John Kerry: “the fiscal year 2006 Defense Appropriations Act is a vitally important piece of legislation. It funds the operations of…”

“the fiscal year 2006 Defense Appropriations Act is a vitally important piece of legislation. It funds the operations of the Department of Defense and, in this particular case, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is disgraceful that this bill was delayed until the end of the year by an administration that was more interested in lobbying for the right to torture than in meeting the needs of our troops. Now at this late hour, it was further delayed by those who sought to take a bill they knew people would support--funding our troops--and load it up with favors for special interests. With these issues resolved, I am pleased this important legislation has finally passed. The fiscal year 2006 Defense Appropriations Act includes funding for everything from boots to beans to bullets--everything our Armed Forces need to keep America safe. This bill funds the national defense program at $453.28 billion, including $50 billion in emergency appropriations for on going operations in Iraq and the war on terror. The legislation funds recent and pending increases in Army end strength, provides a 3.1 percent pay raise to all members of the U.S. military, and increases housing allowances. It funds the readiness programs that maintain our military's ability to conduct operations around the world, whether that means flying hours for pilots, steaming days for Navy crews, spare parts, training, or maintenance.…”