Seehafer outlines NDAA priorities to Congress

American Legion National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer sent a letter to congressional leaders Nov. 21, outlining the organization’s priorities for the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Among the provisions The American Legion is seeking:

• Improvements to the basic allowance for housing (BAH). Rental prices near bases have increased by almost 44% since January 2018 while BAH rates are up only 18.7%.

• Opposition to Congress suspending or leaving the North Atlantic Treaty. “We believe congressional debate and approval are required for any actions regarding our North Atlantic Treaty,” Seehafer wrote.

• Updates to the Transition Assistance Program. “The Department of Defense must do more to ensure successful transition of servicemembers to civilian life,” the commander wrote.

Seehafer noted that the Major Richard Star Act was not included in either the House or Senate version of the NDAA. “We are thankful for the tremendous bipartisan support in both the House and Senate to preserve full retired pay for medically retired combat veterans, regardless of the amount of any VA disability check. The American Legion remains committed to getting this signed into law.”

The letter was sent to Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee; Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; and Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee.