FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2003
CONTACT Harald Stavenas
(202)225-2539
HOUSE APPROVES NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Implements Initial Lessons Learned in Iraq and Afghanistan
Provides New Tools for War on Terrorism
Supports Military Personnel and Their Families
Washington, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of
Representatives approved H.R. 1588, the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2004, on a bipartisan 361
to 68 vote. The legislation
authorizes $400.5 billion in budget authority, matching the President's request,
for the Department of Defense (DOD) and the national security programs of the
Department of Energy (DOE). House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan
Hunter (R-CA) issued the following statement:
"With this legislation we continue our commitment
to defend our homeland and take care of our military personnel. The legislation
provides for today's defense needs while addressing tomorrow's threats and this
strong bipartisan vote validates our belief in this approach.
"There are many lessons learned from recent
operations in the war on terrorism; this legislation draws from them in its
funding and policy provisions. Major weapons programs approved today include an
initiative to maintain our heavy armor forces. Many of our troops survived
firefights in Iraq thanks to our M1 tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. I
believe in developing forces that are quicker and more lethal, but never at the
expense of safety.
"Another important decision was made in working
to maintain our near-term deep strike capabilities. A critical lesson learned
from the continuing war on terrorism is the need to retain and upgrade our B-1,
B-2 and B-52 bomber fleet, especially when access to overseas bases is
limited.
"Our safety and freedom ultimately relies on our
troops. This legislation provides a strong across the board pay raise and other
important provisions for our men and women in uniform and the families that
support them.
"Important policy reforms would also be implemented by this legislation. These range from acquisition reforms that would benefit small businesses to the modernization of the Pentagon's outdated civilian personnel system. The new system would be based on many years of successful programs supported by the tens of thousands of current personnel who participated.
"I look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate and then sending this legislation to President Bush in the coming weeks."
Some highlights of H.R. 1588 include:
- A 4.1 percent average pay raise
- Over $6 billion for new housing, child care centers, schools and other construction
- Increased funding for air lift and aerial refueling
- $9.1 billion for missile defense programs
- Research and development funds for a new deep strike bomber
- $10.8 billion for maintenance of equipment and weapons
- Establishment of a TRICARE beneficiary outreach program
- A balanced approach to military readiness and environmental conservation
- $7.3 billion to fight terrorism including $75 million to develop new technologies
- Requiring the DOD to help bolster U.S. defense industrial base capabilities
- Funds to dismantle, secure, and eliminate weapons of mass destruction
- Reform of DOD policies and practices - from personnel to acquisition
- $1.1 billion for high priority unfunded readiness requirements, including depot maintenance across the services
- More than $65 million for Special Operations Forces weapons and equipment procurement
- Increases in active component end strengths to meet high priority manpower shortfalls
- Initiatives to facilitate and enhance the service of reserve and National Guard personnel
- $119 million for B-1B bomber modifications to begin the regeneration process for 23 aircraft
- $726.8 million in upgrades for M3A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles and M1A2 Abrams tanks
- $3.7 billion for ammunition replenishment and industrial base upgrades
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
