Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted for the final National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (H.R. 5122) that passed the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 398 to 23.  The bill authorizes $462.8 billion in budget authority for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy.  The legislation also includes $70 billion in supplemental funding to support current operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Global War on Terror.

Larsen highlighted the following provisions in the bill:

Improved Benefits for Active Duty and Military Retirees
“Congress must meet the needs of the men and women who defend our nation.  A 2.2% pay raise for our military personnel sends a message of support to these brave men and women and their families during this crucial time,” said Larsen.

• The bill authorizes a 2.2% pay raise for military personnel
  
• The bill allows military retirees who participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan to select a new insurable interest if their designated beneficiary dies.
  
• The bill puts a one-year moratorium on any increases in retail pharmaceutical prices under the TRICARE system.
  
• In addition, it expands TRICARE Reserve Select to members of the Selected Reserves, and terminates the current three tier eligibility program.

New Assets for Washington State’s 2nd Congressional District

• The bill authorizes an increase in funding for the readiness & environmental protection initiative by $30 million and recommends that NAS Whidbey utilize some of these resources.  This account specifically helps bases with encroachment issues.
  
• This bill authorizes nearly $80 million in military construction projects at NAS Whidbey and NS Everett - including an aircraft washrack, a consolidated fuel facility and hangar recapitalization at NAS Whidbey, and onshore housing for sailors at NS Everett.

“I am pleased that we were able to secure the authorization for these important projects at the two navy bases.  I am committed to ensuring that these projects get fully funded when we come back into session. 

Additional Forces & Force Protection
“This bill increases the number of active duty personnel and allocates funds for needed equipment to protect our forces who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan,”

The bill requires the Secretary of Defense to take steps to ensure that by the end of FY07 all U.S. military wheeled vehicles used in Iraq and Afghanistan outside of secure military operating bases are protected by Improvised Explosive Device (IED) jammers.

The bill includes an increase of 30,000 Army and 5,000 Marine Corps active duty personnel to sustain our nations required missions.
The bill includes $23.7 billion to replace and reset equipment lost or damaged in operations.

Larsen is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

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