Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) once again is leading an effort to revise the Internal Revenue Code to permit military and federal civilian retirees to pay health care premiums from pre-tax dollars. Davis, who began this crusade in 106th Congress and gained 340 cosponsors during the 109th, on Feb. 16 reintroduced the legislation (HR 1110), which he says would offer “a modest amount of money, but to those on a fixed income, this could have a real impact.” Estimates peg the savings for federal civilian retirees would be about $820 per year. A statement issued by his office did not offer an estimate for military retirees.
The Pentagon awarded a contract worth over $2 billion for the next batch of F-35 engines to Pratt & Whitney on June 5. The deal for Lot 17 F135 engines, totaling $2.02 billion, is expected to be completed by December 2025.