For other versions of this document, see http://wikileaks.org/wiki/CRS-RL34169 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Order Code RL34169 The FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues Updated February 6, 2008 David F. Burrelli, Coordinator Specialist in National Defense Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Richard A. Best, Jr., Charles A. Henning, and Lawrence Kapp Specialists in National Defense Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division The FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues Summary Military personnel issues typically generate significant interest from many Members of Congress and their staffs. Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of what the Bush Administration terms the Global War on Terror, along with the emerging operational role of the Reserve Components, have further heightened interest and support for a wide range of military personnel policies and issues. CRS selected a number of issues addressed by Congress as it considered the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1585/S. 1547/H.R. 4986). In each case, a brief synopsis is provided that includes background information, a comparison of the House-passed, Senate-passed, and public law provisions, and a brief discussion of the issue. This update reflects the actions taken on the various House and Senate provisions in H.Rept 110-477, the conference report to accompany H.R. 1585, which was filed on December 6, 2007. Note: due to objections by the Administration to language that might have led to a freeze on Iraqi assets in U.S. banks contained in H.R. 1585, President Bush vetoed the bill. The bill was reconsidered by the House and Senate, and reissued (without the Iraqi language) as H.R. 4986. H.R. 4986 became P.L. 110-181. Where appropriate, other CRS products are identified to provide more detailed background information and analysis of the issue. For each issue, a CRS analyst is identified and contact information is provided. Note: some issues were addressed in last year's National Defense Authorization Act and discussed in CRS Report RL33571, The FY2007 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues, concerning that legislation. Those issues that were previously considered in CRS Report RL33571 are designated with a "*" in the relevant section titles of this report. This report focuses exclusively on the annual defense authorization process. It does not include appropriations, veterans' affairs, tax implications of policy choices or any discussion of separately introduced legislation. Updates to this report are not anticipated. Contents Selected Family Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Cold War Victory Medal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Continuation of Authority To Assist Local Educational Agencies that Benefit Dependents of Members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense Civilian Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Disregarding Periods of Confinement of Members in Determining Benefits for Dependents Who Are Victims of Abuse by the Member . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Continuation/Modification of Authority for Members of the Armed Forces to Designate a Recipient for a Portion of the Death Gratuity . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Recoupment of Annuity Amounts Previously Paid, but Subject to Offset for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 *Survivor Benefit Plan Annuity Offset for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Annuities for Guardians and Caretakers of Dependent Children Under Survivor Benefit Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 *Effective Date of "Paid-Up" Coverage under the Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Army/Marine Corps End Strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Hardship Duty Pay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 *Modifying Reserve Retirement Authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 POW/MIA Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 *Military Pay Raise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 *Concurrent Receipt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Moving Reserve "GI Bill" Educational Benefits from Title 10 to Title 38 . . . . . 22 *Role of National Guard Bureau and National Guard Bureau Chief . . . . . . . . . . 23 *Tricare Fee Increases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 *Tricare Pharmacy Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 *Treatment of Tricare Retail Pharmacy Network Under Federal Procurement of Pharmaceuticals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 The FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues Each year, the Senate and House Armed Services Committees report their respective versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). They contain numerous provisions that affect military personnel, retirees and their family members. Provisions in one version are often not included in another, treated differently, or, in certain cases, they are identical. Following passage of each by the respective legislative body, a Conference Committee is typically convened to resolve the various differences between the House and Senate versions. If a Conference Committee reports its final version of the Authorization Act, the bill is returned to the House and Senate for their consideration. Upon final passage the act is sent to the President for approval. In the course of a typical authorization cycle, congressional staffs receive many constituent requests for information on provisions contained in the annual NDAA. This report highlights those personnel-related issues that seem to generate the most intense constituent interest, and tracks their status in the FY2008 House and Senate versions of the NDAA. The House bill, H.R. 1585, was introduced on March 20, 2007, reported by the Committee on Armed Services on May 11, 2007 (H.Rept. 110- 146), and passed by the House on May 17, 2007. The Senate bill, S. 1547, was introduced on June 5, 2007 and reported by the Committee on Armed Services on that day (S.Rept. 110-77), and reported by the Select Committee on Intelligence on June 29, 2007 (S.Rept. 110-125). On October 1, 2007, the Senate passed its version after striking everything after the enacting clause of H.R. 1585 and inserting the text of S. 1547 as amended by the Senate. The entries under "H.R. 1585 House-passed Version" and "H.R. 1585 Senate-passed Version" in the following pages are based on language in the House- and Senate-passed bills, respectively, unless otherwise indicated. On December 6, 2007, the conference report (H.Rept. 110-477) was filed. On December 12, 2007, the House agreed to the conference report (397-27) and two days later, the Senate agreed to the conference report (92-3). Objecting to language in the bill regarding a possible freeze on Iraqi assets held in U.S. banks, the President vetoed it on December 28, 2007. The bill was returned to the House and Senate, the language was removed, and the bill was renumbered: H.R. 4986. The House passed the bill on January 16, 2008 (396-46), the Senate passed the bill on January 22, 2008 (91-3), and signed into law on January 28, 2008 (P.L. 110-181,122 Stat. 3). The new version did not change any of the provisions discussed in this report. Each presentation in this report offers the background on a given issue, compares House and Senate language on the issue, discusses the proposed and enacted language, identifies other relevant CRS products, and designates a CRS issue expert. Note: some issues were addressed in last year's National Defense CRS-2 Authorization Act and discussed in CRS Report RL33571, The FY2007 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues, concerning that legislation. Those issues that were previously considered in CRS Report RL33571 are designated with a "*" in the relevant section titles of this report. CRS-3 Selected Family Matters Background: The House and Senate Committees are concerned about the state of military families, particularly with regard to readiness and deployments. