National Security and Defense
Our all-volunteer military is the greatest fighting force the world has ever known and is the envy of the globe. In Congress, we have a responsibility to provide our defense agencies and soldiers with the resources they need to protect our country and support our allies. Supporting our nation’s military also means that ensuring that the brave men and women of our armed forced receive the support they deserve.
In the 21st century, threats to our nation’s security come in a variety of forms and we must continue to be vigilant against terrorism. In addition to traditional defense measures, cyber-security and bio-defense, including the important work done in Maryland at facilities like Fort Detrick is absolutely essential.
I voted to provide critical funding for defense operations and included a much-deserved 1.8% pay increase for military personnel in the 2014 Defense Appropriations Bill, which also included new initiatives to prevent sexual assault in the military.
During debate of the Defense Appropriations Bill, I offered an amendment to increase funding for Fisher House, which provides free lodging near hospitals for military families when servicemen and veterans are receiving care. My amendment increased funding from $4 million to $20 million and will allow four new Fisher Houses to be built across the country. These new houses are owned and operated by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and will allow approximately 2,000 additional military families per year to stay with their heroes in their time of need at the hospital.
More on National Security and Defense
WASHINGTON- Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) led a bipartisan letter to President Obama imploring the administration to impose sanctions in response to Iran’s multiple violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions. The letter also disputes Iran’s claim that changes to the Visa Waiver Program are a violation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), better known as the Iran Nuclear Deal.
WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives voted on legislation to approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran (JCPOA), a potential nuclear arms agreement between Iran and China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) releases the following statement:
WASHINGTON – Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) joined seven colleagues from the National Capital Region in cosponsoring legislation from Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton to provide free lifetime identity theft protection coverage to more than 22.1 million current, former and prospective federal employees whose personnel data has been compromised by widespread Office of Personnel Management (OPM) data breaches. The RECOVER Act (Reducing the Effects of the Cyberattack on OPM Victims Emergency Response Act of 2015) includes identity theft insurance for losses up to $5 million.
WASHINGTON – In an announcement at the White House, President Obama outlined changes to U.S. hostage policy designed to improve operations, rescue efforts and communication with families. The executive order signed by the President includes reforms that mirror legislation filed by Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) in May to create a Hostage Czar following the death of Delaney’s constituent, Dr. Warren Weinstein. Delaney attended President Obama’s announcement.
WASHINGTON – The House has passed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act (H.R. 2685) for fiscal year 2016. The appropriations bill included an amendment by Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) increasing funding for the Fisher House Foundation. Fisher House provides free housing near hospitals for military and veterans’ families.
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, June 10, Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) introduced an amendment to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act (H.R. 2685) increasing funding for the Fisher House Foundation, which provides free housing near hospitals for military and veterans’ families.
The Delaney amendment, which increases Fisher House funding from $5 to $10 million, passed the House by voice vote and will be included in the House-version of the underlying appropriations bill. A vote on final passage of the full bill is expected this week.
WASHINGTON - May 16th is Armed Forces Day recognizing American service members for their work and commemorating the unification of the United States Armed Forces in 1950.
Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) releases the following statement:
House Passes Defense Legislation Containing Delaney Amendment to Improve Hostage Recovery Operations
WASHINGTON – The House has passed the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1735), legislation that includes an amendment by Rep. John K. Delaney (MD-6) to improve U.S. hostage recovery operations and improve communication with families. Authored by Delaney and Rep. Duncan Hunter (CA-50) the Delaney-Hunter amendment passed the House Thursday night.
WASHINGTON – Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) and Congressman Duncan Hunter (CA-50) have introduced a measure to create a new Interagency Hostage Recovery Coordinator to direct hostage rescue efforts, lead a fusion cell and improve communication with families. The Delaney-Hunter amendment was successfully added to the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1735) during floor proceedings Thursday, passing by voice vote.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman John Delaney have introduced resolutions with Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (All D-Md.) to honor the memory of Dr. Warren Weinstein, a Marylander who died while being held hostage by al-Qaeda in Pakistan. His death, caused by an American strike on an al-Qaeda target, was a personal loss for Cardin, Mikulski and Delaney, who all worked tirelessly to bring their constituent back to his family in Rockville.