11-30-2012

Senate NDAA Debated

After months of delay, the Senate began debate on its version of the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA-S.3254) this week and continues on the Senate floor today. As NewsBytes is prepared for distribution, lawmakers are considering more than 400 floor amendments. Key amendments approved so far include one requiring a report on TRICARE Prime availability in conjunction with implementation of new TRICARE contract provisions sponsored by Sen. Dean Heller (Nev.); an amendment sponsored by Sen. John Cornyn (Texas) requiring the VA to provide Congress with a plan to reduce the claims backlog; and an amendment expanding TRICARE coverage for health services for military children with autism sponsored by Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (N.Y.).   Unfortunately, an amendment sponsored by Sen. Bill Nelson (Fla.) addressing the Survivor Benefit/Dependency Indemnity Compensation (SBP/DIC) offset was defeated because it exceeded spending limits set by the Budget Control Act of 2011. FRA is closely tracking consideration of other amendments related to FRA’s legislative agenda and will report on these next week. 

Thanks to shipmates who recently used the FRA Action Center to send more than 8,500 e-mails to Capitol Hill on key personnel-related NDAA provisions.