Washington, DC – Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) released the following statement today after the House Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2016 Defense Appropriations Bill:

“Our men and women in uniform fight to protect our nation, and it’s our job to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to do their job.  In South Mississippi we are a military community, so we know the value and importance of protecting our military assets.  The world isn’t getting any safer and unfortunately this president’s leadership, or lack thereof, has put our country in a position where our friends don’t trust us and our enemies don’t fear us.  Approving this bill today to fund our military was the right thing to do, and it sends a clear message that the common defense of our nation remains our number one priority in Congress.  We stand united and prepared to do our part in supporting a strong national defense today, tomorrow, and in the future.”

The FY16 Defense Appropriations bill provides $578.6 billion to fund our military operations, readiness, and health and safety programs, an increase of $24.4 billion.  Of those funds $88.4 billion are directed towards  the Global War on Terrorism in order to provide resources and meet operational needs.  The bill continues to recognize the National Guard border patrol missions as a priority and includes a 2.3 percent pay increase for our troops.  It also includes provisions directly affecting our military assets in South Mississippi including the continued funding of an amphibious assault ship to be built in Pascagoula and continues the freeze on the movement of Guard Apache helicopters out of Mississippi.