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• Military Service Records and Unit Histories: A Guide to Locating Sources [June 13, 2007]

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  "This report is a guide to locating individual service records and military unit histories from the American Revolution to the present. This guide provides referral information for locating individual service records of discharged and deceased veterans. It includes information regarding locating and obtaining active service records. Also included are relevant addresses and websites of government agencies, historical associations, and a select bibliography. This report will be updated as needed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gomez, Julissa; Walker Klarman, Kim

  2007-06-13
• Military Medical Care: Questions and Answers [February 28, 2013]

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  "'The primary objective of the military health system, which includes the Defense Department's hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel, is to maintain the health of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions and to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime. The military health system also covers dependents of active duty personnel, military retirees, and their dependents, including some members of the reserve components. The military health system provides health care services through either Department of Defense (DOD) medical facilities, known as 'military treatment facilities' or 'MTFs' as space is available, or through private health care providers. The military health system currently includes some 56 hospitals and 365 clinics serving 9.7 million beneficiaries. It operates worldwide and employs some 58,369 civilians and 86,007 military personnel. Since 1966, civilian care to millions of dependents and retirees (and retirees' dependents) has been provided through a program still known in law as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), but more commonly known as TRICARE. […] This report answers several frequently asked questions about military health care, including [1] How is the military health system structured? [2] What is TRICARE? [3] What are the different TRICARE plans and who is eligible? [4] What are the costs of military health care to beneficiaries? [5] What is the relationship of TRICARE to Medicare? [6] How does the Affordable Care Act affect TRICARE? [7] What are the long-term trends in defense health care costs? [and 8] What is the Medicare Eligible Retiree Health Care fund, which funds TRICARE for Life?"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blakeley, Katherine; Jansen, Don J.

  2013-02-28
• Multilateral Development Banks: How the United States Makes and Implements Policy [March 7, 2013]

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  "This report analyzes how the United States makes policy towards the multilateral development banks (MDBs) and identifies ways by which Congress can shape U.S. policy and influence the activities of the banks themselves. The executive branch and Congress share responsibility for U.S. policy towards the MDBs and each has primary control over a different part of the policy process. The Administration is responsible for negotiating with other countries and for managing day-to-day U.S. participation in the MDBs. Congress has ultimate authority over the level of U.S. financial commitments and the criteria that govern U.S. participation in these institutions. Congress has authorized the President to direct U.S. participation in the MDBs, and the President has delegated that authority to the Secretary of the Treasury. Other agencies also have reasons for being concerned about U.S. policy and the MDBs. The Administration created a new process, starting in 2009, to help coordinate interagency views on MDB issues. […] Congress exercises its influence over MDB policy through its control over authorizations and appropriations and through oversight. The authorizing committees have included in MDB authorizing legislation many directives which affect the goal and direction of U.S. policy. Congress has also used its control over the funding process--its 'power of the purse'--to set priorities and encourage the Administration and MDBs to consider changes in their policies or procedures. Congress has used hearings and required reports to get information about U.S. policy and the MDBs onto the public record and to draw the Treasury Department's attention to issues of pressing concern. Since the Administration knows it must come to Congress for future authorizations and MDB funding, the views expressed by Congress through hearings have often had an impact on the focus and direction of U.S. policy regarding particular concerns."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nelson, Rebecca M.; Weiss, Martin A.

  2013-03-07
• Moldova: Background and U.S. Policy [February 1, 2013]

