Flores Votes to Fully Fund Department of Defense

Statement

Today, the House voted 282-138 to fully fund the Department of Defense for the fiscal year 2017. U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 5293, Fiscal Year 2017 Defense Appropriations:

"In an increasingly dangerous world, America is facing the growing global threat of radical Islamic terrorism that cannot and will not be ignored. The rise of the Islamic State and the recent attacks on Americans motivated by radical Islam make it clear that this is an enemy that knows no borders or boundaries. We must ensure our military has every resource necessary to meet this critical challenge, defeat radical Islamic terrorists and defend our homeland. Today's vote fulfills Congress's primary Constitutional responsibility to provide for the common defense. Our men and women in uniform are the most sophisticated and capable in the world. Each day they commit their lives to defending our freedoms at home and abroad. In addition to thanking them for their courage and sacrifice, Congress today proved that they have our full faith and support."

H.R. 5293 fully funds the Department of Defense for FY2017, providing a net total of $517.13 billion in base discretionary spending. This year's bill appropriates nearly $3 billion more than the FY2016 level, reflecting the growing global threat American's face. It halts dangerous readiness shortfalls, which have crippled the operations and maintenance of our ships, aircraft, ground vehicles and other vital equipment. It also provides a pay raise for our uniformed military personnel.

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