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NAUS JULY 16th, 2010

WASHINGTON REPORT

http://www.naus.org/

War Funding Remains In Limbo

Despite the call for action by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, emergency appropriations for our troops in battle are being held hostage to petty calls for additional billions to pay teachers salaries and related non-defense matters. 

Gates told Congress more than two weeks ago that cuts would have to be made in a number of defense related areas in order to keep pace with the expense of men and women facing combat in Afghanistan, if funds were not in place before July 4.

When first adopted by the Senate in May, H.R. 4899 contained a total of $45.5 billion in discretionary funding for FY 2010.  This included $37.12 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and $13 billion for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange.  But the House amended the bill to add-on $23 billion in domestic spending, including $10 billion to help prevent layoffs of schoolteachers. 

While DoD is running out of money and may not be able to pay the troops by the end of the month unless action is taken, CQToday reports that Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) said he will fight to keep the teacher funding in the bill.  With apparent nonchalance Harkin added, "Look, nothing's going to happen this week.  Nothing's going to happen next wee.  So we have some time to work on it."

At a Wednesday press conference, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell told reporters that a failure of congressional action "may involve ... extreme measures we would rather avoid."  The Pentagon spokesman encouraged Congress to act in a timely manner so it wouldn't come to that. 

In this critical time, the NAUS message to Capitol Hill is simple and direct:  Anyone serving in harm's way under the flag of the United States should be given the best our nation can provide, and we must never cut off funding for our troops in the battle.

Our troops deserve the full support, and they should know that they have the full support of the Congress, when they are in the field, carrying out the democratically arrived at policies and decisions of our government. 

NAUS calls on lawmakers to work out differences on H.R. 4899 quickly.  The war funding measure must go forward.  Readers can lend strength to the NAUS message by contacting their elected officials using our CapWiz system.

Senate FY 2011 NDAA Status

The full Senate plans to consider its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), S. 3454, prior to the scheduled August 9 recess.  However, a dwindling number of legislative days and a growing number of "political priorities" are squeezing a hard-pressed Congress to have a bill ready for the Presidents signature before the October 1 start of the new fiscal year.   

In addition to a 1.4 percent across-the-board pay raise for all members of the uniformed services, S. 3454 would provide full funding of TRICARE and include language barring TRICARE fee increases through FY 2011.  The Senate bill would also authorize extension of TRICARE coverage for eligible dependents up to age 26 and direct DoD to send 6,000 National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border. 

The bill also contains two explosively controversial issues—repeal of the 1993 law prohibiting homosexual conduct in the military and provision of abortion services in the military health system.

Though the bill does not at this time expand concurrent receipt or repeal the offset of SBP against DIC compensation, it is likely that these NAUS-endorsed amendments would be offered when the measure comes to the full Senate. 

Even if the Senate completes its work before the August recess, a joint conference must still be conducted with the House to iron out differences between the two chambers.  The House version of the FY 2011 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5136) has been in place since it passed on May 28. 

Fiscal Year 2011 Defense Appropriations Falls behind Schedule

According to the new chairman of the House defense appropriations subcommittee, Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA), the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee may mark up its spending bill next week.  It is doubtful, however, that given the late start, Congress will finish next year's appropriations bill prior to October, the start of the new fiscal year. 

Without passage of a full defense spending bill, initial defense funding for FY 2011 will come in the form of a Continuing Resolution, which is a temporary measure to keep federal agencies running until the House and Senate work out a funding agreement. 

NAUS will continue to urge members of Congress to provide these funds in a timely manner to keep our troops safe and help them protect America's interests, here and abroad. 

Korean War Anniversary

Sixty years ago this week marks the savage early days of the Korean War.  We recall the size and speed of the North Korean invasion in those first weeks of July 1950 and its brutality. 

At the start of the war, American and ROK troops were outnumbered in combat three to one and in some places twenty to one.  And after years of slashing Pentagon expenditures to better balance the budget, the nation was under-prepared for war and American troops were under-equipped in the field. 

On July 19, 1950, President Truman called on Congress to approve an emergency appropriation to help meet the challenge and expand American military strength.  (NAUS strongly suggests President Obama do the same for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.) 

In a special message to the nation, Truman urged Congress to immediately increase military spending.  Congress took the call and appropriated the money to answer its obligation to those who serve.

NAUS salutes the 5.7 million Americans who fought the Korean War, and we remember the 37,000 patriots who were killed in battle and the more than 20,000 Americans who died of other causes. 

West Virginia Gov. Manchin to Appoint Carte Goodwin to Senate

Democratic West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin will appoint his former general counsel, Carte Goodwin, to the Senate seat once held by the late Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), the AP reports.  Manchin has said he is "highly" interested in the Senate seat up for special election for a full term later this year, and the 36-year-old Goodwin is not expected to run.

HEALTH CARE NEWS

National Guard and Reserve Activation in Support of Oil Spill

National Guard and Reserve Members in the South region who are activated for more than 30 days may be eligible for TRICARE benefits.  Contact Humana Military STAR FORCE at  (877) 298-3408  (877) 298-3408 for information on TRICARE eligibility and benefits.

TRICARE Makes Traveling Within the U.S. Carefree
To reduce the chance of healthcare problems while traveling, beneficiaries should first plan to see their doctor for any regular office visits or treatment before leaving town.

