MEASURE INCLUDES MILITARY PAY RAISE, CONCURRENT RECEIPT FOR VETERANS, AND EXPANDS MILITARY PERSONNEL STRENGTH

Washington, Jan 16, 2008 - "Our military personnel face danger, sacrifice, and hardships every day in defending our freedom, and they deserve our support," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "I am pleased to join in approving this measure ensuring that our troops receive the equipment, training, and support they need to complete their missions. This measure authorizes more than 15,000 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. It also includes a 3.5 percent pay raise, provides for increasing the personnel strength of the Army and Marines, and grants concurrent receipt for veterans receiving both retirement benefits and disability compensation."

The House today approved the Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes $506.9 billion for the Department of Defense and national security functions of the Department of Energy, and $189.4 billion for ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The measure increases the basic pay of all members of the uniformed services by 3.5 percent and increases hardship duty pay to a maximum of $1,500. It also extends the prohibition on TRICARE premium, deductible, and copay increases; and provides concurrent receipt for veterans with disabilities rated at 100 percent. Finally, it requires the Department of Defense to increase Armey personnel from 512,400 to 525,400 and the Marines from 180,000 to 189,000 over the next five years.