House Appropriations Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2013 Defense Appropriations Bill

The House Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2013 Defense Appropriations bill. The legislation includes funding for critical national security needs, and provides the resources needed to continue the nation’s military efforts abroad. In addition, the bill provides essential funding for health and quality of life programs for the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families.

In total, the legislation provides $519.2 billion in non-war funding, an increase of $1.1 billion over the fiscal year 2012 level and $3.1 billion above the President’s request*. The bill also contains $88.5 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) for Defense activities related to the Global War on Terror.

“A strong national defense has long been the hallmark of our great Nation and the number-one priority of Congress. The legislation approved today shores up critical national security needs and provides the necessary resources to continue the nation’s military efforts abroad, while finding efficiencies to trim unnecessary spending wherever possible. It is our duty and goal to maintain our military preparedness, be ready to face whatever comes our way, and support those who lay their lives on the line for their country,” House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said.

“I committed long ago that that I would never write or support a bill which adversely affected any soldier or their family, or which had a negative impact on our nation’s readiness, and I firmly believe we have kept that promise with this bill. This legislation provides the resources needed to address shortfalls contained in the President’s budget request, and will modernize and maintain readiness at the levels required to preserve our military’s standing as the most capable and superior armed forces in the world,” Defense Subcommittee Chairman C.W. Bill Young said.

The following amendments to the fiscal year 2013 Defense Appropriations bill were approved today by the full committee:

Rep. Dicks – The amendment adds report language requiring Department of Defense (DOD) to provide a report, concurrent with any NASA report, on how continued access to certain joint-use properties will remain viable. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

Rep. Fattah – The amendment adds report language encouraging DOD to work with the National Science and Technology Council Neuroscience Working Group to support efforts related to neuroscience, including the development of future clinical treatments for traumatic and acquired brain injuries. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

Rep. Honda – The amendment adds report language directing DOD to submit a report on its plans to ensure U.S. leadership in the next generation of semiconductor fabrication equipment manufacturing technology. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

Rep. LaTourette – The amendment adds report language directing the Air Force to prioritize certain technology investments to protect pilots against the threat of contamination by chemical or biological agents in potentially contaminated environments. It also will help ensure funding for these survivability protections within the Joint Strike Fighter and other mission critical systems. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

Rep. Lummis – The amendment adds report language to clarify that the Air Force should refrain from reducing any Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve Units, pending the enactment of final authorization and appropriations legislation by Congress. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

Rep. Flake – The amendment requires that OCO funding be used only for programs, projects, or activities that are categorized as Overseas Contingency Operations in the fiscal year 2013 President’s budget request and justifications. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

Reps. Kingston/McCollum – The amendment prohibits funding for sponsorships of professional or semi-professional sports or sporting events. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

Rep. Aderholt – The amendment prohibits funding for container handling equipment until GAO provides a report on the Army’s acquisition plan, requirements, and inventory. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

The FY 2013 Defense Appropriations bill was adopted on a voice vote.

For text of the bill and report, please visit:

/UploadedFiles/BILLS-112HR-FC-AP-FY13-Defense.pdf and

/UploadedFiles/DEFENSE-FY13-FULLCOMMITTEEREPORT.pdf

For a summary of the legislation, please visit:

/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=294116

*As scored by the Congressional Budget Office.