Walorski on presidential veto of NDAA

Floor Speech

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Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentlewoman and
my friend from Missouri, Vicky Hartzler.

The NDAA, as we have heard tonight, is the largest single
authorization bill that Congress considers and one of this body's most
significant pieces of legislation and accomplishments this year. This
legislation is critical to our national security. It continues to fund
the entire national defense of this country.

For 54 years, Republicans and Democrats in both Houses in this body
have come together to pass this defense bill. This year was no
different. This Congress sent a bipartisan bill to President Obama.
Today, though, the President vetoed this defense budget in order to
gain leverage for additional increased spending, his demands of
spending, a process of a budgetary procedure that is completely
unrelated to this bill.

This defense bill helps our men and women in uniform by adjusting pay
and retirement benefits. It removes barriers that prevent access to
urgentmedical care for members of the armed services while also expanding
employment opportunities for those exiting the service. It helps us
retain our most experienced servicemembers. It makes those individuals
safer by enhancing and improving military training and modernizing our
resources and programs.

Lastly, this bill provides very real authorities, such as the ability
to protect Americans by keeping terrorists secured in the detention
facility known as GTMO, or Guantanamo Bay. For 54 years, this defense
bill has transited party lines and Washington dysfunction. As a
candidate, President Obama promised to do the same. But with this veto,
he has threatened to end this staple of bipartisanship in this Chamber.

Our servicemen and -women put their lives on the line every day. The
least we can do is offer them the security of knowing that they can
provide for their families and plan for their own futures.

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