Representing North Carolina’s Ninth District                                                                        

Myrick Votes to Equip Troops

(Washington, D.C.) – Last night, U.S. Representative Sue Myrick (NC-9) voted for H.R 1815, the FY2006 National Defense Authorization Act. This bill provides $441.6 billion to fund the Department of Defense, and defense related activities.  

“Today, thousands of American men and women are fighting overseas for the safety of Americans.  This bill will give the troops the tools they need to fight and win the War on Terror,” Myrick said.

The primary focus of H.R. 4200 is to protect American troops on the battlefield.  The Defense Act accomplishes this by providing funding for up-armored Humvees, tactical wheeled vehicle upgrades, night vision devices, and explosive device (IED) jammers.  It also recommends additional increases of 10,000 Army and 1,000 Marine active duty personnel for additional support.

The National Defense Authorization Act provides increased personal funding for our troops by providing a 3.1% pay raise for members of the armed services, as well as  increasing the maximum amount of hardship pay from $300 to $750 per month.  In addition, this bill honors the ultimate sacrifices made by our soldiers by increasing the death gratuity to $100,000.

The FY2006 National Defense Authorization Act passed the House 390-39.

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