Reichert Hails Defense Authorization

U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert today issued the following statement on House passage of H.R. 1815, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006.  The bill passed by a vote of 390-39.

“This year's Defense Authorization provides support for our troops in the continued war on terror.   We've managed to be fiscally responsible with the taxpayers' dollars, while at the same time arming our military with the tools they need to protect America from terrorists,” said Reichert.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006:

• Supports continued efforts in the War on Terror 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 visions devices, and improvised explosive device (IED) jammers
• Honors the sacrifices made by servicemembers:
  • 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
• Provides a 3.1% pay raise for members of the armed services, active duty, reserve and active duty re-enlistments
• Recommends that Reservists receive a full housing allowance when mobilized to serve on active duty for over 30 days.
• Increases the maximum amount of hardship pay from $300 to $750 per month
• Focuses on the need to rein in the escalating costs of major procurement programs and calls for acquisition reform to ensure that critical warfighting needs are met
  • Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to evaluate and monitor changes in baseline cost estimates
  • Holds the DOD accountable, and sets strict standards regarding accounting and cost management
• Encourages shipbuilding procurement reforms and caps DD(X) destroyer funding at $1.7 billion for each ship
• Requires the Comptroller General to submit to Congress an annual review of the Future Combat Systems (FCS) program, including an analysis of established performance, cost, and schedule goals
• Requires the establishment of a contingency contracting corps to meet the needs of commanders on the battlefield
  • The corps will facilitate the rapid acquisition of critically needed goods and services ultimately improving the process by which the needs of the warfighters are met.

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