Wilson Statement on Passage of Defense Authorization Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2007

CONTACT: Ryan Murphy
(202) 225-2452 (Office)
(202) 689-4825 (Cell)

Wilson Statement on Passage of
Defense Authorization Bill

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Conference Report for H.R. 1585, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, by a vote of 370 to 49 (Roll Call 1151). Congressman Wilson supported the final report.

“The defense of this nation is our primary responsibility, and the brave men and women who serve in uniform deserve a Congress that is as committed to those efforts. I am pleased that we were able to craft legislation that will serve the needs of our military.

“With so many National Guard soldiers fighting on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan, I am grateful that the Guard will be receiving its due recognition in this bill. Under the National Guard Empowerment Act included in this legislation, Congress has authorized a fourth star for the Chief of the National Guard Bureau and mandated that at least one deputy of the Northern Command will be an officer of the National Guard.

“To better protect our soldiers from roadside bombs and other deadly tactics in Iraq and Afghanistan, this conference report will include $17.6 billion for mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles that have already proven successful on the battlefield.

“Thanks to Republican action, language in this conference report confirms that the aim of Congress is not to leave behind a failed Iraqi state where safe havens for terrorists would threaten American families. Our military should be able to count on our unwavering support for the fight in which they are engaged. By declaring with one voice that we are invested in success in Iraq, we will send a message to our enemies and our allies that America understands its commitments and the serious nature of our engagements.”

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