Hartzler, Congress Pass 54th Consecutive Defense Authorization

Statement

Chairwoman of the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), today voted to pass the FY2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This is the 54th consecutive year Congress has passed the annual defense authorization bill.

"Providing for a strong national defense is the primary obligation of the federal government," Hartzler said. "This conference report reflects the diligent work of the conference committee, a group I am honored to have been part of. Though we have more work to do to reverse the devastating defense cuts from sequestration, we have taken great strides to ensure our nation's security in the face of these deepening fiscal limitations. This is a smart and effective authorization of our military, and it should be supported at all levels of our government."

"I am pleased to have secured in this final bill many of the provisions I fought for in the original House version of the NDAA," Hartzler continued. "The provisions--the Super Hornets for the Navy which will be built in Missouri, the Consolidated Stealth Operations Center at Whiteman, the preservation of the A-10 attack aircraft, the restrictions on transfers from Guantanamo, and the increase in defense funding I fought very hard for--will not only make our military more agile and effective, but will also ultimately keep Americans safer. Though there is more to do to ensure we maintain the best military in the world, this authorization provides for a strong national defense."

Congresswoman Hartzler is proud to highlight the following provisions of the FY2016 NDAA:

F/A-18F Super Hornet

As older legacy Hornets (A-D models) reach the end of their service life, Super Hornets are being utilized in wartime operations at a higher rate than planned. This pressure on the inventory will create a shortfall. Procuring 12 additional Super Hornets will reduce near-term strike fighter inventory shortfalls.
The Navy is the only provider of tactical aircraft for airborne electronic attack (AEA). Wiring the Super Hornets with the option to be converted to Growlers will allow the Navy flexibility to increase the Growler inventory as it continues to analyze joint AEA mission requirements.

Consolidated Stealth Operations and Nuclear Alert Facility at Whiteman AFB

Current facilities are inadequate, spread across a large area of the flight line, and create inefficiencies and additional risks when air crew attempt to report to their aircraft.
The proposed 79,000 square foot facility will consolidate all sortie‐essential entities into a single mission‐focused building.
The new facility will co‐locate all of the mission elements required for the 509th Bomb Wing's essential mission.

B-2 and Long Range Strike Bombers

The B-2 stealth bomber is fully funded at requested levels, including important upgrades, such as the Defensive Management System.
This bill contains robust funding for the new Long Range Strike Bomber program, a key element in the Department of Defense's planned investment in long range strike.

Guantanamo Detainee Transfers

In response to concerns over the lawfulness of previous transfers, the FY 2016 NDAA rescinds the President's authority to unilaterally transfer detainees.
For a fact sheet on the FY2016 NDAA, visit the House Armed Services Committee's website here. For the full FY2016 NDAA Conference Report, click here.

Congresswoman Hartzler is the Chairwoman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation; and the only Republican to serve on both the House Budget and Armed Services Committees in addition to serving on the House Agriculture Committee. She represents Missouri's Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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