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Wilson Statement on the Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act

December 4, 2014

(Washington, DC) – Chairman Joe Wilson of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel issued the following statement upon the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015.

"The passage of today's bill is additional proof that the House and Senate can work together to achieve positive change in Washington. Although it's not perfect, we succeeded in allocating necessary resources to our brave men and women in uniform, military families and veterans so that our national security remains intact. As threats to America increase and instability grows around the globe, providing for our military should be made a top priority to deter violence and promote peace through strength."

Highlights of the bill:

·Awards the Purple Heart to members of the Armed Forces, like those at Fort Hood, who were wounded or killed in domestic terrorist attacks on our home soil

·Mandates new criminal sexual assault reforms to prevent future crimes from occurring and offer support to victims in need; Additional behavioral and psychological health programs will be made available to address and prevent military suicides

·House and Senate leaders worked together to protect our military families and veteran's TRICARE and Basic Housing Allowance benefits they have earned and deserve by selflessly serving our country

·Prohibits the transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States and prevents construction of terrorist detention facilities at home

·Supports operations to promote peace in the Middle East by supporting our allies in the region

·Allocates adequate resources for the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility (MOX), a vital national security project located at the Savannah River Site, to ensure it remains on track to completion

·Maintains National Guard readiness and capabilities remain intact by preventing the transfer of National Guard helicopters in FY15 – Congressman Wilson worked on a bipartisan amendment when the NDAA was in Committee to insert this language into the bill. Our release for this amendment can be found here.

*Congressman Wilson also gave a floor speech today in support of the bill. Video can be found here.