WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today applauded the passage of a concurrent receipt provision in the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the Senate this afternoon.

"This a truly historic breakthrough for more than 250,000 disabled veterans," Brownback said. "This is another step forward on the path to ensure that the men and women who defend our nation and our freedom receive all of the benefits and services they so richly deserve."

For decades, military retirees have been prohibited from receiving their full retirement pay when they were also in receipt of Veterans Administration disability compensation payments. Beginning next year, military retirees with at least 20 years of service and VA disability ratings of 50% or higher will see these offsets phased out over a ten year period. In addition, Combat Related Special Compensation will be expanded to include all combat- or operations-related disabilities from 10% to 100%.

The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2004 authorizes $400 billion in funding for America's soldiers, their equipment, and the nation's military programs. The legislation also authorizes the national security programs of the Department of Energy. The bill next goes to the President to be signed into law.