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version The House report contains No similar provision. No language was included but language that requires the such requests for reports are Secretary of Defense, in often honored by the consultation with the Centers Department of Defense. for Disease Control and Prevention, to conduct a study "of the level of risk of child abuse and neglect among military minor dependents that may result due to the increased operational tempo of service members." Section 577 would protect child No similar provision. The House language became custody arrangements for Section 584 of the law with a parents who are members of the clarifying amendment added by Armed Forces who are deployed the Senate pertaining to the in support of a contingency Servicemembers Civil Relief operation. Act. Section 578 limits simultaneous Section 1072 expresses the The Senate language became deployments to combat zones of sense of the Congress that Section 586 of the law with the dual-military couples who have single parents and dual-service adding of "an amendment that minor dependents. couples with dependents should would require the Secretary of develop a family care plan Defense to establish appropriate consistent with DOD Instruction procedures to ensure that an 1342.19. Also, when such adequate family care plan is in parents are required to deploy to place for a member of the armed certain areas, requests for forces with minor dependents deferments due to unforeseen who is a single parent or whose circumstances should be spouse is also a member of the evaluated rapidly and armed forces when the member appropriate steps should be may be deployed in an area for taken to ensure adequate care of which imminent danger pay is the children. authorized. The procedures should allow the member to request a deferment of deployment due to unforeseen circumstances, and the request should be considered and responded to promptly." CRS-4 H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version Section 580 calls for a study of Section 583 requires the The House language became feasibility of establishing a pilot Secretary of Defense to enhance Section 583 of the law with the program on family-to-family and improve programs to Senate adding a provision "that support for families of members provide family support for would combine the House and of the National Guard and families of deployed Senate provisions to require a Reserves undergoing servicemembers. study to determine the most deployment. effective means to enhance and Section 584 calls for the improve family support Section 581 requires a study enhancement of support programs for families of the regarding improving support services for children of those regular and reserve components services for the children of undergoing deployment. of the armed forces before, members of the National Guard during, and after deployment." and Reserve undergoing Section 585 requires the deployment. Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on improving support Section 1034 requires the services for the children of Secretary of Defense to submit those undergoing deployment. a report regarding the impact on Section 586 requires a study on military families of multiple the establishment of a pilot deployments as a part of program on family-to-family Operation Iraqi freedom and support for those deployed. Operation Enduring Freedom. No similar provision. Section 581 creates a DOD These sections became Section Military Family Readiness 581 of the law with the House Council. adding an amendment that would include the senior Section 582 directs the enlisted advisors of the Army, Secretary of Defense to develop Navy, Marine Corps, and Air a policy and plans for the Force, or the spouse of a senior support of military family enlisted member from each readiness. service as a member of the Department of Defense Military Family Readiness Council. CRS-5 H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version Section 515 would establish a Section 683 calls for the Section 582 incorporated the DOD working group to identify creation of a "Yellow Ribbon Senate language with a House and assess the reintegration Reintegration Program" to assist amendment that would needs of members of the reserve National Guard and reserve authorize the Secretary to create components returning from members and their families. State Deployment Cycle operational deployments Support Teams to administer overseas. Section 587 calls for a pilot the Yellow Ribbon program on family readiness Reintegration Program at the Section 516 would require the and servicemember State level and would authorize creation of a national combat reintegration. outreach programs to educate reintegration program, "Yellow service members and their Ribbon Reintegration Program," families about the Yellow to provide National Guard Ribbon Reintegration Program. families information, services, referral opportunities throughout the deployment cycle. Discussion: These provisions show the growing concerns in Congress regarding the effects of military service on military families, particularly for those undergoing deployment. Reference(s): None. CRS Point of Contact (POC): David F. Burrelli, x7-8033. CRS-6 Cold War Victory Medal Background: Congress authorized the Cold War Recognition Certificate ten years ago as part of the FY1998 National Defense Authorization Act (Section 1084). Its was created to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of our armed forces and government civilians whose service contributed to victory in the Cold War. Members of the armed forces and federal government civilian employees who served the United States during the Cold War period, from September 2, 1945, to December 26, 1991, are eligible. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version The House bill contains a No similar provision. No language was reported. provision (Section 556) that requires the Secretary of Defense to design and issue a Cold War Victory Medal for anyone who served honorably for a minimum of 180 days during the same period. Discussion: A number of veterans' organizations have supported efforts to create this medal in recognition of the service members' role in the Cold War. Reference(s): None. CRS Point of Contact (POC): David F. Burrelli, x7-8033. CRS-7 Continuation of Authority To Assist Local Educational Agencies that Benefit Dependents of Members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense Civilian Employees Background: In 1950, Congress enacted P.L. 81-815 and P.L. 81-874. These laws (later made permanent) provide money from the Department of Defense to local school agencies for construction and educational activities in recognition of the impact of the dependents of Defense personnel who attend these schools. Local schools are supported, to a large extent, by the state tax base. In many cases, military personnel pay taxes to their home state which may not be the state where they are serving. Arguably, this assistance minimizes the impact these dependents have on schools near military facilities. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version The House provision (Section Section 561 authorizes $35 Section 571 authorized $30.0 562) authorizes $50 million to million to local educational million for continuation of local educational agencies that agencies that benefit the assistance to eligible local have military dependents children of members of the agencies impacted by comprising at least 20 percent armed forces and DOD civilian enrollment of DOD military and of the average daily attendance employees, and $10 million in civilian employee dependents, and also authorizes $15 million assistance to schools with and $10.0 million for assistance to local educational agencies enrollment changes due to base to agencies with significant that experience "significant closures, force structure changes in enrollment of increases or decreases in changes or force relocations. children due to base closures, average daily attendance" of force structure changes, or force military dependent students due relocations. to changes in force structure, base closure and realignment, and from changes resulting from the relocation of personnel to other bases. No similar provision. Section 562 provides impact aid Section 572 provided impact aid for military dependent children for military dependent children with severe disabilities. with severe disabilities. No similar provision. Section 563 provides aid to Section 573 provided aid to agencies impacted by non-DOD agencies impacted by non-DOD employees affected by the base employees affected by the base realignment and closings. realignment and closings. Section 561 provides authority Section 564 provides authority This language was accepted and for payment of private boarding for payment of private boarding expanded to include private school tuition for military school tuition for military boarding schools in the United dependents in overseas areas dependents in overseas areas States. not served by DOD schools. not served by DOD schools. No similar provision. Section 566 provides No language was reported. emergency assistance for local educational agencies that enroll military dependent children. CRS-8 H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version No similar provision. Section 565 designates No language was reported. educational agencies that are "heavily impacted." Discussion: The law will augment impact aid laws in cases where there is a substantial military presence (and, in certain cases, civilian presence) and/or when military personnel policy or base structure changes bring about `significant' changes in the average daily student attendance. This assists many states in adjusting to changed education needs pursuant to changes in military basing strategies, etc. Reference(s): None. CRS Point of Contact (POC): David F. Burrelli, x7-8033. CRS-9 Disregarding Periods of Confinement of Members in Determining Benefits for Dependents Who Are Victims of Abuse by the Member Background: In the past, military members, including those eligible to retire, who were convicted of abuse or domestic violence could receive a sentence that included loss of military benefits. As a result, family members, especially those who suffered abuse, lost access to military benefits, including retired pay and health care, at a time when they were most in need of these benefits. On October 23, 1993, Congress enacted P.L. 102-484, which "authorizes various benefits for the spouses and former spouses of retirement-eligible members who lose eligibility for retired pay as a