INCLUDES MILITARY PAY RAISE, ADDRESSES CONCURRENT RECEIPT & REFORMS TREATMENT OF TROOPS AT WALTER REED HOSPITAL

Washington, Dec 12, 2007 - "Our nation is at war and we have a responsibility to provide our troops the support they need to complete their mission," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "This legislation provides our military with the tools they need to win the War on Terror, meets the needs of the men and women of the armed forces and their families, and improves the treatment of our wounded warriors."

The House today approved H.R. 1585, the National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes $693.3 billion for the programs of the Department of Defense. This includes authorizing $189.4 billion in emergency funding to support military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.

Explained Stearns, "This measure authorizes a 3.5% pay raise for our military men and women; $17.6 billion for 15,374 the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles that have a V-shaped body to deflect blasts; payment of combat-related compensation to service members medically retired for a combat-related disability (concurrent receipt); and responds to the problems at Walter Reed Hospital by creating a new system of case managers, advocates, and counselors for wounded service members returning from combat overseas to help them get the care they need."