Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (Ala.-05) announced today that the House approved the conference report for the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Appropriations bill.  Representative Cramer, a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, said the final conference agreement provided funding to strongly support our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as their families at home. 

Specifically, the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Appropriations report provided $11.6 billion for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles as well as funding for body armor and other protective equipment.  The conference report also included $980 million for the acquisition of equipment for use by the National Guard and Reserve.

In addition, the conference report provided a 3.5 percent pay raise for America’s warfighters, and prevented proposed increases in TRICARE co-pays.  It also included $2.6 billion to provide more counselors, teachers, and child care providers to help support military families stressed by repeated and extended deployments.

“Our troops have sacrificed a great deal in service to our community and country,” said Cramer.  “The final Defense Appropriations agreement includes funding to provide increased equipment and training for our soldiers overseas as well as much needed relief for their families at home.”

Representative Cramer has been a member of the House Appropriations Committee since 1998, and is a new member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.  This Subcommittee determines funding and provides oversight for the U.S. Military, its programs, systems, and acquisitions.

The FY 2008 Defense Appropriations conference report now moves to the Senate for consideration.