Washington, DC (July 24, 2013) – Today, U.S. Congressman Steve Pearce voted for H.R. 2397, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2014.
 
“I spent 3 years in Vietnam,” said Pearce. “During that time, I saw Congress cut funding to the war effort and lose faith in the mission, but it felt like Congress and the American people were losing faith in us, the troops.  Today’s legislation shows the House’s continued commitment to supporting and protecting our nation’s troops.  While troops are in harm’s way, we must provide them with the support they need to complete their mission and come home safety.  I am proud to say the final bill accomplishes this mission.
 
“In addition to providing our troops with the resources to do their job, today’s legislation cuts billions in waste, and brings accountability to the Defense Department,” Pearce continued.  “Today’s bill includes an amendment to protect Americans’ privacy, and limits the NSA’s and other agencies’ ability to collect Americans’ phone records.  The bill also prevents military intervention in Syria without Congressional approval, and bars the United States from military intervention in Egypt’s current civil unrest.”
 
H.R. 2397 includes $5 billion in savings over the Fiscal Year 2013 enacted budget, and provides for a  1.8 percent pay increase for all military personnel.  The bill additionally provides $34.5 billion for defense healthcare, including $125 million for TBI and PTSD treatment, and $246 million for cancer research.  This annual legislation provides for  personnel, operations, and maintenance for the Department of Defense for each fiscal year.