The 2007 defense authorization bill ends Pentagon plans to raise Tricare fees—at least for 2007. Key lawmakers have said that they recognize the dilemma facing DOD with the rising cost of health care, but they did not believe the Pentagon approach—raising fees significantly for retirees under 65 over the next few years—was the right answer. Congress is buying time for a full review of the situation, including possible health care efficiencies. They do not necessarily think there will be no increase in fees; it may be just a question of when and how much.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