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  "Although a small country, Moldova has been of interest to U.S. policymakers due to its position between NATO and EU member Romania and strategic Ukraine. In addition, some experts have expressed concern about Russian efforts to extend its hegemony over Moldova through various methods, including a troop presence, manipulation of Moldova's relationship with its breakaway Transnistria region, and energy supplies and other economic links. Moldova's political and economic weakness has made it a source of organized criminal activity of concern to U.S. policymakers, including trafficking in persons. Moldova is governed by the Alliance for European Integration, a center-right coalition of three parties. Prime Minister Vlad Filat has said he is focused on dismantling the country's Communist legacy and building a state ruled by law. However, conflicts with the Communist opposition and tensions within the coalition appear to have slowed reform efforts. Moldova is Europe's poorest country, according to the World Bank. Remittances from Moldovans working abroad amounted to 22% of the country's Gross Domestic Product in 2010. The global financial crisis has had a negative impact on Moldova. Moldova's currency weakened and remittances dropped, as Moldovan emigrants lost jobs in other hard-hit countries. Moldova's GDP [Gross Domestic Product] dropped by 7.3% in 2009, rebounded by 6.9% in 2010 and 6.5% in 2011, only to stall in 2012. As a self-declared neutral country, Moldova does not seek NATO membership, but participates in NATO's Partnership for Peace (PFP) program. Moldova is currently negotiating an Association Agreement with the European Union (EU), which provides for cooperation in a wide variety of spheres, including a free trade agreement. Moldova hopes to become a candidate for EU membership, although the EU is unlikely to accept Moldova in the foreseeable future, due to Moldova's poverty, the EU's own internal challenges, and possibly also due to concerns that it would set a precedent for the candidacy of other former Soviet states, such as Ukraine."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Woehrel, Steven J.

  2013-02-01
• Multilateral Development Banks: U.S. Contributions FY2000-FY2013 [February 1, 2013]

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  "This report shows in tabular form how much the Administration requested and how much Congress appropriated for U.S. payments to the multilateral development banks (MDBs) since 2000. It also provides a brief description of the MDBs and the ways they fund their operations. It will be updated periodically as annual appropriation figures are known. The title of this report will also change annually, as new yearly appropriation figures are added. For FY2013, the Administration has requested funds for several of the non-concessional lending facilities at the MDBs. Several of the MDBs are in the process of increasing the size of their nonconcessional lending facilities, a process frequently called a 'general capital increase' (GCI). GCIs are relatively unusual, particularly for so many institutions at the same time. Contributions to the GCIs are expected to be spread out over a five- to eight-year period, depending on the institution. For most of the institutions, the funds appropriated in FY2012 were the first annual payment. In addition to funds for the GCIs, the Administration has requested for FY2013 funds for several MDB concessional lending facilities and more targeted MDB funds, such as those dedicated to environmental issues. The total Administration's request for the MDBs is smaller than its requests in FY2011 and FY2012."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Nelson, Rebecca M.

  2013-02-01
• Military Construction, Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs: FY 2007 Appropriations [December 1, 2006]

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  "The annual consideration of appropriations bills (regular, continuing, and supplemental) by Congress is part of a complex set of budget processes that also encompasses the consideration of budget resolutions, revenue and debt-limit legislation, other spending measures, and reconciliation bills. In addition, the operation of programs and the spending of appropriated funds are subject to constraints established in authorizing statutes. Congressional action on the budget for a fiscal year usually begins following the submission of the President's budget at the beginning of each annual session of Congress. Congressional practices governing the consideration of appropriations and other budgetary measures are rooted in the Constitution, the standing rules of the House and Senate, and statutes, such as the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. This report is a guide to one of the regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs and Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittees. It summarizes the status of the bill, its scope, major issues, funding levels, and related congressional activity, and is updated as events warrant. The report lists the key CRS [Congressional Research Service] staff relevant to the issues covered and related CRS products."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Else, Daniel H.; Graney, Paul J.

  2006-12-01
• Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies: FY2009 Appropriations [July 7, 2008]

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  "The President submitted his FY2009 appropriations request to Congress on February 4, 2008, including $115.3 billion for programs covered in this appropriations bill: $24.4 billion for Title I (military construction and family housing); $90.8 billion for Title II (veterans affairs); and $183 million for Title III (related agencies). Compared with funding thus far appropriated for FY2008 (emergency supplemental appropriations are pending), this represents increases for Title I of $3.8 billion (18.3%), for Title II of $3.2 billion (3.6%), and for Title III of $16.7 million (10.1%). The overall increase in appropriations between that requested for FY2009 and enacted for FY2008 is $7.0 billion (6.4%). […] In terms of medical care afforded to veterans, similar to the past six years, the Administration has included several cost sharing proposals including increase in pharmacy copayments and enrollment fees for lower priority veterans. An additional proposal would bill veterans directly for treatment of nonservice-connected conditions. The House Appropriations Committee draft bill provides $40.8 billion for Veterans Health Administration for FY2009, a 9.6% increase over the FY2008 enacted amount of $37.2 billion, and 4.1% above the President's request of $39.2 billion. The draft bill does not include any provisions that would give the Department of Veterans Affairs the authority to implement fee increases. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Panangala, Sidath Viranga; Scott, Christine A.; Else, Daniel H.