result of misconduct involving abuse of dependents. Generally, the spouses and former spouses are provided the same rights and benefits that they would have had if there had been no abuse and the member had retired under normal circumstances."1 H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version Section 641 of the House bill No similar provision. No language was included. states "[I]n determining ... whether a member of the armed forces became eligible to be retired from the armed forces on the basis of years of service so that a spouse or dependent child of the member is eligible to receive payment under this subsection, the Secretary concerned shall consider as creditable service by the member any periods of confinement served by the member before convening authority action on the record of trial related to the misconduct that resulted in the termination of the eligibility of the member to receive retired pay." Discussion: By example, a member of the armed services who is arrested and confined for abuse prior to reaching eligibility for retirement, may remain confined long enough to qualify for retirement except that such time in confinement is not creditable toward retirement. If it had been enacted, the House language would have allowed those confined to have the time in confinement prior to the actions of a convening authority terminating retirement eligibility, to count toward that retirement eligibility. CRS Point of Contact (POC): David F. Burrelli, x7-8033. 1 U.S. Department of Defense, Financial Management Regulation, Vol. 7B, Chap. 59, June 2001: 59-1. CRS-10 Continuation/Modification of Authority for Members of the Armed Forces to Designate a Recipient for a Portion of the Death Gratuity Background: The Death Gratuity is one of a number of benefits available to the survivors of military personnel. Its purpose is to provide an immediate cash payment to survivors until other benefits, if any, become available. Under law, the beneficiary(ies) are designated in order of eligibility with the surviving spouse first, followed by the children. If so designated by a service member, others can receive this benefit including parents or siblings. Recently, it was reported that a service member, a single parent, died while on active duty and that her financially struggling parents who had custody of the surviving child were unable to access this benefit. P.L. 110-28 (May 25, 2007) contained language that allows a covered service member to designate up to 50 percent of the death gratuity (in 10% increments) to a person other than the recipient under law. This authority ends September 30, 2007. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version Section 642 of the House bill Section 651 of the Senate bill Section 645 stated "The House would make this designation modifies the law by striking the recedes with an amendment that authority permanent by existing list of beneficiaries and would make the provision removing the Sept. 30, 2007 replacing it with a new list by effective no later than July 1, termination date. the order of eligible 2008; provide for notification beneficiaries (subject to certain of the spouse if an election were qualifications): 1) any made under this authority that individual designated in writing, would exclude a current spouse 2) the surviving spouse, 3) from any portion of the death children, 4) parents, 5) an gratuity benefit; provide for executor or administrator of the partial designations in 10 estate, and, 6) other next of kin. percent increments; and provide The Senate also included report [death gratuity elections made)] language addressing the need ... before the enactment of this for pre-deployment counseling provision, or before enactment on survivor benefits and of the amendments ... Public directing the Secretary of Law 110-28, would remain Defense to review such lawful and effectual." counseling. Discussion: The law allowed service members to designate a beneficiary but also created a specific list of other such beneficiaries if the member did not designate a beneficiary in writing. Reference(s): CRS Report RL32769, Military Death Benefits: Status and Proposals, David F. Burrelli and Jennifer R. Corwell. CRS Point of Contact (POC): David F. Burrelli, x7-8033. CRS-11 Recoupment of Annuity Amounts Previously Paid, but Subject to Offset for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Background: The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) provides an annuity for the survivors of those who die while serving in the Armed Forces and those who have retired from the Armed Forces. For those receiving retired pay, a portion of that pay is withheld for those participating in the SBP. For the surviving spouses of those who die of injuries or illness suffered in the line of duty, the Department of Veterans Affairs provides a monetary benefit known as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation or DIC. If a surviving spouse or former spouse is eligible to receive both benefits, the SBP benefit is offset on a dollar-for-dollar basis. If the DIC is paid to an SBP-eligible surviving spouse or former spouse, a percentage (or possibly all) of the deceased retiree's original contributions to the SBP will be returned to the surviving spouse or former spouse. If the SBP is offset by DIC, that proportion of deductions from the deceased retiree's retired pay which financed the offset portion of the SBP will be refunded. SBP payments can be restored, if the beneficiary becomes ineligible for DIC and remains eligible for SBP, provided that the refunded SBP payments are returned. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version The House provision (Section No similar provision. No language was included. 643) requires that any Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments previously paid to a surviving spouse or former spouse that are subject to the mandatory offset associated with payments of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by the Department of Veterans Affairs be recouped only to the extent that the amount exceeds any SBP premiums to be refunded by the Department of Defense. Further, it requires four actions be taken when notifying an individual of recoupment: 1) A single notice of the amount to be recouped, 2) a written explanation of the statutory requirements for this recoupment, 3) a detailed accounting of the determination of the amount to be recouped, and, 4) contact information for a person who can provide information and answer questions concerning the recoupment actions. CRS-12 Discussion: Military widow(er)s are often confused or uninformed when one benefit offsets the other resulting in a return of payments made and any subsequent recoupments that may result. Often, these widow(er)s feel that money has been unfairly taken away from them. It was expected that the House provision would remove any uncertainty as to what happens during the recoupment process when an over payment is made. This language was not included in the law. Reference(s): CRS Report RL31664, The Military Survivor Benefit Plan: A Description of Its Provisions, David F. Burrelli. CRS Point of Contact (POC): David F. Burrelli, x7-8033. CRS-13 *Survivor Benefit Plan Annuity Offset for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Background: As explained on the previous page, a surviving spouse or former spouse who is eligible to receive both a Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity and benefits under Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), will have the SBP benefit reduced or offset on a dollar-for-dollar basis by DIC. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version The House provision (Section Section 658 would eliminate the The report language limited the 644) authorizes a monthly offset of the SBP annuity by the survivor indemnity allowance to survivor indemnity allowance amount of DIC. survivors of service members "equal to $40 or the same who were entitled to retired pay, amount of the SBP annuity or would be entitled to reserve subject to the DIC offset should component retired pay but for it be a lesser amount." These the fact they were not yet 60 payments become effective years of age, would increase the October 1, 2008 and terminate monthly allowance for FY2009 effective March 1, 2016. to $50, and increases the monthly allowance by $10 every year through FY2013. Discussion: Under the law, SBP-eligible surviving spouses or former spouses who are also eligible to receive DIC, receive an additional payment of up to $50 per month and slightly more in subsequent years. Reference(s): CRS Report RL31664, The Military Survivor Benefit Plan: A Description of Its Provisions, David F. Burrelli. CRS Point of Contact (POC): David F. Burrelli, x7-8033. CRS-14 Annuities for Guardians and Caretakers of Dependent Children Under Survivor Benefit Plan Background: Under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) military service members and participating retirees can, upon their death, provide an annuity to certain survivors, including spouses, former spouses, and/or dependent children. In certain cases, a member may wish to designate a dependent child as the beneficiary, however the child may be too young to be financially responsible. This is also true if the eligible dependent child is mentally incapacitated. