Defense Authorization Provides Critical Resources for Armed Forces
Press Release
Defense Authorization Provides Critical Resources for Armed Forces
Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) applauded the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2008 (NDAA), which provides the necessary resources and authorities to quickly and efficiently reverse declining trends in training and equipment readiness for our military, as well as provides our service members doing their duty overseas in multiple wars with the best gear and force protection possible. Additionally, under the bill, our troops will get better health care, better pay, and the benefits they have earned.
"With the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan our troops, their families and the equipment they rely on have faced unprecedented strain. This Defense spending plan will make the necessary investment in our military to ensure our Armed Forces, including our reserves and National Guard, are prepared to protect our national interests," said DeLauro.
Army readiness has dropped to levels not seen since the 1970s, and Army National Guard units have only 56 percent of their required equipment, the lowest levels since September 11, 2001. Many stateside units are not fully equipped and would not be considered ready if called upon to respond during an emergency. This legislation focuses on our military's critical readiness needs to support our troops in the field, enable our nation to meet immediate military requirements, and preserve our ability to deter and respond to future threats.
Continued DeLauro, "this legislation is also a testament to the critical role Connecticut 's defense industry plays. The men and women of our Armed Forces must have equipment they can depend on. These Sikorsky helicopters and Pratt and Whitney engines will ensure they have state-of-the art tools to do their jobs."
The bill also creates a $1 billion reserve fund, the National Guard Readiness Act, to help ensure our states can respond to natural and man-made disasters here at home, like the recent floods in Connecticut .
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