I 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 573 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 9, 2011 Ms. Sutton (for herself, Mr. Jones, Mr. Conyers, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Luján, Mr. Walz of Minnesota, Mr. Waxman, Mr. Ross of Florida, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Al Green of Texas, Mr. Filner, Mr. Turner, Mr. Courtney, Mr. Yarmuth, Mr. Hanna, Mr. Michaud, and Mr. Schiff) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services A BILL To amend section 310 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 to extend the period of time during which claims for retroactive stop-loss special pay may be submitted.

1.

Time period for submission of claims for retroactive stop-loss special pay

(a)

Extension

Section 310(b) of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 (Public Law 111–32; 123 Stat. 1871) is amended by striking 1 year both places it appears and inserting 2 years. (b)

Plan for improved DOD information dissemination efforts

(1)

Plan required

As part of the report required by subsection (h) of section 310 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 (Public Law 111–32; 123 Stat. 1871), the Secretary of Defense shall include a plan describing Department of Defense outreach and informational efforts to promote and increase awareness of the retroactive availability stop-loss special pay under such section. The plan shall include a timeline for full implementation of the plan. (2)

Special considerations

In developing the plan, the Secretary of Defense shall consider, at a minimum, the following: (A)Previous Department of Defense outreach and informational efforts and how these efforts will be expanded and improved to make eligible members of the Armed Forces and veterans aware of the availability of retroactive stop-loss payments. (B)Department of Defense efforts to coordinate with the Department of Veterans Affairs, veteran service organizations, and other pertinent veteran groups to increase and improve outreach and awareness of the availability of retroactive stop-loss payments. (C)Contacting members of the Armed Forces who have transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve since September 11, 2001, as a way of increasing awareness of the availability of retroactive stop-loss payments. (3)

Explanation

In the report referred to in paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall describe how the Secretary addressed each of the special considerations specified in paragraph (2). If the decision is made not to fully implement one or more of the special considerations, the Secretary shall explain why that decision was made.