Capito Amendment Included in National Defense Authorization

Press Release

Capito Amendment Included in National Defense Authorization

Veterans ‘Love of Country Will Not Go Unrecognized' Says Congresswoman

The House of Representatives today passed the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, which includes an amendment offered by Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to provide additional funding support for each military branch to carry out funeral honors for retired veterans.

"Those who serve their country deserve to be properly honored and recognized," said Capito. "And at a time of year when we seek to honor and remember service veterans, this amendment sends a message to West Virginia veterans that their service will be honored appropriately."

Under the Authorized Partnership Provider Program (AP3), all eligible veterans are entitled to military funeral honors to signify America's gratitude for their service. The funeral honors are generally presented by local veterans and the Department of Defense provides financial support.

In recent years, the Pentagon has had the ability to waive its financial obligations for such honors, which has led to a funding shortage. Capito's amendment would correct the funding shortage to ensure that appropriate resources are allocated to each branch of the military.

"Our veterans have served our country bravely and were prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice," said Capito while addressing the House of Representatives today. "Their love of country will not go unrecognized and it is critical that we continue AP3 to honor those who stood up for us and fought for our safety and our way of life."

In addition to the Capito amendment, the National Defense Authorization Act authorizes all fiscal year 2009 funding for the Department of Defense, including a 3.9 percent pay increase for all military personnel. It also authorizes $2.6 billion for Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles to protect American soldiers from improvised explosive devices, and an additional $947 million for up-armored high mobility vehicles.

To shield military families from increased healthcare costs, it will also block proposed hikes in fees and premiums for the TRICARE military health network.

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