Moran Announces House Passage of Military Support

MORAN ANNOUNCES HOUSE PASSAGE OF MILITARY SUPPORT

Legislation Funds Troop Protection, Provides $85 Million for Fort Riley Growth

JUNCTION CITY - Congressman Jerry Moran today announced that the U.S. House has passed legislation to provide support for our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, for their families at home and for troops based in Fort Riley, Kansas. H.R. 1268, the Emergency Supplemental Wartime Appropriations Act, which passed the House 388 to 43, will provide for better armor, increased benefits to servicemembers' families and more support for the war on terrorism.

"It is critical that our soldiers fighting in harm's way have the most up-to-date body armor and protection available so that they may safely complete their mission," Moran said. "Not only will this legislation provide much-needed protection, it will also provide increased benefits to the families of those soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. In addition, this legislation will allow the people of Iraq and Afghanistan to take a larger responsibility for their own future and help to reduce the need for U.S. soldiers in combat situations."

The legislation provides protective gear for soldiers operating in the field, including body armor and armored vehicles, electronic jammers to counter roadside bombs and stronger facilities to protect troops against indirect attacks. The legislation also increases the maximum Servicemember Group Life Insurance benefit from $250,000 to $400,000 and increases the amount of financial assistance for families of soldiers killed in combat from $12,420 to $100,000. Funds are also included in the legislation to train and equip Iraqi and Afghani armed forces.

Additionally, it provides $22 million to Fort Riley for barracks in order to better mobilize and train forces. Recently, the Department of Defense announced that it would increase Fort Riley's strength by nearly 30 percent, moving in 9,300 troops, family members and new civilian workers with the Sixth Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. This legislation also authorizes $63 million for preparation and construction of facilities to accommodate the Sixth Brigade.

"Having this new brigade at Fort Riley will be a major boost for the post and the entire state," Moran said. "Fort Riley continues to be an integral part of our continued war of terror, and this funding will reaffirm the importance of the post to the mission of the Army."

The legislation now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ks01_moran/nr031605MilitarySupport.html