|
"Military retirees understand the need to reduce the national deficit," Davis said. "But two years without a (cost-of-living) increase, and knowing that civilians don't sacrifice anywhere near the level of the military, makes us very leery of any proposal to create parity between those who serve and those who don't." So far, lawmakers have been relatively quiet about Gates' proposal. The TRICARE provision is part of a long list of reforms proposed, including plans to shrink the military's ground force, cancel some weapons programs and delay the production of others. Details were provided in a 45-minute briefing Thursday on Capitol Hill to a small group of senior committee heads, and aides said their bosses were still digesting it. Both the push for TRICARE overhaul and opposition to change has cut across party lines. President George W. Bush first raised the issue in his 2007 budget submission by calling for higher prescription drug co-payments for all beneficiaries of military health care except those on active duty. Bush also wanted to increase annual enrollment fees for military retirees under age 65. Congress rejected the proposal, along with similar ones made in 2008 and 2009. Obama did not attempt a TRICARE increase his first year in office, and Gates has acknowledged that the timing hasn't been right. But many new lawmakers elected on a promise that they would rein in government spending say they are willing to consider any proposal that would chip away at the nation's deficit. "The proposals routinely die an ignominious death on Capitol Hill," Gates said in a speech last May that outlined his broader plan of finding $100 billion in other cost-cutting measures across the military. "But as a matter of principle and political reality, the Department of Defense cannot go to the America's elected representatives and ask for increases each year unless we have done everything possible to make every dollar count," he said.
[Associated
Press;
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries
Community |
Perspectives
|
Law & Courts |
Leisure Time
|
Spiritual Life |
Health & Fitness |
Teen Scene
Calendar
|
Letters to the Editor