Rigell's Force Protection Language Signed into Law
Press Release
President Obama recently signed into law the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including Congressman Scott Rigell's (VA-02) military force protection language. Rigell's amendment allows local commanders to permit members of the armed forces to carry firearms at Department of Defense (DOD) installations, reserve centers, and recruiting centers as a means of enhanced protection. Further, the FY16 NDAA authorizes a pay increase for our troops, improves health benefits, and expands important sexual assault and behavioral health programs.
Congressman Rigell, who offered his force protection amendment in response to multiple instances of domestic terrorism targeting our stateside troops, said: "This bill increases the odds that every service member -- even those serving America domestically -- returns safely home to their families at the end of the day. I appreciate the demonstrated support of Congress for my efforts to protect our service members. This change was both needed and wise."
Rigell continued: "Congress and the President have no higher duty than to ensure our service members have the tools, training, and resources needed to be successful wherever they are serving in the world."
The NDAA signed by President Obama also reaffirms longstanding prohibitions on the transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States. Further, it imposes greater restrictions on the president's authority to unilaterally transfer terrorists to other countries -- a response to the administration's unlawful transfer of the Taliban 5 without Congressional notification, which the House formally condemned last year by passing Rigell's bipartisan resolution.
Noting that President Obama vetoed a previous version of the FY16 NDAA in October, Rigell said: "Though I disagreed with President Obama's reckless veto of the NDAA, I am glad this important bill is now law. I thank my colleagues on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees for their tireless work to ensure the NDAA was passed."
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