U.S. Representative Adam Smith Applauds Puget Sounds Provisions in Fiscal Year 2007 Department of Defense Authorization Bill

U.S. Representative Adam Smith Applauds Puget Sound Provisions in Fiscal Year 2007 Department of Defense Authorization Bill

Washington, D.C. - "I am pleased that I helped pass H.R. 5122, the Fiscal Year 2007 Department of Defense (DoD) Authorization bill, out of the House Armed Services Committee with broad bipartisan support," said U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA). "While not perfect, this bill includes a number of provisions to support the members of our Armed Forces and our Veterans and also includes much-needed improvements in TRICARE, troop strength and pay increases. There are also a number of important Puget Sound-based programs that were included in the bill. The Puget Sound region continues to play an important role in the defense of our country. Also included was $50 billion in so-called bridge funds to cover the first portion of war costs for the coming fiscal year. The war in Iraq has been ongoing for over three years and we have a good sense of the costs associated with operations there and in Afghanistan. It only makes sense for our committee to authorize this spending. I will work with my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to ensure that the best authorization bill possible is enacted into law. This bill is too important for the servicemen and women, who sacrifice every single day for this country, to fall down to partisan politics."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/wa09_smith/morenews/20060504pr.html