"This legislation provides vital resources for the men and women in our military, resources they require in defending our Nation and in carrying out the operations overseas. It builds on the efforts we have made in previous years to ensure that our troops are the best paid, the best trained, and best equipped in the world," said Senator Collins. "These provisions, in a small way, help to recognize the sacrifices of those who are deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq."
The Defense Authorization Bill which was passed out of the Senate Armed Services Committee, of which Senator Collins is a member, includes a 3.5 percent across the board pay raise for military personnel, a permanent increase in the rate of family separation allowances from $100 to $250 per month, and a permanent increase in imminent danger pay from $150 to $225 per month. The legislation also includes $425 million for additional force protection equipment, such as fortified Humvees, ballistic equipment kits, and body armor.
"This bill begins to address the many significant contributions and sacrifices being made by our guardsmen and reservists in the global war on terrorism," said Senator Collins, who also pointed out that 60 percent of Maine Guard and Reserve troops are currently deployed - the second highest deployed ratio in the nation. The legislation would create a new health care program for Reserve and Guard families and $400 million above the Administration's budget for enhanced benefits.
The bill also includes $6.7 billion for the procurement of seven Navy ships, including two DDG-51 Arleigh Burke class destroyers that will be built at Bath Iron Works. "We need to be vigilant about the number of ships we are building to ensure that our fleet can meet our national security requirements, and to maintain a healthy and competitive shipbuilding industrial base and skilled workforce," said Senator Collins.
At Senator Collins' request, the legislation directs the Navy to take all actions necessary to ensure the viability of Bath Iron Works. Also at Senator Collins request, the bill includes $99.4 million in 2006 to begin construction of a second DD(X) to be built at BIW, to ensure a stable workload at the shipyard as the Navy transitions to a new line of destroyers.
###