Celebrating Independence, Supporting Our Troops
In the last line of the Declaration of Independence, the 56 signers pledged their lives and their sacred honor to each other in support of the declaration. As we celebrate the 230th anniversary of our country’s independence, I am reminded of our troops, who each and every day uphold the spirit of this pledge. In large part, it is because of the extraordinary selflessness and sacrifice of our men and women in the military that our independence, our freedom and our democracy has endured for more than two and a quarter centuries.
Supporting our troops and veterans, especially in a time of war, is absolutely essential. Congress remains committed to providing our men and women on the front lines with the very best equipment – and to providing those retired from duty with the very best care. In the recently passed Defense Authorization Act, the House committed $50 billion to fund operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This will help provide new body armor, safer Humvees and better protection from improvised explosive devices. We also voted for an across the board pay increase for all members of the armed forces, and we prevented fee increases for military health care.
In May, the House passed a Military Quality of Life bill that provides a $2.6 billion increase over last year’s funding level, with a heavy focus on health care. It includes funding for ten new community-based outpatient clinics and $21 billion to ensure that active duty military personnel receive the care they need to maintain readiness. Additionally, $4 billion has been provided to ensure that military families have the most up-to-date housing options.
As we face a deadly and determined foe in the Global War on Terror, our servicemen and women from California deserve our heartfelt thanks. Out of the more than 200,000 active and reserves troops in our state, more than 20,000 are currently deployed. These brave Americans reflect the best of our country. They are highly skilled, incredibly loyal and passionate about their duty.
This Fourth of July, I offer my deepest appreciation to our men and women in the military for their courageous defense of our freedoms and our independence. Congress will continue to stand by our troops and our veterans. We will not fail them, for if we do, we jeopardize our future and we cheapen our past.
