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House Passes Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the conference report for H.R. 1585, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 by an overwhelming vote of 370-49. H.R. 1585 authorizes $506.9 billion in discretionary budget authority for the Department of Defense (DoD) and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. Additionally, the legislation authorizes $189.4 billion in supplemental funding to support current operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the Global War on Terrorism.
Statements from Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee follow:
Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA): “The conference report authorizes important national security activities in a productive, bipartisan manner. I thank my good friend and colleague, Chairman Ike Skelton, as well as every member of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, for their efforts to put together a strong National Defense Authorization Act that reflects our strong and continued support for the brave men and women of the United States armed services.”
Rep. Jim Saxton (R-NJ): “I want to thank my good friends Ike Skelton, the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and Ranking Member Duncan Hunter for their leadership in bringing this important bill to the floor. I also would like to thank all of our Subcommittee Chairmen and Ranking Members whose hard work and leadership is responsible for most of the 1,500 pages in this bill.
“This is a good, bipartisan bill that takes care of the brave men and women serving our country at home and abroad. As a nation, we face a multitude of threats to our way of life and our national security interests. As legislators, we must accept that it is our duty to ensure that our brave men and women in uniform have the best available tools at their disposal to combat those threats and protect those interests. This bill goes a considerable way in demonstrating this support.”
Rep. John McHugh (R-NY): “Both at home and abroad, the members of our Armed Forces have earned our deepest respect and this bill provides them the benefits they so richly deserve. I’m pleased that the report includes a raise in basic pay and another step forward in closing the pay gap between civilian and military personnel. The defense authorization also addresses health care for the hardworking military men and women by extending prohibitions on increases to TRICARE cost for one year.
“I’m also proud to support the conference report’s provisions to increase end strength. America is facing military challenges we’ve never seen before, and it is essential that we have the personnel to handle all possible scenarios. This year’s defense authorization is a strong bill that does right by those men and women, both past and present, who have worn the uniform to build a stronger America."
Rep. Terry Everett (R-AL): “The conference report for the defense authorization bill provides vital resources for our troops and strengthens our nation’s strategic forces. I am pleased that the conference report restores funding for important missile defense capabilities that were not included in the original House-passed version of the bill. We are seeing real progress in the development and fielding of missile defenses. In the last three months alone, realistic GMD, THAAD and Aegis tests have scored successful intercepts.
“I am also pleased that the bill authorizes funding for space-based radar capabilities, although lower than I would have liked. This is an essential capability that combatant commanders and service intelligence chiefs are asking for. Within the area of atomic energy defense activities, the bill reflects general bipartisan agreement, particularly in its authorization of the Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW) program cost and design activities.”
Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD): “This bill contains farsighted provisions, which I believe are critical to this nation’s future security—none of which would have been possible without the steadfast advocacy of Chairman Ike Skelton, Ranking Member Duncan Hunter and Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee Chairman Gene Taylor.
“I want to single out what I believe is the most strategic, visionary provision for our Navy. This year, the Congress has clearly established it is the policy of the United States to utilize nuclear propulsion for major naval combatants. It is a vital step to secure our nation’s national and energy security. Nuclear propulsion for naval ships is the right thing to do from economic, combat effectiveness, homeland defense, and energy policy perspectives. Without Congressional action, budgetary pressures would forever prevent the Navy from making this farsighted commitment to its own future. Conferees decided that we could waste no further time because these investments must begin to be made next year for the CG(X) next generation cruiser. Therefore, this conference report requires integrated nuclear propulsion for future major combatants, unless the Secretary of Defense notifies Congress that nuclear power in such ships would not be in the national interest.
“This conference report reflects a fair and balanced treatment of the remaining issues facing the United States Navy and Marine Corps. I am very pleased that we fund additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, or MRAP’s, to protect our troops against IEDs. I remain concerned that our fleet is getting smaller. We simply cannot continue to maintain a healthy industrial base while buying fewer, increasingly unaffordable platforms, regardless of their individual capabilities.
“This is a clean conference report that does not include social engineering provisions. I am very pleased by the strong bipartisan support for our dedicated men and women in uniform in approving H.R. 1585.”
Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon: “I’m pleased that both sides of the aisle have come together to reach agreement and pass the National Defense Authorization Act. This was a huge undertaking that didn’t come without forcing House Democrats to compromise on such issues as removing hate crime language.
“Our men and women in uniform deserve our support and gratitude for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice. Today’s passage of H.R. 1585 takes many strides forward in providing greater services to our troops, including improved health care and pay increases. During this holiday season in particular, it’s important that those serving in the armed services can see that we are as dedicated to them as they are to us.”
Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX): “This bill is not perfect, but it is an all-too-rare example in this Congress of members of both parties working together to produce a bill that is good for the nation. It is time for the rest of Congress, especially the Democratic Leadership, to stop playing games with our military and fund the troops.”
Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC): “With a focus on personnel benefits, force protection measures and the immediate needs of America’s warfighters, this bill demonstrates our gratitude for the exceptional men and women in uniform who loyally serve our nation.”
Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA): “The NDAA is a critical piece of legislation for our military and has wide, bipartisan support. I am pleased that the majority dropped their attempts to add a partisan, unrelated hate crimes provision to the bill so that we could move ahead and pass this important legislation. We should make all efforts to keep funding for our military free from the influence of partisan politics and instead concentrate on what best serves the dedicated members of our military and our country.”
