Jackie Walorski discusses impact of NDAA

After the U.S. House passed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 (NDAA) last week, Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) praised her fellow members of the House Armed Services Committee for their work on the legislation.

“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,” Walorski concluded. “I urge the Senate to pass this bill quickly.”

House members passed the measure by a vote of 269-151.

“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.”

The bill authorizes more than $612 billion in funding for military operations, and develops a number of programs to serve members of the military and veterans. Walorski authored two amendments that were included in the final draft of the legislation. Her amendments impose greater restrictions on the transfer of terrorist prisoners from Guantanamo Bay, and prevent the Department of Defense or State Department from entering into any security agreements with foreign nations without Congressional approval.

Additionally, Walorski served the economy and military presence of her home state well by working to secure opportunities for Indiana to host several operations for defense equipment.

“I continued to fight for Hoosier priorities and helped secure funding opportunities for Indiana that will protect our national security,” she added. “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 make up 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.”