After weeks of working with the Senate to find common ground, the House today passed H.R. 1735 -- the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2016 -- to put our troops and their families first. U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce released this statement following his vote to approve the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 1735.
“In order to remain ready, agile, and safe, our troops must be equipped with both the most advanced training and modern equipment. The bill the House passed today empowers our soldiers and their families, while cutting ineffective, wasteful programs. In the face of global challenges, the federal government must prioritize those who sacrifice their personal safety for our national security,” stated Pearce.
“Paramount to readiness is the peace of mind for soldiers that their families are cared for while they are deployed. Military families must be given the tools they need to stand united as the backbone of those who keep our nation safe. The NDAA starts new programs and empowers others that strive to make the lives of our military communities stronger. It broadens travel programs to reunite families who are separated during deployments longer than 30 days. Further, the bill looks beyond their service alone, establishing portable retirement plans for the 83 percent of servicemembers currently ineligible for any form of retirement benefits, and creates programs to ensure departing members have the resources necessary to find employment in the civilian world.
“While this version of the NDAA does not provide the same level of troop and family support as the original bill passed by the House on May 15, this new bill does continue to make progress. Each NDAA we pass must make strides to continue to improve our military, and this bill does that. Congress has work left to be done in supporting our armed forces, and I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Thornberry to ensure these reforms are made.
“Throughout his time in office, the President has decreased military personnel by over 20 percent. The American people have every right to be alarmed by his dismantling of our military. The world is in a tumultuous state. For years to come, our military will be faced by new and old foes alike, all striving to attack America. In order to ensure the prosperity of our nation and the safety of the lives of our generations to come, we must give the military the tools it needs now to remain the most lethal, powerful force in the world.”