Representing North Carolina’s Ninth District                                                                        

HOUSE APPROVES 2005 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL
Legislation Equips Troops to Fight, and Win the War on Terror

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Sue Myrick (NC-9) voted today in support of H.R. 4200, the FY2005 National Defense Authorization Act. The Act authorizes $422.2 billion for the Department of Defense, and the national security programs of the Department of Energy.  

 “Today, thousands of American men and women are fighting terrorists overseas so we don’t have to fight them here in America.  This bill provides funding that will help protect our troops, and give them the necessary tools to fight and win the War on Terror,” Myrick said.

 The primary focus of H.R. 4200 is to protect American troops on the battlefield.  The Defense Act accomplishes this by providing $829.6 million for production of Up-Armored Humvees, and $358.2 million for Vehicle Add-On Armor Kits for the Army’s truck fleet. The bill also provides over $400 million for Body Armor for our troops. 

 H.R. 4200 also rewards military personal for their outstanding service while fighting the War on Terror.  The bill provides a 3.5 percent across-the-board pay raise for members of the armed forces.  It extends the increased rates for imminent danger pay, from $150 per month to$225 per month, and increases the family separation allowance from $100 per month to $250 per month.  The bill also allocates $9.9 billion for troop and family housing, medical facilities, and schools.

 The National Defense Authorization Act also provides for our troops by adding an additional $25 billion to be appropriated for fiscal year 2005.  This money will go to support the War on Terror’s operational costs, personnel expenses, and the procurement of new equipment.  The $25 billion is included in the FY05 Congressional Budget.  The Act also increases active Army personnel by 30,000, and active Marines by 9,000, over the next three years.

 The FY2005 National Defense Authorization Act passed the House 391- 34. 

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