  2008-07-07
• Military Construction, Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs: FY 2007 Appropriations [August 4, 2006]

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  "The structure of the Committees on Appropriations underwent significant change with the beginning of the 109th Congress. As a result, jurisdictions over the appropriations covered in this report, including military construction, military housing allowances, military installation maintenance and operation, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other veteran-related agencies, rest in the House Committee on Appropriations with the new Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs. In the Senate Committee on Appropriations, jurisdiction for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other veteran-related agencies lies with the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, while military housing allowances and military installation maintenance and operation are the responsibility of the Subcommittee on Defense. Authorization jurisdictions lie with the two Committees on the Armed Services and Committees on Veterans Affairs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Else, Daniel H.; Graney, Paul J.; Panangala, Sidath Viranga

  2006-08-04
• Military Retirement, Concurrent Receipt, and Related Major Legislative Issues [January 24, 2007]

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  "The military retirement system includes benefits for retirement after an active or reserve military career, disability retirement, and survivor benefits for eligible survivors of deceased retirees. […] The change to the system that has generated the most recent legislative activity involves whether some or all military retirees should be allowed to receive both military retired pay and any VA [Veterans Affairs] disability compensation to which they are otherwise entitled; this is referred to as 'concurrent receipt.' Until 2004, the law provided that military retired pay had to be reduced by the amount of VA disability compensation. Some maintained this was inequitable and unfair; it was defended on grounds of cost and of the need to avoid setting a precedent for concurrent receipt of numerous other federal benefits. […] The most significant military retirement issue the 109th Congress dealt with in 2006 was whether military retirees with a 100% VA 'un'employability rating, but less than a 100% 'dis'ability rating, should be entitled to full concurrent receipt as was provided to 100% disability retirees in 2004. The Senate version of the FY2007 NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act] would have granted such retirees full concurrent receipt retroactive to December 31, 2004 rather than the October 1, 2009 date currently in effect; the House version did not address this issue. The Senate provision was not accepted by the Conference Committee. The 110th Congress will likely revisit this issue. This report will be updated as needed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Henning, Charles A.

  2007-01-24
• Military Pay and Benefits: Key Questions and Answers [March 14, 2006]

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  "In the late 1990s, the military services were facing considerable recruiting and career retention problems. In responding, Congress was mindful of how inadequate pay had contributed to decreased recruit quality in the late 1970s. It authorized larger pay raises, increased special pays and bonuses, provided more recruiting resources, and repealed planned military retired pay reductions for future retirees. In the midst of these efforts, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, took place, providing a sense of national unity and military purpose. The 9/11 attacks and the programmatic changes noted above initially helped recruiting substantially in the early 2000s. However, the grueling pace of deployments to and from Iraq and Afghanistan, combined with the dangers of combat, have finally begun to cause long-anticipated recruiting problems. In 2005, the Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve all fell short of their recruiting goals. Career retention is difficult to measure, due to the suspended separation and retirement of many personnel since September 11, 2001, but so far retention has been more than satisfactory. […] Based upon the September, 2004 to September, 2005 Employment Cost Index (ECI), a 2007 pay raise of 2.2% is anticipated without further congressional action. In addition, DOD has announced tentative plans for a midyear targeted pay raise in 2007."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Henning, Charles A.

  2006-03-14
• Military Base Closures: Role and Costs of Environmental Cleanup [January 3, 2007]

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  "Near the end of its first session, the 109th Congress approved a new round of military base closures and realignments. As the Department of Defense (DOD) implements the new round, potential issues for the 110th Congress include the pace and costs of closing and realigning the bases and the impacts on surrounding communities. The disposal of surplus property has stimulated interest among affected communities in how the land can be redeveloped to replace lost jobs. Environmental contamination can present a challenge to economic redevelopment if funding or technological constraints would limit the degree of cleanup needed to make the land safe for its intended use. Most of the land on bases closed under prior rounds has been cleaned up and transferred for redevelopment. However, some bases have yet to be cleaned up to an extent adequate for the planned land use. Bases closed under the 2005 round could face similar redevelopment delays if a community's preferred land use requires a costly and time-consuming degree of cleanup. This report explains cleanup requirements for the transfer and reuse of properties on closed bases, discusses property transfer status and cleanup costs on bases closed in prior rounds, and examines estimates of costs to clean up bases to be closed in the 2005 round to make these properties safe for civilian reuse."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Bearden, David M.

