National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
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Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
Congratulations, Mr. Chairman, on your leadership--achieving a 60-1 favorable vote on the bill that we are considering this evening.
As we begin, we are grateful for the professionalism of our military forces in killing the mass murderer Osama bin Laden. It was a proud day for all Americans, especially for our military, their families and veterans, that justice was achieved.
The military personnel provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 are the product of an open, bipartisan process. Some of the more important personnel provisions are the following:
A 1.6 percent increase in military basic pay;
A revised policy for measuring and reporting unit operations tempo and personnel tempo, reflecting the committee's continuing concern about stresses on the force, especially at a time when we must continue our resolve for victory in the current mission requirements.
Another important initiative is the reform of the military recruiting system to include graduates of home schooling, charter schools and virtual schools. I see military service as opportunity and fulfilling, and these are extraordinary patriots.
The bill also clarifies the legal authority for the administration and oversight of Arlington National Cemetery. I believe the bill is strong in the multiple provisions dealing with sexual assault, child custody, mental health, traumatic brain injury, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
In conclusion, I want to thank Ranking Member Susan Davis and her staff for their contributions and support of this process. We have benefited from an active and informed and dedicated set of subcommittee members. Their recommendations and priorities are clearly reflected in the bill.
Additionally, I appreciate the dedicated Military Personnel Subcommittee staff: John Chapla, Jeanette James, Mike Higgins, Craig Greene, Debra Wada, and Jim Weiss. I also want to thank congressional Military Legislative Assistant Brian Eisele and Military Fellow Marine Captain Sam Cunningham.
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