Bill Johnson Votes for National Defense Authorization Act

Statement

Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on a bipartisan vote. This bill would provide necessary funding to equip, train America's war fighters, and to rebuild our national defense - as the U.S. continues to face dangerous and unpredictable threats from around the world:

"I don't believe the United States should have a military that simply just "gets by.' There are serious consequences for under-funding our military, and we have a President now that understands this. The FY 2018 NDAA would provide a much-needed overhaul that will advance military readiness and improve deployment capabilities abroad.

"The latest provocations by North Korea, and the continued threat of radical Islamic terrorism, are just two examples of why we must remain vigilant. This NDAA would address important readiness shortfalls by providing $7.9 billion for aviation readiness, $5.9 billion for increased Naval presence, $5.7 billion for Ground Forces, $2.3 billion for facilities maintenance, and $2.5 billion for missile defense. In addition to allocating funds to several branches of our national defense, the NDAA would provide a needed pay raise for our troops, adds additional resources for service members and their families, including a provision to support those suffering from PTSD or traumatic brain injury, and promote accountability within Department of Defense buying practices. The NDAA also contains a provision to maintain current prohibitions on transferring detainees out of Guantanamo Bay.

"Today's vote is a major step in the right direction to support our nation's brave heroes and their families. I enthusiastically supported this legislation."

Source