The brave men and women serving our country in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere worldwide deserve more than words of support.  They need financial certainty and I am committed to making sure they are not penalized for the sacrifices they make to wage the war on terrorism.

The 2005 Defense Authorization Act includes many increases in military pay for our soldiers fighting in Iraq.  The bill includes the following provisions:

           -A 3.5 percent across-the-board pay raise for members of the armed services;

           -Increases the maximum amount of hardship duty pay from $300 to $750 per month;

           -Makes permanent the increased rates for imminent danger pay, from $150 per month to $225 per month, and family separation allowance, from $100 to $250 per month;

           -Extends through Dec. 31, 2005 several special pays and bonuses for active duty members and reservists;

           -Eliminates out-of-pocket housing expenses

           -Enlistment, reenlistment, and retention bonus activity for deployed reservists to ensure that they are paid using the same authority used to pay active duty members; and

           -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.

The House passed this bill with strong bipartisan support.  Members of the House and Senate are now negotiating a final bill that will include needed money for those working to protect our freedom.  The quality of life must be enhanced for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who so bravely serve us throughout the world.  Providing financial security to soldiers in the field and their families helps do that.  It is the least we can to do to thank them for protecting our freedom.