FY17 NDAA Advances Rigell Military Spouse Protection Language, Benefits Service Members and their Families

Press Release

Washington, D.C. -- Last night the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4909, the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to authorize funds for the Department of Defense (DOD). The bill included language enacting Congressman Scott Rigell's (VA-02) Protect Our Military Families' 2nd Amendment Rights Act, which allows military spouses to purchase handguns in the state that their husband or wife is permanently stationed for duty, as a means of enhanced protection. In addition, the bill requires the DOD to move quickly in implementing Congressman Rigell's amendment to the FY16 NDAA, which would allow members of the armed forces to carry appropriate firearms on military installations, if authorized by their commander. H.R. 4909 also advances a 2.1 percent pay raise for our troops, increases the end strength of our armed forces, and reaffirms longstanding prohibitions on the transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States.

Congressman Rigell, who represents the congressional district with the highest concentration of men and women in uniform in the country, said: "The funding authorized within the NDAA meets our obligation to defend our troops and their families and provide them with the tools and training needed to be successful in their mission. I was proud to stand with our defense community in supporting this important legislation."

Language implementing Rigell's Protect Our Military Families' 2nd Amendment Rights Act was included in the NDAA. Rigell introduced his legislation in 2015 following the release of ISIS' 100 name "hit list' of military targets in Virginia and elsewhere. Applauding passage of the language, Rigell stated: "Considering the threats we face from Islamic extremists, foreign and domestic, and lone wolves, it is prudent that our military families have access to the resources they need to defend themselves and their families in any community they are stationed for duty."

Rigell also supported Congresswoman Barbara Lee's amendment to repeal the 2001 AUMF that was passed shortly after September 11, 2001 and is still used today to justify military operations against ISIS. Advocating instead for an AUMF that reflects the current threats posed to our military and national security, Rigell said: "Some of my colleagues hold a genuine belief that the 2001 war authorization is sufficient. In my opinion, it is a weak and wholly inadequate legal document to pivot from in the fight against ISIS. Congress must meet our lawful obligation to our service members by passing an AUMF that would supersede and replace the 2001 AUMF, and provide clear legal authority to the President regarding the use of force against ISIS and other terrorist organizations. We must advance this national security priority immediately."

"I thank Chairman Thornberry and my colleagues who serve on the House Armed Services Committee for their work on the NDAA, and call on the Senate to pass, and the President to sign, this bill into law without delay," Rigell added.

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