NewsBytes June 30, 2023
In this issue:
SASC NDAA Markup
Retroactive Toxic Exposure Benefits Deadline Approaching
SVAC Looks at VA Integrated Care
Passing of NED Chris Slawinski
FRA NHQ Closed on Independence Day
SASC NDAA Markup
Senators Jack Reed (R.I.) and Roger Wicker (Miss.), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced that the Committee voted 24-1 to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024. During the subcommittee and full committee markups of the legislation, the Committee considered 445 amendments and adopted 286 amendments. The SASC markup of the annual NDAA is done in closed session, and the text of the bill is not yet available. The Committee provided a summary of the SASC markup that includes:
• No new TRICARE fee increases;
• Providing a 5.2 percent annual pay increase for active duty;
• Requiring a review of active duty pay rates with submission of correction legislation;
• Requiring the Comptroller General to review the TRICARE pharmacy program
• Improving Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) calculation for junior enlisted;
• Prohibits Base Realignment and Closures (BRAC); and
• Reduces Navy end strength by 4300 and Marine Corps end strength by 4700.
The bill now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. The House Armed Services (HASC) recently approved its version of the NDAA and sent it to the House floor for further consideration. Members can refer to last week’s NewsBytes for provisions in the HASC markup. After the Senate and House approve their version of the bill, a conference committee will be appointed to resolve the differences between the two bills that will be approved by the House and Senate and then sent to the president to be signed into law or vetoed.
Retroactive Toxic Exposure Benefits Deadline Approaching
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) wants veterans to be aware veterans who apply for the PACT Act payouts within a year of the bill signing are potentially eligible for retroactive benefits back to that date. But veterans who enroll after August 9, 2023, will only receive payouts back to their date of filing. Since the PACT Act was signed into law on August 10, 2022, more than 660,000 veterans have applied for benefits, and the VA has paid out more than $1.4 billion in benefits.
The law provides presumptive benefit status for 12 types of cancer and 12 other respiratory illnesses linked to burn pit exposure in the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan and the War in Iraq; hypertension and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) for veterans who served in Vietnam; and radiation-related illnesses for veterans who served in several new locations in the 1960s and early 1970s. Veterans or their family members can also get information about PACT Act benefits by visiting the VA’s website or by calling 1-800-MYVA411 (1-800-698-2411).
SVAC Looks at VA Integrated Care
The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing examining the usefulness of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Integrated Veteran Care. The Veterans Health Administration Office of Integrated Veteran Care (IVC) is a national program office that manages veterans’ and beneficiaries’ access to health care in both VA and community facilities. VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal and his staff answered questions on the current status of its policies and procedures for integrated care. Senators at the hearing expressed concern about veterans receiving excellent care whether it is at VA facilities or through community care. It was noted that staff shortages and access to service providers continue to be challenges, especially in rural areas.
Passing of NED Chris Slawinski
It is with profound sorrow that NewsBytes must report the passing of our Shipmate, FRA National Executive Director, Christopher J. Slawinski. NED Chris joined the “Staff of the Supreme Commander” early Monday morning, June 26, 2023, while surrounded by his family at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center located in Bethesda, MD. He put up a gallant fight against a tough opponent, cancer, until the very end. Please keep his family in your prayers. Any cards or messages can be sent to NHQ, and they will be relayed to the family.
FRA NHQ Closed on Independence Day
FRA’s National Headquarters (NHQ) offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Congress is also in recess next week and the next issue of NewsBytes will be July 14, 2023. The NHQ staff wishes all FRA Shipmates a safe and enjoyable 4th of July.
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