Rigell Supports Passage of Budget Agreement and FY14 NDAA

Press Release

Washington, D.C. - Today the House of Representatives passed the Bipartisan Budget Act and the FY14 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislative packages that if approved by the Senate will provide sequester relief and funding certainty for the military. Congressman Scott Rigell--whose district is home to the world's largest naval base and more active duty and retired service members than any other Congressional district--supported both bills.

Rigell said, "These bills will provide our military the certainty for which it has been asking and ease the burden caused by the defense sequester. Unquestionably, there is still work to do to secure the fiscal foundation of America. But collectively, these bipartisan bills put America on a better financial path.

"I thank Chairman Ryan and Chairman McKeon for their leadership in bringing these agreements to the House floor."

The Budget bill sets top line federal spending for the next two years, relieving the uncertainty of continuing resolutions. If passed by the Senate, this will be the first time Congress has passed a budget since 2009.

About the Bipartisan Budget Act:

* Reduces the deficit by approximately $23 billion without raising taxes
* Provides $63 billion in sequester relief over two years, split evenly between defense and non-defense programs
* Offers stability for business and the military by eliminating the need for a continuing resolution in both FY14 and FY15
* Sets overall discretionary spending for the current fiscal year at $1.012 trillion (about halfway between the Senate budget level of $1.058 trillion and the House budget level of $967 billion)
* Sets defense discretionary spending in fiscal year 2014 at $520.5 billion, and non-defense discretionary spending would be set at $491.8 billion

The NDAA sets policies for defense agencies, establishes funding levels, and includes language allowing pay increases for US troops.

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