"This authorization bill is good for the Navy, good for our men and women in uniform serving around the world, and good for our nation," said Senator Collins. She explained that the bill contains $1.8 billion for the DD(X) program—far more than the $700 million included in the House version of the bill. It also includes Senator Collins's request for $100 million specifically for BIW, $50 million over the President's request, for advance procurement for the DD(X) that will benefit BIW. In addition, it includes Senator Collins' provision that permanently prohibits the Department of Defense from moving forward with a one-shipyard acquisition strategy competition for the DD(X).
She pointed out that in contrast, not only did the House version of the bill contain significantly less money for the DD(X) program, a program that Navy officials have repeatedly said is crucial for the future of the Navy, but the House bill rescinds $84 million that Senator Collins was successful in securing last year for BIW to perform detailed design work on the DD(X) destroyer.
"This legislation authorizes critical programs for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines serving our country at home and around the world. This bill includes many provisions that strengthen military benefits, helps increase the safety of our troops and that stop abuse of detainees in the war on terrorism," said Senator Collins.
Highlights of the fiscal year 2006 Defense Authorization bill are as follows:
• A total of $1.8 billion for the DD(X) program—far more than the $700 million included in the House bill.
• $100 million for the DD(X) program to benefit BIW, $50 million above the President's request. This provision was included in the bill at the request of Senator Collins.
• A provision to prevent DoD from moving forward with a "one shipyard" acquisition strategy to procure the DD(X). This provision was authored by Senator Collins.
• An increase of $445.4 million to ensure that Humvees are fully armored and safe for our troops. Senator Collins cosponsored the measure that provides for this increase.
• A provision coauthored by Senator Collins that will help preserve the jobs of workers at the Maine Readiness Sustainment Maintenance Center's Maine Military Authority in Limestone. The provision enables the MMA to be eligible for a renewed sole source contract for work on refurbishing Humvees for the Army.
• A provision cosponsored by Senator Collins that aims to stop abuse of detainees in the war on terrorism. Senator Collins has said that the vast majority of Americans in Iraq and other regions of the world are serving with great honor to promote a free and stable Iraq. But it is unacceptable for any detainees in American custody to be abused or treated in an inhumane manner.
• A provision cosponsored by Senator Collins that closes the loophole in federal law, which allows American corporations to do business with terrorist states.
• A provision coauthored by Senator Collins that would protect military personnel from becoming victims of deceptive insurance salespeople and companies who attempt to take advantage of them. The Clinton-Collins amendment would help to educate servicemen and women about deceptive practices by life insurance and other investment professionals that target military personnel.
• A provision cosponsored by Senator Collins that would increase the death gratuity payable to survivors of military decedents to $100,000 for combat-related deaths.
• A measure cosponsored by Senator Collins to increase the maximum Servicemembers'Group Life Insurance benefit from $250,000 to $400,000.
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