washingtonscene
and excess and instill a culture of savings and restraint across the DoD.” Some of the key initiatives are
n reducing funding by 10 percent for ser- vice support contractors; n freezing the number of defense agency, joint staff, and combatant command billets over the next three years; n reducing at least 50 general and flag positions and 150 senior civilian executive positions over the next two years; and n recommending closure of Joint Forces Command in Hampton Roads, Va. During a mid-August news conference, Gates described his initiative as just the beginning, insisting every aspect of the de- fense budget will be reviewed — including increases in retiree health care fees — say- ing, “There are no sacred cows.” It’s too soon to be sure what Gates might
propose for health care fees in the FY 2012 budget, but MOAA will follow any new initiatives to ensure they don’t negatively impact our nation’s military readiness.
War Funding
Approved Stalemate ends after domestic spending provisions are nixed.
T
he House approved the Sen- ate’s $58.8 billion version of the FY 2010 war supplemental (H.R.
4899) July 26. The bill was signed into law by the president shortly thereafter. The vote marked the end of a five-
month logjam among members of both parties concerning inclusion of additional economic stimulus money and disaster aid. The Senate pared down a previous House version of the bill, which included funding for teachers and other domestic programs. MOAA maintained throughout the pro-
cess that prompt action on essential war- time supplemental appropriations should
3 6 MI L I T A R Y O F F I C E R O C TO B E R 2 0 1 0
not be held hostage to debates over domes- tic spending. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates warned that failure of Congress to act before the August recess would negatively affect U.S. troops serving overseas. The Pentagon’s portion of the bill will support military operations through the end of the fiscal year. The final bill included $13.4 billion needed to fund the newly expanded dis- ability benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange.
VA Holds Women’s
Forum Unique needs of fast-growing demographic are addressed.
M
ore than 200 female veteran advocates, currently serving women, and female veterans at-
tended the Women Veterans Forum July 28, hosted by the VA, to learn more about issues confronting women and what the VA is doing to meet the needs of this rapidly growing population. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki spoke about
the importance of having a national dialog on women and their war-fighting roles alongside the discussions on supporting their needs when they return from battle. “That means our doctrine will have to
change. We must anticipate these changes and prepare our systems for change,” Shinseki said. A number of topics were discussed
and resources were provided so attendees could go back and hold similar forums in their communities to help female veterans learn more about the VA. Access to benefits, medical information,
quality health care, mental-health services, homelessness, child
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