Graves Statement on Defense Policy Bill Heading to POTUS' Desk

Statement

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) released the following statement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passing through both chambers of Congress. The bipartisan defense policy bill provides improved pay and other benefits to our troops and their families. This is going to help improve the technological advantages, equipment and training for our troops to ensure that our freedom and homeland are protected.

"I was proud to cast my vote in support of the National Defense Authorization Act which authorizes the critical programs that keep our military ready, our nation safe, and support the men and women who put their life on the line for our country. Right here at home, the bill authorizes priorities at military bases across Louisiana," Graves said. "The bill authorizes the National Guard to help address the crisis at the southern border and includes a 2.7 percent pay increase for all our troops. To help preserve American military dominance, the revised version of the NDAA reverses President Biden's proposed cuts to our national security and restores funding to improve our defense capabilities and to counter aggression from countries such as China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. The bill holds the Biden Administration accountable for the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan and requires the Department of Defense to recover aircraft provided to Afghan security forces and retrieve Americans who were left behind. Critically, the NDAA prohibits the Department of Defense from dishonorably discharging military service members if they refuse the COVID-19 vaccination and standardizes a vaccine medical and religious exemption. And finally -- the bill accomplishes all of this without poison pills that the Democrats included in the House-passed version."

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