Pryce: Defense Appropriations Act Will Ensure Our Troops Have Resources, Equipment They Need
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-Columbus) today said the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007 will help support our military and protect our nation while spending taxpayer dollars wisely.
“Every day, our military men and women put their lives on the line to keep the rest of us safe – the least we can do is ensure they have the tools and equipment they need to accomplish their mission,” Pryce said. “The Department of Defense Appropriations Act will fund the needs of our troops, including essential force protection needs like body armor and improvised explosive device countermeasures. The bill also provides for a 2.2 percent pay raise for our deserving military.
“In addition to funding the needs of our troops, this legislation will help keep our nation safe by funding defense priorities, including key procurement, missile defense, and research programs. The bill also provides emergency funding to support the prosecution of the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. We will continue to ensure that our soldiers have the resources and equipment they need to fight terrorism and defend our nation from every threat.”
The Department of Defense Appropriations Act contains more than $1 billion less in earmarks than last year’s bill and $2.7 billion less than last year’s conference report. Among other things, H.R. 5631, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007, will provide the following:
- $1.5 billion to develop improvised explosive device countermeasures;
- An additional $725 million for personnel force protection items, including body armor;
- Full funding for the 2.2 percent military pay raise, effective Jan. 1, 2007;
- $500 million above the president’s request for National Guard equipment needs; and
- $50 billion in emergency funding for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
