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WASHINGTON, D.C.-Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, today voted in favor of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Iraq and Afghanistan and Tsunami assistance (H.R. 1268), which allocates $81.3 billion for military operations and foreign assistance. The legislation will provide $76.8 billion for military spending including $37.5 billion for military operations and maintenance spending, $15.5 billion for Army personnel, and $18.2 billion for new weapons procurement.
"This legislation recognizes the bravery of our servicemen and women who dedicate their lives to protecting and promoting democracy and working to ensure the long-term security of our own country," said Congressman Boyd. "Adequate body armor and equipment for our troops should be a top priority and state of the art. This funding will help our troops who are fighting for freedom and provide for the families of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for this freedom."
This bill also includes a $269 million increase in combat-related death benefits to provide higher benefits to the families of those killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan. These funds will raise the military death gratuity from $12,000 to $100,000, and this is a substantial increase from the $6,000 benefit level that was in place just two years ago.
This legislation will also increase subsidized life insurance benefits for those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is increased from the current $250,000 to $400,000 for families of soldiers who died or were killed while on active duty beginning from October 7, 2001.
"I am pleased this legislation enhances the benefits for our military families," Congressman Boyd stated. "We can never repay the families of the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, but we can honor this sacrifice by addressing the inadequacies in benefits for these surviving families."
The Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill also provides:
- $63 million for additional body armor for the Army
- $12 million for additional Marine Corps body armor
- $611 million for add-on vehicle armor kits to protect drivers and crews against attacks
- $18.2 billion to replenish equipment and munitions expended during military operation in Iraq
- $1.3 billion for continued relief and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan
- $1.3 billion to train and equip Afghan security forces and the Afghan army
- $656 million in direct assistance for tsunami disaster relief
While the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill directs much-needed funds to our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is no accountability for how these funds will be used. On February 15, 2005, Congressman Boyd endorsed the War Funding Accountability Act introduced by his fellow Blue Dog, Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA). This legislation calls for more accountability from the Administration and the Pentagon for funds spent in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The War Funding Accountability Act would ensure that troops receive the supplies and equipment they need, call on the Administration to seek additional international support, and require the administration to report to Congress on the progress being made in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We've made a serious commitment in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we must see it through," said Congressman Boyd. "Congress needs to have more oversight to ensure that the funding we send to Iraq and Afghanistan is being spent in the most effective and efficient way. While I fully support the funding sent to our men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan, I hope that Congress will enact accountability guidelines for these funds so we can all feel confident that our troops are getting the equipment and supplies they need to accomplish the mission and come home safely."
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