Carter's Requests Included in Defense Appropriations Bill

CARTER'S REQUESTS INCLUDED IN DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL
December 21, 2005

Funding included for Fort Hood, Rockdale, Texas A&M, the University of Texas

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman John Carter (TX-31), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2006 Department of Defense Appropriations bill. Included in the bill is funding for projects that Congressman Carter was instrumental in securing. The Defense Appropriations Act also provides a 3.1 percent military pay raise, $29 billion in aid for Gulf Coast hurricane victims and Texas communities who assisted them, $3.8 billion for Avian Flu planning, and exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Finally, this legislation restrains federal spending through a one percent across the board cut.

"Each day our service men and women put their lives on the line so we might continue to enjoy living in freedom; and I thank them for their service. The Defense Appropriations bill provides a much-deserved pay increase for our outstanding troops, as well as the appropriate safety equipment they need while in the field," Congressman Carter said.

"This bill also includes funding to assist victims of the Gulf Coast as they seek to restore their lives and communities following this season's detrimental hurricanes. Texans have displayed true character through the outpouring of support shown to those displaced by the hurricanes over the past months. This bill will serve as additional support as the Gulf Coast is rebuilt," Congressman Carter continued. "I am pleased that we are taking steps to lessen the dependence on foreign oil by allowing for exploration in ANWR."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx31_carter/dec21_defense.html