Although the House passed its version of the fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act some months ago, the Senate has dithered with its version. It finally scheduled resumption for this week. A top provision in the House version is a 3.5 percent across-the-board military pay raise, up from the 3.0 percent requested by the administration. Another important provision would prohibit Tricare fee increases currently set by law to begin Jan. 1. Also, combat related special compensation would be provided to service members who received medical retirements for disability ratings of at least 60 percent after serving 15 to 20 years (Chapter 61 retirees). In addition a token payment of $40 a month effective Oct. 2008 would be provided survivors eligible for Survivor Benefit Plan annuities and Dependency Indemnity Compensation. The House plan also would consolidate the active duty and reserve Montgomery GI Bills.