Wilson Statement on Committee Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC) issued the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee completed the markup of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2013.

"This Administration has placed a target on the Department of Defense as a source of discretionary spending to be cut in order to shift to other programs. Over the past few months, House Armed Services Chairman Buck McKeon has tirelessly worked to put together a bipartisan bill preventing the President's suggested cuts from occurring while ensuring fiscal responsibility to protect those who serve, military families, and veterans.

With the passage of this bill, as Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, I am pleased that the Committee has rejected the Administration's proposal to unfairly increase TRICARE enrollment fees for veterans and their families. Our military families have dedicated their lives to serve our country and deserve the care they have earned. It is our responsibility to protect the brave men and women in uniform who have fought to protect us.

Additionally, the bill provides leave time for our military personnel who choose to adopt a child. As an adoptive parent myself, I am familiar with the challenges the adoption process possess. I am encouraged to see that these individuals are given the same opportunity as those who have children naturally.

I look forward to working with Chairman Buck McKeon and other colleagues to ensure the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act."