The Hill reports that the Armed Services committees have agreed to a “pared down” National Defense Authorization Act. The bill passed on Wednesday was “devoid” of controversial measures, including
The Burris Amendment would have permitted abortions Read more
The Stars and Stripes notes that more is at stake than just DADT with regard to the 2011 Defense Authorization Act:
If the measure is held up by Senate Republicans [or Democrats -ed], it could stall the military’s annual pay raise (which would be either 1.4 percent or 1.9 percent in January) and a host of recruiting and enlistment bonuses. The 2011 NDAA also includes language extending Tricare coverage to dependent children of troops until age 26, increases hostile fire and imminent danger pay, and provides millions in impact aid to schools with a high enrollment of military children.
Despite the drama, this is not the first time the NDAA has been held up Read more
According to the Catholic Register, the Christian Medical and Dental Association is publicizing active duty US military opposition to the Burris amendment, which would allow privately funded abortions in military medical facilities.
Like the “don’t ask, don’t tell” that has largely overshadowed it, the proposed change in abortion law is attached to the 2011 Defense Authorization Act. Both continue to raise moral questions for the military members they will impact.
Among their chief concerns is the fact that the abortion provision, which would roll back a 1996 law that banned the use of military facilities and personnel for elective abortions, is that it lacks conscience protections for physicians who morally object to abortion…
More than 250 active-duty physician members of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations wrote to senators in August stating that the elective-abortion provision would endanger their ability to follow Read more
USA Today has duelling articles on the potential impact of the repeal of the policies commonly known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
“No, the mission is to serve all soldiers.”
Arnold Resnicoff, a former Navy Chaplain, responds in the negative. Resnicoff was also a special assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force from 2005 to 2006, when the Air Force Academy “Christian scandal” made news. (Michael Weinstein called Resnicoff an “unmitigated disaster.”)
Resnicoff’s primary argument is that
good chaplains can preach and teach, true to their beliefs — respecting rights while challenging what they believe is wrong. (emphasis original)
He maintains there would be zero impact to Chaplains.
“Yes, religious liberty is in real jeopardy.”
Daniel Blomberg of the Alliance Defense Fund answers in the affirmative. In contrast to Resnicoff, Blomberg says the change would “likely harm” Chaplains: Read more