Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R- The Woodlands) today successfully voted to fully fund America’s fighting men and women serving abroad and here at home as the House passed the Defense Department Reauthorization Act, H.R. 4613.
This $416 billion Department of Defense (DOD) bill provides needed equipment, training, and other resources for United States military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The President’s $25 billion war supplemental request for continuing operations in the Middle East is also included in this bill.
“We are in the middle of a war – fully funding our military and national defense efforts must remain a top priority. This bill ensures our troops have the resources they need to wage and win the War on Terror,” said Brady.
Force Protection—The bill fully funds a number of force protection items for the troops which includes:
o $538 million to buy over 300,000 sets of body armor.
o $674 million for an additional 2996 Up-Armored HMMWVs and $198 million for ballistic protection which will harden more than 2,900 vehicles;
o $300 million for additional equipment to equip the restructured Army brigades being stood up in 2004 and 2005;
o $100 million for combat gear and support equipment for National Guard and Reserve forces.
o $315 million to buy approximately 496 million rounds of small caliber ammunition for the Army.
Pay and Benefits—The bill extends and funds various enhanced health care and pay benefits for military men and women. These include:
o Funds higher rates of Imminent Danger Pay and Family Separation Allowance to all eligible service members;
o Extends travel and transportation allowances for family members of service members who are ill or injured on active duty;
o Authorizes the Department to provide civilian clothes for service members to wear during hospital stays;
o Funds the extension of TRICARE benefits for mobilized members of the Guard and Reserve and their families.
Commander’s Emergency Response Program—Funds are made available, $300 million, to allow military commanders in the field to respond to urgent humanitarian needs in Iraq and Afghanistan.
