Washington, D.C. - Before adjourning for the year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Department of Defense Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2002, which will lower out-of-pocket housing costs for military members and increase salaries by at least 4.6 percent. 

“We, as a nation, face new challenges in our new war against terrorism.  The men and women in today’s military are rising to meet those challenges.  They deserve to be rewarded for efforts,” Larsen said.

The pay increase for members of military services is the largest military pay raise since 1982 and is effective as of January 1, 2002.  The bill also includes targeted pay raises for a variety of enlisted personnel and officer grades.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision that will increase military members’ basic housing allowance so that out-of-pocket housing expenses for military members are reduced from the current 15 percent level to 11.3 percent in FY 2002.

Larsen serves on the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services.