Crenshaw Votes to Strengthen Military at Home and Abroad

Statement

Congressman Ander Crenshaw, a member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, today (6/10) underscored his commitment to a strong military by voting to approve the Fiscal Year 2015 Defense Appropriations Bill during the committee consideration of the legislation on June 10.

The comprehensive, bipartisan bill passed full committee and now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

Crenshaw issued the following statement:

"My number one priority is to provide our servicemen and women with the resources they need to protect our national security on the First Coast and wherever they serve. That commitment also means ensuring our military and their families receive the benefits and access to the housing and quality-of-life programs they have earned and deserve.

"This bill accomplishes these goals across the board by retaining 11 cruisers (CG) in the Navy fleet and the refueling of the nuclear aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). These vessels have many years of service left in them and keeping them operational in the fleet only makes common sense.

"Funding for the construction of 29 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, nine P8-A Poseidon aircraft, five E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, and the MQ-4 Triton program - also included in the bill - demonstrates strategic planning for a bold military and the key role of Northeast Florida military installations and the industrial base in protecting our national security. These assets will be spread throughout the country, including at our local bases.

"We live in dangerous times, and now is not the time to cut back on defense. Naval Station Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville are the East Coast home for the MH-60Rs, and the nation's P-8A fleet and Triton operations facility are based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

"Our servicemen and women put their lives on the line for our freedom, and their families endure enormous sacrifice. This bill recognizes that devotion by funding a military pay raise at 1.8% (higher than the president's request for a 1% increase) and providing for 100% of troop housing costs through the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). Additionally the bill continues to support the vital role that commissaries play and restores $100 million to the Defense Commissary Agency to provide reduced-price food and household goods for service members and their families."

Source