Contact: Jessica Mancari (202) 225-6365

Forbes Statement on Passage of Annual Defense Policy Bill

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Washington, May 28 - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) released the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act of 2010:

“Now more than ever, with American long-term priorities in flux and vital national interests at stake, it is imperative that Congress get this defense bill right. This bill appropriately honors the daily sacrifices of our men and women in uniform by providing resources necessary to complete the missions required of them and includes of a number of provisions to strengthen our national security.

"While I applaud the House for passing my motion to prevent the transfer of terrorists from Guantanamo Bay to the United States, I simply cannot support a bill that places a social agenda above our first priority to defend America. Especially at a time when we are at facing the instability that comes with war and tight budget constraints, we should not make a decision on the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy until the Department of Defense has performed its study and provided its report on the possible impacts it might have on military readiness.”

The bill passed the House by a vote of 229 -186. Congressman Forbes is Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee.