FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- September 29, 2006 -

FINAL VERSION OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT APPROVED WITH STEARNS VOTING IN FAVOR

MEASURE PROVIDES FOR MILITARY PAYRAISE, MORE ARMORED VEHICLES AND BODY ARMOR, AND PREVENTS TRICARE FEE INCREASES

WASHINGTON, SEPT. 29, 2006 - "We must remember our military personnel on the front line in the War on Terror," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala).  "They need our support, and they need the supplies, training, and equipment to complete their missions.  I am pleased to join in approving H.R. 5122, the National Defense Authorization Act."

H.R. 5122 authorizes funding of $532.8 billion for the Department of Defense and national security programs.  This includes $84.2 billion for equipment, $73.6 billion for research & development, $110 billion for military personnel, $155.3 billion for operations and maintenance, and $17.1 billion for family housing and military construction.  It also authorizes $70 billion for ongoing military operations.

Explained Stearns, "This authorizes the across-the-board military pay raise of 2.2 percent, provides for more up-armored vehicles and body armor for our troops, includes a new program to counter improvised explosive devices, and blocks the proposed TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Standard fee increases."

For Further Information Please Contact Paul Flusche at 202-225-5744 or Email.