Jerry Lewis: “I must say he has made an immense contribution today and I appreciate it very much. Mr. Chairman, the bill, as the…”

“I must say he has made an immense contribution today and I appreciate it very much. Mr. Chairman, the bill, as the gentleman from Florida has indicated, involves supplemental appropriations requirements across the board. With many of the circumstances facing the country but particularly with national defense, this bill addresses the fact that there are shortfalls in a number of areas that essentially are must-pay obligations. Within the bill there is a total of defense appropriations amounting to some $6.3 billion. With an offset of some $834 million, the net increase is $5.46 billion. The bill reflects a broad cross-section of serious concerns dealing with our military. I will give just a few examples regarding the elements of this bill and hold back as much as I possibly can on taking time. An example of high priority on the part of both the President as well as the Chiefs of the various services, the bill includes $550 million to cover the costs associated with military pay and benefits, costs which are being incurred largely because of legislated changes in the pay and benefit package. In addition to that element, there is approximately $1.6 billion for funding shortfalls dealing with defense medical programs, the TRICARE program that helps provide the fundamental medical care available to our military people. The bill also provides over $3 billion in direct support for ongoing operations and readiness.”