Carson Supports Defense Authorization Act

May 28, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Helping to ensure that our military is fully prepared for threats and challenges across the globe, Congressman André Carson today helped pass the National Defense Authorization Act.

This defense bill enhances the capacity of the U.S. military to act directly against terrorist organizations and expands funding to build the partnership capacity of foreign military forces to participate in counterterrorism. It also strengthens support for troops and their families by giving members of the military a 1.9 percent pay raise, which is higher than the .5 percent that was requested by the administration.

Carson authored an amendment, which was included in the bill, that expands the existing pre-separation counseling program to ensure that active duty service members receive the counseling they need to manage their personal finances when they return to civilian life.

"Thousands of active duty service members are returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq every year," said Carson. "Many of these individuals have been serving continuously since they enlisted right out of high school or college. For years, they lived a structured military life-on bases or abroad. This structure makes for a well disciplined, well trained military force, but it can also make for a difficult transition back to civilian life.

"Many returning service members have no experience with saving, budgets, credit taxes and mortgages. As a result, many military families are falling into unmanageable debt, bankruptcy and foreclosure. My amendment seeks to alleviate these issues by providing the financial literacy they need."

More information about the National Defense Authorization Act:

Repeals the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, while still allowing the Department of Defense to complete its review of the issue.

Authorizes $485 million for the Joint Strike Fighter Alternate Engine Program, which will sustain hundreds of local jobs, save taxpayers over $20 billion and protect against fleet-wide grounding of over 90% of fighter aircraft.

Supports implementing the new counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan, targeted at violent extremists and bringing new stability to the country.

Provides a 1.9 percent pay raise for our troops, 0.5 percent higher than the President's budget request.

Fully funds nuclear nonproliferation initiatives, including the President's effort to secure all known vulnerable nuclear material around the world that can be used for weapons.

Prohibits the release of any Guantanamo detainee into the United States and prohibits detainee transfers to the United States (unless the President first submits a comprehensive disposition plan and risk assessment to Congress.)

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