If beneficiaries need emergency care while traveling, they should immediately seek treatment by calling 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Prime beneficiaries do not need prior authorization for emergency care, but they should notify their PCM within 24 hours, or on the next business day, so follow-up care can be coordinated.  TRICARE Standard beneficiaries have no follow-up requirements after receiving emergency care.

Beneficiaries who need medical treatment that is not an emergency may go to an urgent care facility.  Beneficiaries should contact their PCM for a referral or call their regional health care contractor for assistance before receiving care.

Before traveling, TRICARE beneficiaries should make sure their Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System information is accurate.  For more information about DEERS and how to update DEERS records, click here.

Beneficiaries who take prescription medicine should order refills before their trip.  If it's necessary to get a refill while on the road, the nearest network pharmacy in the U.S. can be found at http://member.express-scripts.com.  Beneficiaries are reminded to save all receipts.

For more information about TRICARE, beneficiaries can go to TRICARE.mil or contact their regional health care contractor. 

Alaska Demonstration Project Extended

The TRICARE Management Activity published a final notice in the July 8 Federal Register, extending a demonstration project in Alaska for individual provider payment rates through Dec. 31, 2012.  Under the demonstration, which initially began on Jan. 1, 2007, payment rates for physicians and other non-institutional individual professional providers in Alaska have been set at a rate higher than the Medicare rate.

Access to healthcare services in Alaska is often severely limited by the overall scarcity of providers, their reluctance to accept TRICARE payment rates, transportation issues and other factors.  TMA initiated the demonstration project in response to these challenges.

NAUS applauds Sen. Murkowski, Sen. Begich and Rep. Don Young for their combined efforts to improve military access to earned healthcare benefits.

Internet Rumor Regarding Wounded Warriors

Apparently there's a story going around the that "America's wounded warriors face a new tax on prosthetic limbs and other vital medical devices."  If you've seen or heard this rumor, you need to know it is not true. 

ACTIVE DUTY NEWS

New AW2 Director

On Tuesday, Lt. Col. Gregory D. Gadson became the new director of The U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2).  Lt. Col. Gadson, a West Point graduate and former football player at the Point, lost both legs to a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2007.  Despite nearly losing his life, Gadson recovered with assistance from the Wounded Warrior Program.  Click here for the complete story from the Army News Service. 

Air Force Officials Announce NCO Retraining Program Dates

More than 4,000 airmen now have the opportunity to retrain as part of the fiscal 2011 NCO Retraining Program.  The NCORP is a two-phase program designed to sustain the enlisted force by moving second-term and career airmen from overage Air Force specialty codes to shortage AFSCs.  Phase I began July 15 and ends September 16.  Phase II starts immediately afterward.  For more information about the fiscal 2011 NCORP, visit the AFPC Personnel Services Website.

DoD Adoption Reimbursement Program

The Defense Department adoption reimbursement program reimburses active duty service members for certain adoption expenses such as agency and placement fees, legal fees and medical expenses.  Learn more by clicking here.

Navy Changes Rules on Escorting Families During Duty Station Moves

Sailors traveling on indeterminate temporary duty (ITDY) orders are now authorized to escort their family members to and from an alternate location at government expense, according to NAVADMIN 227/10 which was released July 9.  A Navy press release addressing the change can be found here. 

Air Force Launches New Dress and Appearance Website

The Air Force launched a new public website this month to help educate and inform airmen about the service's dress and appearance standards and policies.  The Air Force Dress and Appearance Public Website is a one-stop shop for all questions on wears of the uniform, insignias, awards and decorations.  It also provides the latest news updates and policy changes.

First Female Chaplain of the Marine Corps

Marines and sailors gathered in the Memorial Chapel at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Arlington, Virginia, to witness the first female chaplain of the Marine Corps assume her post July 9.  Rear Admiral Margaret Kibben took the oath of office from General James Amos, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, and assumed the duties as the senior Navy chaplain serving with Marines.  Click here to read more. 

VETERANS NEWS

Fact sheet outlines new rule for PTSD claims

WASHINGTON (AFRNS) -- The Veterans Affairs Department has posted a fact sheet including questions and answers about the new rule governing post-traumatic stress disorder claims. 

This new rule, to be published in the Federal Register, relaxes the evidence requirement of certain PTSD stressor claims by veterans.  The fact sheet is available online at www.va.gov/PTSD_QA.pdf. 

Veterans of any era or conflict can file a claim under the new rule.  The rule covers claims received by VA on or after July 13; before July 13, but not yet decided by a VA regional office; and in other specific instances outlined in the fact sheet.

"This nation has a solemn obligation to the men and women who have honorably served this country and suffer from the often-devastating emotional wounds of war," Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said in a statement issued July 12.  "This final regulation goes a long way to ensure that veterans receive the benefits and services they need."

The new rule relaxes the evidence requirement of certain PTSD stressor claims by veterans.

Missing In America Project

The purpose of the Missing In America Project (MIAP) is to locate, identify and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of American veterans through the joint efforts of private, State and federal organizations.  These forgotten veterans have served our country and deserve to be buried with honor and respect.  

The MIAP is a worthwhile effort that individual members and NAUS Chapters might want to support.  Click here to learn more about the program and how you can help.

VA Changing Culture

As younger women veterans enroll in more services offered by VA, Department culture slowly shifts.  Learn about the progress VA has made in providing care to women veterans in this PA Professional article. 

2010 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

The 2010 National Veterans Wheelchair Games wrapped up in Denver, Colorado, last week, and VA has posted several hundred photos from the event.  Take a look by clicking on Flicker, an easy to use image hosting website.