Langevin Applauds Passage of National Defense Authorization Act

Press Release

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, applauded today's passage of the FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In accordance with the FY2015 budget, the NDAA, which passed the House by a vote of 325 to 98, authorizes $521.3 billion in spending for national defense and an additional $79.4 billion for overseas operation.

"I am proud to serve on the House Armed Services Committee, where bipartisanship is the order of the day," said Langevin. "The National Defense Authorization Act that was considered on the House floor today is the result of partnership and collaboration, and I am grateful to Chairman Buck McKeon (R-CA), Vice Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) for their exceptional leadership on national security and defense issues."

The legislation includes a 1.8 percent pay raise for troops, upholds a commitment to ensuring that our men and women in uniform receive the benefits and support they deserve, and includes reforms aimed at preventing sexual assault in the military, supporting victims and prosecuting offenders.

As co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus, Langevin is encouraged by the increased focus on cybersecurity as a critical component of national defense. The NDAA mandates the designation of an Executive Agency for Cyber Test and Training Ranges to ensure robust cyber training and increases Congressional oversight of U.S. Cyber Command as it continues to expand in both size and capability.

"The defense improvements reflected in the bill provide the oversight necessary to ensure that U.S. Cyber Command is able to conduct a full range of cyber operations in support of our national security," he said. "This is a step in the right direction; however, more must be done to ensure that the United States is well-protected from cyber threats. I am disappointed that my efforts to establish a National Office for Cyberspace were not included in this year's NDAA, and I will continue to push for the toughest possible cyber protections."

Langevin is particularly pleased that the NDAA includes $3.5 billion for two Virginia class submarines, fully funds the Ohio Replacement Program and supports development of the Virginia Payload Module. Significant portions of all three programs are to be constructed in Rhode Island.

The NDAA includes several provisions proposed by Langevin, including the addition of $10 million for Naval Reactors' funding, prevention of force structure reductions at Lajes Air Force Base and reduction in restrictions on the Moored Training Ship Program. Langevin championed several other NDAA provisions, such as support for directed energy programs, focus on defense K-12 education efforts, oversight of the health of the defense research and development enterprise and increased attention to economic warfare policy guidance and organization.

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