OMB Opposes Certain House NDAA Provisions

In a Statement of Administration Policy on May 11, the administration’s Office of management and Budget registered opposition to several provisions of the House’s version of the fiscal Defense Authorization Act. For example, OMB objected to the House’s action to block the administration’s efforts to double and triple Tricare fees for military retirees under age 65. The administration also opposed expansion of Tricare eligibility to all Selected Reserve members and their families. The OMB statement expressed regrets that the legislation includes a 2.7 percent across-the-board pay raise instead of the 2.2 percent the President had budgeted. OMB objections were based upon its estimate of cost. After the Senate passes its version of the NDAA, expected to take place after the Memorial Day recess, both versions will be hammered together by a joint conference committee.