USMC photo / released
The House and Senate have already passed their respective versions of the defense bill with many similarities most likely to be in the final bill signed into law. Conversely, there are a few areas where the chambers are not aligned; this is where you can make an impact. Looking over the last few months, we can see where your engagement has paid off:
April: 170 MOAA members participated in our annual Storming The Hill event, highlighting two key concerns we wanted Congress to act on: supporting a Military Pay and Benefits, specifically the 2.6% pay raise as aligned with the Employment Cost Index; and Chapter 61 Retirees with the same concurrent receipt considerations given to those able to complete a full 20 year career.
The first topic was easier to articulate and members of Congress were mostly familiar with ECI and the need to support pay and benefits essential to recruiting and retaining an all-volunteer force. Still, we cannot take for granted approval from either chamber given all their competing priorities.
The second topic, however, was more complex and drew members and their staffs into valuable discussions. Many on Capitol Hill were unaware of the impact medical retirement has on those who served and their families-those who were unable to complete their career. The stories of people and the impact on their lives brought to life this important issue. In addition, the informative brochure and graphics painted a clear picture and generated optimism this might be the year to advance our cause.
May: The full House completed its work on the NDAA on May 24, by a vote of 351- 66. Of note was the full 2.6 percent pay raise as requested, troop strength increases, and housing allowances left intact.
June: The Senate received the defense bill from the House and began their review of the legislation to include amendments submitted by senators. Of interest in these amendments was Sen. Dean Heller's (R-Nev.) introduction of an amendment to provide concurrent receipt to retirees with a less than 50 percent disability rating, and another amendment targeting Chapter 61 retirees who were the subject of our storming efforts in April.
Neither of these amendments survived the full Senate but the effort to submit the amendment was an encouraging sign that MOAA's storming efforts made a difference and provide more fuel to continue into the next Congress.
On June 18, the Senate approved their version of the bill 85-10. The Senate likewise approved the 2.6 percent military pay raise, a slightly less increase in troop strength, and avoided changes to housing allowances.
One significant difference in the Senate's bill, if approved, would result in yet another round of TRICARE fee increases. At issue is the proposed repeal of the grandfathering of current beneficiaries entering military service prior to January 2018, passed in the FY 2017 NDAA.
It is imperative we keep this issue on our scopes and get this provision axed from the defense bill.
MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, USAF (Ret) sent a letter to members of Congress putting the final changes on the defense bill, highlighting MOAA's concerns with this proposal.
Your voice matters and we need you to exercise it here again.
Please send your elected officials a MOAA-suggested message.