Action in Congress

摘要

New Pay and Benefits President Bush on Nov. 24 signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 2004, containing a basketful of increases in military pay and benefits for active duty members, retirees, and reservists. Active Duty Members 1. Basic Pay: An average raise of 4.15 percent on Jan. 1. Individual raises will range from 3.7 percent to 6.25 percent, depending on grade and length of service. 2. Housing Allowance: An average 6.5 percent increase in basic allowance for housing will continue a string of BAH raises above average rental costs nationwide. The aim is to end out-of-pocket costs for military renters. The perceived out-of-pocket gap between BAH and local rents will narrow to 3.5 percent in 2004 and be wiped out with the 2005 BAH adjustment. 3. Wartime Pays: Recent increases in Imminent Danger Pay and Family Separation Allowance will continue through at least December. Last April, IDP was raised from $150 a month to $225. FSA was increased from $100 to $250. Congress rejected a call by the Bush Administration to roll back these increases and replace with them with an equal increase in hazardous duty pay but only for persons signed to Iraq and Afghanistan.