Veasey Statement on FY17 NDAA Mark-Up

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, member of the House Armed Service Committee (HASC), released the following statement after the completion of a 14 hour full committee mark-up for H.R. 4909, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017, that passed with a 60-2 vote:

“Each year, the House Armed Service Committee (HASC) is responsible with crafting our nation’s military budget in the best interest of our national security, service members, and veterans. While no bill is perfect and there are important provisions I disagree with, this bill does meet these goals and includes several provisions I strongly support, including funding for national security programs that are critical for the DFW Metroplex.

I am proud to support funding for eleven additional F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircrafts, an increase that was accepted at my request, and an additional $189 million for the continued production of the V-22 Osprey that will equip our troops with the latest technology and strengthen our local economy. My amendments to reevaluate the physical fitness tests used by the armed forces and study the feasibility of providing acupuncture and chiropractic services to veterans as an alternative to opiate pain management treatment were also successfully included.

I am disappointed that my amendments to broaden promotion opportunities for legal permanent residents serving in the armed forces and to expand the U.S. military service academy application process to patriotic DREAMers were not supported by my HASC Republican colleagues. Both efforts would have provided an additional pool of qualified candidates for officer positions, increased the diversity among military leadership, and afforded immigrants the opportunity to serve their country in an increased capacity.

The current bill also resorts to bad tactics to fund our troops instead of lifting sequester caps. Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funds are being used as a substitute for funding the shortfall in the Pentagon’s budget which leaves our service members without the necessary resources halfway into the year. At such a critical time for global security, it is irresponsible to leave our troops without the resources they need to complete their duties. Also, the adoption of measures that leave LGBT federal contractors vulnerable to discrimination and allow the continued presence of the Confederate flag at South Carolina’s Citadel have no place in the defense authorization act.

I will continue to advocate for an end to sequestration once and for all as NDAA moves to the floor and on to conference. The fiscal fate of our military operations, national security, and support for our service members, veterans and their families is too important to be left to partisan politics.”