For Immediate Release:
Sunday, December 18, 2005

BOREN VOTES TO SUPPORT OUR
SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN

Defense bill provides pay raise for service members, health care for reservists

WASHINGTON D.C - Congressman Dan Boren voted late Sunday night to improve benefits for our brave men and women serving in the armed forces.  The National Defense Authorization Act provides a pay raise for all uniformed service members, increases the death gratuity, provides government-subsidized health care for reservists and improves benefits for veterans.

 

“As our young men and women continue to fight the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, we must all do our part to meet their needs and those of their families,” Boren said.

 

The bill provides a pay raise of 3.1 percent for all uniformed service members and increases the death gratuity benefit to $100,000 for active and activated service members retroactive to October 7, 2001.

 

“We are deeply grateful to the families of our fallen heroes.  We cannot take away their emotional pain, but we can help alleviate their financial burden,” Boren said.  “I am proud that members of Congress from both sides of the aisle have come together to provide this benefit to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

 

For the first time ever, reservists who agree to continue service in the Selected Reserves are eligible to buy into government-subsidized TRICARE health insurance.

 

“Our reservists are playing a crucial role in the war on terror, being called up for multiple rotations away from their homes and families.  They deserve the best health care available.” Boren said.  “Through their continued sacrifices for our country they have more than earned it.”

 

The bill also provides for concurrent receipt, allowing veterans to receive both disability and retirement benefits at the same time without penalty.  This change will take effect October 1, 2009.

 

“Veterans who devoted their careers to serving in our military earned their retirement.  Unfortunately, many of these veterans also suffer service-related disabilities,” Boren said.  “Each of these benefits was earned independently and neither should be taken away.”

 

The House of Representatives adopted the Fiscal Year 2006 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1815) by a vote of 374-41.  The Senate is expected to quickly act on the measure which will then advance to the President.

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