Start of 111th Congress

By CAPT Ike Puzon, Director of Legislation

TRICARE for Life – Chopping Block Issue

We have received numerous inquires about a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report. Many have claimed that TRICARE for Life (TFL) is at risk.The CBO report lists 115 options for reducing federal spending on health care, altering federal health care programs, and making substantive changes to the nation’s health insurance system.

As in the past, CBO reports for TFL increases in copays are not formal recommendations. The suggestion for TRICARE for Life is an option, and is alarming! None of the options reported are formal recommendations. Too many of the options might affect military health care.

CBO provides this report every two years. We are concerned with legislation that might affect military health readiness and deny earned health benefits. We will continue to track this issue aggressively. Our discussion with other military associations and our coalition partners indicates a total consensus that, currently, there is immediate concern and this does deserve constant tracking. Along with our partners, we will track this and make sure Congress understands NRA does not support any increase fees for any retiree/Reservist/veteran health care program.

Steady Decline in Congressional Members with Military Service

The percentage of military veterans in Congress has been declining since it peaked in the late 1960’s with 74 percent. In the 111th Congress, only 28 percent of U.S. Senators and 23 percent of U.S. Representatives have served in the military, Active, Guard, and Reserve. The lack of military service does not mean we do not have strong supporters of military and veterans issues.

In the 111th Congress, there are 121 Members (22%) who have served in the military, five less than in the 110th Congress. The House has 96 veterans (including two Delegates); the Senate, 25. These Members served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo. Some have served in the Reserves and the National Guard. Several Members are still serving as Reservists. The number of veterans in the 111th Congress reflects the trend of a steady decline in the number of Members who have served in the military. Overall, the percentage is an all-time low for Congress as stated above. For example, there were 298 veterans (240 Representatives, 58 Senators) in the 96th Congress (1979–1981); and 398 veterans (329 Representatives, 69 Senators) in the 91st Congress (1969-1971), or about 74%!

What does this mean? We all must work harder and constantly to make sure our Congressional delegations and their staffs are educated on the military and veterans issues.

NRA Attends HVAC Roundtable and Provides Military/Veterans Inputs

Over the last 30 days, the Naval Reserve Association (NRA) was invited to provide inputs to the following;

• 44th Presidential Transition Team – veterans and military issues and our legislative agenda.
• House Veterans Affairs Committee – asked for our veterans issues and our attendance to a roundtable discussion.

We did provide a detailed input and did speak to your issues at both of these invitations. We will work your issues with all committees during the 111th Congress – but it will take your constant involvement to make the legislative agenda a reality. We have already started – with bills like H.R. 270 (TRICARE Continuity of Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Families Act of 2009) and H.R. 208 (National Guardsmen and Reservists Parity for Patriots Act, (http://thomas.loc.gov). We have been instrumental in pushing these forward. They need your support with your Congressional delegation now. See our action center (www.navy-reserve.org) to provide your input to Congress.

Economic Challenge for Defense Budget

We have not learned where the 111th Congress stands on Defense and veterans issues with the budget at this writing. There have been calls for cuts in the defense budget. Will all these overtures mean cuts in benefits and equipment? We do not know at this time. Where defense/veterans fit in the new administration and new Congress’ budget is very important. Our national spending as a percentage of the Gross National Product is still lower than it has been since before WWII! You are aware of the focus on economic crisis, government bailouts, loss of investment, and government stimulus spending. We (you) have to remind Congress that defending our nation must remain a top priority! There are members in Congress that are calling for a 25% cut in defense budget. Grassroots (you) are the only way to get their attention that the defense budget, even during an economic crisis, needs to be protected and seriously considered as a top priority. Make sure you let them know – defense of our nation is critical. With Congressional members having less military experience and economic pressures – the defense budget could be the payer of other issues. We cannot afford to let this happen. Take Action!