Corker, Alexander Vote To Advance The National Defense Authorization Act

  • Tuesday, October 6, 2015

U.S. Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement Tuesday after voting to advance the National Defense Authorization Act. 

“The challenges our nation faces are vast, and it is critical that we provide our men and women in uniform the tools necessary to protect and defend U.S. interests at home and abroad,” said Senator Corker. “This authorization bill begins to rein in excessive and unnecessary spending and invests those savings in a way that will allow us to maintain a strong national defense at a time when U.S. leadership around the world matters more than ever.” 

“In July, our nation was heartbroken by the loss of five American heroes who were carrying out routine support roles at military installations in my hometown,” added Senator Corker. “As the threat level continues to rise here at home, it is critical we take steps to ensure the men and women who have answered the call of duty to defend our country are able to defend themselves. This legislation puts in place an important process by which commanders on the ground are given the power to determine the best way to protect those who serve.”  

U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander also voted to support the fiscal year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act and called on President Obama to sign the bipartisan bill.  

“This bipartisan bill not only gives raises to troops at Ft. Campbell and the Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Millington, but it also helps prevent tragic shootings at military facilities such as the one in Chattanooga in July by enabling the military to arm certain personnel on domestic military facilities,” Senator Alexander said. “The legislation sets priorities for spending on our nation’s defense at an amount equal to the president’s request and consistent with budget caps. I urge President Obama to sign this bipartisan bill into law to support our military service members who sacrifice so much to protect and defend the United States.” 

The National Defense Authorization Act authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and several Department of Energy national security programs:

The bill authorizes a 1.3 percent pay increase for members of the military, including troops at Ft. Campbell and the Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Millington, and authorizes more than 30 bonuses and special payments for service men and women. 

The bill requires the Secretary of Defense to establish and implement a process by which military commanders in the U.S. can authorize certain personnel to carry a firearm. This new process is being adopted in response to the tragic shooting in Chattanooga on July 16, as well as the 2009 shootings in Little Rock and Ft. Hood. 

The bill implements a new retirement compensation system that would take effect for service members who join the military after Jan. 1, 2018, and would provide for government matching contributions for service members who contribute to a Thrift Savings Plan. 

The bill prohibits detainees at Guantanamo Bay from being transferred to the United States. 

The bill authorizes construction of a new Special Operations Headquarters and classrooms at Ft. Campbell. 

The bill eliminates $11 billion in excessive and unnecessary spending and reinvests those savings in the military. 

The bill authorizes funding for the nation’s nuclear stockpile, a replacement strategic missile submarine, defense-related environmental cleanup, and nuclear energy programs at the Department of Energy. 

The Senate on Tuesday voted 73 to 26 to begin debate on the fiscal year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act conference report, which authorizes $604.2 billion for the military and national defense programs.

 

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