I believe that we, in congress, share a mutual commitment to those serving our nation in our Armed Forces. That commitment is universal and nonpartisan. Brave Americans are risking their lives daily to protect our country, eliminate terrorism and preserve our freedom. As legislators, we have an unconditional obligation to provide our forces with the benefits they’ve earned and deserve. With this in mind, I would like to discuss a few legislative initiatives that I am sponsoring or co-sponsoring in the 109th Congress.
H.R. 3625, The Bartlett Montgomery GI Bill Act
I have introduced H.R. 3625, the Bartlett Montgomery GI Bill Act, which encourage servicemembers to re-enlist, support military families and provide more realistic rates of educational costs for higher learning.
My bill provides Congress a timely and meaningful opportunity to extend educational assistance to our Armed Forces and their dependents by providing the following necessary provisions:
1) Allows Servicemembers to transfer any unused portion of their GI benefits to their dependent/s
2) If a Servicemember elects for their dependent to receive benefit, it will extend the benefit entitlement period from 10 to 15 years.
3) Requires the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs to apply the Annual Adjustment to rates of educational assistance based on average cost of higher learning.
4) Provides benefits for Guard and Reserve with 2 years cumulative not consecutive service in a five year period.
H.R. 303, Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2005
I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 303 which eliminates the phase-in period to all veterans to receive both their VA compensation and their military retirement benefits. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to ensure 100% concurrent receipt for all veterans remains in the final version of the 2006 Defense Authorization.
H.R. 808, Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act
I am an original co-sponsor of this bill. As you may know there is a discharge petition which has been filed regarding the repeal of the offset for Survivor Benefit payments from Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for the surviving spouses of our retired military personnel.
While, I support the elimination of the inequitable offset between Survivor Benefit Program (SBP) and DIC, the “discharge rule” does not guarantee passage of the bill and in fact this legislative maneuver is rarely successful. The “discharge rule” of the House of Representatives is a legislative procedure by which a bill that has not been reported from committee may be considered on the House floor, but does not compel any Senate action.
Therefore, we have a higher probability of success if we include a provision in a piece of legislation such as the annual Defense Authorization bill that the Senate must consider.
I am holding off signing the petition while this and other options are pursued. I would like to state emphatically that I have not made any decision regarding signing the discharge petition because I am not convinced that this is the best means by which we can accomplish our goal of eliminating the current unjust offset.
I am already working with many of my colleagues on this important issue - which I believe this is the quickest way to advance our goal without creating animosity among those who have direct jurisdiction over this issue. By not signing the discharge petition now, my colleagues and I will have greater leverage with the House Leadership on this issue and we will increase our chances of success. You can be assured I will continue to work with my colleagues to encourage an end to this unfair offset.
Department of Defense proposed increased in TRICARE premiums
TRICARE was established to provide our military personnel and their families with quality healthcare. Over the past 10 years, there has been no change in TRICARE fees or cost share adjustments while nationwide healthcare costs have escalated. The Defense Health Budget has doubled from 2001-2006 from $19 Billion to $38 Billion with projections to double again by 2015. This represents is an increase from 8% to 12% of the total DOD budget by 2015. Given the rising cost of healthcare, the Administration’s proposal was to increase TRICARE premiums for retirees under age 65 based on the rank of their rank. According to the proposal, TRICARE Prime Annual Enrollment Fees would increase from $230/$460 in FY 2006 to $325/$650 in FY 2008 for E-6 and below, while E-7 and above would increase from $230/$460 to $475/$950. The biggest increase would be for Retired officers from $230/$460 currently to $700/$1400 by FY 2008. This plan would include smaller increases for TRICARE Standard.
The DOD Proposed changes to TRICARE have met with opposition in the Congress on both sides of the aisle. As you may know, there will be hearings in the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) in the Sub-Committee on Military Personnel. Although I am not a Member of this Sub-Committee on HASC, I have relayed my concerns and those of my constituents to the Sub-Committee staff. We have an obligation to our military retirees and personnel to keep the promises that were made by our government. Our retirees are the best recruiters for our future military, and we must provide quality healthcare to honor the service of those who deserve it the most.
Please be assured I am watching this issue very carefully and will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to protect the integrity of the Defense Healthcare System without causing further hardship for our military retirees and personnel.
Related Links:
U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Veterans
U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans
Veterans Administration
