2001 Legislative Achievements

The following is a summary of the major legislative initiatives supported by The Military Coalition (TMC) and enacted during the first session of the 107th Congress. Collectively, they represent significant enhancements in the quality of life for servicemembers and their families and should have a positive effect on the Services' recruiting, retention and readiness programs. Thanks in large part to TMC's efforts and extraordinary grassroots support from TMC's members, Congress:

HEALTH CARE:

  • Prohibited DoD from forcing military retirees to choose between DoD (TRICARE) and VA health care.
  • Ensured retiree health care trust fund covers retired Medicare-eligibles', regardless of age, in private sector or military facilities.
  • Authorized medically necessary care for custodial care patients (to maintain physical health).
  • Authorized added benefits for disabled active duty dependents with severe physical or psychological conditions.
  • Clarified travel eligibility for parent or guardian traveling with beneficiary unable to travel alone, for medical care beyond 100 miles.
  • Authorized federal agencies to pay National Guard – Reserve employees' federal health insurance (FEHBP) premiums (when activated 30 or more days).
  • Won permanent authority for extended health care benefits for certain active duty members and reservists separated after more than 30 days in support of a contingency.

RETIREMENT AND SURVIVOR PROGRAMS:

  • Authorized concurrent receipt of retired pay and veterans' disability compensation in the future-but only if President proposes funding.
  • Expanded special compensation for severely disabled retirees eligibility to cover certain members with 60% disability ratings and authorized modest compensation increases for other eligibles in 2003/4.
  • Provided full-inflation COLAs for all retirees/annuitants. *Extended Survivor Benefit Plan coverage to survivors of servicemembers who die on active duty prior to reaching retirement eligibility.
  • Implemented Servicemembers Group Life Insurance coverage for active duty dependents.
  • Restored "CHAMPVA for Life" benefits for eligible survivors of veterans who died of service-connected causes (they previously lost CHAMPVA health coverage at age 65).
  • Raised educational benefits for survivors and dependents of veterans who died of service-connection.
ACTIVE AND RESERVE FORCES:
  • Provided minimum 5% Jan. 1, 2002 raise for officers; 6% for enlisted, with up to 10% for selected grade/longevity combinations.
  • Raised 2002 housing allowances by an average of 10%.
  • Authorized REDUX-eligible members to receive 15-year career status bonus in lump sum ($30,000), or in annual installments.
  • Improved PCS reimbursements—increased TLE to $180/day (from $110); upgraded household goods weight allowances for junior enlisteds; and increased military PCS per diem rates to equal those for federal civilians by Jan. 2003.
  • Extended disability retirement coverage to Guard – Reserve members injured overnight within normal commuting distance to their homes.
  • Guaranteed absentee voting rights in any Federal, state or local election for members absent from a state on military orders.
OTHER GAINS:
  • Increased Montgomery GI Bill education benefits by 46% over three years.
  • Raised the VA home loan guaranty from $50,700 to $60,000 and extended the VA home loan authority for Selected Reservists until 2011.
  • For Vietnam veterans, added Adult Onset (Type II) Diabetes to the list of diseases presumed caused by Agent Orange exposure.
  • Expanded in-ground burial capacity of Arlington National Cemetery.


2000 Legislative Achievements 1999 Legislative Achievements