Press Releases
Congressman Young Votes to Give Final Approval to Annual Defense Authorization Bill
Washington, D.C.,
September 29, 2006
Alaska Congressman Don Young voted in the U.S. House of Representatives today for the conference report for H.R. 5122, the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2007. This bill authorizes $532.8 billion and sets the policies, programs and funding levels for the nation’s military. This legislation was approved overwhelmingly by a vote of 398 to 23. This bill will go to the Presidents desk to be enacted into law. "I cast this vote for the sons and daughters of Alaska and this nation who serve every day on the front lines of the global war on terrorism. We have to remember that the people who serve this country in the armed forces are volunteers; this nation does not have a draft. Our troops make valiant choices to serve and protect the safety of our homeland. We must continue to support their bravery in every capacity that we can," said Congressman Young. "This bill provides a well deserved pay increase to our troops, authorizes additional funding for combat troop protection requirements, and adds to programs that further support military families. More importantly, this bill blocks attempts to increase medical service fees that would negatively affect our military families and veterans. We want to make sure that our soldiers have sufficient supplies and ample equipment necessary to continue the great job they do. Bill Overview An additional $70 billion in supplemental funding to support the war on terror’s operational costs, personnel expenses, and procurement of new equipment. Additional funding for force protection needs in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, including up-armored Humvees, Humvee IED protection kits and gunner protection kits, IED jammers and state-of-the-art body armor. A 2.2% pay raise for all members of the armed forces. Increases of 30,000 Army and 5,000 Marine Corps active duty end strength to sustain our required missions. Recommends an end strength for the Army National Guard at 350,000, provides an additional $499 million for National Guard personnel, operations and maintenance, the defense health program, and $318 million for procurement to support the end strength. Blocks DoD’s proposed TRICARE Prime, Standard and Select Reserve fee increases. Authorizes grants and loan guarantees to U.S. shipyards to improve their efficiency, cost-effectiveness and international competitiveness. Fully funds the immediate Army and Marine Corps shortfalls for readiness and equipment reset. |