Washington, Dec 12, 2007 - Representative John Carter (TX-31), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, today supported the final passage of the FY 2008 Department of Defense Authorization Bill that authorizes $696.4 billion in funds and various defense programs for FY 2008.

“It is vital to the success of our military that they receive the tools and resources they need to protect our country,” Rep. Carter said. “This bill includes authorization for funds that will provide necessary body armor, protective vests, armored Humvees, and other equipment as well as new ships, planes and ground systems. These critical funds will enhance our nation’s defense and ensure that our military remains the best and strongest in the world.”

Also included in the bill is language to authorize a land swap between Copperas Cove and Fort Hood that will enable Copperas Cove to build a shopping center as well as a provision requiring the Army to conduct an assessment of Darnell Army Medical Center on Fort Hood to see if the hospital is equipped to meet the medical needs of the Fort Hood active and retired Fort Hood military community.

· A “wounded warriors” section intended to help military servicemembers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

· A provision that would force major changes in the military’s G.I. Bill education benefit program by allowing reservists to use their benefits up to 10 years after their separation from the reserves-the same as active-duty veterans.