Rep. David W. Jolly, R-Fla., would make certain improvements to the monthly housing stipend payable under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. H.R. 2487, by Rep. Hakeem S. Jeffries, D-N.Y., would extend the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program to cover recipients of the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry scholarship. H.R. 2539, by Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III, D-Mass., would provide for an increase in the amount of monthly dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Note: This bill would entitle surviving spouses and children of qualifying veterans to monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation worth 55 percent of a fully disabled veteran's disability payments, increasing the rate from the current 43 percent. To read an article in the Brookline News about this bill, go to DIC <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/dulxzygyjw5gx6wcv-n1eq>. CMSAF Cody's Memorial Day Comments On Monday, at a Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony co-hosted by the Air Force Sergeants Association and the Air Force Association, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody gave the keynote address. An Air Force News Service article quoted some of his words. Cody said, in part, "[The] fields of green that honor our fallen men and women hold stories and memories that stir our hearts and minds, yet bring us silent reflection... Silence to consider the greatness of their gallantry; silence as we solemnly stand in awe at the number [of men and women] we've lost; silence because words will never be strong enough to comfort those left behind. In these silent moments, we honor the sacrifice of these heroes and aspire to live up to their courageous example of selflessness." The article also reported, "Cody mentioned that more than 75 percent of the men and women in an all-volunteer Air Force joined after 9/11. [Of them he said,] "They have never known a peacetime force. They have fought valiantly, in the longest sustained combat operation in the history of our nation..." To read more about the Chief's Memorial Day address, go to CMSAF <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/waiuymoehhfn-mdaqp2-tg>. For more on this ceremony, as reported by Examiner.com, go to Ceremony <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/myrp3aoctwxf24_lwaerba>.
House-Senate Differences on Retirement Changes Will Be Resolved in Conference An article in the Military Times points out that, while both the House and Senate embrace the major retirement change proposals of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC), there are differences that will need to be reconciled. This will be done later this year when the House and Senate meet in conference to iron out the differences between their two versions of the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. Both the House and Senate agree on a "blended" system that incorporates a reduced monthly payoff immediately after retirement, but adds a thrift savings plan with government contributions. However, the Times article tells us, "The House plan would dump lump-sum payouts to midcareer service members and expand government contributions and matches for troops who stay in the ranks past 20 years, provisions designed to make a military career more attractive. The Senate plan sticks closer to the commission's proposal, with a slight delay in when federal contributions will begin." For more details, go to Conference Report <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/1wecaprtfz6agop10dtc1q>. Agent Orange-Exposed Reservists Continue to Be Denied VA Care In March, AFSA testified before a joint House-Senate Veterans Affairs Committees hearing. One item we stressed explained how Reservists who operated in C-123 aircraft (previously used to deliver the defoliant Agent Orange over Vietnam) are suffering from that secondary exposure and deserve VA care. We urged the committees to rectify this situation. A recent article in the Military Times explains that the battle for VA benefits continues: "Nearly five months after a federal advisory board concluded that Air Force reservists were exposed to Agent Orange years after their C-123 aircraft were used to spray the toxic defoliant in Vietnam, the former troops are still waiting for medical benefits from the VA." The matter is held up because Congressional leaders and the VA differ over the definition of a "veteran" and the circumstances in which the VA can properly/legally provide care. You can read more by going to Agent Orange <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/pvuav-yso4_762ouf7vrxg>. Military Food Stamp Usage Statistics An article by MarketPlace.Org reports, "In 2014 more than $84 million-worth of food stamp benefits were spent at military commissaries... [In 2012] the USDA estimated that between 2,000 and 22,000 active-duty military members used food stamps, the latest data available. A report
