Smith: Protect Americans, Equip Service Members for Success

Statement

Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today released the following statement after voting in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2017, which passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 277-147.

Congressman Lamar Smith: "Congress has a responsibility to make sure our men and women in uniform are equipped with the resources needed to defend our nation. I'm particularly pleased that they're receiving a well-deserved 2.1 % raise."

The bill boosts funding for military bases by $18 billion more than the president's budget request. It also authorizes the necessary force, structure, equipment, and funding to help close the military readiness gap.

The national defense bill ensures that the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility remains open and maintains the policy that terrorists cannot be transferred to U.S. soil. Rep. Smith opposes closure of the detention facility. In April, Rep. Smith sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Ash Carter raising national security concerns over the transfer of dangerous terrorists as a result of the proposed closure.

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