The National Defense Authorization Act should make additional Growlers destined for Whidbey Island Naval Air Station a reality.

The bill passed the House last Thursday, authorizing $503.8 billion in budget authority for the Department of Defense and $141.8 billion to support ongoing military in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am working to meet the needs of the men and women in our military,” said U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen in a press release. “This bill sends them a strong message of support by authorizing a 3.5 percent across-the-board pay raise for U.S. military personnel.” Meanwhile, the Bush Administration has called the military pay raise “unnecessary” and is threatening a veto.

For NAS Whidbey, the bill will have a tremendous impact. The bill earmarks $1.3 billion for 18 new EA-18G Growlers, the successor airplane to the venerable EA-6B Prowler; $23.4 million for facility improvements to accommodate the new aircraft; and $10 million for an interior aircraft wash rack.

The National Defense Authorization Act also protects health care for those who serve by prohibiting fee increases in Tricare, a health benefit program offered to military personnel and their families. Reimbursement issues have surfaced locally, making the health care system’s acceptance at local clinics tenuous.

While the funds have been authorized by the House, they still need to be authorized by the Senate and then appropriated by both houses of Congress.