VFW Washington Weekly - October 30, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009 at 09:55 PM
by mississippi
In This Issue:
1. President Signs Defense Bill
2. VFW Hosts DHS Secretary
3. House VA Committee Clears Bills
4. DNA Samples Needed for MIA Identifications
1. President Signs Defense Bill: The President signed the National Defense Authorization Act this week, which authorizes $550.2 billion for FY 2010 Department of Defense programs, and $130 billion to support overseas military operations. Some VFW-supported highlights include:
- No proposed Tricare fee increases.
- A 3.4% pay raise for active duty, Guard and Reserve members.
- Authorizing premium-based Tricare coverage for "gray area" Reserve retirees who are under age 60.
- Authorizing special compensation on behalf of caregivers of severely wounded warriors while on active duty.
- Requiring a medical examination before administrative separations of members affected by traumatic brain injury or PTSD.
- Protecting absentee voting rights for military members and families.
- Expanding active-duty Tricare eligibility for activating Guard/Reserve members and their families.
A detailed summary of the bill can be found at: http://armedservices.house.gov
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