Hall Supports Defense Authorization Act

Press Release

Rep. Ralph Hall (R/TX) joined a majority in the House today in support of the House-Senate conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2010.

"I am pleased that this bill authorizes a 3.4 percent across-the-board pay raise for our troops, along with other improvements that will strengthen our defense," Hall said. "We owe our troops not only our gratitude -- but also the best equipment and support possible to help ensure their safety and success on the battlefield."

The authorization bill increases active-duty end strength by 55,227 over current levels, which will help ease the burden on current forces. It prohibits any increases to TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Standard healthcare fees. It also includes a provision that will facilitate military and overseas voters to register to vote and have their ballots cast and counted.

The agreement provides more funds for additional protection for U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, including funds for mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles, upgrades to Abrams tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles, and funds for improvised explosive device jammers. It authorizes additional funds for equipment depleted by the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, including new combat vehicles, new battle gear for the Army National Guard and reserves, special operations forces and quality of life improvements for troops and their families.

"Another important feature of this Act relates to energy security as a component of our national security," Hall said. "The agreement continues funding for the Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Research program that I introduced several years ago. This consortium of industry, government and universities is dedicated to research and development of new technologies to drill in ultra-deep areas of the Gulf of Mexico and other unconventional areas on our continent. This program holds great promise to tap additional reserves of natural gas that can help provide energy security for decades to come."

"An unfortunate provision in the Defense Authorization Act was the attachment of Hate Crimes legislation," Hall noted. "Republican leaders attempted to strike the offending provision through a motion on the House Floor earlier this week, but did not have the votes to prevail."

"I oppose Hate Crimes legislation, and I have voted against hate crimes bills each time this has come to a vote. I have never voted against our troops, and I never will. My vote today was a vote for our troops -- and it is just unfortunate that the House leadership used this vehicle to pass their partisan Hate Crimes bill."

"The authorization bill also regrettably cut funding for missile defense," Hall noted. "With more unstable and potentially hostile nations achieving the capability of long-range missiles, a strong missile-defense system to protect America should remain a top priority."

"We owe our men and women in uniform and their families the very best support possible -- and we owe our citizens the strongest national defense possible," Hall said. "For those reasons, I voted in support of the authorization bill for 2010."

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