John Kline Supports National Defense Legislation, Keeps Promises to Veterans

Press Release

Minnesota Congressman John Kline supported the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today. H.R. 4435 serves as the budgetary blueprint for the pentagon -- balancing our national security needs and responsible government spending.

"At a time when the government's commitment to those that have served our nation has come into question, I am pleased to have supported this legislation which is critical to our service men and women, our veterans, and their families," said Kline, a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps whose wife is a retired Army nurse and son has served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. "As the nation reflects on those that laid down their lives for our freedoms this Memorial Day, I am proud to support legislation that keeps promises made to our veterans and provides needed support for our troops."

Included in this year's national defense bill is a provision which, in the wake of reported misconduct by senior DoD officials, directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review current military ethics programs and provide Congress with an evaluation so needed oversight can be conducted.

Kline's legislation directing the Pentagon to issue a report detailing how it increased health care costs for more than 4,000 Minnesotans who were covered under the TRICARE Prime program but later removed by the Department of Defense was also incorporated into the national defense bill.

In addition to Kline's proposals, the legislation maintains the annual pay increase for our troops and rejects the Administration's cuts to TRICARE, Commissary benefits, and Housing allowances.

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