ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

The Association of the U.S. Army is supporting legislation that would help spouses of active-duty troops save for retirement.

Introduced in both the House and the Senate, the Military Spouses Retirement Security Act would expand spouses’ access to retirement plans sponsored by their employers.

Under provisions outlined in the bill, small businesses—for example those with 100 or fewer employees—would be eligible for a tax credit of up to $500 a year for up to three years for every military spouse employee. 

Feb. 17, 2017

A list of the 100 most “influential and impactful” people supporting veterans in 2016 includes 45 Army-related names, including two Medal of Honor recipients, a professional football player, and the billionaire who withdrew from consideration to serve as secretary of the Army.

 The annual list from Hill Vets, a bipartisan group involved in raising awareness on veterans’ issues and helping veterans get involved in government, has a diverse collection of people from politics, business, philanthropy and even the arts.

DEAL REACHED ON 2017 NDAA

A halt to the drawdown of Soldiers was only one of the items AUSA cheered as the details of a negotiated annual defense policy bill were released. 

The topline for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2017 is $618.7 billion including $67.8 billion for the overseas contingency operations account and the president's supplemental $5.8 billion request.

AUSA ASKS CONGRESS TO QUICKLY PASS DEFENSE BUDGET

The Association of the U.S. Army has joined other defense-related associations in urging Congress to pass a complete and fully funded 2017 defense budget before the end of the calendar year, and not wait for a new administration in the White House.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 21, 2016

VA Streamlining Process for Medical/Surgical Purchases Changes will improve efficiency, supply management, and bottom line.

DEFENSE SPENDING STALLED AGAIN

It’s a 99.9% probability that Congress will pass a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government running past the Oct. 1 deadline.  How they reach their goal is the billion dollar question.

Any optimism the Senate had that they would be able to pass the defense spending bill was dashed Tuesday when the legislation failed to garner the 60 votes needed to proceed.  This is the third time Democrats have blocked the measure.

DoD Official: We Want You Back in our Hospitals

According to a report in Military.com, “Shifting military family members back into military hospitals and clinics for health care is a top priority …” for the Defense Health Agency.

For many years, military family members enrolled in Tricare Prime have been referred to civilian health care providers if they cannot receive primary health care in a military treatment facility.

WHERE WE STAND

House and Senate conference negotiations on the fiscal 2017 defense authorization bill are underway.  Lawmakers on committees that share jurisdiction on some provisions offered their views in a closed-door meeting with the leaders of the Armed Services Committee leaders.   

Senate Armed Services Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., said the meeting provided a “very fruitful discussion,” while his House counterpart, Mac Thornberry, R-Texas said the committees are “off to a good start.”

GEN Sullivan of AUSA Honored

Retired Army Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan was honored June 9 during a speech in the House of Representatives as he prepares to step down after more than 18 years as president and CEO of the Association of the U.S. Army.

MILITARY HEALTH CARE REFORM DETAILS RELEASED BY SENATE

Now that the Senate Armed Services Committee has approved its version of the defense authorization bill for fiscal 2017, we have a clearer picture of what direction they are taking with respect to military health care reform.