Pensions for Retired Uniformed Servicemembers Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8]
- Committees
- Armed Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 11, 2026
Bottom line
This bill integrates the retirement pay for NOAA and PHS commissioned officers into the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund, aiming to standardize retirement benefits across all uniformed services.
What it actually does
This bill expands eligibility for the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund to include retired members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps and the Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps. It amends Title 10, U.S. Code, and related acts to integrate these uniformed services into the DoD Military Retirement Fund, establishing an unfunded liability for their past service and outlining how future contributions will be made by the relevant departments.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue this bill ensures equitable retirement benefits for all uniformed servicemembers, recognizing the military-like duties and sacrifices of NOAA and PHS commissioned corps officers. They contend it streamlines administration by consolidating retirement payments under a single fund and acknowledges the critical roles these services play in national security, scientific research, and public welfare.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that expanding the DoD Military Retirement Fund to include non-Department of Defense entities could strain the fund's resources or alter its original intent. They may also raise concerns about the financial implications of absorbing the unfunded liability for past service from NOAA and PHS, potentially impacting the long-term solvency of the fund or requiring additional taxpayer contributions.
The bill is concise and its core provisions are straightforward, making it accessible for a quick review by an informed reader.
Section 2(a), amending 10 U.S.C. 1463
Inclusion of NOAA and PHS Corps in Military Retirement Fund
This provision broadens the scope of the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund to cover retired pay for all uniformed services, specifically including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps and the Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps. Previously, the fund primarily covered the Armed Forces and Coast Guard, meaning NOAA and PHS officers had separate retirement systems.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this rectifies an inequity, ensuring that all uniformed servicemembers, regardless of their specific department, receive retirement benefits from a unified military retirement system, acknowledging their service and sacrifices.
Critics contend
Critics might express concern about the precedent of expanding the DoD fund to non-DoD entities, potentially diluting its focus or increasing its financial burden without direct military service.
Tradeoffs
Balances the desire for equitable treatment across uniformed services with potential concerns about the financial and administrative integrity of the DoD-specific retirement fund.
Section 2(b)(1), amending 10 U.S.C. 1461
Redefining 'Uniformed Services' for Fund Purpose
This section updates the purpose and definitions within Title 10, U.S. Code, to explicitly include the NOAA and PHS commissioned corps programs under the umbrella of 'uniformed services' for the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund. This ensures consistency in terminology and scope throughout the relevant statutes, clarifying the legal framework for the fund's expanded operations.
Section 2(b)(2), amending 10 U.S.C. 1465
Establishment of NOAA and PHS Unfunded Liability
This provision mandates the Board of Actuaries, in consultation with relevant Secretaries, to determine the value of future benefits attributable to past service by NOAA and PHS commissioned corps members before January 1, 2027. This amount will be designated as the 'original National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Public Health Service unfunded liability,' and an amortization schedule will be set for its liquidation through contributions to the Fund.
Section 2(b)(3), amending 10 U.S.C. 1466
Adjustments to Funding Mechanisms for Uniformed Services
This section modifies the mechanisms for payments into the DoD Military Retirement Fund. It directs the Secretaries of the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Commerce, and Health and Human Services to make annual payments and ensures that contributions for the liquidation of the newly established unfunded liability for NOAA and PHS are made according to the amortization schedule determined by the Board of Actuaries.
Section 2(b)(4) and (5), amending 10 U.S.C. Chapter 73 (sections 1431, 1432, 1444, 1449)
Inclusion of Uniformed Services in Family and Survivor Benefit Plans
These amendments update various sections within Chapter 73 of Title 10, U.S. Code, which deals with retired servicemembers' family protection plans and survivor benefit plans. The changes replace references to 'armed forces' with 'uniformed services' to ensure that NOAA and PHS commissioned corps members and their families are eligible for these critical survivor benefits, aligning their protections with those of other uniformed services.
The bill specifically references 'subtitle C of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (33 U.S.C. 3041 et seq.)' and 'section 211 or 221 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 212, 213a)' as the programs whose members are now covered by the DoD Military Retirement Fund.
Section 2(a)(4)(D) and 2(b)(1)(B)(iii)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for precision in amending existing law, ensuring that the correct programs and authorities are targeted and avoiding ambiguity.
Case for: Supporters would argue that precise statutory references are essential for legal accuracy and to prevent ambiguity regarding which specific programs are affected, ensuring proper implementation.
Case against: No specific case against, as it's a technical detail necessary for the bill's legal function.
Estimated impact: Ensures the correct legal scope of the bill's application, preventing misinterpretation of covered entities.
The Board of Actuaries is required to determine the unfunded liability 'Not later than January 1, 2027,' and this liability is attributable to service 'performed before such date.'
Section 2(b)(2)(A)(3)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for setting clear administrative timelines for complex financial calculations, ensuring accountability and a structured approach to implementation.
Case for: Proponents would highlight the importance of a firm deadline to ensure timely financial accounting and integration of the new retirement obligations, providing certainty for planning.
Case against: No specific case against, as it's an administrative detail necessary for the bill's implementation.
Estimated impact: Sets a critical timeline for the financial implementation of the bill, impacting the pace of inter-agency coordination.