back May 25, 2005 House Approves Annual Defense Authorization Bill Legislation Will Help Support Troops Deployed in War on Terror WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives today approved annual legislation that authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy, as well as funding to support current operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the global war on terror. First District Congressman Paul Ryan voted in favor of the measure – H.R. 1815, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 – which passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 390-39.  “Our troops are putting everything they have into achieving their mission, and we must give them the resources they need. Our military men and women confront danger every day to defend freedom, and this legislation will help them prevail as well as strengthen support for their families in a variety of ways,” Ryan said.  Among its highlights, this comprehensive legislation: Supports continuing efforts in the war on terrorism with $49.1 billion in supplemental funding for operation costs, personnel expenses, and procurement of new equipment. Authorizes funding for force protection in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom such as up-armored Humvees, tactical wheeled vehicle recapitalization and modernization programs, night vision devices, and improvised explosive device (IED) jammers. Accelerates the phase-in of the full concurrent receipt of veterans disability compensation and military retired pay, allowing qualified retirees to receive full concurrent receipt on October 1, 2009, four years and three months earlier than scheduled. Honors the sacrifices made by military men and women: - Increases the death gratuity to $100,000. - Extends to one year (from six months) the amount of time dependents of deceased servicemembers can stay in housing or receive housing allowances. - Expands travel authorization for families of hospitalized servicemembers. (Congress had voted for these improvements earlier this year in the emergency supplemental wartime spending bill, and these provisions of the FY2006 authorization would continue them.) Provides a 3.1% pay raise for members of the armed services. Increases amounts paid for active duty enlistments, reserve enlistments and active duty re-enlistments. Increases the maximum amount of hardship pay from $300 to $750 per month. Recommends funding additional increases of 10,000 Army and 1,000 Marine active duty personnel in 2006.  Print Contact: Kate Matus (202) 226-7326