Cassidy Statement on Senate Passage of Bill to Fund US Military

WASHINGTON— US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) released the following statement on the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the US Senate:

“In this time of turmoil in the Middle East, with the growing threat of organizations such as ISIS, now more than ever we need to support our troops.”

A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Dr. Cassidy worked with the Armed Services Committee to adopt a provision in the NDAA awarding the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant Joseph Verbis LaFleur of Opelousas, Louisiana. The award, which has the support of the Pentagon, is expected to be adopted into the NDAA Conference Report with the US House of Representatives.

The NDAA passed out of the Armed Services Committee with bipartisan support and meets the funding level the president requested in his fiscal year 2017 budget. Despite this, the president has threatened to veto it.

Background

• Provides for the personnel and equipment necessary to combat ISIS and other threats around the world.

• Authorizes increases to combat pay and troop pay.

• Contains the first major update to Pentagon organization in 30 years, with the goal of prioritizing innovation and improving the development and execution of defense strategy.

• Contains sweeping reforms necessary to harness American innovation and preserve our military’s technological edge.

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