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“This bill will provide our troops with the support and equipment they need to successfully fight and win the war on terror,” said Lewis. "It will help ensure that our troops stay safe by providing funding for a multitude of protection needs, including new improvised explosive device countermeasures. The legislation also includes a well-deserved pay raise for the men and women of the Armed Forces.” Highlights of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act include full funding for a 2.2 percent military pay raise, $1.9 billion for new improvised explosive device countermeasures to protect troops on the ground, $1 billion for troop body armor, nearly $23 billion for fully updated and refurbished Army and Marine Corps equipment, $9.4 billion for ballistic missile defense, and $1.5 billion for the Chemical and Biological Defense Program. The House of Representatives also gave final approval last week to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, authorizing an additional $533 billon for military procurement, construction, personnel and maintenance programs. Highlights include $70 billion in supplemental funding to support operational costs and force protection equipment in “American troops continue to display exceptional courage each day as they carry out their mission on front lines around the world. Congress is committed to supporting our troops and ensuring their safe return home.”
Both bills have been approved by the Senate. The Department of Defense Approprations Act was signed into law by President Bush on Friday, September 29; the National Defense Authorization Act is currently awaiting signature. ### |
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