Moran Announces Funding for Fort Riley Projects Legislation Improves Military Pay and Improves Family Benefits

Press Release

Moran Announces Funding for Fort Riley Projects

Legislation Improves Military Pay and Improves Family Benefits

Congressman Jerry Moran today announced House approval of the annual policy and funding blueprint for the Department of Defense. The 2009 National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 5658, authorizes more than $210 million for military construction projects at Fort Riley and enhances benefits for military personnel, families and retirees.

"As more and more soldiers return to Fort Riley, it is imperative we have the best resources and facilities available for their training," Moran said. "This bill also improves military pay, health insurance and family benefits as we demonstrate our thanks for the sacrifices our service members and families make each day on our behalf."

The legislation passed today by the House approves several Fort Riley construction projects. Passage of this authorization legislation is the first step in order to allow the funding of these projects. Authorized projects include:

* Battalion Complex - $38 million
* Brigade Complex - $79 million
* Commissary - $23 million
* Fire Station - $3 million
* Rail Siding - $15 million
* Hospital addition - $52 million

This legislation also includes the following important provisions:

* Provides a 3.9 percent pay raise for all service members.
* Blocks the Administration's proposed increases in TRICARE premiums and co-pays and pharmacy user fees for service members and retirees.
* Authorizes $50 million for Impact Aid funding to help local educational agencies providing support to military children, with an additional $15 million for those heavily impacted by force structure changes, including BRAC.
* Authorizes an additional $800 million for securing National Guard and Reserve equipment.
* Requires the Air Force - based on the World Trade Organization ruling on whether an illegal subsidy was given to any large commercial aircraft manufacturer - to review the potential impact of the subsidy on the recent selection process for the KC-45 aerial refueling tanker program and remove the impact from the competition to ensure a fair selection process.

The 2009 National Defense Authorization Act now awaits action by the U.S. Senate. Moran is a senior member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

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