[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2006

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the hill (H.R. 5122) to 
     authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2007 for military 
     activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe 
     military personnel strengths for fiscal year 2007, and for 
     other purposes:

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express my support for the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007. Chairman 
Duncan Hunter and the Ranking Member, Mr. Skelton worked together in a 
bipartisan manner to produce a bill that places the highest importance 
on our war fighters. The brave men and women who wear the uniform of 
our armed services deserve nothing less than our support, and I am 
proud that this bill demonstrates our commitment to them.
  This bipartisan bill provides our military with improved capabilities 
and resources to carry out the important missions that we have asked of 
them. By increasing the pay for all members of the armed forces, this 
important bill recognizes the sacrifice and dedication of the men and 
women who serve our country.
  This bill also adds funds to better equip our soldiers both in 
Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. By providing 
increased amounts for up-armored Humvees, improvised explosive device 
(lED) jammers and state-of-the-art body armor, the House bill 
recognizes the changing nature of current conflicts, and places a high 
value on the protection of our soldiers.
  I am also pleased that bill includes language which works toward 
ensuring that there is no capability gap in aerial intelligence 
gathering or strike force as the Air Force moves toward more modern and 
unmanned air vehicles. It is important that we do not lose valuable 
military assets currently provided by the U-2 or F-117 before there is 
an operational alternative.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to support the passage of this bill.

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