Topics in this Week’s News Include:

1. Committee Leadership Changes: Congressman Vic Snyder (D-2nd/AR) stepped down as Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee for Military Personnel this past week to become the new Chairman of the House Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. <<more>>

2. TRICARE Over-the Counter Drug Demonstration Project: The John Warner National Defense Authorization Act of 2007 directed the Department of Defense (DoD) to conduct a demonstration project to allow certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications to be included on the uniform formulary. <<more>>

3. Chairman and Vice Chair of JCS Nominated: NMFA previously reported Admiral Michael G. Mullen, USN had been recommended to serve as the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. <<more>>

4. DoD Pharmacy Formulary BAP Discusses Proposed Changes: The Department of Defense (DoD) Pharmacy Formulary Beneficiary Advisory Panel (BAP) recently met in Washington, DC, to comment on the recommendations made by the DoD Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee. <<more>>

5. TRICARE Dental Care Overseas Access Made Easier: A member of NMFA’s staff attended TRICARE Management Activity’s briefing on TRICARE Overseas dental care. <<more>>

6. DOL Announces HVRP, VWIP Grant Awards: Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao has announced 94 grants, totaling nearly $27 million, to provide approximately 17,000 veterans with job training to help them succeed in civilian careers. <<more>>

7. Recycle Old Cell Phones Connect a Military Family: In honor of Independence Day, AT&T announced that all AT&T owned wireless stores would accept cell phones for donation to “Cell Phones for Soldiers.” <<more>>

8. Indiana Military Family Leave Act Becomes Law: Effective July 1st, relatives of military members called to active duty for a period of more than 89 days may now take a leave of absence of up to ten days per year. <<more>>