H.R. 5122, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007

H.R. 5122, NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the FY 2007 Department of Defense Authorization bill. This legislation includes many necessary provisions to improve the quality of life for our military and their families. I strongly support the 2.7 percent pay raise for active duty members and the funding increases for equipment and body armor.

The legislation also includes an important provision requiring the Secretary of Defense to provide Congress with a report on the Department's 10-year strategy for addressing threats related to Iran, Iraq and the Middle East. It is critical that our country deals with these complicated issues in a thoughtful and deliberate way with a clear plan for a successful outcome.

However, I do have some very real and serious concerns about the bill. First, this legislation increases co-pays for military families that purchase their prescription drugs from a pharmacy. While I am pleased that the committee rejected the President's proposal for Tricare premium increases, it is unfair to add to the out of pocket health care costs of our military men and women that serve our country.

This Congress has the responsibility to have a real discussion about the future costs to the American taxpayer of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead, H.R. 5122 includes authorization for a $50 billion bridge fund for the costs of the wars once again through supplemental funding. We are entering our fifth year in Afghanistan and our fourth year in Iraq. It is time for this Administration and Republican House leadership to be honest about providing for the costs of these conflicts and account for these dollars in the regular budgeting process rather than passing the entire cost on to our children and grandchildren.

I am also extremely disappointed that the Majority would not accept an amendment offered by Mr. Israel regarding military chaplains. Mr. Chair, this amendment simply would have added language requiring that chaplains show ``sensitivity, respect, and tolerance'' for members of the military of all faiths. It continues to guarantee that military chaplains pray in accordance with their own faith but would have realigned the language with current military guidelines.

However, overall this bill makes important changes that will increase the safety and quality of life of our military and their families. I am proud to support our troops serving around the world and at home and to vote in favor of this bill today.

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