May 18, 2023 Share this on: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
  Breaking News  
   
 

Guardmen And Reservists Who Retire Early Could Get Cheaper Health Care Under Senate Bill 

National Guardsmen and reservists who retire before age 60 would be eligible for low-cost military health care plans under a bill being introduced Thursday by a bipartisan pair of senators, potentially saving those retirees thousands of dollars per year.

To read more, please click here.


 

GOP's Proposed Vets Benefits Change Kicks Off New Lawmaker Slugfest

Republican House appropriators on Tuesday unveiled plans for a $320 billion Veterans Affairs budget in fiscal 2024, which amends the department’s controversial Toxic Exposure Fund to allow for easier spending adjustments in the future. Democrats are already calling that another attack on veterans’ benefits.

To read more, please click here.


 

Veterans' Camp Lejeune Claims Are Being Ignored. Lawmakers Demand Answers

Sens. Ted Budd, Thom Tillis and seven other lawmakers demanded answers Wednesday on why their constituents continue to die from Camp Lejeune’s toxic waters while the Department of Justice and the Navy refused to settle their claims.

To read more, please click here.


 
  AFSA on the Hill  
   
 

IMPORTANT TO REITERATE: How Veterans Benefits Could Be Delayed In June By A US Default

By: Rebecca Kheel | Military.com

Billions of dollars of veterans benefits could be imperiled if the U.S. defaults on its debts, though the full extent of the fallout is uncertain because of the unprecedented nature of a default.

About $12 billion in veterans benefits are expected to be paid out June 1 -- the same day the Treasury Department has named as the earliest day a default could happen if Congress doesn't act to avoid it. A default would likely delay those benefits, but for exactly how long would depend on the Treasury's next move after a default, experts who spoke to Military.com said.

"There is significant uncertainty as to what would occur because we've never been there," said Rachel Snyderman, senior associate director of business and economic policy for the Bipartisan Policy Center, the Washington, D.C., think tank that estimated how much money in veterans benefits is due to be paid in June.

At issue is what's known as the debt ceiling or debt limit, which is the amount of money the Treasury can borrow in order to pay the nation's bills. The exact timing of the "X date," or the day the Treasury runs out of cash, is a moving target since it depends on how much tax revenue comes in, but Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned it could happen as soon as June 1. Pentagon officials have sounded the alarm about how a default could affect paychecks for service members.

House Republicans are demanding spending cuts in exchange for lifting the ceiling. The White House has maintained Congress should raise the ceiling immediately to avoid even the specter of a default and that any talks about spending cuts should be handled separately, though President Joe Biden has signaled an openness to clawing back unspent COVID-19 funds as Republicans have demanded.

With the deadline fast approaching, Biden and congressional leaders met at the White House last week, and staff-level talks have continued since then. A second meeting between Biden and congressional leaders had been scheduled for Friday but was canceled. Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., are next scheduled to meet Tuesday, Biden said Monday.

McCarthy sounded a pessimistic note Monday, telling reporters he thinks the two sides are still "far apart" and that it "seems like [administration officials] want to default more than they want a deal." While the Biden administration and House Republicans have been trading accusations about whether the GOP proposal to slash overall government spending would mean cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs, less talked about has been how veterans could be affected by a default.

The Bipartisan Policy Center's estimate of payments that could be missed, including veterans benefits, is based on analysis of past Treasury reports on its daily transactions, Snyderman said. The estimate for veterans benefits covers any benefit administered by the VA, she said. In addition to the June 1 payment, another round of veterans benefits is expected to be paid on June 30.

"With each additional day that impasse continues, there could be an exponential impact on what that payment delay could look like," Snyderman said. Experts see two possible scenarios for how the Treasury could try to pay U.S. bills after hitting the debt ceiling. In one scenario, the Treasury could choose to prioritize making certain payments before others, as cash comes in. In that case, how long veterans' benefits and military pay are delayed would depend on where they fall in line for priorities. Yellen has downplayed the possibility of prioritizing payments, doubting that it is technically feasible.

