Ellmers Supports Critical Defense Legislation

Statement

Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC-02) released the following statement on the Conference Report to H.R. 1735, the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

"After months of hard work among members of the House and Senate, I am glad to see an agreement reached on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation authorizes over $600 billion in spending, which is essential to fortifying our national security, maintaining robust military intelligence and shoring up our defense efforts overseas."

"For the first time ever, this legislation would allow the almost 83% of service members who are not eligible for military retirement to participate in a retirement plan. As the representative of Fort Bragg, I believe it's high time that we had retirement reform encompassing more of our servicemen and women."

"This legislation is fiscally responsible, as it makes cuts to excessive and wasteful expenditures, instead reallocating those funds to more urgent priorities, including our ongoing efforts to destroy ISIS and combat an aggressive Russia. Given these turbulent times, I find it deeply concerning that the President has threatened to veto legislation so critical to our national security, as it authorizes essential resources for our warfighters."

Background:

As outlined in this 12-page Conference Reportby the House Armed Services Committee, the below are highlights of the Fiscal Year 2016 NDAA as they impact Fort Bragg and other military bases.

Compensation & Benefits Reform:

"The Conferees agreed on changes that provide additional options to individuals who serve the nation for a period of less than 20 years, while delaying implementation until 2018 to allow DoD and relevant stakeholders time for implementation.

"For the first time, this plan would allow the 83% of service members not eligible for military retirement to participate in a retirement plan. This system will allow new service members to contribute to a portable Thrift Savings Plan with matching contributions from DoD. The reform also preserves a structure that encourages service beyond 12 and then 20 years of service by maintaining the retirement annuity while adding the benefit of allowing a service member to take part of their retirement pay as an upfront lump sum payment.

"Those currently serving, and having less than twelve years of service, have the option of remaining grandfathered into the old system or choosing the new TSP option. Recognizing the important benefit and value that commissaries offer military personnel and their families, the Conference Agreement also maintains the current structure of the commissary system, while allowing the Department of Defense the flexibility to explore innovations."

Tricare:

"The Conferees also rejected more than 60% of the proposed increases to Tri-Care Pharmacy co-pays supported by the President and the Senate. Instead, the Conference Agreement includes modest adjustments to co-pays for brand name and generic medications, at the minimum amount necessary to offset the retirement program."

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