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version No similar provision. The Senate bill contains a No language was reported. provision (Section 652) that creates a new category of beneficiary under SBP: "Guardian or Caretaker of Dependent Children." According to the Senate report: "A person who is not married and has one or more dependent children upon becoming eligible to participate in the Plan may elect to provide an annuity under the Plan to a natural person (other than a natural person with an insurable interest in the person ... or a former spouse) who acts as a guardian or caretaker to such child or children." Discussion: Under the Senate language, a guardian or caretaker of dependents could be designated as a beneficiary. This could be helpful in those instances where the dependent child(ren) is/are very young or mentally incapacitated. This language was not included in the law. Reference(s): CRS Report RL31664, The Military Survivor Benefit Plan: A Description of Its Provisions, David F. Burrelli. CRS Point of Contact (POC): David F. Burrelli, x7-8033. CRS-15 *Effective Date of "Paid-Up" Coverage under the Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Background: The military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) provides annuities to the survivors of military personnel and retirees. The SBP is funded, in part, via deductions in the retired pay of participants. In 1999, Congress reduced the cost of the SBP to certain retirees by enacting the so- called "paid-up" provision. Under this language, reduction in retired pay made to cover the retiree's share cease when two conditions are met: (1) the retiree reaches age 70; and (2) the retiree has participated in the SBP for 360 months. As enacted, these provisions become effective October 1, 2008 (P.L. 105-261, 112 Stat. 2045, October 17, 1998). Language was included in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act for both Fiscal Year 2006 and 2007 to move the effective date of this provision to October 1, 2005, and October 1, 2006, respectively. This language was dropped by the Conference Committees (U.S. Congress, Conference Committee, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, H.Rept. 109-360, 109th Cong., 1st Sess. H.R. 1815, December 18, 2005 and U.S. Congress, Conference Committee, John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, H.Rept. 109-702, 109th Cong., 2nd Sess. H.R. 5122, September 29, 2006). H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version No similar provision. Section 659 would move the No language was reported. effective date of the "paid-up" provision from October 1, 2008 to October 1, 2007. Discussion: The SBP was created on September 21, 1972. It is possible for military retirees who entered the service prior to 1978 to both reach the age of 70 and participate in the SBP for 360 months but be prevented from benefitting under the "paid-up" provision because of the October 1, 2008, effective date. Reference(s): CRS Report RL31664, The Military Survivor Benefit Plan: A Description of Its Provisions, by David F. Burrelli. CRS Point of Contact (POC): David F. Burrelli, 7-8033. CRS-16 Army/Marine Corps End Strength Background: Even though engaged in combat operations in Afghanistan since 2001 and in Iraq since 2003, the Bush Administration and the Department of Defense (DOD) have, until recently, resisted congressional calls to permanently increase the end strength of the Army and Marine Corps (although they did accede to temporary increases). Even the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) released on February 6, 2006, recommended an Army end strength of 482,400 and a Marine Corps end strength of 175,000. On January 19, 2007, DOD announced that it would seek approval to increase permanent active Army end strength by 65,000 to 547,400 and permanent active Marine Corps end strength by 27,000 to 202,000, both by FY2012. In response to the request for increased end strength, the respective committees reported the following: H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version Section 401 authorizes an Section 401 authorizes an Section 401 authorized a FY2008 end strength of 525,400 FY2008 end strength of 525,400 FY2008 end strength of 525,400 for the Army and 189,000 for for the Army and 189,000 for for the Army and 189,000 for the Marine Corps. the Marine Corps. the Marine Corps. Section 402 establishes a new No similar provision. Section 402 established a new minimum strength levels of minimum strength level of 525,400 for the Army and 525,400 for the Army and 189,000 for the Marine Corps. 189,000 for the Marine Corps. Section 403 authorizes No similar provision. Section 403 authorized additional increases in FY2009- additional increases in FY2009- FY2010 of 22,000 for the Army FY2010 of 22,000 for the Army (to 547,400) and 13,000 for the (to 547,400) and 13,000 for the Marine Corps (to 202,000). Marine Corps (to 202,000). Discussion: Increasing the end strength will require increased annual recruiting and retention goals. It is reasonable to project an annual recruiting goal of 85,000-87,000 for the active Army and 36,000- 38,000 for the active Marine Corps. Based on recent experience, these goals may be difficult to achieve. Reference(s): CRS Report RL31334, Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom: Questions and Answers About U.S. Military Personnel, Compensation, and Force Structure, by Lawrence Kapp and Charles Henning. CRS Point of Contact (POC): Charles Henning at x7-8866. CRS-17 Hardship Duty Pay Background: Hardship Duty Pay (HDP) is compensation for the exceptional demands of certain duty, including unusually demanding mission assignments or service in areas with extreme climates or austere facilities. The maximum authorized amount for HDP was recently increased by Congress from $300 to $750 per month (P.L. 109-163, Section 627). H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version The House provision (Section The Senate provision (Section Section 617 increased the 624) increases the maximum 617) also increases the maximum amount of Hardship amount of Hardship Duty Pay maximum monthly amount of Duty Pay to $1500 a month and from $750 to $1500 per month. Hardship Duty Pay to $1500, authorizes payment of a lump and authorizes payment of a sum in advance or a monthly lump sum in advance or a rate. monthly rate. Discussion: While the maximum authorized rate for HDP is increased to $1500 per month by this provision, the actual rate paid will be determined by the Secretary of Defense. DOD has currently set HDP at $100 per month for both Iraq and Afghanistan. Reference(s): CRS Report RL31334, Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom: Questions and Answers About U.S. Military Personnel, Compensation and Force Structure, by Lawrence Kapp and Charles Henning. CRS Point of Contact (POC): Charles Henning at x7-8866. CRS-18 *Modifying Reserve Retirement Authorities Background: Active duty military personnel are eligible for full retirement benefits after 20 years of active duty, regardless of their age. Reservists are also eligible to retire after 20 years of qualifying service but do not receive retired pay or access to retiree health benefits until age 60. In light of the heavy use of the Reserve Component in recent years, a number of legislative proposals has been introduced to lower the age at which reservists receive retired pay and military retiree health care benefits. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version No similar provision. Section 655 of the Senate bill would Section 647 of the law was reduce the age for receipt of retired pay nearly identical to the for members of the Ready Reserve by Senate provision, but only three months for each aggregate of 90 applies to duty performed days of specified duty performed in any in a fiscal year after the fiscal year since September 11, 2001. date of enactment of the Specified duty includes active duty under National Defense any provision of law referred to in 10 Authorization Act for USC 101(a)(13)(B), active duty under 10 FY2008. USC 12301(d); or active service under 32 USC 502(f) if responding to a national emergency declared by the President or supported by federal funds. The retired pay eligibility age could not be reduced below age 50, and eligibility for retiree health care benefits would remain at age 60. Discussion: The law is narrower in scope than some other legislative proposals in the 110th Congress, such as those that would lower the age for receipt of retired pay and retiree health care benefits to 55 for all reservists. The law reduced the age at which certain reservists ­ those who, after the date of enactment of this bill, serve on active duty for the specified period under the specified activation authorities ­ can draw retired pay. However, the retirement age cannot be reduced below age 50. Additionally, it did not reduce the age at which they can receive retiree medical benefits; that would remain at age 60. Reference(s): CRS Report RL30802, Reserve Component Personnel Issues, Questions and Answers, by Lawrence Kapp. CRS Point of Contact (POC): Lawrence Kapp at x7-7609 or Charles Henning at x7-8866. CRS-19 POW/MIA Operations Background: The Department of Defense (DOD) POW/MIA organization consists of the DOD Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) and two field activities-the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) and its subordinate Central Identification Laboratory-Hawaii (CIL- HI) and the Air Force's Life Sciences Equipment Laboratory. Over the past several years, Congress has been concerned about the level of DOD resources being allocated to POW/MIA operations, both personnel and funding. The FY2007 John Warner National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 109- 364) required DOD to submit a five-year overview of the funding required and requested. The FY2008 President's Budget would support 91 percent, or $8.0 million less than, the total funding required as determined by the overview for FY2008. