Barr Votes to Improve Military Readiness

Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) today voted in favor of the Conference report to H.R. 4909, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017.  The NDAA is the primary way Congress meets its most important constitutional obligation to provide for the common defense. 

The legislation stops the recent drawdown of the Armed Forces and makes investments to improve military readiness.  NDAA authorizes funds to support military operations abroad, includes a 2.1 percent pay increase for our troops, strengthens military health care services, and prohibits the closure of the terrorist detention center at Guantanamo Bay.

“Passage of this National Defense Authorization Act marks a turning point by improving military readiness and by making the investments we need to keep the American people safe and to fully support our troops at home and abroad,” said Congressman Barr.  “This legislation also gives our troops a well-deserved pay increase and, importantly, blocks President Obama from closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay and from transferring terrorists to the United States.”

The NDAA includes increased funding for depots including the Blue Grass Army Depot in Madison County, Kentucky.  The bill also includes a provision supported by Congressman Barr that authorizes the purchase of enhanced body armor.  The 3M Company in Lexington, Kentucky, with 235 employees, produces much of this body armor to keep our troops safe.