Defense

Defense

THE ARMY'S VOICE ON CAPITOL HILL

AUSA's Directorate of Government Affairs coordinates AUSA’s activities related to the U.S. Congress and the Executive Branch. The Directorate helps maximize the Association’s and members’ participation in the legislative process. We advocate for the Army, soldiers (past, present and future) and their families. Additionally, the Directorate monitors congressional activity and reports to our members to ensure they are well-informed and prepared to be active in the legislative process.The Government Affairs Staff advises the Resolutions Committee in the development of AUSA's formal resolutions during the Association's Annual Meeting. The resolutions are approved by chapters after the Annual Meeting using an online voting system. Once the resolutions are formalized, AUSA publishes the resolutions and distributes them to all members of Congress, Defense Department leaders and AUSA Chapters. The resolutions shape AUSA’s legislative agenda.

WHERE WE STAND ON KEY ISSUES

PAY

  • Maintain pay parity (military and federal civilian)
  • Maintain comparability in out years

HEALTH CARE

  • Fully fund Wounded Warrior Initiatives
  • Fully fund TBI/PTS care and research initiatives
  • No erosion of benefits (pharmacy, quality of and access to care)
  • No TRICARE for Life enrollment fees
  • Limit increases in TRICARE fees/deductibles/pharmacy copay to COLA
  • Increase Medicare reimbursement rates to ensure access to care

HOUSING

  • Additional funding (Sustain, Restore, Modernize)
  • Innovative programs (Maintain public/private partnership funding)
  • Maintain current BAH policy

FAMILIES

  • Fully fund Army Family initiatives/programs
  • Expand spousal and family member education and employment opportunities

RETIREE

  • Retain current retirement system
  • Full concurrent receipt for all disabled retirees
  • Reduce Reserve Component retirement age from 60 to 55

SUSTAIN THE ARMY

  • Maintain National Guard, Reserve and Active endstrength to support national defense strategy, Joint Force and Army statutory and mission requirements
  • Maintain assured access to the Reserve Component
  • Fully resourced recruiting and retention
  • Fill 100% of ARNG and USAR full-time manning positions

READINESS

  • End Sequestration permanently
  • Defense spending – at least 4% of GDP/Army share at least 28%
  • Continuing support for overseas contingency operations (OCO) funding
  • Spare parts – no shortages
  • Facilities/Utilities – fully funded and energy efficient
  • Operations & Maintenance funds for all missions of AC & RC
  • Maintain Full Spectrum Training and simulation funding (Soldier, unit & Army civilian)

MODERNIZATION OF THE FORCE

  • Fully fund resetting of the Current Force
  • Fully fund Soldier Modernization; Network, Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, Armored Multi-purpose Vehicle & Aviation modernization
  • Increase funding for research and development