2004 Accomplishments

New education benefit for Guard and Reserve members who have served in support of a contingency operation since September 11, 2001: 90 days to less than one year of service would earn 40% of the active duty MGIB benefit level; one year to less than two years earns 60% of active duty level; and two years or more of continuous duty earns 80% of the active duty level. Benefits can be paid for up to 36 months, but the member must remain in the Selected or Ready Reserve.
New TRICARE program for Reserve Component members who commit to continued service in the Selected Reserve after release from Title 10 active duty for a contingency operation. Member receives one year of coverage, with a 28% premium, for each 90 days of Title 10 active duty served.
Transitional health benefits for 180 days after separation from active duty made a permanent program. Requires DoD to perform a pre-separation physical exam.
Early eligibility for TRICARE, 90 days before mobilization, made permanent.
Authorization for increased reenlistment bonuses for Guard and Reserve members and extends the time period the bonus can be received to 16 years of service from 14 years of service.
Extension of FEHBP coverage to 24 months for federal civilians who are on active duty.
Clarified the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provision regarding termination of residential and motor vehicle leases - dependents also covered by that protection.
Increase in the maximum home loan amount which VA will guarantee under its home loan guaranty program from $240,000 to $333,700, the maximum level allowed by the federally-chartered Freddie Mac program. This level would be indexed in future years to the Freddie Mac maximum amounts.