SASC Marks-up FY2012 NDAA
AUSN Capitol Hill News
17 June 2011
The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) – marked-up the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) – this past week. MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS of SASC Version of FY2012 National Defense Authorization ACT (NDAA):
http://armed-services.senate.gov/press/NDAA%20FY12%20Markup%20Press%20Release.pdf
Personnel Issues – to Improve the quality of life of the men and women of the all-volunteer force (active duty, National Guard, and Reserves) and their families, as well as Department of Defense civilian personnel, through fair pay, policies and benefits, and address the needs of the wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families.
Authorizes $142.4 billion for military personnel, including costs of pay, allowances, bonuses, death benefits, and permanent change of station moves.
Authorizes fiscal year 2012 active-duty end strengths for the Navy, 325,700 (decrease of 3,000); the Navy Reserve 66,200 (increase of about 700).
Authorizes a 1.6 percent across-the-board pay raise for all members of the uniformed services, consistent with the President’s request.
Does not prohibit pharmacy co-payment changes.
Does not prohibit TRICARE Prime enrollment fee increases in fiscal year 2012 and limits annual increases of the fee to the amount equal to the percentage increase in retired pay beginning on October 1, 2012.
Requires that individuals newly enrolled in the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan after September 30, 2011, transition to TRICARE for Life once they become Medicare-eligible due to age.
Prohibits the denial of reenlistment of a service member who has been determined by a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) to be fit for duty but who is subsequently determined to be unsuitable for continued military service for conditions considered by the PEB.
Amends Article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) relating to the offenses of rape, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct, to create three separate articles of the UCMJ to correct deficiencies in existing law. Also repeals Article 125 of the UCMJ, relating to the offense of sodomy.
Authorizes the service secretaries to order reserve component members to active duty for not more than 365 consecutive days for preplanned and budgeted missions.
Modifies the timeframe during which pre-separation counseling must be provided to a reserve component member being demobilized to less than 90 days of projected discharge when operational requirements warrant.
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to authorize the issuance of a Cold War Service Medal by the service secretaries.
Enhances the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program to improve the processes for determining best practices for information dispersal and outreach services, and to improve collaboration with state programs.
Modifies membership on the Department of Defense Military Family Readiness Council.
Requires hostile fire and imminent danger pay be prorated according to the number of days spent in a qualifying area rather than be paid on a monthly basis.
Equipment Issues
Senator Levin, Chair of the SASC – stated: The bill contains a unique requirement that the low-rate initial procurement contract for the fiscal year 2011 lot of the Joint Strike Fighter (LRIP-5) program must be a fixed price contract and the contract must require the contractor to absorb 100 percent of costs above the target cost.”
Provides full funding for a number of Navy programs, including: Carrier Replacement Program, Virginia-class submarine, DDG-1000, DDG-51, Littoral Combat Ship, LHA(R) amphibious assault ship, Joint High Speed Vessel, Mobile Landing Platform, and P-8 maritime patrol aircraft.
Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) – fully supports the budget request for procurement of Navy ($3.2 billion) JSF.
Authorizes $1.1 billion to continue development of the Ohio-class replacement program, SSBN(X), to modernize the sea-based leg of the nuclear deterrent system.
Requires the Department of the Navy to restructure plans to replace the cancelled Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle System and to complete analysis of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle alternatives before launching into a Marine Personnel Carrier acquisition program.
Veterans Issues: meanwhile - unemployment gets worse for Veterans:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2011-06-16-jobless-military-veterans_n.htm
Contact your Congressional delegation; let them know your position on legislation www.ausn.org.