...for as long as it takes
In efforts to improve recruitment and retention efforts in the military, the Senate adopted an amendment to the Soldiers', Sailors', Airmen's, and Marines Bill of Rights Act of 1999 (S.4) yesterday in order to improve health care benefits for military personnel. The Senate will continue its debate on S.4 today as well as consider as many as 20 proposals.
Senators approved seven amendments to S.4 including:
* A health care amendment that would instruct the Defense Department to improve the TRICARE program, similar to coverage available under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program as well as enable military personnel who transfer to bases to take their health benefits with them;
* An amendment that would allow military retirees who elect to work for the federal government to continue receiving full military pensions as well as their post-retirement federal salaries;
* A proposal to increase the amount of bonuses and special pays for certain personnel;
* An amendment to increase tuition assistance for deployed Armed Forces; and
* A proposal to strengthen privacy rights for personnel who have suffered sexual harassment, domestic violence or sexual abuse.
S.4 in its original form would authorize a 4.8 percent raise effective January 1, 2000 and subsequent annual raises through fiscal year 2006, expand pension benefits, allow military personnel to make contribution to a tax-free savings plan and increase Montgomery G.I. Bill Benefits.
This bill is on a legislative fast track. The Senate hopes to have this legislation before the President by Memorial Day. The next scheduled action for S.4 will be a hearing before the Subcommittee on Personnel next Wednesday March 3. Action Corps will keep you informed regarding changes to S.4 as they occur.
Nadia Caprice Garnett
VFW Action Corps
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