Washington, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), Chairman of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, applauded the House passage of H.R. 3979, the Carl Levin and Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2015, which follows original House passage in May.
“Passage of this bill highlights Congress’ strong commitment to our military,” Wittman said. “The military’s resources have been continually undermined by senseless, unbalanced budget cuts in recent years, and it is critical that we ensure our servicemen and women have the training and equipment to accomplish their missions and return home. The threats facing our nation grow every day, and our defense budget must be governed by strategy, not numbers.”
The NDAA authorizes $521.3 billion in base discretionary spending for national defense. The bill includes a number of initiatives championed by Wittman, including provisions to:
• Prohibit DOD from conducting another base realignment and closure round at a time when our national security strategy is in flux, our requirements uncertain, and the future unclear;
• Fund critical operation and maintenance activities, such as depot maintenance, ship and aircraft sustainment, and basic and advanced training for troops;
• Ensure a ready and robust Navy that is prepared to support global Combatant Commander requirements by including incremental funding for the construction of a 12th San Antonio class amphibious ship (LPD-28);
• Restore funding for the refueling and overhaul of USS George Washington (CVN-73).
“This bill strengthens many of our most critical defense programs,” Wittman added. “However, our work is not done, as there is a continued need to make our readiness whole. The overall strength and preparedness of our military continues to be threatened by the combination of unnecessary budget cuts and the impending sequester. We absolutely must restore readiness and maintain it going forward so that our nation’s military remains the greatest the world has ever known.”
“Finally,” Wittman said, “I’d like to thank Buck McKeon for his service to our nation both as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and representative for California’s 25th congressional district. His commitment to our troops is unparalleled and he has served the American people well. I wish him the best as he moves on to the next chapter of his life.”
Watch: Rep. Rob Wittman Speaks during Floor Debate of FY15 NDAA
Read: Summary of FY15 NDAA
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.
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