Hudson Praises Passage of Critical Defense Bill, Including Sexual Assault Prevention

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 14, 2013

Hudson Praises Passage of Critical Defense Bill, Including Sexual Assault Prevention

WASHINGTON-This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act. U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) released the following statement praising its passage:

“The National Defense Authorization Act is an important step to ensuring that we support our troops with the resources they need, and that we do so in a cost-effective and resourceful manner. This legislation reflects the priorities of funding a strong national defense and minimizing the burden on the taxpayer, while also maintaining our ability to take the fight to the enemy. In addition, it takes significant steps to combat the issue of sexual assault within the military and to ensure both that victims are cared for and that perpetrators are brought to justice and held accountable.”

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 does the following:

· Authorizes funding at $552.1 billion for the Base Budget and $85.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations

· Is consistent with the House-passed budget

· Includes a 1.8% increase in troop pay

· Rejects the Administration’s proposal to increase TRICARE fees

· Combats sexual assault

· Restores vital readiness accounts to cover underfunded combat operations

· Prohibits another round of BRAC

· Restricts the removal of missile defense hardware

· Provides additional funding for Guard and Reserve equipment

· Prohibits the transfer of GITMO detainees to the U.S.

· Places restrictions on funding to Pakistan

· Requires reports from the Department of Defense on Benghazi

· Expresses a sense of Congress that the President’s “red lines” on Syria be enforced

· Recognizes the continued threat posed by Iran and extends the North Korea Military Power Report through 2017

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