Rep. Veasey Submits Statement on Revised NDAA FY 16 Vote

Washington, D.C. – Unable to change his vote on H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (NDAA), Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, submitted a statement to be inserted in the Congressional Record stating that while he voted "no," he intended to vote "yes" on the NDAA conference report.

"While no bill is perfect, and there are some provisions that I disagree with, my vote was intended to be in support of the Conference Report to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (NDAA).

This legislation serves particular importance to the local economy in the DFW Metroplex as it will continue to fund vital security programs. This bill includes numerous provisions that I strongly support, such as increased funding for Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, an increase that was accepted at my request, and a long overdue increase in military pay for our troops. In addition, the bill contains a prohibition on conducting another round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) that could harm Texas military installations.

I strongly believe we must eliminate sequestration and enact a long-term, comprehensive budget deal instead of misusing $38.3 billion in overseas contingency operations (OCO) funding to circumvent the defense cap that continues to affect military operations here at home and abroad."