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version The House report recommends No similar provision. No language was reported. fully supporting POW/MIA efforts by increasing the amounts allocated by: +$0.2 M for DPMO +$7.5M for JPAC +$0.3M for Life Sciences Laboratory. Discussion: If supported by appropriations, these increases would fund FY2008 POW/MIA operations at 100% of the requirement as determined by the overview mandated by P.L. 109-364. This is report language and is not contained in the law itself. Reference(s): CRS Report RL33452, POWs and MIAs: Status and Accounting Issues, by Charles A. Henning. CRS Point of Contact (POC): Charles Henning at x7-8866. CRS-20 *Military Pay Raise Background: Ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, combined with end strength increases and recruiting challenges, continue to highlight the military pay issue. Title 37 U.S.C. 1009 provides a permanent formula for annual military pay raises that indexes the raise to the annual increase in the Economic Cost Index (ECI). The FY2008 President's Budget request for a 3.0 percent military pay raise was consistent with this formula. Congress, in FY2004, FY2005 and FY2006 approved the raise as the ECI increase plus 0.5 percent. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version The House provision, in Section The Senate, in Section 601, Section 601 authorized a 3.5 601, supports a 3.5 percent (0.5 supports a 3.5 percent across- percent across-the-board pay percent above the President's the-board pay raise effective raise retroactive to January 1, Budget) across-the-board pay January 1, 2008. 2008. raise that would be effective January 1, 2008. In Section 606, the House also No similar provision. No language was reported. supports a guaranteed pay raise of 0.5 percent above the ECI for FY2009 through FY2012. Discussion: A military pay raise larger than the permanent formula is not uncommon. Mid-year, targeted pay raises (targeted at specific grades) have also been authorized over the past several years. This year's legislation includes no mention of targeted pay raises. Reference(s): CRS Report RL33446, Military Pay and Benefits: Key Questions and Answers, by Charles Henning. CRS Point of Contact (POC): Charles Henning at x7-8866. CRS-21 *Concurrent Receipt Background: Since the enactment of Concurrent Receipt legislation in FY2003, the Combat- Related Special Compensation (CRSC) benefit has been available to all military retirees with 20 or more years of active duty who meet other eligibility criteria. Excluded from eligibility have been reservists and those who were medically retired under Chapter 61 of Title 10 prior to completing 20 years of service. Those who are rated by the VA as 100% Unemployable were originally scheduled to become eligible for Concurrent Receipt in 2014. The FY2006 NDAA modified this eligibility date to be October 1, 2009. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version The House provision in Section The Senate, in Section 653, Section 641 expanded CRSC 645 would expand CRSC would expand CRSC eligibility eligibility to include all service eligibility to include military to include all service members members eligible for retired retirees (to include Chapter 61) eligible for retired pay, to pay, to include those retired with a minimum of 15 years of include those retired under under Chapter 61 and most creditable service and a Chapter 61 and almost all reserve retirees, other than those disability rated at least 60%. reserve retirees, effective retired under 10 USC 12731b, January 1, 2008. It excludes effective January 1, 2008. reservists who retire under a special provision (10 USC 12731b), which allows reservists with a physical disability not incurred in the line of duty to retire with between 15 and 19 creditable years of reserve service. No similar provision. Section 660 would grant Section 642 expanded Concurrent Receipt eligibility to Concurrent Receipt to include 100% Unemployables those who are rated as 100% retroactive to December 31, unemployable by the 2004. Department of Veterans' Affairs, retroactive to December 31, 2004 and payable on October 1, 2008. Discussion: The law opened CRSC eligibility to some previously excluded. Reference(s): CRS Report RL33449, Military Retirement, Concurrent Receipt, and Related Major Legislative Issues, by Charles Henning. CRS Point of Contact (POC): Charles Henning at x7-8866. CRS-22 Moving Reserve "GI Bill" Educational Benefits from Title 10 to Title 38 Background: The original "GI Bill" educational benefit was enacted in 1944 as part of a legislative act designed to help the millions of World War II servicemembers readjust to civilian life upon demobilization. This was a "post-service" benefit for veterans. In subsequent versions of the "GI Bill," the educational benefit became not just a veterans' readjustment program, but a military recruiting incentive as well. In 1984, when Congress established the version of the GI Bill which came to be known as the "Montgomery GI Bill" (MGIB), the basic benefit for active duty personnel (MGIB-AD) remained codified in Title 38 (Veterans' Benefits). A new benefit was also established for members of the Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR), but this was placed in Title 10 (Armed Forces) as its purpose to "encourage membership in units of the Selected Reserve" was directly related to recruiting and retention, not veterans' readjustment. Over time, the benefit for those eligible for MGIB-AD increased more rapidly than for those eligible for MGIB-SR, as the programs were administered and overseen by different executive branch agencies and congressional committees. In 2004, Congress enacted a new educational benefit called the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) for reservists who had served at least 90 days on active duty in support of a contingency operation. This program was placed in Title 10, although the benefit level was statutorily linked to the MGIB-AD basic benefit in Title 38. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version Section 525 would recodify No similar provision. Section 535 required the chapters 1606 (MGIB-SR) and Secretary of Defense, in 1607 (REAP) of title 10 USC, cooperation with the Secretary and Chapter 33 of Title 38. of Veterans' Affairs, to submit a report to the congressional defense and veterans' affairs committees on the feasibility and merits of transferring the administration of Chapter 1606 and 1607 educational programs from DoD to the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Several other entities must also review the report, and the Comptroller General must submit an assessment of the report to the above mentioned committees. Discussion: Transferring the Montgomery GI Bill ­ Selected Reserve statutory authority from Title 10 to Title 38 has been advocated by a number of military advocacy groups as a way of ensuring the Reserve GI Bill payment rates maintain proportional parity with the Active Duty GI Bill. Reference(s): CRS Report RL33281, Montgomery GI Bill Education Benefits: Analysis of College Prices and Federal Student Aid Under the Higher Education Act, by Charmaine Mercer and Rebecca Skinner. CRS Point of Contact (POC): Lawrence Kapp at x7-7609. CRS-23 *Role of National Guard Bureau and National Guard Bureau Chief Background: There have been long-standing tensions between the senior leadership of the military services and their respective reserve components regarding policy and resource allocation decisions. This conflict has resurfaced in the past few years with respect to several decisions which impacted the Army and Air National Guard. Additionally, the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina generated great interest in revamping the way in which the federal and state governments prepare for and respond to disasters or other catastrophic events. Modifying the role which the National Guard might play in future events has been an area of particular interest, given its unique status as both a state and federal force. The FY2007 John Warner National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 109-364, Section 529) directed the Commission on the National Guard and Reserve (CNGR) to review a number of proposed changes to the role of the National Guard Bureau (NGB) and the National Guard Bureau Chief and to report its recommendations on these proposals to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. The CNGR submitted its "Second Report to Congress"on March 1, 2007. Note: The Senate-passed version contains relevant provisions in both Title V and Title XVIII of the bill. The provisions in Title V were included in the bill reported by the Senate Armed Services Committee, while the provisions in Title XVIII were the result of an amendment on the Senate floor. