Fedweek

The DoD authorization bills also contain several other provisions of general interest to federal employees. For example, both contain renewed commitments to allow military personnel to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan, which was approved last year but has been delayed due to funding problems. Also, the House version would extend through calendar year 2003 a pilot program of allowing certain military retirees and their family members to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program. That program already has begun but low participation rates so far spurred the extension. Federal employee organizations are watching both issues closely for any potential effect on those programs.