What's in the defense bill for military and families?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 12:54:29 -0400

What's in the defense bill for military and families?

Retirement
Pay Raise
Guns on Base
Pharmacy Co-Pays
Drugs
Child Care
Military Flights
Housing
Urgent Care

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/10/05/whats-defense-bill-military-and-families/73379314/

Buried in the 1,915-page defense policy bill are major changes that could affect more than 1 million members of the military and their families.

The House has passed the bill 270-156 and the Senate is scheduled to vote on the $612 billion bill this week.

President Barack Obama has threatened to veto the legislation as part of a larger budget debate on Capitol Hill, but if enacted, here are highlights of the legislation affecting members of the armed forces and their families:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Buried in the 1,915-page defense policy bill are major changes that could affect more than 1 million members of the military and their families.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 5 at 2015 12:55 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 12:55:06 -0400

Thank you for posting a summary COL Mikel J. Burroughs
I am saddened; but, not surprised that President Obama has threatened to veto the bill because he has changed his mind on sequestration apparently.
In 2011, when the democrats controlled both the Senate and the U.S. House and sequestration passed and was signed into law by him. The war funding was made separate from the DoD funding in that process. All the wars the USA is fighting are his wars and it is disingenuous for him to threaten a veto at this point.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Oct 5 at 2015 1:14 PM

TSgt David Holman — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 13:14:16 -0400

The one thing that really has me intrigued as a medic is the urgent care part of the bill. I understand that illness and injuries know no time, but I have to wonder how many people will use this as a work around for scheduling appointments. It will definitely give more access to those that need it, but I see a huge opportunity for abuse here.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2015 2:15 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 14:15:40 -0400

Overall this is a very good defense bill. It's a shame that it seems politics may end up getting it vetoed.

Disclaimer: I obviously didn't read the entire thing, so I don't know if there are "hidden" items or "riders" that are the reason for the veto.