To amend title 32, United States Code, to increase the maximum Federal share of the costs of State programs under the National Guard Challenge Program, and for other purposes.

May 5, 2003

Ms. LANDRIEU introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services

To amend title 32, United States Code, to increase the maximum Federal share of the costs of State programs under the National Guard Challenge Program, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR STATE PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL GUARD CHALLENGE PROGRAM.

(a) MAXIMUM FEDERAL SHARE OF COSTS OF STATE PROGRAMS- Section 509(d) of title 32, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4), and inserting the following:

`(1) for fiscal year 2004, 65 percent of the costs of operating the State program during that year;

`(2) for fiscal year 2005, 70 percent of the costs of operating the State program during that year; and

`(3) for fiscal year 2006 and each subsequent fiscal year, 75 percent of the costs of operating the State program during that year.'.

(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense for the National Guard Challenge Program under section 509 of title 32, United States Code, as follows:

(1) $71,200,000 for fiscal year 2004.

(2) $76,200,000 for fiscal year 2005.

(3) $81,200,000 for fiscal year 2006 and each subsequent fiscal year.

END