[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 24, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   H.R. 5122, NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2006

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the FY 
2007 Department of Defense Authorization bill. This legislation 
includes many necessary provisions to improve the quality of life for 
our military and their families. I strongly support the 2.7 percent pay 
raise for active duty members and the funding increases for equipment 
and body armor.
  The legislation also includes an important provision requiring the 
Secretary of Defense to provide Congress with a report on the 
Department's 10-year strategy for addressing threats related to Iran, 
Iraq and the Middle East. It is critical that our country deals with 
these complicated issues in a thoughtful and deliberate way with a 
clear plan for a successful outcome.
  However, I do have some very real and serious concerns about the 
bill. First, this legislation increases co-pays for military families 
that purchase their prescription drugs from a pharmacy. While I am 
pleased that the committee rejected the President's proposal for 
Tricare premium increases, it is unfair to add to the out of pocket 
health care costs of our military men and women that serve our country.
  This Congress has the responsibility to have a real discussion about 
the future costs to the American taxpayer of the wars in Iraq and 
Afghanistan. Instead, H.R. 5122 includes authorization for a $50 
billion bridge fund for the costs of the wars once again through 
supplemental funding. We are entering our fifth year in Afghanistan and 
our fourth year in Iraq. It is time for this Administration and 
Republican House leadership to be honest about providing for the costs 
of these conflicts and account for these dollars in the regular 
budgeting process rather than passing the entire cost on to our 
children and grandchildren.
  I am also extremely disappointed that the Majority would not accept 
an amendment offered by Mr. Israel regarding military chaplains. Mr. 
Chair, this amendment simply would have added language requiring that 
chaplains show ``sensitivity, respect, and tolerance'' for members of 
the military of all faiths. It continues to guarantee that military 
chaplains pray in accordance with their own faith but would have 
realigned the language with current military guidelines.
  However, overall this bill makes important changes that will increase 
the safety and quality of life of our military and their families. I am 
proud to support our troops serving around the world and at home and to 
vote in favor of this bill today.

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