AUTHORIZES INCREASE IN ARMY AND MARINE MANPOWER; PROVIDES 3.5% PAY RAISE

Washington, May 17, 2007 - "Not only must we provide for our troops in combat, Congress also has a responsibility to enhance the future capability of the military," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala).  "This authorization measure provides our troops with the equipment and training they need to complete their missions, while upgrading their living conditions, health care, and paychecks."

The House today approved H.R. 1585, the National Defense Authorization Act, authorizing expenditures of $504 billion for the nation's armed forces.  The measure also authorizes an additional $142 billion for current operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the Global War on Terror, eliminating the need for emergency supplemental spending bills.

Explained Stearns, "We are authorizing new troop-protection measures, including $4.1 billion for state-of-the-art Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.  This bill also provides for expanding our standing forces by increasing the Army by 13,000 and the Marine Corps by 9,000 active duty personnel.  In addition, it provides for a 3.5 percent pay raise, $1 billion for National Guard equipment, and extends the prohibition on increasing out-of-the pocket TRICARE expenses.