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Cole Supports National Defense Authorization Act for FY17

May 18, 2016

Washington, DC – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4909, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2017. The bill authorizes funding for our nation’s military personnel, readiness, capability and operations. In accordance with the Bipartisan Budget Agreement, the authorization for national defense is $543.4 billion with $23.1 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO).

Each year, the passage of NDAA ensures that the military is trained and equipped to defend the United States, which includes maintenance and improvement of defense resources. The legislation passed today invests in those resources for confronting growing threats abroad, but it also improves the health and retirement benefits for military personnel, retirees and their families. Unlike the president’s preference, the NDAA provides for a 2.1 percent pay raise for service members. This is the second year of foundational acquisition reform passed by the House, which is intended to field technology and improve our military’s warfighting capabilities.

“Despite a world that is becoming more dangerous by the day, the president has insisted on actions that have resulted in a weaker, less-capable military force,” said Cole. “Now with the rise of extremist groups abroad, the president is attempting to leverage the force that he decidedly weakened both in numbers and readiness. The president’s past actions have eroded the strength of our national defense. However, I am pleased that the House has renewed its commitment to a robust and capable military through passage of the National Defense Authorization Act. Just as our military service members answer the call to defend the United States, so too should Americans always prioritize the funding they need to be successful in whatever mission they are tasked.

“It has perhaps never been more urgent to invest in the future of our military and renew our ability to project power, especially in a world where threats continue to arise. Whether it’s ISIS violently attempting to take over the Middle East or Russia bullying our friends in Ukraine, there are very real fights that won’t result in peace without American assistance and resolve."

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Contact:Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165