Cramer: House Passes H.R. 1735 - National Defense Authorization Act for 2016 Conference Report
Press Release
Congressman Kevin Cramer joined a majority of the U.S House of Representatives, today, to approve the Conference Report for H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2016 by a vote of 270 to 156.
The conference report includes an amendment co-sponsored by Cramer when the bill passed the House in May. The language prohibits funds from being expended to reduce, or prepare to reduce the responsiveness or alert level of U.S. intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM).
"This bill ensures America's armed forces are ready to defend our nation in a world of ever changing threats," said Cramer. "A resurgent Russia and an emboldened Iran present dangerous challenges to the United States and our allies around the globe. We need a stronger military now more than ever and North Dakota will continue to play a vital role in the defense of our nation."
The NDAA also provides for the well-being of our military personnel and their families.
"The heart of our Armed Forces remain the men and women who volunteer to defend our freedom and keep our nation safe and secure," said Cramer. "This bill provides for the first time retirement benefits to the 83 percent of service members who traditionally leave the service without the chance to build a nest egg. In addition, for the first time, National Guard and Reserve personnel don't have to wait until they're 60-years old to start receiving retirement benefits."
In light of recent domestic terror attacks targeting U.S. Military personnel and military installations, the bill empowers post commanders to abandon the one-size-fits-all force protection standard at domestic installations and permit a member of the Armed Forces to carry appropriate firearms, including personal firearms, at DOD installations, reserve centers, and recruiting centers.
During the debate on passage of the NDAA in May, Congressman Cramer gave a floor speech on the importance of his Nuclear Alert Status Amendment. View the speech by clicking on the image below.
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