Blackburn Fights to Protect Important Resources for our Troops

Statement

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) today applauded House passage of the Conference Report to H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, which will provide important resources to the Fort Campbell community and our nation's military.

"This year's NDAA ensures we meet and protect the needs of those serving in Tennessee and around the globe," Blackburn said.

Congressman Blackburn secured a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act that authorizes funding for the "Army and Air Force flying hours program," to provide training and flight hours at 100% levels for military aviators.

"Military installations across the country are facing budget constraints that will have an impact on military readiness programs. I have worked tirelessly to ensure the vital flying hours program provides the training necessary for mission success and the safety of our soldiers.

"This authorization also initiates landmark reforms to the Department of Defense's broken acquisition system that will eliminate the red tape hindering technological advances required to respond to the evolving security threats we face, improves military benefits by allowing servicemembers to contribute to a portable retirement plan, cuts the backlog for military childcare, and implements communication between the VA and the DOD to ensure servicemembers receive consistent care as they transition out of military service.

"Assuring the brave men and women who serve our country will have the resources they need to defeat ISIL and continue the fight against global terrorism remains my top priority," Blackburn said.

White House Press Secretary John Earnest threatened that the President will veto the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016.

"What kind of leadership is it when the Commander in Chief threatens to deny funds for our armed forces? President Obama's political play puts our military members and our country in grave danger as we face higher threat levels, particularly with Russian military expansion in Syria," Blackburn said.

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