2024
Junior enlisted pay, FY25 NDAA
Added: A 14.5% total targeted raise for junior enlisted
The largest in decades. AFSA’s part: listed in AFSA’s documented legislative record.
The record
Documented changes for enlisted members, veterans, retirees, survivors, and families since 1992, and the bills still moving. Each entry shows the rule before, the rule after, AFSA’s part, and where to verify it.
Struck text is the rule before.Underlined text is the rule after.‸ marks something added.
Enacted
2022
Honoring Our PACT Act
Before: The burden of proof fell on the veteran After: Presumptive conditions for burn pit and airborne-hazard exposure
5.9 million toxic-exposure screenings and 1.2 million+ claims approved, 2022–2025. AFSA’s part: AFSA and The Military Coalition advocated at every step.
2019
Survivor Benefit Plan and DIC
Before: Survivor benefits offset by DIC After: Offset repealed, phased out by 2023
AFSA’s part: listed in AFSA’s documented legislative record.
2019
Spouse licensure and certification reimbursement
Before: $500 After: $1,000
AFSA’s part: listed in AFSA’s documented legislative record.
2010
TRICARE coverage for unmarried children
Added: Coverage until age 26
AFSA’s part: listed in AFSA’s documented legislative record.
2008
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Added: Full state college tuition plus housing and book stipends, transferable to spouses and children
AFSA’s part: listed in AFSA’s documented legislative record.
2005
Hardship duty pay ceiling, per month
Before: $300 After: $750
AFSA’s part: listed in AFSA’s documented legislative record.
2000
TRICARE for Life
Added: Authorized for Medicare-eligible beneficiaries
AFSA’s part: listed in AFSA’s documented legislative record.
1995
Survivors’ time in housing after an active-duty death
Before: 90 days After: 180 days
AFSA’s part: listed in AFSA’s documented legislative record.
1993
CHAMPUS catastrophic cap
Before: $10,000 After: $7,500
AFSA’s part: listed in AFSA’s documented legislative record.
1992
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, maximum coverage
Before: $50,000 After: $100,000
AFSA’s part: listed in AFSA’s documented legislative record.
Years follow AFSA’s legislative record, which lists each change in the year AFSA documented it; the proof link shows the year the law was signed. The full record, 1992–2026, is at AFSA’s legislative accomplishments page.
Still moving
Proposed changes AFSA carried to Capitol Hill at its March 2026 Hill Day. Status figures are as of that month.
Proposed
Major Richard Star Act, for combat-injured retirees with fewer than 20 years
Current: Retirement pay reduced dollar for dollar by VA disability compensation Proposed: Both payments received in full
Affects 52,000+ veterans. 315 House and 77 Senate cosponsors.
Proposed
Military Family GI Bill Promise Act
Current: Benefits transfer only while serving Proposed: Transfer during service or after separation
Includes dependents added to the family after retirement.
Proposed
Pay Our Troops Act (House) and Pay Our Military Act (Senate)
Current: Pay at risk during a lapse in funding Proposed: Pay and allowances continue until funding passes
A backstop to AFSA’s first priority: full-year defense appropriations on time.
Proposed
IVF for Military Families Act
Proposed: TRICARE covers IVF treatment
Service-connected injuries and deployments can affect a member’s ability to start a family.