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC): “Our primary responsibility as a Congress is to ensure the safety of the American people. Our brave troops are committed to those efforts, and we should honor that commitment and their sacrifice. I am pleased that we were able to craft legislation that serves the needs of our military today as well as help us develop the tools and infrastructure we will need for the future.”
Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT): “The Armed Services Committee works well, and functions in a truly bipartisan way. And this conference report shows the good product that results when both sides of the aisle work together on our most important responsibility – providing for the national defense. I just wish the top leaders in the majority in the House would have allowed this to happen sooner.”
Rep. John Kline (R-MN): “At a time when our nation is at war on multiple fronts, we must maintain a strong commitment to the brave men and women in uniform who stand in defense of our nation. This legislation takes a responsible, forward-looking approach to the funding of our current operations and providing for the needs of our American heroes. I am pleased to support the initiatives of this legislation that promote the welfare of our troops in harm’s way. Increasing the size of our military will help ease the burden of multiple deployments and help prevent overuse of our National Guard and Reserves.
“I am particularly pleased to champion two important legislative provisions that are part of the national defense bill: the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program and authorization for assignment incentive pay for National Guardsmen unfairly denied this benefit. With a focus on providing support throughout the entire deployment cycle, the Yellow Ribbon program has proven an effective means to prepare combat Guard and Reserve veterans and their families for a safe, healthy and successful reintegration.”
Rep. Phil Gingrey, MD (R-GA): "I am proud to join with my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee in support of the conference report on H.R. 1585. This conference report appropriately authorizes the necessary supplemental funds to continue with our efforts in the Global War on Terror. I am also especially pleased that this conference report recognizes the importance of American air dominance by authorizing funds for 20 F-22 Raptors. Further, from an across-the-board 3.5% pay raise for all members of our Armed Forces to increased funding for their force protection and replacement of battle worn equipment, Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter are to be commended for keeping the focus of this bill on the war-fighter."
Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ): “Overall the Defense Authorization Conference Report provides the necessary, overdue, and well-deserved funding to our men and women in Armed Services to meet their immediate needs and allow them to continue serving courageously in the defense of this nation. It is also a victory for those men and women that the Hate Crimes language, a sharply divisive provision, was kept out of the bill, and I commend my House Colleagues for remaining steadfast in ensuring that this was done.
“However, those who crafted the final version of this year’s authorization cut vital funding for crucial programs intended to anticipate emerging and future threats, rather than near-term threats alone. History is proof that crafting reactionary policy for the Department of Defense can have the effect of leaving our military with a ‘hollow force,’ where they are unprepared to meet future challenges. The most significant, and potentially harmful cut was the overall $450 million dollar reduction in the budget for the Missile Defense Agency, as well as the failure to fully fund the European Missile Defense Site. In addition, the conference reports stipulates a $35 million cut from the Airborne Laser program, a $100 million cut from the Space Tracking and Surveillance System, a $65 million cut from Multiple Kill Vehicle, and they completely zeroed out funding for the Space Test Bed. As our enemies continue to relentlessly pursue and gain technological means to carry out their evil ambitions against our troops, America, and the West, it is my hope that my Democratic colleagues will consider more carefully the need to fill the holes in our Defense budget.”
Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO): “At last, Congress has passed the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. This report will provide our servicemen and women with the funding they need to ensure they have the resources necessary to see their missions through to victory. I am particularly pleased with the language that requires a report detailing the arguments surrounding the potential relocation of missions from Cheyenne Mountain AFS to Peterson AFB. It is important that we are informed on the entire rationale associated with such a major action. Yet, while I am pleased that the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 conference report has been passed, I am frustrated with the cuts made to Missile Defense and the Army’s Future Combat System. I feel these programs are essential to protecting and enhancing our national security and advancing our mission on the Global War on Terrorism. Yet, despite these disappointing cuts, I am glad that Congress has been able to work together to pass this bill for the good of our military and our national security.”
Highlights of the bill include:
· An additional $189.4 billion in supplemental funding to support the Global War on Terrorism’s operational costs, personnel expenses and procurement of new equipment for Fiscal Year 2008.
· Additional funding for force protection needs in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, including $17.6 billion for state-of-the-art Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
· Additional increases of 13,000 Army and 9,000 Marine Corps active duty personnel to sustain our required missions.
· A 3.5% pay raise for all members of the armed forces in 2008 and guaranteed pay raises in 2009, 2010 and 2011 to reduce the military-civilian pay disparity.
· $2.3 billion for an additional 8 C-17’s to support intra-theater airlift requirements and meet the airlift needs for the increased end strength in the Army and Marine Corps.
· An additional $980 million for National Guard equipment.
· Authorizes the much needed Wounded Warriors legislation that advances the care, management and transition of recovering service members, enhances health care and benefits for families, and begins the process of fundamental reform of the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs disability evaluation systems.
· Extends the prohibition the committee enacted last year on increases to TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Standard.
· Extends the prohibition the committee enacted last year on retail pharmacy cost share increases.
· Provides a stipend to partially compensate people for the SBP-DIC offset and begins providing combat-related special compensation to some medically retired military personnel with between 15 and 20 years of service.
· Authorizes capital expenditure investments for U.S. shipyards to be repaid through contract savings in order to improve shipyard efficiency, cost-effectiveness and international competitiveness and requires U.S. shipyards to certify they have attempted to recruit U.S. workers prior to hiring foreign nationals for the construction of U.S. Navy vessels.
· Prohibits the Department of Defense and defense contractors from procuring goods or services from a source owned or controlled by an entity sanctioned by the U.S. Department of State for violating the Iran and Syria Nonproliferation Act (Public Law 106-178).
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