Senate Finally Passes NDAA

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Newsletter:

Senate Finally Passes NDAA

Last evening the Senate finally passed their version of the National Defense Authorization Bill (H.R. 1585) by a vote of 92-3. The bill now moves to conference with the House to work out differences. The bill faces a possible veto by President Bush over an expansion of federal hate-crime laws, unrelated to national defense but stuck in regardless, if that provision makes it through the conference.

Among the many amendments added to the bill are several NAUS goals and items of imminent interest to retirees and their families. They include:

* The Lautenberg amendment to prohibit increases in TRICARE fees for FY2008 and to express the sense of the Senate that military service is unique and that military members have earned their benefit by virtue of their service and sacrifices.
* The Nelson amendment to eliminate the SBP/DIC offset and accelerate 30-year paid-up Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) coverage to Oct. 1, 2007.
* The Reid amendment providing full, immediate concurrent receipt to disabled retirees deemed "unemployable" by the VA retroactive to Jan. 1, 2005.
* An amendment by Sen. Lott concerning the Armed Forces Retirement Home. This amendment would prohibit “privatization” of the Home into a non-government charitable institution.
* The Chambliss amendment to reduce the Reserve retirement age by three months for each 90 days served on active duty since 9/11/01.
* The Lincoln amendment to authorize Guard or reserve members to use their mobilization GI Bill benefits up to 10 years after separating from the Selected Reserve.


One NAUS supported provision that did not make the final bill as an amendment was the Clinton sponsored Postal Bill to provide vouchers for the families and loved ones of deployed troops in order to send free mail and packages to them. It is, however, in the House passed bill. Contact your elected officials and let them know that you want this small but important “Thank You” for our brave men and women in combat included in the final version of the NDAA.


Additionally the Wounded Warrior Act was reinserted into the NDAA. This legislation addresses the care and treatment of our wounded warriors. It would:

· End the inconsistent ratings awarded for the same disabilities by DoD and the VA.

· Provide for seamless transition from DoD to VA care by requiring the Secretaries of the DoD and VA to develop a comprehensive plan.

· Authorize $50 million for improvements in diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of service members who have Traumatic Brain Injury or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

· Authorize medically retired (Chapter 61) with 50 percent disabilities and higher to receive active duty medical benefits for three years after leaving active service.

· Authorize VA and military health care providers to provide urgent and emergency medical care and counseling to family members.

· Extend eligibility for VA healthcare for combat veterans from two years to five years after discharge.

· Establish a joint DoD/VA program to develop and implement a joint electronic health record.

· Require Secretary of Defense to establish standards for housing for military outpatients and for military hospitals, clinics and specialty medical care facilities.

· Increase minimum severance pay to one year’s basic pay for those separated for disabilities incurred in a combat zone or combat related operations, and six months basic pay for all others.

· Eliminate that severance pay be deducted from disability compensation for disabilities incurred in a combat zone or combat-related operations.