Post by bot on Dec 4, 2016 19:58:21 GMT -5
Hoyer Statement on Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017:
“I’m glad to support this defense authorization bill, which includes important provisions to strengthen our military so it will continue to be well prepared to meet the global security challenges of the twenty-first century. Ranking Member Adam Smith and Armed Services Committee Democrats deserve great credit for their hard work to make this bill stronger and bipartisan.
“I do share, however, in the Ranking Member’s disappointment that this bill continues to impose restrictions on closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. It has become a policy on autopilot – one that should have been disengaged years ago and that jeopardizes the safety of our troops by providing a potent propaganda recruiting tool for terrorists. The continued detention of these individuals in perpetual legal limbo also undermines our nation’s commitment to the values of justice and due process under law. I also believe Congress has a duty, either in this bill or separate legislation, to provide the same pay raise in 2017 for military personnel serving in non-combat areas and federal civilian employees stationed both at the Defense Department and at other federal agencies. All those serving in defense of our nation – military and civilian – ought to receive the compensation they deserve. Furthermore, the level of funding authorized for the Overseas Contingency Operations account makes it all the more critical that the Continuing Resolution expected next week adhere to the longstanding principle of parity between defense and non-defense on any changes to discretionary funding levels.
“In spite of those concerns, this bill will help ensure that our troops have the tools they need to carry out their missions safely and effectively, which is why I voted for it today. Supporting our men and women in uniform must be a bipartisan enterprise, and I hope we can continue to work together to keep America safe.”