With NDAA Markup, Shuster Works to Provide Foundation for Defense Funding

Press Release

During a marathon markup session that lasted all day yesterday and late into the evening, U.S. Representative Bill Shuster (R-Hollidaysburg) worked with his colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to review and finalize the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015. This important yearly bill authorizes funding for the Department of Defense for the next fiscal year.

"Providing our men and women in uniform with the support they need is one of the most important duties we have in Congress," said Rep. Shuster. "In a world where other countries look to the United States to be a global leader, we must ensure that we are giving our warfighters all the tools they need to tackle new and dynamic threats. This year's markup produced a bill that gives our military the backing they need to continue fulfilling this crucial mission, while also being fiscally responsible and reducing wasteful spending."

In a strong showing of bipartisanship, the final vote within the committee was 61-0 to pass the FY15 NDAA and send it on for a vote by the full House of Representatives. The committee rejected a new round of base realignment and closures (BRAC), and included two notable measures backed by Rep. Shuster. The first was an amendment to put new restrictions in place before any nuclear deal would even be considered with Iran, including a complete end to their support for terror groups. The second, cosponsored by Rep. Shuster, was an amendment that limits plans to reduce the strength of the National Guard.

"The bipartisan support we saw in the committee last night for this bill reflects just how important it is that we continue giving our military the best training, equipment, and support possible. We included important measures that let us take a firm stance when it comes to dealing with dangerous nations like Iran, protects depots such as Letterkenny, and preserves the fighting strength of our armed forces. I was proud to work with my colleagues to produce a bill that gives our soldiers what they need to continue keeping America safe, and will keep working with my colleagues on the committee to see that it is passed by the House."

Source