Defense Drumbeat

On December 9th, 2013, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin E. Dempsey, sent a letter to then Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) expressing his concern that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY14 was being allowed "to slip to January." General Dempsey wrote:

"I write to urge you to complete the National Defense Authorization Act this year. The authorities contained therein are critical to the Nation's defense and urgently needed to ensure we all keep faith with the men and women, military and civilian, selflessly serving in our Armed Forces. Allowing the Bill to slip to January adds yet more uncertainty to the force and further complicates the duty of our commanders who face shifting global threats. I also fear that delay may put the entire Bill at risk, protracting this uncertainty and impacting our global influence...

"Your efforts to provide the Joint Chiefs the Time, Certainty, and Flexibility in both our budget and authorities will help ensure we keep our Nation safe from coercion."

Minority Leader Reid said yesterday that, "We'll see what happens. The President said he's going to veto it, so I think it really is kind of a waste of time..."

"Senator Reid's comment yesterday was deeply disturbing..." said Chairman Thornberry (R-TX), of the House Armed Services Committee, in a statement today. "Year after year as Majority Leader, Harry Reid forced the Department of Defense to navigate uncertainty as he wasted floor time and pushed NDAA consideration until the very end of the year. Meeting troops' needs is never a waste of time and the Congress’ top responsibility. Suggesting otherwise is irresponsible.”