Spending Bills and NDAA Pass

Congress passed two bills (H.R.1865 and H.R.1158), which include all 12 spending bills for FY2020. This avoids a government shutdown that would have occurred Dec. 20, 2019, when the current Continuing Resolution expired. The continued use of CRs prevents the military from starting any new programs and would further jeopardize current training, maintenance, modernization and quality of life programs. President Trump indicated he will sign the two proposals into law.

In related news, the Senate approved (86-8) the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA-S.1790) and sent to the President to be signed into law. The House approved (377-48) the NDAA that includes a three-year phase out of the SBP/DIC offset for military widows/widowers. This offset, also known as the Widow's Tax, impacts approximately 65,000 widows and widowers of our Armed Forces. These widows and widowers should receive both SBP and DIC benefits without the current dollar for dollar offset.

Next Generation USID Card

WASHINGTON --The Department of Defense is updating its current paper-based uniformed services identification card issued to retired service members, family members and other eligible populations. The “Next Generation” USID card will incorporate an updated design and security features to deter counterfeiting and fraud, and will be printed on a plastic cardstock.

DOD is transforming the way service members and their families are supported through modernized ID cards and improved mechanisms to protect cardholder privacy and personal information. The Next Generation USID card will incorporate a modified barcode which supports the last phase of the department’s elimination of the Social Security number from all DOD identification cards. Additional information and updates regarding the Next Generation USID card will be available in the coming months on DOD’s website.

Frequently asked questions:

1. What is changing on the USID card, and why?

The Next Generation ID card transitions the current USID card to plastic cardstock with enhanced security features and update topology. These enhanced features enable DOD to reduce the number of card types issued to eligible individuals from 10 to three. The Next Generation USID card does not change the populations who are eligible to receive the current card.

2. When can I get the Next Generation USID card?

Beginning early fall 2019, individuals with expiring ID cards will begin to receive the Next Generation USID card at card issuing facilities as they are equipped with the equipment and supplies necessary to issue the Next Generation USID card. In an effort to conserve resources and limit the impact on ID card issuance facilities, cards will not be reissued solely for the purpose of obtaining the Next Generation USID card.

October Social Recap

Our October speaker provided information available from the Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW) which serves northern Ferry, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman counties. They provide in-home care and community based services in Washington State.

Idaho has a very similar program for northern Idaho based in Coeur d’Alene. The Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho serves Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties. Both serve seniors and vulnerable adults with chronic illnesses or disabilities and support their caregivers. Home delivered meals and transportation are just a few of the senior services that enhance the quality of an individual’s life. Services allow people the opportunity to live in the least restrictive environment possible.

Washington residents use https:// www.altcew.org/. In Idaho use https://www.aaani.org.