from the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission [explains the wide spread and] suggests that between 1 percent and 2 percent of active-duty military members used food stamps in 2012... The USDA estimates that in 2012, more than 1.5 million veterans used food stamps, or about 7 percent of all veterans." To read the entire MarketPlace article, go to Food Stamps <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/lsx0nef2dku1ivmt9wk_tg>. To read an excerpt from the MCRMC report concerning food stamps, go to MCRMC <http://www.mcrmc.gov/public/docs/report/mcrmc-finalreport-29jan15-hi.pdf#page=205>. Improper Use of Government Travel Cards Still a Problem The improper use of government travel cards has been a persistent problem. An article in the Military Times reports that "...the IG documented widespread abuse of military credit cards for personal use and repeated failure of DoD's detection system for flagging potential abuse of taxpayers' dollars. In response, Pentagon officials emphasized that Government Travel Cards are issued to, billed to, and paid for by the employees who hold them. The improper charges flagged by the IG were not reimbursed by the Defense Department and taxpayers sustained no losses, because individual employees are ultimately responsible for paying the balances for any outstanding charges with out-of-pocket cash." You can read the complete article at Travel Cards <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/rnxjmv8kilbuhgmrm4d9ha>. Ten Best and Worst States for Military Retirees As reported by Think Advisor.com, WalletHub "ranked states and the District of Columbia's friendliness to military vets based on three broad categories. "The economic environment category measured the state's tax on military pensions; the number of veteran-owned businesses per 1,000 inhabitants; dollars in Defense Department contracts per 100 residents; job opportunities for vets; the number of military bases and installations per 100,000 veterans; housing affordability; cost of living; and WalletHub's Taxpayer Ranking. "The quality of life category measured the number of veterans per 100 inhabitants; the number of VA Veterans Benefits Administration facilities per number of veterans; the university system; the number of arts, leisure and recreation establishments per 100,000 inhabitants; the percentage of the population that is 40 and older; the homeless rate among veterans; and WalletHub's Weather Ranking.
"The health care category considered the number of VA health facilities per number of veterans, which was weighted twice as heavily as the other factors; the number of federal, state and local hospitals per 100,000 inhabitants; the number of physicians per 1,000 inhabitants; "patients' willingness to recommend the veteran hospitals," which was used as a proxy to determine the quality of VA health facilities; and emotional health." To read about the 10 best states as ranked by WalletHub, go to Best <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/s3hvqfej5kkijy8lb1vswa>. For WalletHub's 10 worst states for military retirees, go to Worst <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/0_ttfffqumqy_vjdurin3a>. Congress is on Recess Congressional leaders are in their home states this week during the recess which means there will not be a Washington Report on Friday. Please contact your elected officials through their district offices while they are home and stay involved through the Legislative Action Center <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/u_urd9jucru41lvums7idw>. House to Take up Defense Spending this Week Tomorrow, the full House Appropriations Committee (HAC) is scheduled to take up the FY 2016 spending measure approved last week by its Defense subcommittee. According to Defense News, "The legislation... proposes $578.6 billion in defense spending. The committee's overall funding level would be $24.4 billion above the amount enacted for the current fiscal year. "The measure includes an $88.4 billion overseas contingency operations (OCO) account, setting up a showdown with the Obama administration and a potential battle on the House floor - if not during the markup. Many government watchdogs, joined by conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats, call the OCO account a "slush fund" that should not be used to offset spending caps. "The White House has said the president will veto any bill with extra defense spending unless Republican leaders also swell domestic spending. That means the House's defense spending bill could be doomed." For the rest of the story click: Appropriations <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/y- OlRbzS3Z9qUwBuS2dSZA>
Mil-Mil Couples BAH Slashed if Senate Has its Way As reported in Stars and Stripes, journalist Tom Philpott tells us, "Many of the 40,000 dualservice couples in the military - members married to other service members - have for years drawn combined housing allowances stateside that more than cover their rent and utility costs. "The Senate Armed Services Committee [SASC-led by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.] has inserted language in its version of the fiscal 2016... [that] seeks to end what some lawmakers perceive as an income windfall for dual-service couples by linking BAH payments to what these families actually pay to rent housing at new and future assignments. "Under current law, a dual service couple with no children assigned to the same locale can each draw BAH at a lower "without dependents" rate. If the couples have a child or children, the more senior ranking member can draw BAH at a higher "with dependents" rate while the other member continues to draw BAH at the lower "without" rate. The Senate bill, in both circumstances, would allow only the higher-ranking member in dual-service marriage to draw any BAH, though at the higher with-dependents rate. The other member would be ineligible for BAH." "The impact of this change would be significant. Consider an enlisted dual-service couple, an E- 7 and E-6 with a child, who moves to Fort Bragg, N.C. Under current law the E-7 would get BAH at the with-dependents rate and the E-6 would get BAH at the without dependents rate, so their combined BAH per month would be $2628 (or $1518 plus $1110). "Under the Senate plan, only the E-7 would receive BAH, lowering the couple's income by $1110 a month or $13,320 a year." You can read the complete article at: BAH <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/ykkhatbrb8mmbhxwrrqima> Note: At this point, this is only a proposal. Our Headquarters Legislative Team is already engaged on the issue. As an association, we have always maintained that military members should each receive the housing allowance benefit in their own right and will continue to work toward that end. It is important to keep in mind that the House took no such position, so this matter is long from over, and it will eventually be a conference item to be debated between the two chambers. In the meantime, we will help communicate your views to both the House and Senate, but we ask you to do the same--to reach out to your elected officials to let them know your feelings on the matter and the financial impact this change, if enacted, would have on you and your family. To facilitate your communication with your elected officials on this matter, we will post a sample letter on the AFSA Website's Legislative Action Center (go to hqafsa.org) that you can send as is or with your personalization/adjustments.