In another scenario, the Treasury could wait until it has enough cash in hand to make a full day's worth of payments in the order in which they came due. Then, if a default happened on June 1, veterans' benefits due that day might see only a short delay, but delays for later veterans' benefits and other payments would grow the longer the impasse lasts.

"We've never defaulted, and we've never breached the debt limit, and because it's so unfathomable, there's no public playbook for what to do in a situation when this happens," said Marc Goldwein, senior vice president and senior policy director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

"Some prioritization is probably possible, but it would be difficult for them to justify continuing to pay full veterans' benefits and not paying for other things," he added. "It's possible they would do that. Veterans are very popular. But I think we should assume that at least payments will be delayed."

A lengthy default could equate to up to 30% in cuts to non-interest government spending, Goldwein said. In addition to potentially hitting veterans' benefits, about $12 billion in military and civilian retirement pay that is expected on June 1 and about $4 billion in military salaries that is scheduled for June 15 could be disrupted by a default, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin alluded to the potential effect on military pay in congressional testimony last week. "What it would mean realistically for us is that we won't, in some cases, be able to pay our troops with any degree of predictability," Austin said at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing Thursday.

Administration officials issued similar warnings the last time the U.S. was close to a default in 2021. That year, Congress approved a debt limit increase with days to spare after Senate Republicans agreed not to block legislation. While Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress at the time, they didn't have the 60 votes typically needed to advance legislation in the Senate. The negotiating dynamics are different this time because Republicans now control the House. The last debt ceiling crisis when Republicans held the House and Democrats controlled the White House and the Senate in 2011 ended with an agreement to lift the debt ceiling in exchange for steep spending cuts.


AFSA's Summit Registration 

Greetings AFSA Members,

We are incredibly excited to let you know that Registration is now OPEN for The SUMMIT23: AFSA International Convention and Professional Education & Development Conferences. We are anticipating a full house with AFSA members, families, and guests, along with other Active Duty, Retired and Veteran military personnel.

 

DATES: You have TWO CHOICES when registering for the AFSA-International Conference (AFSA-IC):

  1. AFSA-IC Only: Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 6. (Arrive Fri., Aug 4, Depart Mon., Aug 7) Cost $275. Includes all AFSA special event meal functions.

 

  1. AFSA-IC PLUS the PEDS and the Air & Space Force Honors Banquet:  Friday, August 4 to Wednesday, August 9. (Arrive Fri., Aug 4, Depart Thurs., Aug 10) Cost: $325 Includes all AFSA special event meal functions, plus the Air & Space Honors Banquet.

 

REGISTER ONLINE

Important: Your confirmation/receipt will be sent to the email that you use here to register today.

  • Go online to: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/AFSAInternationalConvention
  • Review the page, scroll down to learn about your 2 choices, events, schedules and more.
  • Click on the “REGISTER NOW” Button
  • Choose the AFSA International Convention (AFSA-IC) 2-Day Only –OR -- the AFSA-IC plus PEDS/Air & Space Honors Banquet Registration.
  • Select the quantities (-/+) to register with spouses, family, etc.
  • Hit “CONTINUE”
  • Complete the registration form (Name, Email, Mobile, Rank, AFSA Member ID, Division, Chapter, Seating request, etc.)
  • Hit “CONTINUE”
  • Complete payment info (credit card number, Exp date, CVV code
  • Hit “PAY”
  • You can print a copy/screen shot for your records if preferred.
  • Watch your email for the Confirmation/Receipt from ZOHO Checkout/AFSA Summit

 

HOTEL/ROOM Reservations are open for your stay at the beautiful Hilton Anatole in Dallas at our special $154 a night rate. Make your reservations here now: https://book.passkey.com/event/50377324/owner/863/home

 

PLAY GOLF AND SUPPORT MILITARY SPOUSE/S SCHOLARSHIPS

Join us at the Uniformed Services Foundation (AFSA’s 501©3 organization) Charity Golf Scramble, Friday, August 4 at the Irving Golf Club in Irving, Texas. $125 per golfer/$500 Team of 4. Note, you’ll need to arrive a day early as the shotgun start beginning at 9:00 am! Play or sponsor here at: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/USFGolfOuting#/?lang=en

