Moran Announces House Approval of 2007 Defense Authorization Bill

Focus on Personnel Benefits, Force Protection Measures and Needs of America's Military

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jerry Moran today announced House approval of the annual policy and funding blueprint for the Department of Defense. The 2007 National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 5122, authorizes funding to enhance benefits for military personnel and support current operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the Global War on Terrorism.

"Our military men and women are our most valuable resource," Moran said. "Protecting them during this war and providing for them after their service is our responsibility."

Highlights of this bill include:

• Provides a 2.7 percent pay raise for members of the armed forces.

• Blocks the Administration's proposed increases in TRICARE enrollment fees and deductibles for military retirees under 65.
• Extends TRICARE benefits to all members of the Selected Reserve.
• Ensures that American troops have the protective equipment they need, including up-armored Humvees, gunner protection kits, state-of-the-art body armor, radio signal jamming devices and surveillance aircraft to counter improvised explosive devices.

• Recommends an increase of 30,000 Army and 5,000 Marine Corps active duty personnel to sustain our missions.
• Increases the Army National Guard by 17,100 over the Administration's request, authorizing a total end strength of 350,000.

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