Rep. Henry Cuellar voted in favor of the passage of H.R. 3222, the FY 2008 Defense Appropriations Bill, that includes a $1 million provision requested by Congressman Cuellar to establish a training center on the border that, for the first time, will focus on interoperability for National Guard units and other federal and local counterparts in protecting the nation’s land borders. 

The center will be housed at Texas A&M International University and run through a cooperative effort with the Laredo Community College.

“Securing the nation’s land borders in an efficient manner is important to me and something I take very seriously,” said Congressman Cuellar, who is the Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response. “I applaud my colleagues in the House for passing this bill, which ultimately means safer communities for residents in the 28th District.”

The FY 2008 Defense Appropriations Bill invests a total of $459.6 billion, an increase of $39.7 billion more than last year’s budget.

The bill, which is expected to preserve the ability to deter and respond to future threats, also gives troops a 3.5 percent pay increase, improves military health care, and invests in increasing support for families of those in the military.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• National Guard and Reserve: Provides funding to address shortfalls of the National Guard and Reserve to help these forces meet demands of overseas deployments and respond to natural disasters at home
• Training and military equipment for the troops: Provides an increase of 13 percent for home-station training, so that the troops are prepared for any deployment
• Military health care: Provides additional funding for military health care, including fostering better coordination between the Defense Department and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• Support for troops at home: Provides funding for military family support, including childcare centers, education initiatives, and family advocacy programs, which support military families affected by the war. Programs to support military families affected by child and spousal abuse are also included in the bill.
• Military construction oversight: Includes several steps to improve the oversight of contractors, including funding, contracting security positions, and improving the Department of Defense acquisition workforce

“This bill ensures that our military is fully prepared for threats and challenges worldwide and also ensures that our troops receive the benefits they deserve and have earned. One of my priorities is securing the safety of our troops and the military,” said Congressman Cuellar.

The bill will now go to the Senate for approval.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.
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