Rep. Johnson Votes for Military Pay Raises, Better Benefits, Added Protection in DoD Authorization

Press Release

Rep. Johnson Votes for Military Pay Raises, Better Benefits, Added Protection in DoD Authorization

Rep. Hank Johnson, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today voted in favor of a 3.5 percent military pay raise, enhanced benefits, and better protective gear with passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (H.R. 4986). Provisions of the bill will be retroactive to January 1, 2008 and it will require new oversight reporting of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The President vetoed an earlier version last December however the White House has signaled a thumbs up once the bill clears the Senate.

"This is a comprehensive bill that provides some critical funding needed to support our troops, our military families and protect Americans stateside," said Rep. Hank Johnson. "In addition to long-over due pay raises, our service personnel will get the special pays and bonuses they deserve and there won't be an increase in their fees for military health coverage. This bill finally addresses the scandal at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and we will improve the care of injured soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan."

Concerned about troop safety in Iraq, Rep. Johnson sponsored legislation last year to remove U.S. personnel from the front lines of defense following an increase in violence against Americans. Johnson supported The Defense Authorization bill because it also authorizes $17.6 billion for additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs,) up-armored Humvees, body armor, and resources to stop Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) that have killed and maimed American troops in Iraq. According to Johnson, the bill strengthens military readiness with $1 billion for equipment and other resources needed to respond during a homeland emergency.

H.R. 4986 was approved by the House by a vote of 369 to 46.

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