August 19, 2025
Mrs. Kiggans of Virginia (for herself and Mr. Bell) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
To amend title 5, United States Code, to allow retired or certain disabled members of the uniformed services to contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan after separation, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Financial Opportunities for Retirees and Warriors Advancing Retirement Development Act
or the FORWARD Act
.
Sec. 2. Eligibility of retired or disabled members of the uniformed services to contribute to Thrift Savings Plan
(a) In general
Section 8440e of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
(f)
(1)
Any individual who is a former member of the uniformed services and who is entitled to retired pay under chapter 71 of title 10, or who is in receipt of compensation under section 1114 of title 38 for a disability rated at 100 percent, and who is not an employee may elect to contribute a portion of such pay or compensation to the Thrift Savings Fund.
(2)
An election to contribute to the Thrift Savings Fund under this subsection may be made as provided under section 8432(b).
(3)
No contributions shall be made for the benefit of an individual described under paragraph (1) under section 8432 of this title.
(4)
An individual described under paragraph (1) may not contribute to the Fund under this subsection unless such individual had an account within the Fund before the date the individual separated from the uniformed services or the civil service.
(b) Regulations
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, in coordination with the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs, shall issue regulations to implement this Act and the amendments made by this Act.