House Approves Defense Authorization Bill

May 21, 2004

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted last night to approve legislation that authorizes the resources our troops and their commanders need to continue fighting the global war on terror. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2004, H.R. 4200, passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, 391-34.

"The primary responsibility of the federal government is defending the American people," Dreier said. "I'm very pleased we had such a bipartisan vote on an issue of such importance. Our troops and their commanders need to know they will have what they need to fight and win in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world."

Included in H.R. 4200 is more than $2 billion for equipment to protect our troops, including: $829.6 million for production of Up-Armored Humvees, which provide protection for soldiers from anti-personnel, armor piercing munitions and improvised explosive devices; $358.2 million for Vehicle Add-On Armor Kits for the Army's truck fleets; $191.8 for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, $275 million for Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to increase surveillance capabilities; $292.2 million for upgrades to M1A2 Abrams tanks; and, over $400 million for new body armor, including add-on covering for the shoulder and side body areas.

The bill also provides numerous quality of life improvements for our deserving troops and their families, such as: a 3.5 percent across-the board pay raise for members of the armed forces; increasing the maximum amount of hardship duty pay from $300 to $750 per month; making permanent the increased rates for imminent danger pay, from $150 per month to $225 per month, and family separation allowance, from $100 per month to $250 per month; elimination of out-of-pocket housing expenses; up to $3000 per month in income replacement payments for reservists who experience a reduction in their income while away from their civilian jobs; elimination of the Social Security offset under the Survivor Benefit Plan; and, $9.9 billion for military construction and housing.

"We remain at war with terrorists who seek to undermine democracy and freedom around the globe," Dreier said. "The fight may present challenges, but it is a fight that must, and will, be won."