WASHINGTON, DC -Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX), of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following comments after Committee passage of the 2017 NDAA with a bipartisan vote of 60 to 2:
"It is encouraging that for the 55th straight year, this Committee can come together, work through difficult issues, and pass a defense policy bill that supports our servicemembers and our national security. In some ways, this bill’s passage is more important than ever, not only because the world is more dangerous and complex, but also because billions in defense cuts have taken their toll on our readiness, our personnel, our equipment, and America’s standing in the world.
This bill helps begin to correct the funding shortfalls that have led to a lack of readiness and to a heightened level of risk to our troops and our security. It stops cuts to our Armed Forces, provides a pay raise for our troops, and makes major reforms in several critical areas, including military health care, the commissary system, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and the acquisition system.
Finally, this legislation makes a clear statement to friends and adversaries that the United States will have the means to defend itself, while also reassuring servicemembers that whatever they are asked to do, they will be prepared and supported fully. I look forward to bringing the bill to the House floor in short order."