Pittenger votes to increase military readiness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER VOTES TO INCREASE MILITARY READINESS, REVERSE TREND OF REDUCING TROOP STRENGTH

WASHINGTON – In fulfillment of his Constitutional obligation to “provide for the common defense,” Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) tonight joined a bipartisan majority to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (H.R. 4909).

“America faces serious threats from radical Islamist terrorism, President Obama’s decision to give Iran a clear path to nuclear weapons, and increasingly hostile action from Russia, China, and North Korea,” said Congressman Pittenger, Chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare.

“At the same time, the U.S. Army is at its lowest levels since before World War Two.  Marine Corps pilots who need 10 hours of training per month receive only four.  President Obama is not investing in missile defense.

“Today’s bipartisan vote begins to reverse the dangerous reduction in military strength, invests in modern equipment and adequate maintenance, and provides the brave men and women who risk their lives in defense of our freedom their first pay raise in three years.”

The NDAA, which passed tonight by a bipartisan vote of 277-147 provides $574 billion for national defense, including:
 

• Blocks further cuts to U.S. Army troop levels, adding 3,000 Marines and 4,000 Airmen
• Provides 2.1% pay raise for military, blocks President’s ability to reduce troop pay
• Funds vital equipment needs, including missile defense and addressing a critical shortage in fighter aircraft
• Increases funding for critical maintenance needs to make sure the equipment we already have is ready for combat
• Improves military healthcare by simplifying TRICARE options and increases access to urgent care and primary care clinics.
• Provides an additional $900 million, for a total of $6.7 billion, to address cyber security
• Supports military airlift needs by modernizing 172 C-130 aircraft operated by the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve

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