U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan GrishamSTATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) released the following statement on the House passage of the Department of Defense appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2019:
“I am proud to have voted for the Defense Department Appropriations Bill which demonstrates our commitment to service members and our national security. This bill provides a well-earned 2.6 percent pay increase to military personnel, funds military health care programs, and fully funds New Mexico’s military installations and Defense and National Laboratories that strengthen our national security and make a critical economic impact for our state. Not only is this funding package a vital investment in high-paying jobs and careers for New Mexico, but the important prohibition of BRAC will ensure the wellbeing of communities and families, quality of our military facilities, and the strategic readiness of our troops.”
Bill highlights:
- Fully funds a 2.6 percent pay raise for the military, the same as the President’s request.
- Extends certain special pay and bonuses for active-duty and reserve personnel.
- Increases access to comprehensive health care that will address traumatic brain injuries, psychological health, sexual assault, and cancer research.
- Prohibits funding to propose, plan or execute a new or additional round of Base Alignment and Closure (BRAC) in FY 2019.
- Provides $35 million for continued implementation and expansion of the Sexual Assault Special Victim’s Counsel Program.
