WASHINGTON (25 June) - On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) supported the passage of H.R. 2647, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2010. This legislation authorizes defense-related funding for the fiscal year 2010, including a provision specifically advocated for by Bilirakis to provide free postal benefits for care packages sent to our nation's warfighters overseas.

"Tough economic times have made it increasingly difficult for those who send care packages to troops to pay the shipping costs," said Bilirakis. "The inclusion of the postal benefits provision will help to alleviate that burden and recognizes the extraordinary sacrifices made by service members and their loved ones back home."

In January, Bilirakis joined with Representative Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) in introducing H.R. 707, the Home Front to Heroes Postal Benefits Act, which would provide free monthly coupons for charities and military families attempting to ship care packages to our troops stationed abroad.

Bilirakis plans to press for passage by the Senate and enactment into law.