Fort Bliss Expansion

Bush likely to sign bill with billions for Fort Bliss
By Chris Roberts / El Paso Times
Article Launched: 01/24/2008 12:00:00 AM MST


A bill with congressional guidelines for spending $696 billion on the nation's defense -- including projects at Fort Bliss -- hit President Bush's desk Wednesday, and he is expected to sign it.
"I was proud to back legislation that will make our armed forces stronger and our nation more secure," said Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas.

The president vetoed an earlier version of the bill that allowed U.S. citizens and some government employees to file lawsuits seeking damages for personal injury or death resulting from abuses committed during Saddam Hussein's presidency. Iraqi government representatives protested that plaintiffs, including former U.S. prisoners of war, might sue for part of a reported $25 billion held in U.S. banks for Iraq's reconstruction.

A new version of the bill, passed by the Senate on Tuesday and the House last week, gives the president "waiver authority." To invoke the waiver, the president must show it is in the interest of national security, notify Congress and encourage the Iraqi government to "compensate meritorious claims."

The authorized spending includes more than $14 million for projects at Fort Bliss; $3.4 billion for the Army's Future Combat Systems, which are being tested and evaluated at Fort Bliss and White Sands Missile Range; $2.2 billion for a 3.5 percent pay raise, retroactive to Jan. 1; money to upgrade Patriot missile technology and billions more for health care and other needs of the military.

"Our servicemen and women risk their lives for our nation, and they deserve the best equipment on the ground and the best medical care when they come home," Reyes said in a written statement.

The bill authorizes the purchase of more Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, or MRAPs, up-armored Humvees and body armor. It calls for more money to be spent on efforts to counter the improvised explosive devices -- most commonly encountered as roadside bombs -- responsible for most U.S. troop deaths. Also in the bill is authorization to buy sorely needed equipment for Army National Guard and Army Reserve units.

Chris Roberts may be reached at chrisr@elpasotimes.com; 546-6136.