House Approves Defense Funding Bill for Fiscal Year 2012
Press Release
House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers today praised the passage of an essential national defense funding legislation -- H.R. 2219, the Fiscal Year 2012 Department of Defense Appropriations bill. The bill includes funding for critical national security needs, and provides the necessary resources to continue the nation's military efforts abroad. In addition, the bill provides essential funding for health and quality of life programs for the men and women of the Armed Services and their families.
In total, the bill contains $530 billion in non-emergency funding, an increase of $17 billion over last year's level and a decrease of $9 billion from the President's request. In addition, the bill contains $119 billion in emergency spending for Defense activities related to the Global War on Terror.
"As our soldiers and Marines continue to put their lives on the line to eliminate terrorism and protect freedom around the globe, Congress must provide the necessary support and funding in a timely manner to keep them safe and well-equipped. This bill sustains our military readiness, facilitating the continued modernization of our national defense systems and preserving the American Armed Forces as the greatest military in the world," House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said.
"But, as in all our Appropriations bills this year, this legislation reflects hard decisions to cut spending. This legislation identifies fiscally responsible savings that will in no way impair the safety of our troops, the success of our military missions, or our military readiness," Rogers continued.
"It was a difficult task to write this bill that is $9 billion below the Department's request, but we did so smartly and effectively. In this time of financial crisis, no one should be exempt from tightening their fiscal belts -- yet with our national defense we must do so very carefully, making sure to not impact the war-fighter or their mission. I believe this bill does just that," House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Bill Young said.
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