National Guard and Reserve Bill of Rights Act of 2004

Summary

National Guard and Reserve Bill of Rights Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Defense to limit the length of assignment of reservists during U.S. Central Command deployments of not less than one year. Requires the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a report on Department of Defense policies and communications regarding the length of deployments for reservists in connection with Operation Iraqi Freedom. Directs the Secretary of the Army to designate a senior level official of the Department of the Army to implement recommendations for executive action to address military pay problems. Expands reenlistment bonus eligibility and the amount of such bonuses for members of the Selected Reserve. Removes conditions on Ready Reserve members' eligibility for TRICARE enrollment. Makes such eligibility permanent. Requires the Secretary concerned to pay applicable premiums to continue qualified health benefit plan coverage for family members of eligible reservists serving on active duty for the benefits coverage continuation period. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to fund child care for members of the Armed Forces on active duty for Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Requires employers to provide notice of rights and benefits under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Directs the Secretary of Labor and the Office of Special Counsel to carry out a demonstration project under which certain USERRA claims against Federal agencies are referred to the Office of Special Counsel. Increases monthly educational assistance benefits for members of the Selected Reserve. Expands eligibility for such benefits to include reservists who have served on active duty for a cumulative period of 24 months during any five-year period. Reduces from 60 to 55 the age at which members of Reserve components may receive military retirement pay. Establishes the position of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (Reserve Affairs). Eliminates the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. Reduces the number of Assistant Secretaries of Defense.

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Timeline

1. 10 September 2004

   Introduced

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (text of measure as introduced: CR S9078-9081)

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 10 September 2004

   Introduced

   Introduced in Senate

   Source: IntroReferral

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

• Introduced in Senate · 10 September 2004 · Official file

Documents

3 official files

• Introduced in Senate (text)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 10 September 2004

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate (PDF)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 10 September 2004

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 10 September 2004

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Sen. Daschle, Thomas A. [D-SD] · D · Sponsor
• Patty Murray · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Mikulski, Barbara A. [D-MD] · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Lincoln, Blanche L. [D-AR] · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Corzine, Jon S. [D-NJ] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI-2] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Dorgan, Byron L. [D-ND-At Large] · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Pryor, Mark L. [D-AR] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Johnson, Tim [D-SD-At Large] · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Reid, Harry [D-NV] · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Nelson, Ben [D-NE] · D · Cosponsor
• Sen. Dayton, Mark [D-MN] · D · Cosponsor
• · ssas00 · Standing

Related records

• related to → National Guard and Reserve Bill of Rights Act of 2004