Cole Votes for 2004 Defense Authorization Conference Report; Supports Troops and Military Families

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Tom Cole voted today in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 Conference Report (H.R. 1588), which passed in the House 362-40. Not only does this legislation set policies, programs and funding levels for the nation's military, this year it includes historic funding for concurrent receipt ensuring payments to more disabled veterans than have ever before been covered by law.

"Once the Senate passes this legislation and the President signs it we will have accomplished what has not been accomplished in over one hundred years. Tens of thousands veterans will not have to wait much longer for the compensation they deserve for their service to our country," Congressman Cole said.

The National Defense Authorization Act provides an average 4.15 percent pay raise for service members, boosts military special pay, extends enlisted and reenlistment bonuses and improves working facilities on military installations. It increases weapons and equipment procurement to make sure our troops have the tools they need, while also continuing to rebuild the military by funding key operations, maintenance and training programs. This legislation also authorizes the funds for Future Combat Systems that funds the non-line-of-site cannon to support the Army's efforts to transform into a lighter, more agile and lethal force.

"I am very pleased that this legislation will also provide an increase in imminent danger pay from $150 per month to $225 per month and increase family separation allowance from $100 per month to $250 per month," Congressman Cole stated. "My recent trip to Iraq convinced me that our troops deserve these extra funds for the sacrifices they make every day."

"As every Oklahoman knows we are a nation at war," Congressman Cole stated. "Today, thousands of American men and women are in harms way to seek out our enemies and defeat them. This bill authorizes the funding necessary to defend the nation and our interests around the globe over the course of next year. With this legislation, Congress is providing the resources to ensure our continued success."

H.R. 1588 authorizes $400 billion for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. It is expected to also pass the Senate early next week and then be sent to President Bush for his signature and enactment into law.

Highlights of H.R. 1588 include:

Personnel Benefits:

• A 4.15 percent average increase in base pay for our men and women in uniform.
• A reduction in the average amount of housing expenses paid by service members from the current 7.5 percent to 3.5 percent in fiscal year 2004 – with elimination of the out-of-pocket expense completely by fiscal year 2005.
• An increase in the family separation allowance for service members with dependents from $100 per month to $250 per month, for the period beginning October 1, 2003 and ending on December 31, 2004.
• An increase in the rate of special pay for those subject to hostile fire and imminent danger from $150 per month to $225 per month, for the period beginning October 1, 2003 to December 31, 2004.
• Extensions on other special pay and bonuses for active duty personnel through December 31, 2004.
• Concurrent Receipt for Military Retirees

Continues to provide full concurrent receipt to all purple heart veterans who are retired after 20 years and who have a VA disability rating of 10% – 100%.
Under current law, combat-related special compensation (CRSC) veterans 60% disabled and above have full concurrent receipt. This plan will expand full concurrent receipt to all CRSC veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% – 100%. This will increase those eligible for concurrent receipt from about 32,000 to over 250,000.

It will expand full concurrent receipt to all combat-related special compensation veterans and retired National Guard and reservists with a VA disability rating of 10% – 100%.
Under current law, none of the remaining military retirees receive concurrent receipt. This plan establishes full concurrent receipt to the most disabled military retirees 50% disabled and above (50 – 100% disabled). This will be phased in over 10 years with payment beginning in January of 2004.

This legislation will establish a 13-member, bipartisan Blue Ribbon Commission to review the current VA disability system and make recommendations to ensure the system adequately compensates veterans for disabilities they may incur as a result of their service.

Military Construction: The bill authorizes $9.7 billion for construction of family housing, childcare centers, medical centers and other facilities.

New Weapons/Equipment: The bill authorizes $74 billion to purchase new weapons and equipment.

"Freedom to Train": H.R. 1588 contains focused, common-sense reforms of environmental laws that had begun to encroach on the ability of our soldiers to train for combat. Reform of the Pentagon Civilian Personnel System: The new National Security Personnel System established in this bill will provide the Secretary of Defense agility in hiring, firing, and promoting a more responsive workforce; authority to tie pay to performance (rather than only longevity); authority to establish a new system for appraising performance; flexibility in classifying positions, administering pay and allowances; flexibility in determining a dispute resolution process for negotiating with employee representatives; and a better employee grievance process.

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