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Cole Supports National Defense Authorization Act for FY15

May 22, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 4435, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015. Before reaching the House floor, this legislation was passed out of the House Armed Services Committee on May 8 by a unanimous vote.

The bill authorizes funding for our nation’s military, including $521.3 billion in national defense spending and $79.4 billion set aside for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO), and it does so in accordance with the bipartisan Murray-Ryan budget deal.

Highlights of the legislation include $92 million for military health system modernization, $39.6 million for AWACS, $88.4 million for C-130 avionics upgrades and $635 million for A-10 aircraft. It also prevents closure of bases proposed by the Administration.

“Even in the midst of shrinking budgets, particularly in the Department of Defense, the House acted responsibly today to authorize funding for our military personnel, readiness and operations both at home and abroad,” said Cole. “Amongst some of the provisions secured, I am pleased that the bill included funding for several vital aviation programs including AWACS, C-130 and A-10.

“Not only does the legislation acknowledge the need for several important programs, but it also takes care to support those who defend us on a daily basis. The bill abides by current law and allows for a 1.8 percent annual increase in pay for our troops and ensures the military health system will be modernized.

“Over the last several months, the world has watched an unraveling situation between Ukraine, Russia and the peninsula of Crimea. Even though the United States hasn’t been directly attacked by Russia, we must take steps to blunt Russian aggression and help diffuse conflict in the region. I am pleased that this legislation condemns Russia’s recent actions and shows that we will stand with our allies.

“As we begin the appropriations process next week, I believe we can continue to find solutions that help secure our nation’s defenses and give our dedicated members of the Armed Forces the resources they need.”

Final passage also included adoption of a bipartisan amendment introduced by Cole, along with Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA-06), that prevents furlough for federal Department of Defense employees paid through Working Capital Funds (WCF) while funds still remain.

“The services provided by WCF employees are already fully funded apart from the appropriations process. In fact, imposing furloughs actually hurts our economic recovery and costs the taxpayers more through delayed production, overhead increases and the need for overtime or transfer of workload to more expensive sources of work. This amendment will prevent that from happening and protect our valuable personnel,” concluded Cole.

For more bill highlights, click here.

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Contact:Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165