“The men and women in uniform who have put their lives on the line to answer the call of duty deserve the best resources available," said Congressman Berry.  "During this holiday season, we owe it to our troops to ensure they are taken care of during training, during their mission and when they return home.  This legislation honors our promise to the service men and women in uniform by strengthening our military and improving readiness."

The legislation includes critical support for troops and their families by providing a pay raise for troops that goes above the President’s request and blocking fee increases in the military health care program (TRICARE).  In addition, the bill includes the Wounded Warrior Act, which improves conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.  The agreement authorizes enhanced mental health screening and services for servicemembers, as well as pilot programs on early diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions.

The Defense Authorization bill will provide funding for additional equipment for the troops such as Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs,) up-armored Humvees and body armor. The legislation also includes resources for efforts to combat Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). 

The Defense Authorization bill also works to improve military readiness, which has dropped to unprecedented levels.  Many stateside units are not fully equipped and would not be considered ready to deal with local emergencies.