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Ellmers Supports Critical Defense Legislation

Rep. Ellmers Voted on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 that Will Provide Essential Funding for Fort Bragg, Boost Military Readiness and Increase Troop Pay

Washington, May 18, 2016 | comments
 
Tonight, Rep. Ellmers spoke on the House floor regarding her amendment
to the NDAA which will hold the Air Force accountable for any negative
impact to paratrooper training as a result of deactivating the
440th Airlift Wing. Click here to see the full video.

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC-02) released the following statement after voting on H.R. 4909, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017.

“The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) allocates critical funding for our service men and women, including those located at Fort Bragg who will be deploying overseas this summer to lead the fight against ISIS.”

“This year’s NDAA authorizes $18 billion more than was provided in President Obama’s budget request, which will allow for the U.S. to restore gaps in military readiness, strengthen the size of our armed forces, and provide necessary upgrades to equipment and facilities. Additionally, this bill fully funds the much-needed 2.1 percent pay raise our troops deserve while blocking the president’s authority to reduce troop pay.”

“I was also very proud to have an amendment included in the NDAA that requires the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force to report the level of air support provided to Fort Bragg in lieu of the 440th Airlift Wing (AW). This amendment is essential to holding the Air Force accountable should there be any negative impact on training for paratroopers as a result of their regrettable decision to deactivate the 440th AW.”

Background:

Click here to read the Ellmers-Hudson amendment. This amendment requires the Secretary of the Air Force and the Secretary of the Army to report the number of jumps conducted at Fort Bragg and to evaluate the level of air support provided by the Air Force. These quarterly reports should be submitted to both the House and Senate Armed Services Committee.

A 16-page Summary of the NDAA as provided by the House Armed Services Committee can be found here. It includes highlights of the Fiscal Year 2017 NDAA as they impact Fort Bragg and other military bases.