  2007-01-03
• Military Construction: A Snapshot of the President's FY2013 Appropriations Request [June 22, 2012]

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  "The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill provides funding for the planning, design, construction, alteration, and improvement of facilities used by active and reserve military components worldwide. Title I of the bill capitalizes military family housing and the U.S. share of the NATO Security Investment Program and finances the implementation of installation closures and realignments. Other titles within the legislation fund veterans benefit and health care programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), provide for the creation and maintenance of U.S. cemeteries and battlefield monuments within the United States and abroad, and support the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Armed Forces Retirement Homes, and Arlington National Cemetery. The bill also funds advance appropriations for veterans' medical services. President Barack Obama submitted his request to Congress for FY2013 appropriations on February 13, 2013. For the appropriations accounts included in this bill, his request totaled $145.2 billion in new budget authority, divided into three major categories: Title I (military construction and family housing) at $11.2 billion; Title II (veterans affairs) at $135.6 billion; and Title III (related agencies) at $219.5 million. Of the total, $74.4 billion (49.9%) would be discretionary appropriations, with the remainder considered mandatory."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Else, Daniel H.

  2012-06-22
• Military Death Benefits: Status and Proposals [March 26, 2008]

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  "Department of Defense (DOD) benefits for survivors of deceased members of the armed forces vary significantly in purpose and structure. Benefits such as the death gratuity provide immediate cash payments to assist these survivors in meeting their financial needs during the period immediately following a member's death. Similarly, the Service-members' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides the life insurance policy value in a lump sum payment following the service-member's death. Other benefits such as the Veterans Affairs Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), are designed to provide long-term monthly income. Additional death benefits provided by the DOD for survivors and dependents include housing assistance, health care, commissary and exchange benefits, educational assistance, and burial, funeral, and related benefits. Survivors may also receive death benefits from Social Security. […] This report describes the various death benefits from the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Social Security available to certain survivors of members of the Armed Forces who die on active duty. (This report does not consider benefits available to civilian employees of the Department of Defense.) Benefits are listed, along with their purpose, how they are calculated, and where appropriate, recent changes. Finally, two hypothetical examples for determining a level of death benefits and a Government Accountability Office (GAO) summary comparing military and other death related benefits are presented in the Appendices. The report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Burrelli, David F., 1958-; Corwell, Jennifer R.

  2008-03-26
• Military Medical Care: Questions and Answers [April 6, 2007]

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  "The primary mission of the military health system, which encompasses the Defense Department's hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel, is to maintain the health of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions, and to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime. The military health system also provides, where space is available, health care services in Department of Defense (DOD) medical facilities to dependents of active duty service members and to retirees and their dependents. The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) was established in 1966 legislation as the military equivalent of a health insurance plan, run by DOD, for active duty dependents, military retirees and the dependents of retirees, survivors of deceased members, and certain former spouses. CHAMPUS reimburses beneficiaries for portions of the costs of health care received from civilian providers. […] Some retirees groups advocate opening the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) to military retirees, but an FEHBP demonstration project did not prove very popular among beneficiaries. This report will be updated as new information becomes available. Military health care issues are addressed in annual defense authorization and appropriations bills; for additional details and the status of current legislation, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL32924, 'Defense: FY2006 Authorization and Appropriations', by Stephen Daggett."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Best, Richard A.

