Heck backs passage of Defense Authorization

Applauds personnel provisions; Expresses disappointment in House Democrats for politicizing bipartisan bill

(Greg Lemon) – Washington — Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) today backed House passage of H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016. Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, Rep. Heck applauded the personnel-related provisions in the bill including preventing retaliation against members of the Armed Forces who report sexual assault, the establishment of a unified medical command, and improving the current military pay and retirement system so we can recruit and retain the very best talent available.

“This bill is a critically important part of Congress providing for the common defense and I was proud to support its passage on the floor,” Rep. Heck said. “The provisions in this bill, especially the personnel provisions, are the result of an open, bipartisan subcommittee and full committee process. They ensure our war fighters, retirees, and their families receive the care and support they need, deserve, and have earned. It was disappointing, therefore, that despite the long history of broad bipartisan cooperation on drafting and supporting the NDAA, that this year House Democratic Leadership encouraged their members to join together in opposition to the bill to protest policies outside the scope of the NDAA. I applaud the 41 members of the Democrat Caucus that did not fall for this political ploy and who voted in support of this vital legislation.”

Rep. Heck spoke on the floor to urge members to support the bill, but also expressed frustration with members losing sight of the purpose of the defense authorization which is “to provide for the common defense.” Those floor remarks can be seen by clicking the image below.

“Mr. Chairman, I’ve always said that I find myself lucky to serve on the Armed Services Committee because I thought it was the most bipartisan committee in Congress.  We, over at least the last four years, have been unified in making sure that our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to keep themselves and our nation safe. And that’s why today I find myself very confused and disappointed by the comments made on the floor. This is the National Defense Authorization Act, whose sole purpose is to provide for the common defense.”

 

Congressman Joe Heck represents Nevada’s Third Congressional District in the House of Representatives. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.