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version Section 1611(a) specifies that -- Section 533(d) specifies that -- Section 1811(d) specified that ­ in addition to the Chief's current in addition to the Chief's in addition to the Chief's current duties as principal adviser to the current duties as principal duties as principal advisor to the Secretaries and Chiefs of Staff advisor to the Secretaries and Secretaries and Chiefs of Staff of of the Army and Air Force on Chiefs of Staff of the Army and the Army and Air Force on National Guard matters-- the Air Force on National Guard National Guard matters ­ the Chief is also the principal matters -- the Chief is also an Chief is also a principal adviser adviser to the Secretary of advisor to the Secretary of to the Secretary of Defense Defense, through the Chairman Defense, through the Chairman through the Chairman of the of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, "on Joint Chiefs of Staff, "on matters such matters. matters involving non- involving non-federalized federalized National Guard National Guard forces and on forces and other matters as other matters as determined by determined by the Secretary of the Secretary of Defense." Defense." Section 1802(b) specifies that -- in addition to the Chief's current duties as principal adviser to the Secretaries and Chiefs of Staff of the Army and Air Force on National Guard matters-- the Chief is also the principal adviser to the Secretary of Defense and to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on such matters. CRS-24 H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version Section 1611(b) would make No similar provision. No language was reported. the Chief an adviser on National Guard matters to the commander of the combatant command whose geographic responsibility includes the United States (i.e. the Commander of U.S. Northern Command) and to the Secretary of Homeland Security. Section 1611(c) would change Both Section 533(b) and Section 1811(b) changed the the grade of the Chief of the Section 1802(b)(2) would grade of the Chief of the National National Guard Bureau from change the grade of the Chief of Guard Bureau from Lieutenant Lieutenant General (O-9) to the National Guard Bureau from General (O-9) to General (O-10). General (O-10). Lieutenant General (O-9) to General (O-10). Section 1611(d) would change Section 533(a) would add new Section 1811(a) was virtually the way the Chief of the NGB is requirements for an officer to be identical to the Senate provision. recommended for appointment. recommended for appointment It would leave intact the current as Chief of the National Guard procedure for recommending Bureau, including a candidates for this position, but recommendation by the add a new requirement for the Secretary of the Army or Air Secretary of Defense to set up a Force; a determination by the process for identifying the "best Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of qualified officer or officers Staff that the officer has whom the Secretary of Defense "significant joint duty will recommend for experience"; a determination by consideration by the President the Secretary of Defense that for appointment as Chief of the the officer's assignments and National Guard Bureau." A key experiences provide a detailed component of this selection knowledge of the status and process would be the capabilities of National Guard requirement to "incorporate the forces and missions; that the requirements of Section 601(d)" officer possesses a level of of Title 10 (See discussion operational experience, below). professional military education, and expertise in national defense and homeland defense commensurate with the advisory role of the position; and that the officer possesses such other qualifications as the Secretary of Defense prescribes. Section 1611(e) would repeal Section 533(c) is identical to Section 1811(c) repealed the the prohibition in 10 USC House provision. prohibition in 10 USC 10502(b) 10502(b) on officers 64 years of on officers 64 years of age or CRS-25 H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version age or older from holding the older from holding the position position of Chief, NGB. of Chief, NGB. Section 1625 amends 10 USC Section 533(e) amends 10 USC Section 1825 deleted the 14511 ­ which requires the 14512 - which requires the reference to the Chief of the mandatory separation of reserve mandatory separation of NGB in 10 USC 14512, and officers in the grade of major officers holding certain offices, amended 10 USC 14511 to allow general or rear admiral (O-8) or including the Chief of the NGB, the Secretary of Defense to defer higher to retire at age 64 ­ to at age 66 - to allow the separation for reserve officers in allow the Secretary of Defense President to defer the retirement t h e r a n k o f l i eut e n a n t to defer such separation for of the Chief of the NGB to age general/vice admiral (O-9) or reserve officers in the rank of 68. general/admiral (O-10) up to age lieutenant general/vice admiral 66 and allowed the President to (O-9) or general/admiral (O-10) make a similar deferral up to age to the age of 66 and to allow the 68. President to make a similar deferral to age 68. Section 1611(f) would require No similar provision. No language was reported. the Secretary of Defense to recommend to the President the best qualified officer or officers to serve as the Chief, determined under the new process set up by the amendment contained in Section 1611(d), within 120 days of enactment. Section 1612(a) would change Section 1802(a)(1) is identical Section 1812(a) changed the the National Guard Bureau from to the House provision. National Guard Bureau from a a "joint bureau of the "joint bureau of the Department Department of the Army and the of the Army and the Department Department of the Air Force" to of the Air Force" to a "joint a "joint activity of the activity of the Department of Department of Defense." Defense." No similar provision Section 1802(a)(2) would No language was reported. change the purpose of the National Guard Bureau from serving as a channel of communications on National Guard matters between the Departments of the Army and Air Force and the States, to channel of communications on National Guard matters among (1) the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the commanders of the combatant commands of the United States, (2) the Departments of the Army and Air Force, and (3) the States. CRS-26 H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version Section 1613(a) would assign a Section 1802(c)(1) would Section 1813(a) assigned a new new function to the NGB: assign a new function to the function to the NGB: Assisting facilitating and coordinating the NGB: facilitating and the Secretary of Defense in use of National Guard personnel coordinating the use of National facilitating and coordinating the and resources for certain types Guard personnel and resources use of National Guard personnel of operations ­ "operations for certain types of operations ­ and resources for certain types of conducted under title 32, or in "contingency operations, operations ­ "operations support of State missions" ­ military operations other than conducted under title 32, or in with other federal agencies, the war, natural disasters, support support of State missions" ­ with Adjutants General of the States, of civil authorities, and other other federal agencies, the U.S. Joint Forces Command, circumstances"­ with other Adjutants General of the States, and the combatant command federal agencies and the States. U.S. Joint Forces Command, and whose geographic responsibility the combatant command whose includes the United States (i.e. geographic responsibi l i t y U.S. Northern Command). includes the United States (i.e., U.S. Northern Command). Section 1613(b) would transfer Section 532(a)(1) is virtually Section 1813(b) transferred authority for prescribing the identical to the House authority for prescribing the NGB charter from the provision. NGB charter from the Secretaries Secretaries of the Army and Air of the Army and Air Force to the Force to the Secretary of Secretary of Defense, who would Defense, who would be required be required to develop the charter to develop the charter in in consultation with the consultation with the Secretaries of the Army and Air Secretaries of the Army and Air Force, and the Chairman of the Force, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Joint Chiefs of Staff. Section 1813(a) also specified that the NGB charter reflect "the role of the National Guard Bureau in support of the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Air Force." CRS-27 H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version Section 1614 requires that the Section 1806 is nearly identical Section 1814 required the Secretary of Defense, shall to the House provision, with the Secretary of Defense to prepare annually prepare and submit to exception that the response plan and submit a plan to Congress for the Congress a plan for ­ in addition to addressing the "coordinating the use of the "coordinating the use of the specified types of nuclear, National Guard and members of National Guard and members of biological, chemical, explosive, the Armed Forces on active duty the Armed Forces on active and natural incidents ­ shall when responding to natural duty when responding to natural also address "any other hazards