  2007-04-06
• Military Retirement, Concurrent Receipt, and Related Major Legislative Issues [February 12, 2008]

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  "The military retirement system includes benefits for retirement after an active or reserve military career, disability retirement, and survivor benefits for eligible survivors of deceased retirees. The change to the system that has generated the most recent legislative activity involves whether some or all military retirees should be allowed to receive both military retired pay and any VA disability compensation to which they are otherwise entitled; this is referred to as 'concurrent receipt.' Until 2004, the law provided that military retired pay had to be reduced by the amount of VA disability compensation. Some maintained this was inequitable and unfair; it was defended on grounds of cost and of the need to avoid setting a precedent for concurrent receipt of numerous other federal benefits. […] The FY2005 NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act] (P.L. 108-375, October 28, 2004; 118 Stat. 1811) expanded concurrent receipt eligibility by authorizing the immediate (rather than a 10-year phase-in) concurrent receipt for military retirees with a 100% service connected disability. In its first session, the 110th Congress extended the Combat Related Special Compensation program to include those who were medically retired prior to completing 20 years of service rather than a normal longevity retirement. These individuals are generally referred to as 'Chapter 61' retirees. In addition those with a 100% VA [Veterans Affairs] Unemployability rating were granted full concurrent receipt, retroactive to December 31, 2004. It is anticipated that the second session will continue work on these issues. This report will be updated as needed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Henning, Charles A.

  2008-02-12
• Military Airlift: C-17 Program Background [February 21, 2008]

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  "The C-17 'Globemaster III' is a long-range cargo/transport aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force since 1993. To date, Congress has funded 190 C-17s for the Air Force. The C-17 program remains a key issue as Congress evaluates the needs of DOD's strategic airlift force. This paper provides program background for the C-17. For more detailed analysis of current issues regarding the C-17 acquisition, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL34264, 'Strategic Airlift Modernization: Analysis of C-5 Modernization and C-17 Acquisition Issues'. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Knight, William

  2008-02-21
• Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected (MRAP) Vehicles: Background and Issues for Congress [March 14, 2008]

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  "In late 2007, the Department of Defense (DOD) launched a major procurement initiative to replace most uparmored High Mobility, Multi-Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) in Iraq with Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles by FY2009. MRAPs have been described as providing twice as much protection against Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) than uparmored HMMWVs. IEDs, at the height of their use, were responsible for about 70% of U.S. casualties in Iraq. The DOD's accelerated MRAP program, decisions on the number of MRAPs procured, and MRAP's performance in urban and counterinsurgency operations raise a number of potential policy issues for congressional consideration. This report will be updated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Feickert, Andrew

  2008-03-14
• National Special Security Events [November 6, 2007]

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  "Major events that are considered to be nationally significant may be designated by the President -- or his representative, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) -- as National Special Security Events (NSSE). Beginning in September 1998 through February 2007, there have been 27 events designated as NSSEs. Some of these events have included presidential inaugurations, presidential nominating conventions, major sports events, and major international meetings. The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) is the lead federal agency responsible for coordinating, planning, exercising, and implementing security for NSSEs, and was designated as the lead agency in P.L. 106-544. This report provides information on USSS legislative authority for NSSEs, NSSE designation funding and training, and NSSE funding. This report will be updated when congressional or executive branch actions warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Reese, Shawn

  2007-11-06
• Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies: FY2013 Appropriations [December 14, 2012]

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  "The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill provides funding for the planning, design, construction, alteration, and improvement of facilities used by active and reserve military components worldwide. It capitalizes military family housing and the U.S. share of the NATO Security Investment Program and finances the implementation of installation closures and realignments. It underwrites veterans benefit and health care programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), provides for the creation and maintenance of U.S. cemeteries and battlefield monuments within the United States and abroad, and supports the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, Armed Forces Retirement Homes, and Arlington National Cemetery. The bill also funds advance appropriations for veterans' medical services."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Else, Daniel H.; Scott, Christine A.; Panangala, Sidath Viranga

  2012-12-14
• Military Medical Care: Questions and Answers [January 7, 2013]

