Highlights from the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act

Here are some of the highlights from the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act:

• TRICARE 26; to provide dependents over 21/23 an option to remain on TRICARE by an additional paid premium.
• Maintains President's request for full funding of TRICARE - NO increase in TRICARE fees for retirees under 65.
• National Health Care; clarifies that the Secretary of Defense has sole jurisdiction over the administration of military health care under H.R. 3590 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
• Mental Health, TBI, PTSD; includes a 25 percent increase in mental healthcare providers.
• Provides a pay raise of 1.9 percent, which is ½ percent higher than requested by the President.
• Increases family separation allowance for service members who are deployed away.
• Increases hostile fire and imminent danger pay for the first time since 2004.
  
• Authorizes combat benefits for serving members and their family survivors of those killed or wounded at Fort Hood and Little Rock shooting attacks.
• Sets the stage for a unified medical command to increase military health care efficiency.
• Develops an alternative commission officer’s career track pilot program.
• Authorizes an increase in end strength for the Army in FY-2011, and permits the Air Force and Navy to temporarily remain at a higher level.
• A delayed repeal of the prohibition to homosexuals in the armed forces, allowing the Pentagon to first conclude its study on the effects of the repeal, and then certify that it will not impact defense readiness.