We are closely watching the Senate debate this week of the fiscal 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes an amendment that would give official veteran status to thousands of National Guard retirees who now fall outside the federal definition.
This would expand the definition of veteran to include Guardsmen and Reservists who were not called to active duty, but served honorably for 20 or more years, including time on state contingencies. This has long been a priority for EANGUS and NGAUS. The legislation does not include any extra cost to the government.
The amendment on veteran status was offered by Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., and is one of more than 30 that we consider important to Guardsmen. In all, the Senate version of the NDAA has about 300 amendments and EANGUS has sent out Legislative Alert 2015-06 to our membership, asking them to contact their elected officials.
EANGUS and NGAUS are also pushing for an amendment that would allow hiring preference for federal jobs for more Guardsmen and Reservists. The amendment was introduced by Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind. An amendment from Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., would require a report on personnel, training and equipment requirements of the non-federalized Guard to support civilian authorities in prevention and response to non-catastrophic domestic incidents.
Other amendments address greater access for reserve-component members to facilities operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, a pilot program for job assistance for Guard and Reserve members, Guard eligibility for tuition assistance and more.
