Act Supports Troops, Funds War on Terror Priorities, blocks TRICARE Increases

Washington, DC, Oct 17, 2006 - Representative John Carter (TX-31) today commended President Bush for signing into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007. Today’s action will allow for the implementation of the $532.8 billion act that sets the policies, programs, and funding levels for the nation’s military. The House overwhelmingly passed this bill on September 29th.

“I applaud President Bush for signing this important piece of legislation that will give our troops the support they need as they fight terrorism and defend our freedom,” Congressman Carter said. “This act provides a much deserved military pay raise, additional funding for force protection needs, and blocks TRICARE fee increases. I am proud to consistently support the needs of our U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.”

The Defense Authorization Act authorizes $532.8 billion in budget authority for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. This includes $84.2 billion in procurement funding; $73.6 billion for research, development, testing and evaluation; $110.1 billion for military personnel; $155.3 billion for operations and maintenance; and $17.1 billion for military construction and family housing.

· An additional $70 billion in supplemental funding to support the war on terror’s operational costs, personnel expenses, procurement of new equipment and the necessary immediate funding to reset the force.

· Additional funding for force protection needs in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, including up-armored Humvees, Humvee IED protection kits and gunner protection kits, improvised explosive device (IED) jammers and state-of-the-art body armor.

· Additional increases of 30,000 Army and 5,000 Marine Corps active duty personnel to sustain our required missions.

· Increases end strength for the Army National Guard by 17,100 over the original budget request. The legislation provides an additional $499 million for National Guard personnel, operations and maintenance and the defense health program, as well as $318 million for procurement to support the recommended National Guard end strength of 350,000.

· Blocks the Department of Defense’s proposed TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Standard fee increases and prohibits increases in beneficiary cost shares for prescriptions obtained through the TRICARE retail pharmacy network.

· Authorizes grants and loan guarantees to U.S. shipyards to improve their efficiency, cost-effectiveness and international competitiveness.

· Fully funds the immediate Army and Marine Corps shortfalls for readiness and equipment reset.