May 20, 2004—House Armed Services Member Trent Franks voted in favor of H.R. 4200, the National Defense Authorization Act for FiscalYear 2005.  The Defense Authorization bill passed in the House, 391 to 34.

“I was honored to work with Chairman Hunter and the Armed Services Committee in creating a budget plan that will best serve to protect our troops and prioritize projects to maintain the strength and technology to continue our fight against terror,” Franks said.

Some specific funding:

§         Full funding for the Up Armor High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle ($704.7 million)

§         Ballistic armor for other Humvees and trucks: $332.4 million

§         Interceptor Body Armor: $421 million

§         Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): $277 million

Also included in H.R. 4200 was a provision approved by the Armed Services Committee suspending the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process for two years.

“I recognize Luke as crucial to the national F-16 program.  The modern enemy this nation faces has forced us to maintain the highest standard in military technology.  The unique training offered at Luke contributes vitally to our military readiness, and should continue for years to come.”

The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) inequity was eliminated with the passage of H.R. 4200.  In the House version there was incorporated a provision to eliminate the social security offset under SBP and increase the annuities paid to survivors of military retirees who are 62 or older from 35 percent of retired pay to an increase, beginning in 2005 to 40% and to 55% by 2008.