NewsBytes July 16, 2021
In this issue:
SVAC EHR Implementation Oversight Hearing
House Advances Defense Bill
Sexual Assault Prosecution Changes Proposed
SBP/DIC Offset Repeal Update
LA FRA Pilgrimage
SVAC Oversight Hearing on EHR Implementation
The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee recently held an oversight hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) rolling-out the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program, findings of this year’s strategic review of the program, and the VA’s proposed path forward. This hearing also discussed three recent reports released by the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) concerning issues with the management and deployment of the new program.
The association believes congressional oversight of the ongoing implementation of VA technology upgrades that will provide a joint EHR is vital to ensuring improvements to the system. The FRA wants to ensure adequate funding for Department of Defense (DoD) and the VA health care resource sharing in delivering seamless, cost-effective, quality services to personnel wounded in combat and other veterans and their families.
Witnesses at the hearing included VA Secretary Denis McDonough, VA OIG Deputy Inspector General David Case, and Ellkay’s Chief Innovation Officer Marc Probst.
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House Appropriators Advance Defense Spending Bill
The House Appropriations Committee approved the FY2022 Defense Appropriations bill and sent it to the House floor for further consideration. The still unnumbered bill provides a $10 billion increase over the current year. Some of the key provisions in the spending bill include:
• Adequate funding for the Defense Health Agency that will not require any new TRICARE fee increases;
• Provides funding for an active-duty pay increase (2.7%), which keeps pace with civilian pay increases;
• Reduces active-duty end strength (Navy reduced by 1,600 and Marine Corps reduced by 2,700); and
• Provides $70 million in impact aid for public schools with large military populations.
The FRA submitted written testimony on its Defense spending priorities to the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee in conjunction with the subcommittee budget hearing that was held on May 27, 2021. A copy of the testimony is available online.
Commission Proposes Sexual Assault Prosecution Changes
The Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military (IRC) released its final report with more than 80 recommendations that includes prosecution of sexual assaults in the military be taken out of the military chain of command. At the direction of President Biden, on Feb. 26, 2021, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III established the 90-day IRC on sexual assault in the military. The IRC was comprised of 12 military and civilian experts from the fields of; civilian criminal justice, victim advocacy, policy and program development for sexual violence, prevention and response, public health, and research. During the 90-day period, the IRC gathered input from different sources. The team met with more than 600 individuals in the U.S. military — including survivors, researchers, current and former service members, commanders, junior and senior enlisted members, and advocates. FRA ADVP Noelle Huffer has monitored this process by attending multiple video conference calls with the members of the IRC.
The IRC presented Secretary Austin with its report and recommendations addressing four broad areas; accountability, prevention, climate and culture, and support and care of victims. A total of 82 recommendations were made. Austin reviewed recommendations made by the IRC and stated he agrees with everything submitted. Based on recommendations from the IRC, Austin has directed that the department will work with Congress to make changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and shift responsibility from military commanders for prosecuting sexual assaults and related crimes, as well as domestic violence offences, child abuse and retaliation. Making changes to the UCMJ, which is part of federal law, requires congressional approval. Austin has directed Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks to prepare a roadmap to implement recommendations from the IRC. Following his approval of that roadmap, he said, “It will be the role of the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness to oversee the implementation of recommendations.”
The full report can be found online.
SBP/DIC Offset Repeal Update
The FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was enacted with the long-sought repeal of the SBP/DIC offset, often referred to as the “Military Widows Tax.” The repeal was phased in over three years. Surviving spouses receiving the Survivor Benefits Program (SBP) benefits and the Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) should have seen an increase in their January benefits that were deposited on Feb. 1, 2021. Instead of deducting the full DIC payment from the SBP annuity, only two-thirds was deducted ($905 for the standard DIC) for the first year’s implementation of the offset. In 2022, only one-third of the DIC payment will be deducted from SBP. In 2023, the elimination of the SBP/DIC offset will be complete and surviving spouses will receive full SBP annuity and DIC.
LA FRA Pilgrimage
Following a year of government restrictions, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association were able to continue their annual event. On June 30, the National President’s Tea was held at the Old Town Westin Hotel, in Alexandria, Virginia, followed by the Pilgrimage to the Mast of the Maine at Arlington National Cemetery. LA FRA National President Jackie Scarbro led the ladies on the Pilgrimage and also laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
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