POTUS Signs Defense Bill

SGM Matthew Quick — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 17:38:23 -0500

President Obama signed a bipartisan budget deal Thursday easing spending cuts and a defense bill cracking down on sexual assault in the military, marking a modest end to a challenging year for the White House and Congress.

Commanders will no longer be permitted to overturn jury convictions for sexual assault, which the Pentagon estimates may have affected 26,000 members of the military last year. The law also requires a civilian review when commanders decline to prosecute, requires dishonorable discharge or dismissal for those convicted, eliminate the statute of limitations for courts-martial in rape and sexual assault cases and criminalizes retaliation against victims who report an assault.

A projected $85 billion in savings are located elsewhere in the deal, including increases in an airport security tax and a fee corporations pay to have pensions guaranteed by the government. Also included: a contentious provision to pare down annual cost of living increases in benefits for military retirees under age 62. Those cuts will save the government about $6.3 billion over a decade.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 26 at 2013 6:26 PM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 18:26:18 -0500

One of the things I don't see mentioned in this posting is how the cuts to the pensions will not only affect the current retirees and veterans but the future veterans such as yourself, or are you intending to stay for 40 years.

How do you feel about the cuts that will affect your future as well?