Congressman Cole Votes for Defense Authorization Conference Report
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Cole voted for the FY 2005 Defense Authorization Act (HR 4200) today that passed in the House, 359-14. Congressman Cole, a member of the Armed Services Committee, played a role in shaping this legislation that will improve the quality of life and pay for our troops, end the so-called "widow's tax" and increase the size of our military.
"To help ensure the success of our troops fighting the War on Terror, this legislation provides over $2 billion for force protection measures, including armor, munitions, communications and surveillance programs," Congressman Cole said. "I am very pleased that this legislation also includes a 3.5 percent across the board pay raise for military personnel and extends many benifits and bonuses for military, National Guard and Reserves."
In the 2004 Defense Authorization Act, Congressman Cole helped secure Concurrent Receipt to our disable veterans. This year Congressman Cole was one of four original co-sponsor of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) that is included in the 2005 Authorization bill.
"Congressman Cole was an important player in making sure there will no longer be a discrepancy between the benefits given to military retirees and the benefits given to survivors of other federal retirees," Armed Services Chairman Duncan Hunter said.
The legislation would eliminate the Social Security offset under SBP and increase the annuities paid to survivors of military retirees who are 62 or older from 35 percent of retired pay to the percentages indicated for the following periods:
- For months after September 2005 and before April 2006: 40 percent
- For months after March 2006 and before April 2007: 45 percent
- For months after March 2007 and before April 2008: 50 percent
- For months after March 2008: 55 percent
"We are making great progress in taking care and providing for our veterans and their families. The families of our men and women in uniform serve right along side our troops. This bill shows our dedication to protecting their financial security," Congressman Cole said.
Other key provisions in the FY 2005 Defense Authorization Act:
War on Terror: This bill takes a responsible approach to addressing the additional operational costs for the war on terror. Instead of taking funding from other military accounts for the war, the bill contains an additional $25 billion to cover the war's operational costs, personnel expenses and the procurement of new equipment.
- Increases the Size of the Military: The committee approved permanently increasing the active duty Army and Marine Corps by 30,000 soldiers and the Marine Corps by 9,000 personnel over the next five years.
- Future Combat Systems: H.R. 4200 continues to fund Future Combat Systems and leaves the NLOS cannon as a separate line item, ensuring a replacement for the Paladin artillery piece.
"Congressman Cole has been a consistent advocate for Oklahoma bases and the brave men and women stationed there. I have visited Oklahoma bases on many occasions. My son was stationed at Fort Sill. I have every confidence in the work they do," Chairman Hunter said. I look forward to working with Congressman Cole to draft legislation that makes the best sense for Oklahoma and the security of our Nation."
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