SASC Proposal Increases TRICARE Prescription Costs. The Military Times also tells us that "The co-pays that Tricare beneficiaries fork out for prescription drugs would nearly double over 10 years under legislation proposed by the Senate Armed Services Committee. "Medications would continue to be offered at no cost through military pharmacies, as well as to survivors of those who die or died on active duty, and medically retired personnel and their family members." To read more, click: TRICARE <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/8nlapdrdg2kihiymeie-tw> Senate Looking at "Tightening Up" GI Bill Transferability Provisions. The Military Times tells us, "Congress appears intent on looking into the possibility of tightening the rules under which active-duty members can share Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits with family members. Tucked into the Senate version of the annual defense authorization bill is a provision that recommends defense officials review current policy in that area to ensure it "encourages the retention of individuals in the armed forces." "The provision also states that service secretaries should "be more selective in permitting the transferability of unused education benefits" to family members, while stopping short of mandating specific new changes or regulations." You can read the full article on this SASC proposal at: GI Bill <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/oof5fndudykjnbbsiwawjg> Will Commissary Costs Increase And Hours Decrease? In the Albuquerque Journal, journalist Tom Philpott highlights one proposal in the SASC version of the FY 2016 NDAA-greatly reducing the value of the military commissary benefit. Philpott wrote, "The Senate Armed Services Committee has accepted a Defense Department plan to pare taxpayer support of base grocery stores, which, if enacted into law, would lower shopper savings at least two percentage points next year, as well as cut store operating hours and other shopper services. "Defenders of the benefit for military families and the military resale industry fear the committee's action, if it becomes law, would be a significant first step toward devaluing, or even phasing out, discounted on-base shopping at stateside facilities. "The Senate committee adds fuel to that fear with language in its version of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act not only to lower funding for Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)
by 23 percent next fiscal year, but also directing studies on privatizing on-base grocery stores and ordering testing of privatization for at least five commissaries." More at: Commissary <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/guso3sdtnksw3yuzl6jfhw> Joint Chiefs Support "Blended" Retirement Proposal--with Modification. The Joint Chiefs of Staff support the retirement change proposals of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission that would save significant retirement dollars. The recommendation is for a "blended" system with a reduced monthly payment immediately after retirement and a government-matching Thrift Savings Plan collectable at age 60. If would also provide the TSP benefit for those who serve for less than 20 years. However, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, including USAF Chief of Staff General Mark A. Welsh III, agree with AFSA that if there is to be government matching of the Thrift Savings portion of the plan, it should continue throughout a career-not stop at 20 years of service--and the program would need to be closely monitored for its impact on the All-Volunteer Force. An article in the Military Times reports, "Overall, the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff support the current proposal but have some concern about its potential impact on retention of career troops and want to ensure the new rules do not cut the overall real value of the retirement benefit for those who serve 20 years or more. "What we're worried about is: Don't reward people who stay less than 20 by hurting people who stay more than 20," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh in a May 21 virtual town hall meeting with enlisted airmen. "We want people still to stay in and serve a career in the Air Force, so the longer you stay, the more benefit the plan should be to you," Welsh went on to say. To read more, which includes a detailed explanation of the blended retirement proposal, go to: Retirement <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/x0k1dzf5oojb_yhqxadmja> Are Enlisted Pilots Coming Back? According to the Air Force Times, "Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh will make a decision in November on whether enlisted airmen can fly remotely piloted aircraft [RPA], commonly known as drones. What's more, Welsh opened the door to considering enlisted pilots in manned aircraft as well. "It's time to look at how we use this talent pool in a different way," Welsh said. "And one of the ways we could use it is not just in the RPA force. RPA would just be the first piece; we have to look at the pilot force in general.""
