Walorski Makes Statement On House Passage Of NDAA
Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after H.R. 1735 the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 passed the House by a vote of 269-151. The legislation fulfills Congress’s constitutional obligation to provide for the common defense, includes a number of key reforms for military operations across the nation, and enables Indiana to continue to play a critical role in our national security:
“I am honored to show my support for our men and women in uniform by ensuring they have vital resources necessary to continue to keep American families safe and secure,” Walorski said. “The NDAA is the single largest authorization bill that Congress considers and one of my most significant accomplishments each year.”
“Two of my amendments were added in the final legislation including bipartisan support to protect our national security by imposing greater restrictions on transferring terrorists from Guantanamo Bay as well as giving Congress additional oversight over our military and foreign policy in the Middle East in light of the many issues surrounding our nuclear negotiations with Iran.
“I continued to fight for Hoosier priorities and helped secure funding opportunities for Indiana that will protect our national security. Included in the final bill are funds for the Air Force’s new KC-46A tanker, which the Secretary of the Air Force is currently considering basing at Grissom Air Force Base. In addition, funding was included for the 14,000 Hoosiers that makeup the Indiana National Guard. Finally, the bill fully funds the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program, a much-needed new vehicle for our Army and Marines that has the potential to make a huge impact in Indiana’s Second Congressional District.
“My colleagues on the Armed Services Committee should be proud of their work to allow the United States to respond to emerging threats and challenges while giving our troops the tools and training they need and the support they and their families deserve. I urge the Senate to pass this bill quickly.”
Highlights Of Walorski Provisions Included In FY 2016 NDAA:
- Impose greater restrictions on transferring terrorists from Guantanamo Bay
The House voted with bipartisan support to include in the final bill Walorski’s amendment to prohibit Guantanamo detainees from coming to the U.S. for two years, prohibit detainees from being transferred to Yemen for two years, and prohibit transfers of detainees that the president’s own task force determined too dangerous to transfer.
- Prevent the Department of Defense or State Department from entering into new security agreements until those plans have been shared with Congress
The House voted to adopt Walorski’s amendment to extend congressional oversight over any additional security guarantees associated with Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Israel and our other regional allies have every right to be gravely concerned about what’s currently being proposed by the Administration. Congress absolutely must have a say before any significant changes are made to our nuclear or conventional military and foreign policy in the Middle East.