National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011

Floor Speech

* Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011. The bill authorizes $726 billion for defense programs, global military operations and pay and benefits for active duty military personnel, veterans and their families. As Memorial Day approaches, we are reminded of the great debt we owe to our men and women in uniform. This bill continues our commitment to them, to their civilian colleagues, and to their families for their support and sacrifice.

* The welfare and safety of our troops and their families is a priority of this Congress. That is why this bill authorizes funding to support not only the healthcare programs that our military personnel and their families depend on, but also the funding to ensure that our troops have the equipment and support they need for their mission.

* In addition to authorizing funding for training, transportation and equipment, the measure includes additional funding specifically targeted to protecting troops in harm's way. For those currently serving on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq at risk of injury from improvised explosive devices, the bill authorizes $3.5 billion for counter measures, $3.4 billion for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, and almost $1 billion to up-armored Humvees.

* The sluggish economy places a special burden on the limited financial resources of military families. That is why the bill authorizes an average 1.9% pay increase for military personnel and establishes a career development pilot program for military spouses.

* Healthcare for our troops and their families is a priority of this congress. The bill authorizes $32.4 billion for defense health care programs. This includes a one-time authorization for cash payments to severely wounded combat veterans for attendant care, an extension of health care coverage to dependent children of Tricare Beneficiaries up to age 26, and $524 million for medical research and development, including $3 million in extra funds for research in alcohol and substance abuse disorders. For those suffering from mental health problems associated with multiple deployments and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the bill also authorizes a 25% increase in the number of mental health providers for the military. According to the military, the number of military personnel who committed suicide in 2009, exceeded the number who died in combat in Afghanistan that year. This is a growing and silent killer that must be addressed.

* I am pleased to report that the bill also authorizes $2.5 million for the Bethesda Hospitals Emergency Preparedness Partnership which includes the Naval Bethesda Medical Center, the National Institute of Health Clinical Center, the National Library of Medicine, and Suburban Hospital, to develop plans and procedures to respond rapidly and successfully to any emergency situation in the Washington DC region. And, the measure also authorizes $5 million for the Hydrodynamic Test Facilities at Carderock to replace the wavemaking equipment at the Carderock Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center. These authorizations will not only strengthen our national security, they will also help create and retain good paying jobs for Montgomery and Prince George's county residents.

* And, finally, I support the repeal of the discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. Since 1994, thousands of qualified and committed service members have been fired simply on the basis of their sexual orientation. At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in February, Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, ``I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy that forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens.'' And, General Colin Powell, changing his long held position on Don't Ask Don't Tell recently said, ``It's been a whole generation since the legislation was adopted, and there is increased acceptance of gays and lesbians in society. Attitudes and circumstances have changed.''

* We cannot afford to turn away dedicated, talented and committed soldiers just because they are gay. Though this change will not go into effect until the Pentagon completes an ongoing review due in December, and the president and secretary of defense certify that a repeal is consistent with the military's standards of readiness and effectiveness, the end of this discriminatory policy is finally in sight.

* Madam Speaker, this bill authorizes much needed funding for vital programs that benefit our men and women in uniform, their civilian colleagues, our veterans and to their families. I urge its immediate passage.

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