Sen. Franken: National Defense Authorization Act Will Help Ensure Safety of Troops

Press Release

U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) today helped pass the National Defense Authorization Act, which will ensure that our troops are paid and properly equipped to safely engage in combat.

"The bill we passed today is not perfect but it will make sure that our troops are paid on time and kept as safe as possible," said Sen. Franken. "I'm pleased that the final legislation includes my measure to prevent human trafficking overseas by government contractors. I was also proud to vote to strip the bill of provisions that would have hurt Minnesota's biofuel industry."

The National Defense Authorization Act includes Sen. Franken's provision to prevent human trafficking by government contractors and subcontractors operating overseas, a problem that threatens the security and welfare of service members.

Sen. Franken helped successfully strip a provision from the bill that would prohibit biofuel refinery construction, harming the development of a market for biofuels, which is important to Minnesota's economy.

Sen. Franken also cosponsored a provision that will ensure the speediest orderly drawdown possible in Afghanistan.

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