 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you own a business or know of a business that supports military families, we have a wide range of sponsorship opportunities during the AFSA-IC & SUMMIT23. Our goal is to help businesses share, recruit and network with their targeted market. To view and share our Sponsorship levels visit:

https://www.thesummitafsa.org/InfoExpoExhibitors#/sponsors?lang=en

 

Info/EXPO EXHIBITORS

Do you own a business that supports military families, or know of an organization that does? The SUMMIT Info/EXPO is the perfect place to be! Learn about our exhibit booth opportunities by visiting: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/InfoExpoExhibitors

 

MAIN WEBSITES

The Master SUMMIT Page has information for ALL planned events including the AFSA International Convention (AFSA-IC), the AFSA-IC Plus PEDS registration, the Enlisted Leaders Conferences (ELCs – by invitation only), the PEDS, and the USF Golf Scramble. The Master SUMMIT page is located at: https://www.hqafsa.org/summit23.html

 

Enlisted Leadership Conferences (ELCs): As of today, we are planning to host 11 ELCs. ELCs are by invitation only, and they require an ACCESS CODE (provided by your ELC/POC) to register and attend. You may learn more about them here https://www.thesummitafsa.org/EnlistedLeadersConferences

 

PEDS: We are also hosting the PEDS Conferences for active duty NOT invited to the ELCs. Learn more here: https://www.thesummitafsa.org/AFSAProfessionalEducationDevelopmentConference


 
  Legislative Action Center  
   
 

Below are the campaigns that are currently located on our Action Center. Please take no more than 5-10 minutes to scan through each of the campaigns and click on the custom links provided below. 

 

Support the Military Spouse Hiring Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/103707/Respond

Legislation Summary

  • The Military Spouse Hiring Act would encourage companies to employ military spouses, who frequently face disproportionate impediments in the job market, by extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include them. 
  • Intends to help military spouses find better work opportunities. 

 

Support the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/93860/Respond

Legislation Summary

  • Authorizes veterans with a service-connected disability of less than 50% to concurrently receive both retired pay and disability compensation. 
  • Makes qualified disability retirees with less than 20 years of retirement-creditable service eligible for concurrent receipt, subject to specified reductions in retired pay.

 

Support the Major Richard Star Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/93862/Respond

Legislation Summary

  • Qualify approximately 42,000 military retirees with combat-related injuries to concurrently receive both military retired pay and Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation. 
  • Provide total offset relief to veterans who suffered combat injuries or illnesses who were medically retired with less than twenty years of service.

 

Support the Retired Pay Restoration Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/92798/Respond

Legislation Summary

  • Allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability.
  • Extends full concurrent receipt eligibility to individuals who were retired or separated after at least 20 years of military service due to a service-connected disability.

 

Support the Military Family Nutrition Access Act of 2023!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/103672/Respond

Legislation Summary

  • The Military Family Nutrition Access Act was created to aid military families with active duty members who are facing food insecurity. 
  • By eliminating Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from the income calculations used to establish eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the bipartisan bill will combat food insecurity. 
  • Military personnel risk their life to protect our nation; they shouldn't have to worry about providing for their families. 

 

Support the Not Just a Number Act!

Link to Advocacy Campaign: https://www.votervoice.net/AFSA/Campaigns/103681/Respond

Legislation Summary

  • The Not Just a Number Act would oblige the VA to look into how veterans use their benefits in their yearly report on suicide prevention in order to assess the connection between VA benefits and suicide outcomes. 
  • In its fight against veteran suicides, the VA evaluates which VA benefits have the best impact on preventing suicide and requires the Department to submit recommendations for an increase in such benefits.

 

If you have any questions, please reach out to AFSA's Military and Government Relations team at milgov3@hqafsa.org.


