Wilson Applauds Passage of Defense Authorization Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Emily Lawrimore
202-225-2452 (W)
202-468-3258 (C)
May 11, 2006
Wilson Applauds Passage of Defense Authorization Bill
H.R. 5122 Includes Wilson Amendment to De-link US/Russia MOX Programs
Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) voted in support of the FY 2007 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5122), which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a bipartisan 396 to 31 vote. H.R. 5122 serves as the blueprint for America’s national security programs, authorizing $512.9 billion in budget authority for national security programs implemented by the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy.
H.R. 5122 includes major initiatives which improve how the Department of Defense procures major weapons systems, fund state-of-the-art equipment designed to help American troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, and provide compensation and support programs for the men and women of our armed forces.
In addition to helping U.S. troops continue to protect American families in the Global War on Terror, H.R. 5122 includes a specific amendment sponsored by Congressman Wilson which de-links the United States and Russia mixed oxide (MOX) programs.
Wilson praised this tremendous victory, “Throughout the past six years, our country has demonstrated that we are ready to move forward with our part of the non-proliferation agreement. Last week, my colleagues on the Committee supported the amendment to de-link the U.S. and Russia MOX programs to ensure that the pace of the Russia MOX program will not dictate the progress of the U.S. MOX program. Described by CQ Today as ’perhaps the most significant amendment adopted,’ at last Wednesday’s markup, this provision enables SRS to immediately begin construction on a MOX facility. We are hopeful that our progress will encourage Russia to proceed with the same momentum on their nuclear responsibilities.
“In addition to creating hundreds of jobs in South Carolina, this important development helps ensure that America fulfills its commitment to safely reducing our excess plutonium supply.”
Key Provisions of H.R. 5122 Support American Troops and Their Families:
An additional $50 billion in supplemental funding to support the War on Terror’s operational costs, personnel expenses and the procurement of new equipment.
Authorizes 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.
Recommends additional increases of 30,000 Army and 5,000 Marine Corps active duty personnel to sustain our required missions.
Provides a 2.7 percent pay raise for members of the armed forces.
Increases end strength for the Army National Guard by 17,100 over the original budget request. The legislation provides an additional $471 million for National Guard personnel, operations and maintenance and defense health, 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 fee increases retirees must pay under the TRICARE Standard health program and zeroes out co-pays for generic and formulary mail order prescriptions.
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