On October 20, Representative Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Senator John McCain (R-Az.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, will join Brookings Senior Fellow Michael O'Hanlon for a discussion on the National Defense Authorization Act and the possible presidential veto. Bruce Jones, Vice President and Director of the Foreign… Read more »
The Washington Times By Rowan ScarboroughIn the end, President Obama was forced to listen to his generals — not his political instincts — on Afghanistan troop levels, and he decided to split the difference. Mr. Obama is keeping 5,500 troops in Afghanistan beyond his presidency, about half the strength recommended by his top general in-country. It marks the sixth time he has… Read more »
Mr. Obama, America's military dogs are heroes, too, please give them a ride home By Robin Ganzert Not every superhero can fly, but now some of our nation’s greatest action figures – America’s war dogs – may finally get a free plane ride home after serving their country, thanks to a long-awaited change to the National Defense Authorization Act which has just… Read more »
By DEB RIECHMANN Washington (AP) -- Congress on Wednesday sent President Barack Obama a sweeping $612 billion defense policy bill that he has threatened to veto over an ongoing battle between Democrats and Republicans about government spending. The Senate voted to approve the measure 70 to 27. If Obama vetoes the defense bill, it would be only the fifth time that has happened in the… Read more »
"$612 billion, that's what the President asked for and that's what this bill provides. There is no difference between the two." - Chairman Thornberry Read more »
Washington Post By Jennifer Rubin Defense Secretary Ash Carter speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon. (Associated Press) The Associated Press reports, “The Senate has moved ahead on a sweeping, $612 billion defense policy bill despite a presidential veto threat. The vote Tuesday was 73-26, 13 votes more than necessary to break any filibuster. The Senate is expected to… Read more »
Last week the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) called on President Obama to "refrain from vetoing the National Defense Authorization Act for 2016." MOAA is the largest military officers association in the United States. MOAA President, Vice Admiral Norbert Ryan, Jr., USN (Ret.), wrote to the White House on behalf of the associations more than 390,000 members… Read more »
What's In The Defense Bill For Military And Families? Deb Reichmann - Associated Press - October 5, 2015 (AP) - Buried in the 1,915-page defense policy bill are major changes that could affect more than 1 million members of the military and their families. The House has passed the bill 270-156 and the Senate is scheduled to vote on the $612 billion bill this week. President Barack… Read more »
AMERICAN PRESIDENTS rarely veto national defense authorization bills, since they are, well, vital to national security. Since Congress passed the first of these blueprints for Pentagon spending 50-plus years ago, there have been four vetoes — two by Democratic presidents, two by Republicans —... Read more »
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, thanked General Martin Dempsey for his service in the U.S. Army and his time as Chairman of the Join Chiefs of Staff.
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