Dreier Votes to Support Troops & Military Families

May 11 , 2006

WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Congressman Dreier voted today to provide enhanced benefits for our troops and their families, increase the size of the military and fund new equipment to fight the war on terror. H.R. 5122, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, was approved by a bipartisan vote of 396-31.

"During wartime, there is nothing more important than supporting our troops. This legislation makes sure our troops have every advantage when they are on the battlefield and better benefits when they return home, especially when it comes to health care," said Dreier. "With upgraded equipment, increased use of technology and more funding, we will continue to wage a very aggressive war on terrorism."

Major initiatives include a continuing effort to fundamentally change and improve how the Department of Defense procures major weapons systems and funds state-of-the-art equipment designed to help American troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Specifically, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 increases funding for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, including up-armored Humvees, explosive protection kits and jammers, and new body armor. In total, the legislation authorizes an additional $50 billion in supplemental funding to support the Global War on Terror’s operational costs, personnel expenses and procurement of new equipment.

"Congressional Republicans remain committed to the men and women who defend our homeland. We will not waiver when it comes to finishing the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. This bill keeps our country on the offense against terrorist threats."

The legislation also authorizes troop increases of 30,000 Army and 5,000 Marine Corps active personnel and boosts bonuses for Army recruitment and retention. Additionally, a 2.7% across-the-board pay raise has been authorized for all members of the armed forces. The bill also blocks the Department of Defense’s proposed TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Standard fee increases and zeroes out co-pays for generic and formulary mail order prescriptions for military beneficiaries.