Interested? Read more at: Pilot https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/81jx58s8mokpdoht1cebca CMSAF Binnicker to Be Buried at Arlington Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (Ret.) James C. Binnicker, who died on 21 March, is scheduled to be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at 0900 on 14 August. For more information as provided by Air Force News Service, go to: Funeral <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/s2_mzesh7yik-mwmad_nya> BAH Cuts Not Just for Mil-Mil Couples: Take Action Today In Monday's Headline Roundup, we explained how the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), has proposed slashing the amount of basic allowance for housing (BAH) a military member living with another military member can receive. Information in the AFSA Website's (hqafsa.org) Legislative Action Center explains the issue: "In a recent article reported in Stars and Stripes, Journalist Tom Philpott gave this example, "Consider an enlisted dual-service couple, an E-7 and E-6 with a child, who moves to Fort Bragg, N.C. Under current law the E-7 would get BAH at the with-dependents rate and the E-6 would get BAH at the without dependents rate, so their combined BAH per month would be $2628 (or $1518 plus $1110). Under the Senate plan, only the E-7 would receive BAH, lowering the couple's income by $1110 a month or $13,320 a year. Another provision in the Senate's draft would curb BAH for service members who reside together to save money. Service members in pay grade E-4 and higher who live together would see their BAH capped at 75 percent of "their otherwise prevailing rate" for their pay grade or at the E-4 "without dependents" rate, whichever is greater." While the full Senate may begin taking up the SASC version of the FY 2016 NDAA as early as this afternoon, and is likely to rubber stamp the SASC proposals, this matter is a long way from over. After the full Senate passes its bill, the matter will go to conference with the House, which made no such BAH-related proposal. That conference is unlikely to take place for a couple months. So, to stop this financially destructive proposal, heavy communication from all servicemembers who are concerned is needed now. Your AFSA Headquarters Legislative Team has posted a template letter (in its Legislative Action Center) for you to send to your Senators urging that they stop this proposal. You can send the letters "as is" or with your adjustments/personalization. Please act now, if this is an important matter to you. You can do so by going to: BAH Letter <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/ivsmeto7egyaolthbddnnw>
Note: Since the matter broke, CMSAF Jim Cody, participated in an "Ask Me Anything!" session on Reddit. An Airman asked the Chief about the BAH proposal for military-military couples [proposed by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and the SASC]. The Chief responded, "I just recently learned of this myself...coming from a dual military family I fully appreciate the concern and questions that arise. Airmen serve in their own right, and it is important we recognize this and appropriately compensate each Airman. We'll monitor this closely, and I promise you I'll provide my perspective when provided the opportunity." When asked if his response is "going against Congress," the Chief responded, "It's not going against Congress. It is a proposed bill that is up for debate. If it was passed as a law it would be going against Congress. Do you think the Chief of Staff is going against Congress when he argues for mothballing the A-10? No, it's part of the debate process." For the full exchange click: Reddit <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/rwrek3uzy75fhwlthqvv0a> Why Military Women Would be Hit Hardest by BAH Cuts An article in Task & Purpose contends, "This will hit active-duty women hardest; a 2011 Pew Research Study shows that servicewomen are in dual-military marriages at a much higher rate (48%) than men in uniform (7%). At a time when the government is pushing diversity initiatives and trying to encourage female retention within the armed forces, the Senate tacitly proposing that two people of the same rank doing the same job be compensated differently based on who they're married to reeks of discrimination. This begs another question, of course: Why should service members receive less of their pay based on who they choose to room with? Having roommates not only enables service members to save money or potentially afford a better place, but it also builds camaraderie and esprit de corps. Why would Congress want to discourage this?" You can read the Pew Research study about Active Duty women at: Pew <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/evk52zou9zlaoxfuf0gkgw> To read the complete Task & Purpose article, go to: Task <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/wfkvusfcgdz6xiw7h593oq> House Committee Passes Defense Appropriations Bill An article in the Military Times reports, "House appropriators Tuesday advanced a $579 billion defense budget bill for fiscal 2016 that Republicans lauded as a responsible step toward funding national security and Democrats decried as another step toward fiscal chaos. The funding measure, approved by the House Appropriations Committee, includes a 10 percent boost in equipment procurement, a 3 percent increase for operations and maintenance funding, and enough money for a 2.3 percent military pay raise next year. The higher pay raise would add between $250 and $800 a year to most troops' pay, but will also cost about $4 billion more over the next five years - money Pentagon planners want to spend on modernization and readiness accounts."
