Representing North Carolina’s Ninth District                                                                        

(Washington, D.C.) –Rep. Sue Myrick (NC-9) today voted for the 2005 Supplemental Conference Report.  This bill provides funding for the War on Terror, increases border security, and provides needed funding to support American troops.  Funding, for the ongoing efforts in the War on Terror, will be used for reconstruction in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as training Iraqi and Afghan security forces.

 The Conference report provides $635 million for increased border security and
immigration enforcement.  This funding will be used to hire, train, equip and support an additional 500 Border Patrol Agents and relieve current facility overcrowding. In addition, funding has been provided to hire and train additional criminal investigators and Immigration Enforcement Agents. 

 The Conference report also provides funding for American troops.  It increases the Death Benefit and Gratuity for the families of fallen soldiers.  The bill increases the maximum Service Member Group Life Insurance benefits from $250,000 to $400,000.  The onetime death gratuity for combat families is also increased from $12,000 to $100,000, and it provides insurance, up to $100,000, for soldiers who have suffered traumatic injuries such as loss of limb or sight, or other debilitating injuries.

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