disasters, acts of terrorism, and disasters, acts of terrorism, and identified in a national planning other man-made disasters other man-made disasters scenario developed by the identified...in subsection (e)." identified...in subsection (e)." Homeland Security Council." The other "other man-made The "other man-made disasters" disasters" identified include the identified include different same ones listed in the House types of nuclear, biological, and Senate passed versions, chemical, explosive, and natural along with "any other hazards incidents. identified in a national planning scenario developed by the Homeland Security Council." This plan must be submitted no later than June 1, 2008, with an update no later than June 1, 2010. The plan must be developed in Same as House language. The plan must be developed in consultation with the consultation with the Secretary of commander of U.S. Northern Homeland Security, t he Command and the Chief of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of National Guard Bureau; and the Staff, the commander of U.S. Chief of the National Guard Northern Command, the Chief of Bureau must assist the Secretary the National Guard Bureau; and of Defense by gathering the Chief of the National Guard relevant information from Bureau must assist the Secretary governors, adjutants general, of Defense by gathering relevant and other state authorities. information from governors, adjutants general, and other state authorities. The plan must set forth two Same as House language. The plan must set forth two versions of response: one using versions of response as indicated only members of the National in the House and Senate Guard and one using both language. National Guard and active duty personnel. CRS-28 H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version The plan shall cover the Same as House language. The plan shall cover the matters following matters: coordination set out in the House and Senate protocols, operational language. procedures, command structures, and lines of communications, as well as identifying training and equipment needed for both National Guard and active duty personnel to provide military assistance to civil authorities. No similar provision. Section 1802(b)(3) would No language was reported. require the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to submit an annual report to Congress on the requirements of the States and Territories with respect to military assistance to civil authorities which the Chief has validated, along with information on whether or not funding will be requested for these requirements in the next budget. CRS-29 H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version Section 1615(a) would require Section 1802(c)(2) would Sections 1815(a) was nearly the Secretary of Defense to require the Chief of the identical to the House language determine "military unique National Guard Bureau to in Section 1615(a) except that it capabilities needed to be "identify gaps between Federal required the Secretary of Defense provided by the Department of and State capabilities to prepare to consult with the Secretary of Defense to support civil for and respond to emergencies" Homeland Security in authorities in an incident of and "to make recommendations determining the "military unique national significance or a to the Secretary of Defense on capabilities needed to be catastrophic incident." programs and activities of the provided by the Department of National Guard for military Defense to support civil assistance to civil authorities to authorities in an incident of address such gaps." To meet national significance or a this new requirement, the Chief catastrophic incident." would have the new powers ­ in Section 1615(b) would require the realm of military assistance Section 1815 (b) was identical to the Secretary of Defense, in to civil authorities -- including the House language in Section coordination with the validating requirements, 1615(b). Secretaries of the Military developing doctrine and training Departments and the Chairman requirements, acquiring of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to equipment and supplies, develop and implement a plan assisting the Secretary of for funding these capabilities, Defense in budget preparation, and certain other capabilities and administering funds. These related to homeland defense, activities are to be carried out domestic emergency response, "in coordination with the and providing military support Adjutants General of the States" to civil authorities. and "in consultation with the Secretary of the Army and the Section 1614(d) requires the Secretary of the Air Force." No language similar to Section Secretary of Defense, acting 1614(d) of the House bill was through the Chairman of the reported. Joint Chiefs of Staff, to ensure "appropriate assignment of responsibilities, coordination of efforts, and prioritization of renouncing [resourcing] by the appropriate combatant commands, the military departments, and the National Guard Bureau." CRS-30 H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version Section 1614(c) requires the Section 1802(c)(3) requires that Section 1815(c) required the Secretary of Defense to include the budget justification Secretary of Defense to include a a request for funds sufficient to documentation submitted to the request for funds sufficient to carry out the plan required by Congress by the President each carry out the plan required by Section 1614(b) in the budget fiscal year specify separate Section 1815 (b) in the budget materials submitted for each amounts "for training and materials submitted for each fiscal year. equipment for the National fiscal year. Guard for purposes of military assistance to civil authorities and for other domestic operations during such fiscal year." Section 1615(f) specifies that No similar provision. Section 1815(e) was identical to the written policy guidance the House provision. which the Secretary of Defense provides to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the preparation and review of contingency plans (required by 10 USC 113(g)(2)), must include "plans for providing support to civil authorities in an incident of national significance or a catastrophic incident, for homeland defense, and for military support to civil authorities." Discussion: A number of the provisions in the law track closely with recommendations contained in the CNGR's Second Report to Congress, including the following: ! 4 Star Rank for NGB Chief. The law (Section 1811(b)) increased the rank of the Chief of the National Guard Bureau from lieutenant general to general, as advocated by CNGR Recommendation 13. ! NGB Charter. The law (Section 1813(b)) transferred authority for prescribing the NGB charter to the Secretary of Defense, consistent with CNGR Recommendation 12. ! NGB a joint activity of DOD. The law (Section 1812(a)) established the NGB as a joint activity of the Department of Defense, consistent with CNGR Recommendation 9. ! NGB Chief Advisory Role. Section 1811(c) of the law corresponded closely with the first part of CNGR Recommendation 10. ! New Function of the NGB. Section 1813(a) of the law was consistent with CNGR Recommendation 11. In other areas, the law differs somewhat from the CNGR recommendations: ! Determining Requirements and Budgeting for Domestic Response Capabilities. Section 1815 of the law was similar in certain respects to the CRS-31 recommendations provided by the CNGR, but differed in other areas. A description of these similarities and differences is beyond the scope of this report. See CNGR recommendations 1, 3, 4, and 5. ! Planning for Disasters and Terrorism. The requirement for a plan to respond to natural disasters or terrorist attacks contained in Section 1814 of the law was different than what was recommended by the CNGR. CNGR Recommendation 19 proposed that "U.S. Northern Command should develop plans for consequence management and support to civil authorities that account for state-level activities and incorporate the use of National Guard and Reserve forces as first military responders." The following topic was not specifically addressed by the CNGR: ! Selection of NGB Chief. The provision (Section 1811(a)) modifying the process for recommending an officer as Chief of the National Guard Bureau concerned a topic which was not specifically addressed in the CNGR report. The law brought the recommendation process for NGB Chief into greater harmony with the process used for recommending officers for other O-9 and O-10 positions. Specifically, it added requirements related to joint duty experience and capability to serve effectively in the position. This provision was generally consistent with language on page 94 the CNGR Report which states "...reserve component officers should be held to the same standards as applied to active component officers under Goldwater-Nichols, although the methods of attaining those standards may be different. If all officers must meet the same qualifications for promotion to any grade, the legitimacy of the selection of reserve component officers to senior grades and of their nominations to positions of importance and responsibility will be unassailable." Reference(s): CRS Report RL33571, The FY 2007 National Defense Authorization Act, Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues, pp. 34-36. Commission on the National Guard and Reserves, Second Report to Congress, March 1, 2007, available at [http://www.cngr.gov]. CRS Point of Contact (POC): Lawrence Kapp at x7-7609. CRS-32 *Tricare Fee Increases Background: In early 2006, DOD proposed increases in Tricare Prime enrollment fees for retired personnel under age 65, but Section 704 of the FY2007 John Warner National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 109-364) prohibited increases in premiums, deductibles, copayments, and other charges between April 1, 2006, and September 30, 2007. In submitting its proposed FY2008 budget, DOD again proposed fee increases that would provide an estimated $1.9 billion in potential savings for the year. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version Section 701 would extend to Section 713 extends prohibition Section 701 extended Sept. 30, 2008 the prohibition in on Tricare fee increases through prohibition of Tricare fee the FY2007 Authorization Act Sept. 30, 2008. increases through Sept. 30, on DOD increasing premiums 2008. and co-pays for Tricare Prime, and inpatient care charges for Tricare Standard. Discussion: The FY2007 Authorization Act requested two separate reports on defense health care budget issues, one by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and another by a DOD Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care. Both reports favored increases in the portion of costs borne by beneficiaries, but GAO found that although DOD is unlikely to realize estimated savings ($9 billion over a five-year period), it would achieve "significant savings." Although there remains considerable opposition to fee hikes among beneficiaries, the two Armed Services committees have expressed an intention to seek an eventual "comprehensive and prudent" approach to changes to health care budget issues. The conference report stated: "The conferees urge [DOD] to continue to identify opportunities to improve the quality and effectiveness of the military health care system through improved performance and health care outcomes. The conferees believe that any increase in TRICARE program cost sharing should be made only after implementation of improvements in the health care program, after consideration of the comprehensive reports mandated by Congress. . . and following consultation with military beneficiary advocates." Reference(s): Government Accountability Office, Military Health Care: TRICARE Cost-Sharing Proposals Would Help Offset Increasing Health Care Spending but Projected Savings are Likely Overestimated, GAO-07-647, May 2007; Department of Defense, Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care, Interim Report, May 2007. CRS Point of Contact (POC): Dick Best, x7-7607. CRS-33 *Retiree Tricare Coverage and Employer Group Health Plans Background: Section 707 of the FY2007 John Warner National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 109-364) prohibited employers from offering incentives to military retirees not to enroll in employee-sponsored health care plans. Tricare beneficiaries are thus treated in the same way as Medicare beneficiaries in that they are eligible for government health care plans but they may not receive any direct inducement to forego employer-sponsored health care plans. The goal of the legislation was to discourage employer efforts to shift costs of health care coverage to DOD while not decreasing the earned benefits of retired servicemembers. On the other hand, some employers offer a variety of different health care options (sometimes known as a cafeteria plan) that permits employees eligible for Tricare to choose plans that will complement their Tricare coverage and there has been some confusion in regard to this issue. In addition, some employers, including state governments, remain opposed to the provision that may increase their health care costs and there has been discussion of repealing the FY2008 provision. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version Report language urges DOD to No similar provision. No language was reported. implement clarifications that certain common employer benefit programs do not constitute improper incentives. Discussion: There remains some confusion among beneficiaries in regard to this provision and opposition among some employers. The law did not, however, address this issue. A rule that will provide DOD regulations on employer-sponsored health care is expected to be published soon in the Federal Register. Reference(s): None. CRS Point of Contact (POC): Dick Best, x7-7607. CRS-34 *Tricare Pharmacy Fees Background: Currently dependents of active-duty servicemembers and retired servicemembers and their dependents (up to age 65) must make co-payments of $3 for generic pharmaceuticals, $9 for formulary drugs and $22 for non-formulary drugs obtained through the Tricare retail pharmacy program. The Administration has proposed increasing co-payments for generic pharmaceuticals and formulary drugs to $5 and $15, respectively, along with $22 continuing to be required for non- formulary drugs. CBO has estimated that banning the proposed increases would increase DOD's discretionary costs by $187 million in FY2008. H.R. 1585 House-passed H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 Version Senate-passed Version Section 702 would freeze Section 714 would maintain Section 702 froze current co- current co-payment levels current pharmacy co-payment payment levels through the end through the end of FY2008. levels through the end of of FY2008. It retains co- FY2008. Section 715 expresses payment levels of $3 (generics), sense of Congress that DOD $9 (formularies), and $22 "has options to constrain the (nonformularies). growth of health care spending in ways that do not disadvantage retired members of the uniformed services, and should pursue any and all such options as a first priority." Discussion: There is considerable resistance among beneficiaries and their organizations to raising co-payment rates. GAO has concluded that increases in beneficiaries' co-payments are unlikely to permit DOD to achieve the extent of savings it has anticipated but "it is still likely to achieve significant savings." The Interim Report of the DOD Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care concluded that "The portion of costs borne by beneficiaries should be increased to a level below that of the current FEHBP [Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan] or that of generous private- sector plans and should be set at or below the level in effect in 1996." Further, the Task Force recommended that "Increases in cost-sharing should be phased in over three to five years to avoid precipitous changes." Reference(s): Government Accountability Office, Military Health Care: TRICARE Cost-Sharing Proposals Would Help Offset Increasing Health Care Spending but Projected Savings are Likely Overestimated, GAO-07-647, May 2007; Department of Defense, Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care, Interim Report, May 2007. CRS Point of Contact (POC): Dick Best, x7-7607. CRS-35 *Treatment of Tricare Retail Pharmacy Network Under Federal Procurement of Pharmaceuticals Background: Pharmaceuticals obtained by DOD are procured under federal pricing rules, but there has been a dispute regarding pharmaceuticals dispensed by the Tricare retail network: DOD has maintained that federal pricing rules apply; the pharmaceutical industry disagrees. Although there had been a provision relating to the issue in the Senate version of the defense authorization bill for FY2007, no language was included in the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 109-364). The conference report (H.Rept. 109-702) accompanying the final bill stated that "prescriptions dispensed by the Department of Defense Retail Pharmacy Program qualify for discounted drug prices under [38 USC] Section 8126." A court case concerning the issue was returned to a lower court on a procedural issue and has not been pursued. H.R. 1585 H.R. 1585 P.L. 110-181 House-passed Version Senate-passed Version Section 703 authorizes DOD to Section 701 provides, effective Section 703 provided, that after exclude pharmaceuticals from October 1, 2007, that the the date of enactment, the the DOD retail pharmacy Tricare Retail Pharmacy Tricare Retail Pharmacy benefits program that are not Program "shall be treated as an Network shall be treated as an available at the same price that element of the Department of element of DOD for purposes of is reflected in the Federal Defense for purposes of the procurement of Supply Schedule. procurement of drugs." pharmaceuticals. Discussion: Both provisions aim at encouraging pharmacies in the Tricare retail network to obtain pharmaceuticals at the same price that is available to Federal agencies, including DOD and the VA. The House version provides flexibility to DOD; the Senate Committee on Armed Services provision makes federal pricing mandatory after October 1, 2007. There has been considerable resistance to the proposal from pharmaceutical companies and retail drug stores and some observers say that making federal pricing mandatory for the Tricare Retail Pharmacy Program could be seen as a precedent for setting retail prices for pharmaceuticals obtained through Medicare. Reference(s): None CRS Point of Contact (POC): Dick Best, x7-7607. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ For other versions of this document, see http://wikileaks.org/wiki/CRS-RL34169