News on Military Employees from Federal Daily


Lawmaker provides rundown on defense authorization bill

Those looking for a quick rundown on the National Defense Authorization Act as passed by the House Armed Services Committee can find a basic details on its contents on a Virginia congressman’s website.

Committee approves increases in Tricare pharmacy benefits co-pays

The House Armed Services Committee rejected the administration’s call to include new and increased Tricare fees in the defense authorization bill the panel passed this week, but the bill does bump up some pharmacy co-pays.

House's federal retirement contribution measure draws heavy flak

The passage of a House bill that includes a measure to compel federal employees to contribute an additional 5 percent of salary to retirement has drawn a strong reaction from federal employee groups.

DFAS Roth TSP rollout faces significant obstacles

The announcement that the Defense Finance and Accounting Service would be “phasing in” the rollout of the Thrift Savings Plan’s new Roth option raised some hackles among its customers, but the existence of many different military pay and personnel systems really do pose significant challenges to implementing the program.

Lawmakers urge president to speed up VA health care services for Lejeune vets

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has sent a letter to President Obama urging expedited health care for Camp Lejeune vets exposed to contaminated water during a 30-year period.

Cap needed on DOD’s contract personnel, senators say

A group of Democratic senators are urging the Defense Department to limit its reliance on contractor services in the wake of a proposal to cut back on civilian employees.

Draft bill seeks to boost TSP contributions

A key member of the Senate has drafted an “auto-escalation” bill that would automatically increase Thrift Savings Plan contributions for certain new federal employees.

Senator seeks more info on Secret Service investigation

The ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee wants to know if the Secret Service’s investigation of the Colombian prostitution scandal is exploring the possible involvement of staff from two White House entities.

Air Force announces hiring flexibilities for next round of buyouts, early outs

The Air Force said it will implement new flexibilities for a third round of civilian buyouts and early outs to help minimize the negative effects of the department’s downsizing measures.

DOD will have to wait for Roth TSP

Military service members and Defense Department civilian employees will not immediately have access to the Thrift Savings Plan Roth option when it launches May 7.