Congressman Carter and the House Appropriations Committee today voted to fund our Nation’s national security needs, military operations abroad, and health and quality of life programs for servicemembers and their families by passing the FY15 Defense bill out of committee. The legislation passed by a bipartisan voice vote and now awaits action on the House Floor.

“We owe it to our men and women in uniform to send them into battle with the equipment they need and the training to protect them on and off of the battlefield,” said Congressman Carter member of the Defense Subcommittee. “This bill puts our troops first and supplies much needed resources to modernize and maintain readiness. I’m proud to support a bill that funds our national security in a way that is fiscally responsible and upholds the security of our nation.”

This legislation includes $491 billion in discretionary spending; an increase of $4.1 billion above FY14 enacted level and $200 million above the President’s request. This legislation:

• Includes a 1.8% pay raise for the military, instead of 1% as requested by the President
• Provides $165 billion for operation and maintenance to support troop readiness and equipment
• Includes $63.4 billion for research, development, testing, and evaluation of new defense technologies
• Contains $31.6 billion for the Defense Health Program to provide care for our troops, military families, and retirees
• Prohibits funding for transfers of Guantanamo detainees to the U.S. or its territories

For more information on this important piece of legislation please visit appropriations.house.gov.