[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[House]
[Page 18956]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       THE REPUBLICAN PARTY'S CONSISTENT SUPPORT FOR THE MILITARY

  (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, one of the reasons why I became a 
Republican is because of the Republican Party's consistent support for 
the military.
  Since 2000, base military pay has increased by 29 percent. Mid-grade 
noncommissioned officers, who represent the core experience and talent 
in the Armed Forces, have seen their pay increase an average of 35 
percent. Congress under Republican control provided $6 billion for 
repair, maintenance, and operations of the military houses and bases. 
Congress increased the basic allowance for housing and eliminated 
servicemembers' out-of-pocket housing expenses, increased family 
separation allowance, and increased the amount for imminent danger pay.
  I am proud that the Republican Party stands for strong support for 
the military, and I am sure we will consistently support our men and 
women serving in dangerous places around the world and their families.

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