Rokita: Defense Bill Ensures Troops Have Resources They Need

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita today voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2014, which authorizes and prioritizes funding for the Department of Defense. The bill passed the House on a 315-108 with strong bipartisan support.

"Hoosiers expect that our men and women who serve will be given the proper resources to do their jobs, and that their family members are taken care of when they are called to duty. Today, the House voted to do just that, by passing responsible spending legislation to fund the Department of Defense and the men and women who honorably serve in the Armed Forces across the world," said Rokita.

Rokita also voted to defeat a floor amendment that would have reduced funding for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) by over $5 billion, which would have had a direct negative impact on the men and women who serve in Indiana's National Guard and could limit deployment readiness when needed.

On Tuesday, Rokita, a member of the House Budget Committee, took part in a hearing with witnesses Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey. Rokita's questions focused specifically on the increase in size of military leadership in recent years.

By the end of March 2010, 1.4 million service members were being led by 950 generals and flag officers. From 2000-2010, generals and flag officers increased 8% while active duty troop levels grew by 3%. In addition to increases in generals and flag officers, the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs staff grew by 230% between 2010 and 2012.

Both Secretary Hagel and General Dempsey testified that they are committed to reducing the numbers of generals and flag officers, which have significantly increased in recent years, while still protecting our country and running an effective military. You can view Rokita's exchange with Hagel and Dempsey here.

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