A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to make technical corrections in provisions of law enacted by the Military Retirement Reform Act of 1986.
Latest action (30 Dec 1987): Signed by President.
What this bill does
This bill, H.R. 2974, was signed into law by the President in December 1987. Its purpose was to make technical corrections to laws concerning military retirement pay that were established by the Military Retirement Reform Act of 1986.
Specifically, the bill addresses how cost-of-living adjustments, tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), are applied to military retired and retainer pay. It ensures that if an adjustment is missed due to a legal provision, the next increase will compensate for the missed amount. The bill also revises how initial CPI adjustments are prorated for new retirees and recalculates retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) amounts for certain individuals who joined the military after July 1986 or who retired and then returned to active duty. These recalculations take into account cost-of-living and CPI changes since their initial retirement.
Additionally, the bill includes a provision for reserve members on active duty solely for training, excluding them from certain protections against involuntary release within two years of retirement eligibility, unless approved by the relevant military department secretary.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
(House agreed to Senate amendment with an amendment) Amends Federal armed forces provisions to require that if a regularly scheduled adjustment in military retired and retainer pay (to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)) is not made by reason of law, then the next increase in such pay should be adjusted to account for such previously precluded increase. Revises provisions relating to the prorating of initial CPI increase adjustments for new retirees. Revises provisions relating to the computation at age 62 of military retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) amounts available to persons who first became members of the armed forces after July 31, 1986, and to members of the armed forces who retired, then returned to active duty after such date, and then retired once again. Provides that, for such members, the amount of military retired pay to which they are eligible will be recomputed to take into account changes in the cost-of-living and CPI adjustments since the date of their initial retirement from the armed forces. Makes identical recomputation adjustments for such members who are SBP participants to take into account cost-of-living and CPI adjustments since initial retirement in the base amount of SBP benefits for which such member's dependents will be eligible. Excludes reserve members on active duty only for training from the protection afforded other members of the reserves serving on active duty from being involuntarily released from such duty within two years of becoming eligible for retired or retainer pay (unless such release is approved by the Secretary of the military department concerned).
Timeline
30 Dec 1987
Signed by President.
6 Aug 1987
Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
28 Jul 1987
Passed House by Voice Vote.
22 Jul 1987
Ordered to be Reported.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2974 do?
- This bill, H.R. 2974, was signed into law by the President in December 1987. Its purpose was to make technical corrections to laws concerning military retirement pay that were established by the Military Retirement Reform Act of 1986. Specifically, the bill addresses how cost-of-living adjustments, tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), are applied to military retired and retainer pay. It ensures that if an adjustment is missed due to a legal provision, the next increase will compensate for the missed amount. The bill also revises how initial CPI adjustments are prorated for new retirees and recalculates retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) amounts for certain individuals who joined the military after July 1986 or who retired and then returned to active duty. These recalculations take into account cost-of-living and CPI changes since their initial retirement. Additionally, the bill includes a provision for reserve members on active duty solely for training, excluding them from certain protections against involuntary release within two years of retirement eligibility, unless approved by the relevant military department secretary.
- Has H.R. 2974 become law?
- Yes. H.R. 2974 has been enacted. Status last updated 30 Dec 1987.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2974?
- H.R. 2974 was sponsored by Rep. Beverly Byron [D-MD6, 1979-1992] (Democrat-MD), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2974?
- Signed by President. (30 Dec 1987).
Related bills in Armed Forces and National Security
To authorize the Secretary of the Army to convey to the State of North Carolina a certain parcel of real property located at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on which the State shall construct a veterans’ State home, and for other purposes.
Nutrition Continuity for Military Families Act of 2026
To prioritize the finalization of design requirements for new Ready Reserve Force vessels, and for other purposes.
A resolution designating the week of September 20 through September 27, 2026, as “Gold Star Families Remembrance Week”.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.