Larson Supports FY17 National Defense Authorization Act

Statement

Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017. Included in the bill was a bipartisan provision he authored with Rep. Tom Rooney (R-FL) to ensure military families who have children on the autism spectrum can receive the care they need. Earlier this year, TRICARE--the health insurance program for active duty and retired military personnel and families--drastically cut reimbursement rates for applied behavior analysis (ABA), a widely recognized treatment for children on the autism spectrum. Larson's provision restores previous reimbursement rates, removing a potentially significant barrier to families who need access to ABA.

"Our military families sacrifice so much already, but they should never be asked to sacrifice the health and wellbeing of their children," said Larson. "Reversing these cuts will assist families who already face significant challenges, ensuring they can access the care they need. I was proud to lead the fight with Rep. Rooney to help our military families, and thank the conferees for including it in this bill. We will continue to be vigilant moving forward to ensure that our military families are able to access the health care services they need.

"This bill also provides a richly deserved pay raise to the men and women who put their lives on the line for our nation, as well as the equipment they need to carry out their mission. For all they give us, our servicemen and --women have more than earned the compensation and benefits they will now receive as well as state-of-the-art technology like the KC-46 Air Tanker, the Long Range Strike Bomber, the Ohio Replacement Submarine, and the Combat Rescue Helicopter--all of which were funded as part of this package.

"While I was disappointed to see the compromise we reached today did not include the increase in F-35 production that we won in the House, it does provide adequate funding to maintain the program. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reinforce the need for additional funding for the F-35 program--which both safeguards our nation and is an important part of our state's economy."

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