FOXX VOTES TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR DEFENSE, BORDER SECURITY

Thursday May 05, 2005

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

WASHINGTON – This afternoon, U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.-5) voted for an emergency wartime supplemental conference report (H.R. 1268) to provide funding for both national defense and border security. The report passed 368-58.

“I applaud my colleagues for providing $75.9 billion in defense funding to train and equip our troops,” said Rep. Foxx. “These men and women risk their lives for us on a daily basis. The very least we can do is provide the resources they need.”

The conference report will increase financial aid to families who lose their loved ones in combat by increasing life insurance benefits and the one time death gratuity. The maximum Servicemember Group Life Insurance benefit will increase from $250,000 to $400,000 and the death gratuity will increase from $12,000 to $100,000.

The report also provides for a new insurance benefit allotting up to $100,000 for soldiers who lose a limb or suffer other traumatic injuries.

Provisions of the “Real I.D. Act” are also included in the conference report. “This will complete the mission of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations by implementing common sense reforms to strengthen border security and protect our homeland,” said Rep. Foxx.

Among the most significant reforms are increased standards for obtaining state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. H.R. 1268 will now require that identification used for federal purposes (such as entering federal facilities or boarding commercial airlines) must meet strict federal security standards. These include providing proof of lawful presence in the United States.

“Driver’s licenses have become the main form of identification in our country,” said Rep. Foxx. “The majority of the states have recognized the need for setting high standards for obtaining them. However, 11 States, including my State of North Carolina, issue valid driver's licenses and identification cards without requiring proof of legal status. In a time where terrorism is a real concern, we cannot allow this type of loophole to exist.”

Upon passage by the U.S. Senate, H.R. 1268 will go to President Bush for final approval.

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