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.
