Legislative Update 12/7/2007

Naval Reserve Association Legislative Update: December 7, 2007
Today, we remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice on December 7th, 1941.
This Update provides good news about the Status of the FY-08 National Defense Authorization Act
Current Status of National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA, H.R. 1585)
The Conference Committee – has cleared the FY-08 NDAA – after removing the Hate-Crime provision that we objected to in the bill. The next step is for the House and the Senate – to vote and pass the Conference Report – then, it will be sent to the President for signature. We thank all of you that emailed, called, and wrote your Congressional delegation to get the NDAA passed and remove the Hate-Crime provision.
Several of our legislative goals where included the Conference report;
As you may know – NRA lead the charge for Reserve Retirement improvements over the last 5 years. We worked with several key Congressional offices in constructing legislation that could get wide support. NRA held meetings, and lobbied Congressional offices for a provision that would pass both houses. It was NRA that first suggested decoupling a Reserve Retirement provision from the health care benefit, in order to allow the budget to support improvements. This year we have met with and lobbied for the provision that was included in this FY 08 NDAA Conference Report, however, we wanted the provision to include those activated since September 11, 2001. It appears that the Congressional conferees chose to make it become effective upon signature into law, which is not what NRA wanted. However, we have to look at this as a success – since it is the first change in the law ever. You must remember that we improved TRICARE and health benefits for Reserve Components in a similar manner. We can and will fight for including all those since September 11, 2001 which should and must be addressed. We will!
Reservist Retirement Age: Reduces the age at which a Reservist can draw retired pay below the age of 60 by 3 months for every aggregate 90 days of active duty service in support of a contingency operation.
Additionally, we fought and lobbied hard for changes to the Reserve Montgomery GI Bill, and it appears that changes are included in the Conference Report. Reservists will be able to use educational benefits for 10 years after separating from the reserves. This is a huge win for reserve members, that we joined with other associations to get included.
Expands the GI Bill: Allows Reservists to use their 1607 educational benefits for 10 years after separation from the reserves. Reservists who rejoin can reclaim their previously earned 1607 benefits and use them for 10 years following any subsequent separation. Enhances the types of educational benefits for which Reservists are eligible by authorizing an accelerated payment program. Allows Reservists with three cumulative years of active duty service to qualify for education benefits at 80% of the active duty rate. Creates a buy-up program for service members eligible for 1607 benefits.
Some additional provisions that NRA actively supported included in the report:
3.5% pay increase
Prohibits increased healthcare fees
Places federal pricing limits on the TRICARE retail pharmacy network
Multiple provisions to ease the burden on our military families
Multiple benefits for our military retirees and surviving spouses
Improves educational benefits for service members and their families
Improves healthcare services
Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program
Reforms the special pay and incentive system
Authorizes changes to the reservist retirement age
Reimburses Reservists for travel expenses to attend training
Please see the following links to view all changes and updates included in the FY 08 NDAA Conference report. We expect Congress to vote on it sometime – next week – and passage before Congress recesses for Christmas. If the links below do not work, copy and paste the URL into address field in your browser.
Senate Press Release. http://www.navy-reserve.org/Portals/0/Legislative/6Dec07PRSenNDAAConf.pdf
House Press Release. http://www.navy-reserve.org/Portals/0/Legislative/6Dec07PRHouseNDAAConf.pdf
Report Table of Contents http://www.navy-reserve.org/Portals/0/Legislative/6Dec07ConfNDAATOC.pdf
Feel free to forward this Legislative Update. For those of you who receive this and you are not already a member, please consider joining the Naval Reserve Association. Check us out at: www.navy-reserve.org or call on our toll free number 866-672-4968.