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  "The primary objective of the military health system, which includes the Defense Department's hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel, is to maintain the health of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions and to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime. The military health system also covers dependents of active duty personnel, military retirees and their dependents, including some members of the reserve components. The military health system provides health care services through either Department of Defense (DOD) medical facilities, known as 'military treatment facilities' or 'MTFs' as space is available, or through private health care providers. The military health system currently includes some 56 hospitals and 365 clinics serving 9.7 million beneficiaries. It operates worldwide and employs some 58,369 civilians and 86,007 military personnel. […] This report answers several frequently asked questions about military health care, including [1] How is the military health system structured? [2] What is TRICARE? [3] What are the different TRICARE plans and who is eligible? [4] What are the costs of military health care to beneficiaries? [5] What is the relationship of TRICARE to Medicare? [6] How does the Affordable Care Act affect TRICARE? [7] What are the long-term trends in defense health care costs? [8] What is the Medicare Eligible Retiree Health Care fund, which funds TRICARE for Life?"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Jansen, Don J.; Blakeley, Katherine

  2013-01-07
• Military Medical Care: Questions and Answers [January 22, 2013]

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  "The primary objective of the military health system, which includes the Defense Department's hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel, is to maintain the health of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions and to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime. The military health system also covers dependents of active duty personnel, military retirees and their dependents, including some members of the reserve components. The military health system provides health care services through either Department of Defense (DOD) medical facilities, known as 'military treatment facilities' or 'MTFs' as space is available, or through private health care providers. The military health system currently includes some 56 hospitals and 365 clinics serving 9.7 million beneficiaries. It operates worldwide and employs some 58,369 civilians and 86,007 military personnel. […] This report answers several frequently asked questions about military health care, including [1] How is the military health system structured? [2] What is TRICARE? [3] What are the different TRICARE plans and who is eligible? [4] What are the costs of military health care to beneficiaries? [5] What is the relationship of TRICARE to Medicare? [6] How does the Affordable Care Act affect TRICARE? [7] What are the long-term trends in defense health care costs? [8] What is the Medicare Eligible Retiree Health Care fund, which funds TRICARE for Life?"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Jansen, Don J.; Blakeley, Katherine

  2013-01-22
• Military Medical Care: Questions and Answers [October 4, 2012]

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  "'The primary objective of the military health system, which includes the Defense Department's hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel, is to maintain the health of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions and to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime. The military health system also covers dependents of active duty personnel, military retirees and their dependents, including some members of the reserve components. […] This report answers several frequently asked questions about military health care, including How is the military health system structured? What is TRICARE? What are the different TRICARE plans and who is eligible? What are the costs of military health care to beneficiaries? What is the relationship of TRICARE to Medicare? How does the Affordable Care Act affect TRICARE? What are the long-term trends in defense health care costs? What is the Medicare Eligible Retiree Health Care fund, which funds TRICARE for Life? The Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) have also published important studies on the organization, coordination and costs of the military health system, as well as its effectiveness addressing particular health challenges. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Home Page, available at http://www.health.mil/, may also be of interest for additional information on the military health system.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Jansen, Don J.; Blakeley, Katherine

  2012-10-04
• National Institute of Standards and Technology: An Appropriations Overview [October 3, 2012]

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  "The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a laboratory of the Department of Commerce, is mandated to provide technical services to facilitate the competitiveness of U.S. industry. […] Continued funding for NIST extramural programs directed toward increased private sector commercialization has been a major issue. Some Members of Congress have expressed skepticism over a 'technology policy' based on providing federal funds to industry for development of pre-competitive generic technologies. This approach, coupled with pressures to balance the federal budget, led to significant reductions in funding for NIST. […] As part of the American Competitiveness Initiative, announced by former President Bush in the 2006 State of the Union, the Administration stated its intention to double over 10 years funding for 'innovation-enabling research' done at NIST through its 'core' programs (defined as internal research in the Scientific and Technical Research and Services [STRS] account and the construction budget). In April 2009, the current President stated his decision to double the budget of key science agencies, including NIST, over the next 10 years."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Schacht, Wendy H.

