King Vote to Increase Support for Troops, Strengthen National Security
KING VOTES TO INCREASE SUPPORT FOR TROOPS, STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY
Washington, D.C. With the support of Iowa Congressman Steve King, the U.S. House today passed the Conference Report for the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides funding to support troops and strengthen domestic security.
If passed by the Senate next week and signed by the President, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act would provide $75.9 billion in defense related funding, which is $921 million over the Administration's request for force protection. This funding would protect troops in the field and prepare troops in training.
In addition it would increase insurance and survivor benefits for military families and include new insurance benefits for soldiers who have suffered traumatic injuries. Maximum life insurance benefits would increase from $250,000 to $400,000. The onetime survivor benefit for combat families would be increased from $12,000 to $100,000.
"We must provide the very best in armor and protection for soldiers who lay their lives on the line every day to keep this nation safe, and give their families the promise that we will be there for them," said King.
The Supplemental bill would provide funds to strengthen domestic security with the inclusion of the Real ID Act and $635 million in increased border security and enforcement. The Real ID Act requires federal standards for drivers' licenses, closing the loophole that allowed the September 11 hijackers to board planes. Real ID also closes asylum loopholes and strengthens deportation laws, allowing the U.S. to deport aliens involved in terrorist activity.
"We've been working for three and a half years to make sure what happened on September 11 never can happen again," said King. "Passing the Real ID Act is a giant step forward in securing this nation and preventing future terror attacks."
The Supplemental also aims to strengthen border security through directives to hire and train additional criminal investigators and Immigration Enforcement Agents, and an additional 500 border patrol agents.
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ia05_king/pr_050505_supportfortroops.html