Democratic lawmakers have sent a letter to President Bush, protesting the Pentagon plan to raise Tricare fees for military retirees. They note that, according to Administration officials, the fee increase would “force 600,000 veterans out of the Tricare system.” (Perhaps that is the plan.) The legislators call the proposal “unconscionable” and maintain it will only “exacerbate” a growing recruiting and retention problem.
The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz on May 7, as the conflict with Iran flared up again—though officials say the ceasefire remains in effect.