  2012-10-03
• Morocco: Current Issues [June 20, 2012]

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  "King Mohammed VI retains supreme political power in Morocco, but has taken some liberalizing steps with uncertain effects. In 2011, following popular demonstrations that echoed unrest elsewhere in the region, the king proposed a new constitution that may provide greater independence to the Prime Minister, the legislature, and the judiciary. It was overwhelmingly approved in a public referendum. The moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) is leading the government for the first time after winning a plurality of seats in November 2011 legislative elections. While the party has been legally recognized for two decades, its leaders continue to grapple with their transition from outsider opposition status to the day-to-day responsibilities of running the government amid an economic downturn and responding to vast and divided expectations. The PJD's campaign promises to crack down on corruption and cronyism may also place it on a collision course with pro-palace elites. Protests have dwindled since their apogee in early 2011, but sporadic demonstrations continue over economic grievances, and some activists continue to call for deeper changes to the political system."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Arieff, Alexis

  2012-06-20
• Military Benefits for Former Spouses: Legislation and Policy Issues [January 23, 2007]

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  "In 1981, the Supreme Court ruled that the former spouse of a military member or retiree could not be awarded any share of that member's/retiree's retired pay as a part of a divorce property settlement in a community property state. In response, Congress enacted the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA) in 1982. Under the USFSPA, state courts can treat disposable military retired pay as divisible property in divorce cases. In addition, certain former spouses would remain eligible to receive certain military benefits or privileges. The USFSPA has since been modified on a number of occasions. Since its inception, the USFSPA has remained contentious. Opponents of the law feel that it is unfair and should be modified or repealed. Proponents argue that the law protects the former spouse within nationally accepted standards and that protection should be improved in some details. These proposed modifications include (1) expanding the eligibility for commissary and exchange benefits for former spouses, (2) providing survivor benefits for certain former spouses, (3) terminating direct payments to a former spouse upon remarriage, (4) limiting judicial jurisdiction during the reopening of a settled divorce, and (5) further redefinition of 'disposable' retired pay. As with the original provisions of the USFSPA, these and other proposed changes have been the source of great debate. On October 12, 2004, a Federal Judge dismissed a case challenging the USFSPA. An appeal was planned."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Burrelli, David F., 1958-

  2007-01-23
• Military Medical Care: Questions and Answers [October 9, 2007]

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  "The primary mission of the military health system, which encompasses the Defense Department's hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel, is to maintain the health of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions, and to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime. The military health system also provides, where space is available, health care services in Department of Defense (DOD) medical facilities to dependents of active duty service members and to retirees and their dependents. The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) was established in 1966 legislation as the military equivalent of a health insurance plan, run by DOD, for active duty dependents, military retirees and the dependents of retirees, survivors of deceased members, and certain former spouses. CHAMPUS reimburses beneficiaries for portions of the costs of health care received from civilian providers. [..] Some retirees groups advocate opening the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) to military retirees, but an FEHBP demonstration project did not prove very popular among beneficiaries. This report will be updated as new information becomes available. Military health care issues are addressed in annual defense authorization and appropriations bills; for additional details and the status of current legislation, see CRS Report RL33999, 'Defense: FY2008 Authorization and Appropriations', by Pat Towell, Stephen Daggett, Amy Belasco."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Best, Richard A.

  2007-10-09
• Military Retirement: Major Legislative Issues [February 16, 2006]

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  "The military retirement system includes benefits for retirement after an active or reserve military career, disability retirement, and survivor benefits for eligible survivors of deceased retirees. Concurrent Receipt. The change to the system that has generated the most recent legislative activity involves whether some or all military retirees should be allowed to receive both military retired pay and any VA disability compensation to which they are otherwise entitled; this is referred to as 'concurrent receipt.' Until 2004, the law provided that military retired pay had to be reduced by the amount of VA disability compensation. Some maintained this was inequitable and unfair; it was defended on grounds of cost and of the need to avoid setting a precedent for concurrent receipt of numerous other federal benefits. […] The most significant military retirement issue Congress dealt with in 2005 was whether military retirees with a 100% VA unemployability rating, but less than a 100% disability rating, should be entitled to full concurrent receipt as was provided to 100% disability retirees in 2004. The House version of the FY2006 NDAA would have granted such retirees full concurrent receipt effective October 1, 2009, rather than the January 1, 2014 date currently in effect; the Senate version would have allowed immediate concurrent receipt for this population. The House version prevailed in the Conference Committee. The most recent military retirement cost-of- living-adjustment (COLA) was 4.1%, first applied to the retired pay disbursed on January 1, 2006. The next regularly scheduled COLA will be applied on January 1, 2007."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Henning, Charles A.

