FOXX VOTES TO EQUIP TROOPS, GUARD BORDER, PROTECT VETERANS’ HEALTH BENEFITS

Thursday May 11, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Amy Auth
202-225-2071

WASHINGTON – This afternoon, U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.-5) took steps to ensure our troops have the resources they need to effectively fight the War on Terror by voting for H.R. 5122, the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2007.

“My chief responsibility as a Member of Congress is to provide for a strong national defense,” said Rep. Foxx.  “This critical bill goes a long way in ensuring our troops have the necessary equipment and supplies to remain one step ahead of the enemy.  With so many of our family members and loved ones overseas prosecuting the War on Terror, I am honored to send this strong statement of support to our troops.”

Among other things, the National Defense Authorization Act provides for:

$50 billion in supplemental funding to support the War on Terror;
An increase of $390 million for continued production of enhanced body armor and body armor components;
Additional funding for force-protection needs, including up-armored Humvees, improvised explosive device (IED) jammers, Humvee IED protection kits and gunner protection kits; and
A 2.7 percent across-the-board pay raise for members of our Armed Forces

Foxx also voted for an amendment to authorize members of the Armed Forces to assist the Department of Homeland Security (upon request) in protecting the U.S. border.

Finally, today’s bill prohibits the proposed TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Standard fee increases and zeroes out co-pays for generic and formulary mail order prescriptions for military beneficiaries and veterans.

“I remain committed to improving health care benefits for our Armed Forces and veterans,” said Rep. Foxx.  “These folks paved the way for the freedoms we have today and they deserve our support.”

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