 
  AFSA Membership Information  
   
 

READY-SET-GO! The AFSASUMMIT23

AFSA International Convention and PEDS is LIVE! Register to attend now. Book your Hilton Anatole Resort rooms, play in the USF Golf Scramble, and reserve your Info/EXPO Booth now! Visit: https://www.hqafsa.org/summit23.html


Have You Read The Latest AFSA Magazine?

This edition features Port Mortuary and America’s Missing Heroes, Living with Bipolar Disorder in the Military, Fly-By Wire Defense and AFSA’s American Award Recipient – Don Ward. Read, download, print and share: https://www.hqafsa.org/fallmagazine.html


 


Greetings AFSA Division and Chapter Leadership,

We are pleased to share the AFSA Set-It-Forever/Auto Pay procedures and marketing materials to help share the process with our members, your membership and potential new recruits.

The Set-It-Forever/Auto Pay program creates an opportunity to JOIN AFSA or RENEW a membership by making a $36 once-a-year/every-year auto payment, or a $4-each-month/every- month auto payment. The $36 once-a-year option is set at $36, and the $4-a-month option includes a bank processing fee of $1 each month.

Review the two ways to enroll, the benefits to using the auto-pay option, and the marketing materials to help share the details of this program and ensure its success.

For more information, please click here.

For questions, please contact AFSAHQ Member & Field team at 800-638-0594 x 288.


Please Update Your Contact Information Today!

Dear Air Force Sergeants Association Member,

In order for the AFSA to effectively communicate with our members, it is essential to ensure we have your current and / or valid e-mail address. 
 
We are in the process of updating our records and need your help! Please take a moment to ensure that we have your most current mail and email address (no .mil's); and accurate membership listing information.

We've made it easy, as you can update your information in either one of three ways: 

  1. Call Member & Field Relations team directly at 800-638-0594 x 288 (Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST)
  2. Email to: msvcs@hqafsa.org
  3. Visit www.hqafsa.org and select the UPDATE button on the right

We thank you in advance for your support and prompt updates.


 
  And that's the way it is...  
   
 

In sum, the legislation, sponsored by Senators J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), would eliminate the current requirement that retired reserve troops wait until they are 60 years old before enrolling in certain Tricare plans.

A law enacted in 2008 permits reserve component members who are called to active service to retire with retirement pay as soon as they turn 50. Their exact retirement age varies depending on how long they were on active duty; for every 90 days, three months are subtracted from the standard retirement age of 60.

 

In addition, the action was taken shortly after GOP leaders came under fire from Democrats and veterans' groups (such as Disabled American Veterans and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) for failing to protect veterans' funding in a separate piece of legislation that called for significant reductions in federal spending. The most recent action is probably going to intensify that political conflict once more and keep the veterans budget at the forefront of partisan fiscal disputes on Capitol Hill for some time.

The House spending Committee, which is controlled by Republicans, is scheduled to vote on the spending bill on Wednesday. It provides nearly the same amount for veterans' benefits and programming as President Joe Biden asked for in his budget proposal earlier this year. It would represent a nearly 6% increase over funding levels for the current fiscal year.

 

And lastly, toxic waters on the base in Jacksonville, North Carolina, have been the subject of claims and lawsuits from veterans, military personnel, and their families. On Wednesday, the lawmakers wrote to Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Attorney General Merrick Garland expressing their concerns about the delays in resolving these claims and lawsuits.

On the Marine Corps post, toxic chemicals from underground fuel storage tanks, an off-base dry cleaning facility, industrial area spills, and waste disposal sites soaked into two of eight water treatment plants between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. Trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, benzene, and vinyl chloride were among the substances; they are known to cause malignancies, birth deformities, leukemia in children, and miscarriages.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which was signed into law by Congress in August and gave an estimated 1 million persons who were exposed to the water the opportunity to file a claim with the Navy. The law then permitted those citizens to file a lawsuit if the Navy didn't react within six months.

 

And that's the way it is for Thursday, May 18, 2023.

Stay tuned for our next M&G-B, where we will continue to keep you in the loop on all things pertinent to the coronavirus, veterans, active-duty members, guards and reservists, and military family members. Stay happy, and stay healthy!