Boehner Names Heck To National Defense Authorization Conference Committee

(Washington, DC) – Today, Speaker John Boehner appointed Congressman Joe Heck to the National Defense Authorization Act conference committee.

“Certainty and stability are critical for a healthy economy, but they’re also critical for our national defense,” said Speaker Boehner. “From education, to readiness, to housing, Joe Heck has a strong command of the range of issues covered under the National Defense Authorization Act. His knowledge of these issues will be an asset to this conference committee as they conduct their work.”

“It’s an honor to be appointed to the National Defense Authorization Act conference committee. This bill is critical to our service members, veterans, and their families,” said Congressman Heck. “The defense authorization bill includes many provisions that directly impact Nevadans, and this will give me the opportunity to ensure those provisions become law while also protecting the rights of American citizens. I look forward to working with my follow conferees on this bill to provide the certainty and stability needed for a strong national defense in a fiscally responsible manner.”

BACKGROUND:

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 authorizes $690 billion for the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration, and the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. On May 17, 2011, the comprehensive legislation, H.R. 1540, was approved by the House Armed Services Committee by a final vote of 60-1 after being considered on the most transparent process ever used by the committee. On May 26, 2011, the legislation was passed by the full House 322-96.

The 2012 defense bill, which is consistent with the budget resolution passed by the full House earlier this year, is a key mechanism by which the Congress of the United States fulfills one of its Article I, Section 8 constitutional responsibilities to provide for the common defense. It authorizes $553 billion for the Department of Defense’s base budget, $119 billion for overseas contingency operations, and $18 billion for the Department of Energy’s atomic energy defense programs.

Key Nevada provisions include:

* Requires the Secretary of Defense to conduct an assessment of large military installations to determine the extent of the housing crisis’ impact on service members and to provide Congress with options to address it.

* Allows the Department of Defense to continue using certain fire suppression agents which currently have no superior alternative.

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