Thornberry calls on Obama to sign revised defense-spending bill

U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry’s (R-TX) National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2016 cleared the House late last week, clearing the way for it to be signed into law by the president.  

The bill approves spending for a host of defense programs, including military members’ pay and benefits, and contains several measures involving resources and procedures on terror detainees, the fight against ISIS and Russian aggression.

“This year’s National Defense Authorization Act provides the resources our troops need for a strong national defense, and it does so in a fiscally responsible way while also reforming the way the military does business and cares for the troops,” Thornberry said.

President Obama vetoed a previous version of the bill last month after citing concerns over funding mechanisms in the bill. The revised bill, which also has Senate approval, now returns to Obama’s desk.

Thornberry said that for 53 consecutive years, both parties in Congress have passed and presidents of both parties have signed defense authorization bills into law.

“The president should sign this bill and pledge to never again use our troops as political bargaining chips,” Thornberry said.