House Passes Authorization Act

On May 11, the House passed H.R. 5122, its version of the fiscal 2007 Defense Authorization Act. It includes a 2.7-percent pay raise effective Jan. 1, 2007, and targeted increases for certain mid-grade and senior enlisted members beginning April 1, 2007. It also blocks the administration’s efforts to double and triple Tricare fees for military retirees under age 65, and provides for a study of the military health system. In addition it authorizes Tricare coverage, effective Oct. 1, 2008, for drilling Guard and Reserve members at the same rates given RC members who have been mobilized since Sept. 11, 2001. It also authorizes the services to double separation payments to encourage voluntary separations for force reduction. And it authorizes a Cold War Medal for honorable service between September 2, 1945, and December 26, 1991. (See next item.)