‘Skinny’ NDAA Leaves Out Critical Protections for Troops, Veterans, and Widows

By: James Naughton

October 30, 2019

‘Skinny’ NDAA Leaves Out Critical Protections for Troops, Veterans, and Widows — Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., flanked by Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., left, and Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., speaks to the media before a National Defense Authorization Act Conference Committee meeting on Sept. 19. This week, Inhofe introduced a "Skinny NDAA" that leaves out many of the programs under discussion by the conference committee. (Photo by Caroline Brehman/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images)

Amid growing concerns lawmakers will be unable to come to an agreement on the annual defense authorization bill, Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) introduced a “skinny NDAA” Oct. 29 to ensure essential defense programs continue uninterrupted.

While the new, $738 billion bill authorizes next year’s 3.1% military pay raise, extends bonus and incentive pays, provides for quality-of-life programs for military families, and includes funding for military construction and acquisition programs, it leaves out several MOAA-supported issues that are addressed in either the House or Senate NDAA versions, or in both. This includes language that would:

Prevent the elimination of 18,000 medical billets.
End the “widows tax.”
Require comprehensive military housing reform.
Stop changes and consolidations planned for the commissary and exchange system.
Fund necessary improvements to military spouse employment and education resources.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmaker to Back MOAA’s NDAA Priorities]

The cuts cover over 1,900 pages of legislative text. Inhofe said he introduced a skinny NDAA “to preserve all options” to continue Congress’s 58-year streak of passing an annual defense bill.

"A skinny bill is not a substitute for a full bill, but it might be a necessary next step if we don't reach an agreement soon," said Inhofe.

However, some lawmakers are throwing cold water on the notion of a skinny NDAA and see the move as a negotiating tactic. House lawmakers remain concerned that a skinny NDAA can’t pass in the chamber.

The defense bill remains in a conference committee of House and Senate lawmakers, who remain at odds over a number of issues. While the new fiscal year technically began Oct. 1, the government is operating under a temporary funding measure, known as a continuing resolution, until Nov. 21.

During that time, DoD cannot begin dozens of new projects while the department operates under last year’s authorization and funding levels.

A skinny NDAA would abandon much of the hard work lawmakers and congressional staff spent this year crafting a full defense bill. While the brinksmanship continues, time is running out for conferees.

Hopefully, the prospect of a bill in which both sides lose forces Congress to pass a bill that includes MOAA’s priorities. Click here to ask your lawmakers to ensure a full defense bill, including those key passages, reaches the president’s desk.