Buchanan Supports Largest Troop Pay Raise in 8 Years

Statement

Congressman Vern Buchanan today supported a sweeping national defense bill that increases troop pay and provides vital funds for the Pentagon to combat terror threats at home and abroad. The bill passed the U.S. House in a bipartisan vote of 344 to 81.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) funds the U.S. Department of Defense and helps ensure America's military has the resources necessary to fight the war on terror.

"No one deserves a raise more than the brave men and women of the Armed Forces," Buchanan said, adding, "They put it all on the line in defense of our freedoms."

Specifically, the annual defense authorization bill provides a 2.4 percent salary increase, the largest pay raise for troops in the past eight years.

The NDAA also enhances America's military readiness by making significant investments in the following:

Missile defense -- A 25 percent boost in funding for missile defense systems. North Korea recently fired its first intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States.

Counter-terror operations -- Funding for counter-terror operations as the U.S. military combats ISIS and other terrorist groups in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia and other countries.

Military assistance for European allies -- A significant increase in funding for the European Deterrence Initiative, which directly addresses Russia's opposition to NATO interests in eastern Europe. This program provides for intelligence and warning capabilities on NATO's eastern flank, as well as funding for joint operations training, ground combat and air defense capabilities in countries at risk of Russian aggression.
In recent months, Buchanan has participated in two national security missions to key countries in the fight against terror. He met with top military leaders and government officials in Israel, Afghanistan, Germany and Kuwait to discuss intelligence cooperation, threats posed to NATO and efforts to eradicate ISIS.

Source