Pelosi Statement on House Passage of Defense Authorization Conference Report

'This legislation achieves the New Direction Congress's primary objective of making America safer by addressing our military readiness crisis, investing in the equipment that will make our troops safer in the field, and improving benefits for military personnel and their families.

'America's military is the finest in the world, but the Bush Administration's reckless Iraq policy has dangerously reduced readiness and strained our ground forces to the breaking point.  This legislation begins to repair the damage to our military by increasing the size of the Army and Marine Corps, replenishing our depleted equipment inventories, and providing additional resources for our strained National Guard units.

'I am proud that this legislation also includes the Wounded Warrior Act, which responds to the WalterReedArmyMedicalCenter scandal by improving care for injured soldiers, particularly those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and addressing many of the issues raised by the Dole-Shalala Commission.  The service of our returning veterans can never be fully repaid, but we can honor their service by ensuring they receive only the highest quality medical care when they come home.

'This legislation strengthens America's security and keeps faith with our military personnel who so bravely serve our country.  Soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guardsmen, and marines can rest assured that the Congress stands with them as they proudly defend America.'