FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1998: Last Friday we provided information
on several items contained in this year's Defense Authorization Bill. The
previous update reported the 3.6 percent military pay raise and provided
information on three new health care demonstration projects for Medicare-eligible
beneficiaries.
Also, included in the bill are the following: (1) $35 million
in additional Impact Aid spending to supplement that earmarked by the Department
of Education. (2) Increased funding for military construction for military
family housing, single/unaccompanied housing, and child development centers
by $265 over the President's budget submission. (3) Authorize reservists
to use government airfares, at their own expense, when traveling to and
from weekend drills. (4) Directs that a burial flag be provided to the
next of kin for all honorably discharged deceased members of the selected
reserve. (5) Beginning not later than January 1, 2000, an honor guard detail
must be provided by DoD or VA for the funeral of any veteran, when requested
by the next of kin of the veteran. (6) Increases hazardous duty pay levels
for enlisted crewmembers by $15 per month for an E-4 and $40 per month
for an E-5 through E-9. (7) Provides for a paid-up Survivor Benefit Plan
at 70 years of age and 30 years of payment, whichever is later, effective
October 1, 2008 repeat 2008.
The authorization bill passed the House yesterday,
and is expected to pass the Senate early next week. The bill will then
become law when it is signed by the President.
