Crenshaw: Omnibus Funds $32.7 Million in Naval Station Mayport, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Projects

Statement

Congressman Ander Crenshaw, Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, today (12/18) issued the following statement regarding the military construction, veterans affairs, and defense sections of the fiscal year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The legislation passed the House with Crenshaw's strong support and now moves to the United States Senate for consideration.

"Protecting national security is my number one commitment. In the face of the Global War on Terror, the best way to keep America safe is to keep America strong. The fiscal year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill accomplishes this goal by funding programs to combat emerging real-world threats, bolster military readiness at Northeast Florida military bases and around the globe, and provide for our troops and their families. Moreover, funding increases in veterans programs will ensure those who have fought for our freedom and liberty have timely and easy access to the benefits they have earned and deserve - among them VA medical services, electronic health record modernization, disability claims backlog improvement, facilities construction, and increased VA oversight.

"Military construction funding includes $16.1 million for the construction of a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) support facility at Naval Station Mayport, $8.2 million for the construction of a Naval Air Station Jacksonville facility to support the MQ-4 Triton unmanned aerial surveillance system, and $8.4 million for an addition to the Fleet Support Facility for the Littoral Surveillance Radar System at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. These investments represent an effective and efficient use of taxpayer dollars in programs that will strengthen our national defense now and across many years to come.

"Defense funding to combat ISIL and support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, support our allies in the Middle East and Africa, and fight other current and emerging threats is boosted above current levels to $58.6 billion. Investments of $111 billion in new equipment and upgrades, including three Littoral Combat Ships, two DDG-51 Guided Missile Destroyers, and one additional Mobile Landing Platform, demonstrate a commitment to strategic planning for the road ahead. These defense assets will be spread throughout the country, including Northeast Florida bases which play a central role in our national security mission. Additionally, $69.8 billion for research, development, testing, and evaluation of new technologies will advance the safety and success of current military operations and prepare for the future.

"The devotion or our troops, who put their lives on the line for our freedom, and the sacrifice of their families is recognized by fully funding a 1.3 percent pay raise for the military and providing $300 million above the request to address the housing allowance shortfall, ensuring our troops and their families have secure housing."

Source