July 11, 1978
Page 20208
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, when considering the fiscal year 1979 military procurement authorization bill, the Senate deliberated the merits of an amendment which dealt with revisions to the survivor benefits plan of the military retirement program.
For the most part, the proposed revisions are very fair and move toward providing a just and equitable treatment of retirees in the military system as is currently provided by the Federal civil service retirement program. I support the purpose and intent of these revisions.
However, I cannot support the amendment for two very major reasons.
First, there are significant costs associated with this legislation over the next 20 years. According to the Armed Services Committee, the cost could exceed $5 billion over the 20 year period. Without benefit of Senate hearings on this issue, I do not believe that the Senate can commit itself to this significant level of funding.
Second, the President's Commission on Military Compensation has recently concluded an analysis of military compensation and benefits. A major portion of the Commission's analysis deals with total reform of the military retirement program. It is my understanding that the President intends to forward the findings of the Commission to the Congress for its review and action.
It is the intent of the distinguished chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Mr. STENNIS, to hold hearings on the military compensation system in the near future. I am confident that the result of these hearings will provide legislation that will encompass the meritorious features of the proposed changes to the survivor benefit plan included in the amendment. I am also confident that revisions can be adapted that are not excessive in their funding requirements.
In closing, Mr. President, while I endorse the concept of pension reform to provide fair treatment, I believe it is essential that the revisions result from thorough deliberations of the entire Senate.