Larson on Passage of National Defense Authorization Act
Washington – “While no bill is perfect—and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has significant flaws—I am ever mindful of the needs of our country, military, and the individuals and businesses that comprise Connecticut’s manufacturing base. Furthermore, I deeply respect the bipartisan effort of the Armed Services Committee, who—in a contentious climate—drafted a bill that provides critical investments in both our troops and the equipment that they rely on.
“First and foremost, the FY16 NDAA provides a well-deserved 2.3% pay raise to the men and women who serve. Our service members put their lives on the line for our nation, and they deserve to receive fair compensation and benefits for their service. The NDAA also ensures they are provided with the equipment needed to carry out their mission by ramping up production of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and continuing the development of critical programs such as the KC-46 Air Tanker, the Long Range Strike Bomber, the Ohio Replacement Submarine, and the Combat Rescue Helicopter.
“Although I voted in favor of the measure today, I believe strongly that changes must be made prior to sending the bill to the President. The Republican Leadership’s reliance on a budgetary gimmick to avoid Sequester should not be tolerated in the final legislation. In fact, it is beyond time for Congress to fully eliminate the self-inflicted Sequester that has done nothing but slow our economy, damage and dismantle the programs our citizens rely on, and hinder our ability to properly plan for and invest in our national defense. As I’ve been saying for years, it is time for us to invest in the American people once again.
“Finally, I was disturbed by the Republican majorities’ decision to strip language from the bill that would encourage the Secretary of Defense to consider allowing young undocumented immigrants, known as DREAMers, to join the armed services. This non-binding language would do nothing but show support for the idea that individuals raised in this country should have the ability to give back to their nation. The desire to put one’s life on the line for the sake of our freedom should be commended, not casually and cruelly shoved aside.”
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