The Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) threshold is rising. Those now living up to 150 percent above the federal poverty line would qualify. Image: Cristi Popescu/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffService members would receive a 4.6-percent raise in basic pay on Jan. 1, under terms of the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. The measure, which cleared the chamber Dec. 8, also calls for increases in the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) by 2 percent.
Lawmakers also called upon the Pentagon to produce a report that outlines “a more transparent, fair and flexible way” to calculate BAH. The Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) threshold is rising. Those now living up to 150 percent above the federal poverty line would qualify.
Other personnel-related provision include:
• An increase in funding for commissaries, to offset higher prices for food and other goods.
• Establishment of a five-year pilot program aimed at reimbursing service members for certain childcare costs they incur during permanent change-of-station (PCS) moves or assignments.
• A reduction in childcare fees for children of child development center employees.
• Extension of critical recruitment and retention incentive programs.
The bill addresses several other key issues related to childcare, to include:
• A requirement that each armed service to determine ways to improve childcare services in remote areas or those that lack availability.
• Another requirement that the services “promote and increase awareness of childcare options.”
• A study that compares what childcare providers are paid in comparison with civilian counterparts in their communities.
• Quarterly publication of relevant information on the My Childcare in Your Neighborhood Program.
• Assessment of the feasibility of adding au pairs to the in-home childcare program.
• A briefing to lawmakers about childcare on military bases that do not have child development centers, or where the centers exist but are too small to provide enough available spots.
Quality of life provisions include $50 million to assist local agencies that educate military children, and $20 million for such agencies that help teach severely disabled children. Additionally, service members assigned to Alaska would receive a travel allowance – as well as a briefing on special duty pays. Service members also could receive as much as $4,000 for expenses related to relocating pets during permanent-change-of-station moves to or from locations outside of the U.S.
Policies addressing the detection and prevention of sexual harassment also would be enhanced. Such cases would fall under the jurisdiction of a special trial counsel, fostering another level of independence from potential command influence. Additionally, independent trained investigators outside the chain of command would perform such probes. Court-martial panels would be randomized. Reporting requirements for the implementation of the New Special Trial Counsel Program would expand. Civilian employees would now be able to produce expanded restricted reports of sexual harassment, ending the unrestricted-only status of such reports.
Spouses would be reimbursed for moving expenses when they are required to relocate their businesses during PCS moves. Certain spouses and disabled veterans also could qualify for non-competitive appointment authority.
The House took several steps to alleviate persistent issues relating to health care. The bill called for the Pentagon inspector general to probe medical care for Navy SEAL (sea, air and land) trainees. New policies would ensure accountability for wounded, sick and injured service members during the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) process. The services would be barred from reducing end strength authorizations among health-care providers. Steps would be taken to ensure that stockpiles of materials to treat chronic conditions, such as insulin, are maintained. Congress should be notified about any decision to modify the scope of services available at military treatment facilities. Certain facilities would be designated as core casualty facilities. They would be required to respond during certain national emergencies. The military health service would establish centers of excellence as well.
Several other provisions addressed suicide prevention and behavioral health. One called for establishment of a voluntary pilot program for safely storing privately owned firearms. Others called for finding ways to increase the number of military behavioral health providers, establishing a curriculum for certifying mental health professionals who are adept at the needs of military members and their families, and increasing confidentiality requirements for service members. Lawmakers want the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine the types of mental health benefits TRICARE provides, and audit services available through the agency’s behavioral health providers.
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