November 05, 2015

CASTRO STATEMENT ON BIPARTISAN PASSAGE OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION CONFERENCE AGREEMENT

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after voting in favor of S. 1356, Revised National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Agreement: 
 
"Today, I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass a revised NDAA funding the Department of Defense in FY2016. Though this legislation is imperfect, it puts forward a responsible budget to strengthen our defenses, support our troops, and protect the safety of the American people. Democrats and Republicans came together to create this compromise package, and I voted for its passage in the interests of all those whom I represent in Military City USA. 

"Certain provisions in this revised bill particularly aligned with the feedback and priorities San Antonians have shared with me. For example, the NDAA prohibits the Department of Defense from conducting an additional round of Base Realignment and Closure, or BRAC. It also includes a much-deserved pay increase for our men and women in uniform that helps U.S. military families around the world. The bill requires the government to examine the impact DACA has on military readiness and the role DREAMers play in our armed forces. And the legislation also includes reforms to protect service members from predatory lenders and their unfair practices that threaten our soldiers' financial stability.  

"Today, the House carried out one of Congress' most important and fundamental responsibilities by voting in a bipartisan way to provide for our nation's defense. While I am glad and relieved that both parties worked together to put our national security before politics, I remain convinced that we can do better in the future. I will continue to push for funding legislation that bolsters our defenses, supports our military and their families, maintains fiscal responsibility, and upholds our nation's most precious principles and ideals."
 
S. 1356 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 370 to 58.

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