back FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  CONTACT: May 20, 2004 Kate Dwyer: 202-226-7326 House Passes Bill Authorizing Spending on Equipment, Pay for Troops WASHINGTON –  The House of Representatives voted today to authorize defense spending for fiscal year 2005 and ensure U.S. troops have the resources to accomplish their missions and effectively combat terrorism.  Wisconsin’s First District Congressman Paul Ryan voted in favor of the plan, H.R. 4200, which passed 391-34.  The measure includes an additional $25 billion to be appropriated to support the war on terror’s operational costs, personnel expenses and the procurement of new equipment. “When I visited with troops in the Middle East in April, one of their biggest concerns was whether people back home still supported them and whether they would be allowed to complete their mission,” Ryan said. “This plan for spending on troops, technology, protective equipment and other needs shows that we are committed to getting them what they need to prevail.”   Among its funding priorities, H.R. 4200, the Defense Authorization Act, plans for equipment to protect America’s troops, more military personnel (provides for an increase of 30,000 active Army personnel and an increase of 9,000 active Marine Corps personnel over the next three years,) and enhanced pay and benefits for members of the armed forces.   Specifically, the legislation authorizes more than $2 billion for various force protection measures, including: $829.6 million for production of Up-Armor Humvees, which provide protection for soldiers from anti-personnel, armor-piercing munitions and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). $358.2 million for Vehicle Add-On Armor Kits for the Army’s truck fleet. Over $400 million for new body armor, including add-on covering for the shoulder and side body areas. The measure also provides for improved pay, benefits, and quality of life for members of the military and their families.  H.R. 4200 authorizes:  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. Up to $3,000 per month in income replacement payments for reservists who experience a reduction in their income while away from their civilian jobs. $9.9 billion for military construction and housing, such as troop and family housing and medical facilities. The legislation also eliminates an unfair penalty on survivors of military retirees.  Currently, the Survivor Benefit Plan reduces annuity pay to survivors of military retirees from 55 percent of retiree pay to 35 percent when the survivor turns 62 years old and is eligible for Social Security benefits.  H.R. 4200 gets rid of this penalty by gradually increasing the annuity amount back to the full 55 percent of retiree pay by April 2008.   back