Representing North Carolina’s Ninth District                                                                        

HOUSE APPROVES 2004 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL  Legislation Supports Troops and Military Families, and includes concurrent receipt

"Today, thousands of American men and women are engaged in a battle to protect America from terrorists. This bill authorizes the funding necessary to equip them with the tools necessary to fight, and win, the War on Terror. This bill also contains concurrent receipt for our veterans. Our veterans have sacrificed so much and they certainly deserve to receive both retirement pay and disability coverage," Myrick said.

Highlights of the conference report include a 4.15 percent average increase in base pay for our men and women in uniform, and an increase in the family separation allowance for service members with dependents from $100 per month to $250 per month, for the period beginning October 1, 2003 and ending on December 31, 2004. In addition, the bill authorizes $9.7 billion for construction of family housing, childcare centers, medical centers and other facilities, and it authorizes $74 billion to purchase new weapons and equipment for the military.

For veterans, the conference report contains concurrent receipt for Military Retirees. Currently, disabled veterans’ retirement benefits are offset by the amount of disability coverage for which they are eligible. This bill provides full concurrent receipt of benefits for the most severely disabled veterans. This is the first time in nearly 100 years that veterans will receive both retirement and disability pay.

The National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report passed the House 362-40. The Senate is expected to pass the bill soon.

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