The 2022 National Defense Authorization (NDAA) Act passed in the House on 23 September and finally in the Senate on 15 December and was sent to the President for signature. The bill authorizes total spending of $768.2B for DOD – a 5% increase over last year. The final version of the NDAA contains provisions that support MOAA’s priorities for a Basic Needs Allowance and a 2.7% pay raise for Active Duty forces. Also included are: increases in parental and bereavement leave; another 1-year delay in medical billet cuts; changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to better address sexual harassment and assault; continued study of alternatives for expansion of Arlington National Cemetery.

MOAA’s other two priorities - Toxic Exposure and Young Adult TRICARE coverage were not included and are being addressed in separate legislation. Also not addressed was concurrent receipt of VA Disability payments and Military Retired Pay.

The NDAA is a massive bill. You can find additional details of the authorized programs on the MOAA website. Passage of the NDAA is good news, but none of its provisions requiring new spending can be implemented until Congress passes a 2022 Appropriations Bill. DOD and most other Federal Agencies are currently operating under a second Continuing Resolution (CR) that expires 18 Feb-ruary 2022. The CR restricts spending to last year’s levels. Congress will address a full Budget Bill (which would include the DOD appropriation) when they return from Christmas recess.

Subject: Sweeping Measure Would Provide Care, Disability to Thousands Of Vets Sickened by Burn Pits

The measure was also introduced last year and never got any serious traction.

SENCLAND Chapter maintains a non-partisan policy just as the National and NC Council of Chapters. We are dedicated to maintaining a strong national defense and ensuring our nation keeps its commitment to all serving and all who have served our country.

Shortly after passing the Budget Bill on 18 November, the General Assembly recessed until 30 December 2021. The 2021 Long Session resulted in significant State legislation of interest to MOAA members. The State Income Tax deduction for military and survivors retired pay was the major accomplishment. But the General Assembly also passed three bills that primarily benefit Active Duty service members and their families. These include: an Interstate Licensing Compact for Occupational Therapy; an education bill that ensures in-state tuition continuity for military dependents and allows military dependents to immediately participate in school sports and activities when transferring into the state; and DMV protections for deployed service members. These laws will contribute to improving NC’s status as a MOAA Top 10 Military Friendly State.

One of the goals of the MOAA NC Council of Chapters Legislative Strategy for 2021-22 is to increase participation by Chapter members in legislative advocacy efforts.

Strong grass roots support for NC and National legislation that benefits MOAA members is one way to ensure that the message of our organization reaches our elected officials.

With in-person meetings and events severely curtailed by COVID-19 restrictions, increased member communication via mail or email is an effective and essential method to get the MOAA message heard in the General Assembly and Congress. I encourage you to become one of our grass roots advocates.

In order to make your participation easier, we will provide Council-approved tools and materials for your use when legislation or events require increased participation. You can, at any time, join in MOAA National advocacy efforts using tools available within MOAA’s on-line Legislative Action Center. Just click on the link below in the dark gray box.

Our first effort in North Carolina for the 2021-22 Legislative Session is to send letters of congratulation and introduction to our newly elected State Senators and Representatives.

Council of Chapters has approved the letter below for this purpose. You can easily fill in the appropriate blocks and then either print the completed letter for signature and mailing, or copy it into an email. I have provided the current contact information for all NC Legislators serving the SENCLAND area in this section of our Web Site. Your Chapter President, Jim Carper and I have already sent these letters to all of those General Assembly members. I encourage you to also send one to the Senator and Representative from your District. It’s quick and easy to become part of this effort and make your voice heard.