NewsBytes September 30, 2022
In this issue:
Must Pass CR Still Pending
Camp LeJeune Litigation
Helping Active Duty
Coast Guard Authorization Update
Must Pass CR Still Pending
As NewsBytes goes to press the Senate and the House are expected to pass a stopgap funding measure, known as a Continuing Resolution (CR-H.R.6833) to prevent the U.S. government from partially shutting down on Oct. 1, 2022, the start of the new fiscal year. This CR will keep the government open at current spending levels until Dec. 16, 2022. This will give Congress time to approve appropriations (spending) bills and to be signed into law by the president.
In the event of a government shutdown active-duty military personnel will be paid because they are considered “essential workers.” Retirees will continue to be paid and get their TRICARE benefits because funding for their benefits are not required to be appropriated by Congress (mandatory funding). Those receiving veterans’ benefits will also continue to get benefits because the Department of Veterans Affairs has two-year funding (an FRA supported initiative) and already has funding for FY 2023.
Camp LeJeune Litigation
The FRA has received numerous phone calls from Shipmates regarding the television commercials about toxic exposure lawsuits for those who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, MCB, NC between Aug. 1, 1953, and Dec. 31, 1987. These commercials paid for by law firms are a result of Section 804 of the recently enacted PACT Act that provides comprehensive toxic exposure benefits. This specific section of the law allows people to sue the government for damages for individuals exposed to toxic substances while residing at Camp Lejeune. These lawsuits often take several years to come to a settlement, the attorney representing the claimant receives a substantial portion of the settlement, and there is an offset of VA disability benefits with any settlement that may be received through a lawsuit. VA regulations on this are expected in the coming months.
Helping Active Duty
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced actions to strengthen economic security of service members and their families. Recognizing the extraordinary pressures that military families face, Secretary Austin directed the following actions:
• Review the prospective 2023 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) tables.
• Increasing BAH in areas that have suffered more than 20 percent spike in rental housing costs.
• Fully fund commissaries to cut prices to achieve at least a 25 percent savings on grocery bills compared to the local marketplace.
• Permanently increase standard TLE maximum coverage from 10 to 14 days for CONUS moves and allow up to 60 days of TLE if a service member is in an area with a housing shortage.
• Increase the Dislocation Allowance (DLA) for E-1 to E-6 service members, and DLA payments will be paid automatically one month prior to their move date.
• Invest in Child Development Program (CDP) facilities to expand capacity and quality of care.
• Expanding the in-home childcare fee-assistance pilot program to additional states.
• Accelerate the development of seven additional occupational licensure interstate compacts for spouses who must transfer professional licenses or credentials with each move.
• Increase DoD hiring of military spouses to help military spouses build portable careers.
• Launching a career-accelerator pilot plan to match spouses with paid private-sector fellowships.
The memorandum for “Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families” can be found online.
Coast Guard Authorization Update
The FRA and other organizations signed on to a letter to Chair Sen. Maria Cantwell (Wash.) and Ranking Member Sen. Roger Wicker of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This letter urges them to approve the Coast Guard Authorization bill (H.R.6865, S.4802) The House bill was passed in the House (378-46). The bill has a provision to ensure currently serving and retired Coast Guard members continue receiving their pay should the government shut down. This is a nonpartisan issue that is essential to securing America’s ports, protecting its shores and preserving lives. The letter also notes support for other provisions dealing with affordable housing and expanding childcare.
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