To read more, go to: Approps <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/lj_njb8hiar3cf4pmxbouw> Note: The White House has vowed to veto any bill that does not treat domestic spending at the same priority as military spending. The Congressional position is essentially that the Defense bill (which has nothing to do with domestic spending) should not be held hostage to unrelated matters. House Disagrees with Administration/SASC on Commissary Cuts. An article in the Military Times reports, "Battle lines may be forming between the House and the Senate over the future of commissaries. House appropriators on Tuesday restored $322 million that defense officials sought to cut from the Defense Commissary Agency budget for 2016. A budget reduction of that size would force most commissaries to cut operating days and hours. The House appropriations bill next goes to the full House, which in May rejected the Pentagon's proposed cuts to commissary funding as part of its version of the 2016 defense authorization bill. "However, the Senate Armed Services Committee, in its draft version of the authorization bill, agreed to cut that $322 million [requested by the Administration] from the commissary system's annual $1.4 billion budget. That provision would allow the Defense Department to raise prices to cover operating costs. Under current law, all commissary products must be sold at cost." For more on this, go to: Commissary <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/er38x_c5lcjlesrc6cyd_w> DoD Announces ABA Coverage Improvements for TRICARE In a recent article by Autism Speaks, we learn, "TRICARE, the Department of Defense healthcare program, announced improvements to its coverage of applied behavior analysis (ABA) for beneficiaries with autism. The improvements were announced as amendments to the TRICARE Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration (ACD). "The newly published federal register notice describes the changes, including aligning ABA cost shares with other outpatient services under the TRICARE Basic Program and having cost shares accrue to the annual family catastrophic cap. ABA provider reimbursement rates will be based on "geographic practice cost indices." "The notice states, "As a result of this adjustment, all TRICARE beneficiaries receiving ABA for ASD [Autism Spectrum Disorder] under the ACD will now be protected from excessive out of pocket costs by the applicable catastrophic cap based on their sponsor's status and TRICARE plan under which covered." Those interested can read more at: TRICARE <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/05v7dvmehjrpm1fp42p_ca>
Ending Veterans' Homelessness: Specific Targets vs. Long-Term Goals Over the past few years, the Administration has announced it plans to end veterans' homelessness by the end of this calendar year (2015). Last July, when Robert McDonald replaced Eric Shinseki as VA Secretary, the pledge was repeated. Now, according to the Military Times, "Heads of the departments of Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Labor on Monday backed off the White House's stated goal of ending veterans' homelessness by the start of 2016, instead emphasizing "sustainable" plans to permanently end the problem as soon as possible. "We're fixated on getting to the goal eventually and not on getting there by Jan.1, or Dec. 31," said VA Secretary Bob McDonald. "What's important is to build a system that can last... and not to pick a specific day."" To read more, go to: Homeless <https://www.votervoice.net/broadcastlinks/zansvpjm9qt6ytc37lsjrg>