Pay Raise for Soldiers Will Help Keep the Bill Collector Out of the War Zone, Capito Says

Pay Raise for Soldiers Will Help Keep the Bill Collector Out of the War Zone, Capito says
6/20/2005

WASHINGTON, DC (6/20) Funding to provide every American soldier a 3.1% pay raise is included in legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 398 to 19, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) noted. Legislation ensures soldiers will have resources, equipment, armor, and training to fight War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We ask an awful lot of our soldiers and their families," noted Capito. "Giving our soldiers a pay raise for their service sends a strong message of support. It is tough enough to leave family and friends behind because of a deployment. Soldiers should not have to carry the burden of the bill collector with them into the war zone. Legislation passed by the U.S. House today raises the pay of every soldier helping them better support their family and save for their future."

Capito added, "We have a lot of soldiers, airmen, and Marines in harms way right now. Funding their operations sends the strong message that we are behind them. We have asked them to take a post at the forefront of freedom. Risking their own lives they have responded to the call. The action Congress took today ensures they continue to have the equipment and resources they need to do their job."

The legislation provides a total of $364 billion for the Department of Defense to operate for one year beginning on October 1, 2005. The legislation includes $84.1 billion to support soldiers and pay for personnel benefits, $116.1 billion for operation and maintenance of equipment, $76.8 billion to purchase new equipment such as electronic jammers needed to protect soldiers from road side suicide bombs that are remotely detonated by terrorists.

http://capito.house.gov/press_office/detail-page.aspx?id=85&whichone=pr