  2006-02-16
• Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies: FY2008 Appropriations [June 12, 2007]

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  "The House introduced its version of the FY2008 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, H.R. 2642, on June 11, 2007. House action on the bill is scheduled for June 13. The Senate subcommittee and committee markup on its version of the bill is expected within the week. The President submitted his FY2008 appropriations request to Congress on February 5, 2007, including $105.2 billion for programs covered in this appropriations bill: $21.2 billion for Title I (military construction and family housing); $83.9 billion for Title II (veterans affairs); and $163 million for Title III (related agencies). With no regular appropriation passed or enacted for FY2007, this must be compared with the combined totals of the subsequent continuing resolutions and emergency supplemental appropriations: $17.9 billion for Title I; $79.6 billion for Title II; and $149 million for Title III. The request represents an increase of $3.2 billion (18.0%) in Title I, $4.4 billion (5.5%) in Title II, and $14 thousand (9.2%) in Title III above the FY2007 enacted appropriations. The overall FY2008 request exceeds the FY2007 appropriations by $7.6 billion, an increase of 7.8%. […] In the area of veterans' non-medical benefits, mandatory spending is increasing as claims for disability compensation, pension, and readjustment benefits increase due to a combination of several factors including the aging of the veterans population and the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a result of the increase in the number of claims, the average processing time for a disability claim in FY2006 was 177 days. To reduce the pending claims workload and improve the claims processing time, funds were provided in the FY2007 supplemental and in the FY2008 appropriation for hiring and training additional claims processing staff. While mandatory spending has increased by 19.6% between FY2006 and FY2008 (from $37.2 billion to $44.5 billion), mandatory spending has declined as a share of the total VA appropriation (from 52.1% in FY2006 to 50.7% in FY2008). In terms of medical care afforded to veterans, similar to the past five years, the Administration has included several cost sharing proposals including increase in pharmacy copayments and enrollment fees for lower priority veterans. The House Appropriations Committee draft bill provides $37.1 billion for VHA for FY2008 , a 9.1% increase over the FY2007 enacted amount of $34.0 billion, and 7.3% above the President's request of $34.6 billion. The draft bill does not include any provisions that would give VA the authority to implement fee increases. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Else, Daniel H.; Scott, Christine A.; Panangala, Sidath Viranga

  2007-06-12
• Military Medical Care Services: Questions and Answers [February 8, 2006]

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  "The primary mission of the Military Health Services System (MHSS), which encompasses the Defense Department's hospitals, clinics, and medical personnel, is to maintain the health of military personnel so they can carry out their military missions, and to be prepared to deliver health care during wartime. The military medical system also provides, where space is available, health care services in Department of Defense (DOD) medical facilities to dependents of active duty service members and to retirees and their dependents. […] Some retirees groups advocate opening the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) to military retirees, but an FEHBP demonstration project did not prove very popular among beneficiaries. Military health care issues are addressed in annual defense authorization and appropriations bills; for additional details and the status of current legislation, see CRS Report RL32924, 'Defense: FY2006 Authorization and Appropriations', by Stephen Daggett."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Best, Richard A.

  2006-02-08
• Moldova: Background and U.S. Policy [December 4, 2007]

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  "Although a small country, Moldova has been of interest to U.S. policymakers due to its position between NATO and EU member Romania and strategic Ukraine. In addition, some experts have expressed concern about alleged Russian efforts to extend its hegemony over Moldova through various methods, including a troop presence, manipulation of Moldova's relationship with its breakaway Transnistria region, and energy supplies and other trading links. Moldova's political and economic weakness has made it a source of organized criminal activity of concern to U.S. policymakers, including trafficking in persons and weapons. Moldova is a parliamentary democracy that has held largely free and fair elections since achieving independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. In the most recent parliamentary elections on March 6, 2005, the Communist Party of Moldova (CPM) won a majority of 56 seats in the 101-seat parliament. The Democratic Moldova Bloc (DMB), an alliance of small centrist groups, won 34 seats. The nationalist and pro-Romanian Christian Democratic Popular Party won 11 seats. Observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said that the vote was carried out generally in line with international standards, but they criticized the election campaign for biased electronic media coverage, misuse of government resources in favor of the CPM, and harassment of opposition candidates and non-governmental organizations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Woehrel, Steven J.

  2007-12-04