UNITED STATES CONGRESSMAN GARY MILLER Proudly Serving California's 31st District

Washington, May 18, 2012 - Click here for entire Capitol Connection Newsletter  On Friday, the House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act. This bill authorizes $642 billion for the Department of Defense, including $88.5 billion for continuing operations overseas and the war on terror, and national defense programs at the Department of Energy. During consideration of the bill an amendment was adopted to replace the massive defense cuts scheduled to take effect January 2013 with savings and offsets from other federal programs. Recognizing the service and sacrifice that the men and women of our armed forces and their families make for our country, the bill provides a 1.7% increase in military pay and rejects new TRICARE fees proposed by the President. In addition, the bill authorizes funding for vital weapons systems, aircraft, and ground vehicles to ensure that our troops have the resources they need to successfully complete their mission. The House-approved measure also prohibits the use of federal funds to transfer or release detainees from Guantanamo Bay. In addition, the bill includes language that makes clear that Americans detained in the U.S. under the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Force or the FY 2012 Defense Authorization Act cannot be denied their habeas corpus rights to have their day in court.  Congressman Miller will continue to work with his colleagues to enact an authorization that invests in the capabilities needed to keep our country safe.