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December 31, 2012

News for Reservists

Top Story

Senate adjourns without agreement to avert "fiscal cliff"
The Senate adjourned an emergency Sunday session with Democratic and Republican leaders still unable to agree on a compromise that would avert the "fiscal cliff" of tax increases and spending cuts set to take effect Tuesday. Late in the day, talks took a new direction, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., opening discussion with Vice President Joe Biden on how to break the deadlock. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (12/30) , The Washington Post (12/30) , Chicago Sun-Times (12/31)

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In the Pentagon

Fatal violence against troops fell in Afghanistan in 2012, analysis finds
Fewer U.S. and NATO troops were killed in Afghanistan this year than in 2011, and southern and eastern parts of the country saw fewer insurgent attacks, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. However, Afghan security forces saw more casualties, and insurgent activity rose in northern and western Afghanistan. Overall, more violent incidents occurred this year than two years ago, before a U.S. troop surge, the analysis found. The Washington Post/The Associated Press (12/30)

Pentagon budget writers ignore threat of sequestration
As they craft the 2014 Defense Department spending plan, Pentagon budget writers say they are not planning for sequestration cuts to defense. "We are still hopeful that Congress will pass a balanced deficit reduction plan that the president can sign, and sequestration is averted," Pentagon spokeswoman Lt. Col. Elizabeth Robbins said late last week. The Hill/DEFCON Hill blog (12/28)

On the Hill

Possible "fiscal cliff" deal wouldn't stop sequestration, senator says
The possible "fiscal cliff" deal being negotiated wouldn't prevent sequestration, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Sunday. "I was called by [Defense Secretary] Leon Panetta last night at 7:30, during dinner. ... And he said, Lindsey, I have been told that there's going to be nothing in this bill to avoid sequestration going into effect," Graham said. The Hill/DEFCON Hill blog (12/30)

On the Home Front

Reservist helped create military lounge at Detroit airport
A group of Delta employees, including 21-year Michigan Air National Guard reservist Capt. Gordon Cole, set up a volunteer-run lounge at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport that has hosted more than 30,000 service members in the past 14 months. The "Freedom Center" opened in November 2011. Traverse City Record-Eagle (Mich.) (12/30)

Reserve Strength

Experts: Sequestration wouldn't cause immediate changes for troops
Service members won't see immediate changes if sequestration takes effect this week, observers say. Over time, however, training sessions will likely be reduced, equipment maintenance could be deferred and changes could be seen to Tricare health coverage and base support services. "The 'cliff' metaphor is not accurate. It's more like a slope and it will build from the first year, but it won't be like a government shutdown, where suddenly at midnight, everyone stops there," said Todd Harrison, a defense budget expert. Stars and Stripes (12/29)

Reserve Life

Backlog of VA disability claims surpasses 900,000
The backlog of disability claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs has grown to more than 900,000 despite measures to streamline the process and reduce processing times. The number represents a 2.7% rise over the number from early January. NextGov (12/28)

Editor's Note

SmartBrief will not publish Tuesday
In observance of New Year's Day, SmartBrief will not publish Tuesday. Publication will resume Wednesday. Enjoy the holiday!

SmartQuote

Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty."

--John Selden,
English jurist and scholar

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