National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006 -- (House of Representatives - May 25, 2005)
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Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I support the National Defense Authorization Act.
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Mr. Chairman, as our troops continue to risk their lives to defend our country, Congress is acting today to ensure that these brave men and women have the necessary training and equipment to win the war on terror.
As a father of three sons who are currently serving in the military, I am personally invested in the war on terror and the safety of our troops. In February, my son Alan returned after serving for one year in Iraq. I am proud of his Army National Guard service, and I am dedicated to ensuring a safe return for all of the brave soldiers who selflessly serve in the United States Armed Forces.
Today, I am honored to vote for the National Defense Authorization Act, legislation that will ensure American troops receive the best equipment, weapons systems, training, and support.
During my visits to both Iraq and Afghanistan, I have seen firsthand the challenges facing our soldiers. H.R. 1815 addresses these challenges by authorizing additional funding for force protection, including up-armored Humvees, tactical wheeled vehicle programs, night vision devices, and improvised explosive device jammers.
As our soldiers continue to sacrifice their lives for our freedom, they should be able to provide for their families. By including a 3.1% pay raise for members of the Armed Forces, and increasing the maximum amount of hardship pay, this legislation rewards the tremendous sacrifices of our soldiers.
Finally, H.R. 1815 contains several measures that will provide for military families who have lost ones in the war on terror. It permanently increases the death gratuity to $100,000, and also extends the amount of time dependents of deceased service members can stay in housing or receive housing allowances. Although we can never fully compensate for the sacrifices of our soldiers, these measures will help express our heartfelt appreciation to military families.
The terrorists fighting against us are a cowardly and brutal enemy, inspired by hatred and evil. Their agenda of evil will fail against the thousands of men and women of the United States Armed Forces who serve a greater cause of freedom.
I would like to thank Chairman HUNTER and other members of the House Armed Services Committee for their leadership and continued efforts to provide for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11.
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Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time and for her leadership on this issue. I also appreciate the leadership of our chairman, the gentleman from California (Chairman Hunter), and the support from our friends on the other side. This is a very important issue, providing for the ability of the Department of Defense to support youth organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America.
I am very pleased about scouting and what it means as a worldwide movement to so many young people and how it has been so inspiring in promoting character, education, and training. I also know that you can look at young people and tell and forecast success, because persons involved in scouting, nearly 70 percent of the persons who attend the different academies of the United States have been members of scouting: 23 of the 26 first American astronauts were active in scouting; 85 percent of FBI agents have been active in scouting. This has a great impact on our Nation.
Additionally, I know the hard work of the adult leaders. We have people in my home community with the Indian Waters Council, the past president, John Hipp, has raised phenomenal amounts of money to promote scouting camps so young people have opportunities during the summer. We have got good people, such as our commissioner, Larry Brown, who is now leading our council, so that we have opportunities for young people.
I know firsthand, too, and am very pleased about the national jamboree. I have had two sons attend at Camp A.P. Hill. Additionally, I am very familiar that the Naval Academy provides the Eagle Scout Association Weekend with opportunities for the Scouts to learn about opportunities at the Naval Academy at Annapolis.
I have worked very closely with Scouts units in visiting here in Washington to tour Washington. We have the ability of Scouts to stay overnight with space available for Scouts to come and visit and tour Washington, to go to Philmont, the Boy Scout camp in New Mexico.
A final point I would like to make is personally I have worked with Troop 1, Faith Lutheran Church in West Columbia, and I have three sons who are Eagle Scouts. All three are now military officers in the military of the United States. The fourth will be an Eagle Scout later this year.
A highlight for us is that our second son, a Navy lieutenant, arrives for service in San Diego today, so we are very proud that he will be in the company of our chairman, the gentleman from California (Chairman Hunter).
In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September 11.
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