Legislative Agenda for CY 09 & Legislative Update

February 2009 NRA News

by CAPT Ike Puzon, Director of Legislation

It is clear that the entire U.S. budget is under pressure for this year and for many years to come. This does not mean that NRA doing business as AUSN should not petition for those items that will keep the Navy and the Navy Reserve strong, trained, and ready for conflicts. Budget debates can be argued from both sides. One thing is sure that terrorists and our enemies do not care if the U.S. budget is under pressure. It is very clear that our adversaries are not worried about their budgets. To our enemies, it does not matter what our budget will support or will not support. We do need to be responsible. Now, let's hope Congress will be responsible.

The first few hearings in the new 111th Congress have given us some indication of where we are headed. The Defense budget for FY 10 may be safe, but it will not stay that way for long. Therefore, we have to watch closely our legislative issues that are of the utmost importance to the defense of our Nation. Again, what is important is in the eyes of the beholder. Budget issues can be argued many ways – but people have always been our most precious asset. Equipment can be arguably as important. Recent Mumbai terrorist attacks show us that we may not need all our technology now – but we need excellent training and well-organized forces for sure. We will need new equipment to keep people trained and ready for the unpredictable. For the 38 years I have been associated with the military services, DoD, and, now, the Congress, there has never been enough money in the budget for equipment or people that we really need. This is a sad fact when people are plotting to kill us in our malls, in restaurants, concert halls, and in tall buildings. Americans are very complacent until a catastrophe occurs. Right now, Americans want change; but they are not sure what change they want. I do not believe it is time to reduce the Defense budget. Recent terrorist actions indicate that we cannot minimize the Defense or Homeland Security budgets.

The following are issues/agenda items that we see as issues we must push for this year and next year during the 111th Congress – to make sure that the Navy is ready to fight and win:

Manpower/End-Strength; Reserve Component and Active Duty Personnel End-Strengths

Track manpower levels to ensure there are an adequate number of personnel available to meet the demands of operational requirements, including current OIF/OEF and contingency operations. Navy has taken enough personnel cuts.

Reserve Retirement Compensation Under "Operational Reserve" Policy

We must provide those Reserve Component members since 9-11 that have performed Active Duty this benefit. Wounded Warrior & Seamless Transition for Mobilized Reserve Component members, Their Families, & Separating Active Duty members – Reserve and Active Duty members that mobilize or depart the service need transition assistance when they return to their home of record. We strongly encourage full funding for the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program.

Navy and NGREA Equipment; Surface and Undersea platforms

At least $20 billion annually is needed for development and/or delivery of CVN-21, LPD-17, DDG-1000, LCS, CG(X), LHA-R, and SSN-774. Seven billion is required in top line funding increases for FY 09 and beyond. We support modernization of our Aegis fleet assets.

Aircraft: We support funding for aircraft to sustain at least 10 carrier air wings through multi-year procurement of F/A-18E/F, and E-2C/D and Joint Strike Fighter development.

NGREA: Reserve Components are 40% of deployed forces in OIF/OEF. To maintain an operational Reserve Component, training, and readiness, we support C-40A, P-8A, and EF/A-18 (Growler) for Reserve Component assignment and utilization.

Legislative Update

Support Funding for Defense Health Program

Continue working with Congress and DoD to ensure adequate funding for the Defense Health Program in order to meet readiness needs, fully fund TRICARE, and improve access for all beneficiaries regardless of age, status, or location.

Oppose TRICARE Enrollment Fees

The Defense Department has not sufficiently investigated other options to make TRICARE more cost-efficient as alternatives to shifting costs for any TRICARE program and other health care benefits to retiree beneficiaries under age 65, or Reserve Component members.

Active Duty/Reserve Component Pay

Secure additional annual pay increases that are at least .05% above the Employment Cost Index (ECI), along with targeted increases.

Reserve Component Education Enhancements

Improve education benefits for Reservists and family members plus survivors of disabled or deceased veterans who died of a service-connected disability or were killed on active duty. The new Post 9-11 GI Bill left many Reserve members behind. We will push for a Total Force approach to the Montgomery GI Bill.

Commissaries/MWR

Oppose privatization and ensure adequate funding for the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) to preserve the value of the current benefit for all patrons, protect the exchange benefit, and ensure adequate funding for MWR programs. Our entire legislative agenda and important issues are posted on our Web site for your review. We encourage our readers to review these issues. During the course of the 111th Congress, we will need your enthusiastic interaction with your Congressional delegation to ensure these issues are properly addressed.