The House Armed Services Committee adopted a $612 billion defense authorization bill, in a 60-2 vote, which will reform military retirement, among other things. The closely followed bill features heavy revisions and was only passed after nearly 19 hours of heated debate. The bill is expected to go before Congress some time in mid-May.
The changes to retirement would alter the current 20-year, all-or-nothing system with a benefits package featuring 401(k) style investment options for all troops. Additionally, the bill has a number of provisions for handling sexual assault cases, such as expanded access to legal resources for victims, and improved services for male victims.
According to Military Times, the full House is expected to consider the authorization bill draft in mid-May.