Wittman Supports Passage of NDAA Conference Report
WASHINGTON – Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Readiness Subcommittee, supported the passage today of the Conference Report for the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation, the final version of the bill that establishes the funding authorizations and priorities for the nation’s military, passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 270-156. During floor debate over the measure, Wittman delivered the following statement:
I rise today to ask Congress to vote in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 16.
I am proud that this conference report takes significant steps toward rebuilding our military and readiness. We prioritize training for our troops and maintenance and modernization of our equipment and technology. This NDAA is critical to carry out the military missions of this nation effectively and successfully, in an increasingly dangerous world.
Recently, former Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger proclaimed, "The United States has not faced a more diverse and complex array of crises since the end of the Second World War." This statement holds true today as we combat ISIS in the Middle East, as Russia again tests our commitment to global leadership, and as China continues to increase its defense spending to record levels.
Congress has a constitutional duty of “providing for the common defense of our nation.” If Congress and the President fail to act on NDAA, we forgo our constitutional duties and we weaken the security of our nation and our ability to confront crises that occur around the globe.
It is also important to point out that this is not the time to play political games with our national security, or to hold hostage funding and authorization for the military for political aim. Our nation and our men and women in the military deserve better, and they deserve the proper support that Congress is under obligation to provide.
As we have heard through testimony from our military leaders before the committee, our military is approaching the ragged edge of being able to execute our nation’s defense strategy. By not passing this NDAA or by allowing sequestration to continue to devastate our nation’s military readiness, we place ourselves in a position where we will be unable to defend against the threats we face today and in the future.
Video:
Wittman delivers floor remarks in support of NDAA Conference Report
Related:
Wittman Named to NDAA Conference Committee (June 26, 2015)
Wittman Supports House Passage of FY16 NDAA (May 15, 2015)
Wittman Supports Committee Passage of National Defense Authorization Act for FY16 (April 30, 2015)
Wittman Applauds Readiness Subcommittee Language in NDAA (April 23, 2015)
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.
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