Rooney Appointed to Defense Authorization Conference Committee

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today was appointed to serve on the House-Senate Conference Committee to finalize the National Defense Authorization Act for 2012.

"Passing the National Defense Authorization Act is critical to providing our troops with the resources they need, ensuring our military families get the support they deserve, and protecting the United States from emerging global threats," Rooney said. "The reauthorization process gives us an important opportunity to reduce inefficiencies and invest those savings into higher national security priorities to keep our country safe and support our troops.

"One of my top priorities in this conference, as a former military prosecutor, is preserving provisions that strengthen policies to detain and prosecute terrorists and ensure that no terrorist detainee can be brought into the United States. Trying detainees in military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay is the best way to hold terrorists accountable, keep them out of our country, and prevent them from rejoining the fight."

Rooney said he will work to ensure that amendments he successfully added to the House bill are included in the final conference agreement. The Rooney amendments will:

Increase research to assist servicemen and women struggling with substance abuse;
Explore the use of virtual reality technology to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and,
Fund air-to-ground simulations for Air Force training.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard "Buck" McKeon said, "Congressman Rooney has been a productive member of the Armed Services Committee. The National Defense Authorization Act for 2012 is a vital piece of legislation. It ensures that our troops, who are defending us around the world, have the resources they need to keep us safe. For forty-nine years, Congress has passed the defense bill, and I am honored to have Tom Rooney at my side as we close out the fiftieth NDAA. Over the next few days, the House and Senate will have to work through several important issues. I know Congressman Rooney will offer valuable insight as we put together the best possible legislation for our men and women in uniform."

Source