Fischer Votes to Strengthen Defense with 2016 NDAA

Press Release

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities (ETC), voted today in favor of advancing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016. This annual legislation, which contains a number of amendments and provisions authored by Fischer, authorizes defense spending and sets the policy and priorities for our military, including authorization to fully fund STRATCOM's operations.

Senator Fischer released the following statement:

"This year, we have produced a bipartisan bill that will help ensure our military is prepared to face any threat. As the dangers throughout our world continue to evolve, we have targeted areas that need additional support while making changes to outdated and inefficient programs.

"Within the jurisdiction of the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, the FY 2016 NDAA supports the needs of our warfighters by authorizing $8.1 billion for Special Operations Command. In the area of cybersecurity, we have codified the Department of Defense's role and provided additional funding for some of Cyber Command's highest priorities. Additionally, we have provided $200 million for the services to assess the cyber vulnerabilities of their new and legacy weapons systems.

"The NDAA fully funds STRATCOM's operations and increases funding in support of its mission. It also includes the $21 million requested by the Air Force for a new dormitory at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. I'm proud to support this year's proposal and will continue to ensure the brave men and women of our armed services have the tools they need to protect the United States and ensure our strength leads to peace at home and abroad."

ETC Subcommittee: Chairman Fischer worked to include language that supports the needs of our warfighters, addresses cyber vulnerabilities, and promotes the next generation of technology to ensure our military's continued advantage. Below are key ETC provisions of the FY 2016 NDAA:

Authorizes $8.1 billion for U.S. Special Operations Command and identifies significant savings, which are used to meet unfunded requirements of both Southern Command and Special Operations Command.

Increases funding by $15 million to help address technology gaps identified by Special Operations Command in its unmanned aerial vehicle fleet.

Authorizes an increase of $30 million to support Southern Command's monitoring and interdiction operations in Central America.

Codifies the Department of Defense's (DOD) role in defending the nation in cyberspace, and provides additional funding for key Cyber Command priorities.

Adds $200 million for services to assess the cyber vulnerabilities of Cyber Command's new and legacy weapons systems.

Reauthorizes key assistance and training programs at DOD to help build partner capacity, and provides new authority to conduct similar efforts to build the intelligence capabilities of our partners.

Identifies over $100 million in savings by eliminating inefficiencies, reducing redundancies, and terminating outdated efforts. These cuts are reinvested in higher priority areas, including warfighter requirements.

Takes the first step forward to support the DOD's technology offset initiative by creating a $400 million fund for the development of the next generation of battlefield tools.

STRATCOM: The FY2016 NDAA fully funds Strategic Command's operations and increases funding in support of the command's critical mission. It also authorizes $21 million for a new dormitory at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.

Responsible DOD Staff Budget: As our military continues to shrink, the size of headquarters staff must come down as well. The full committee bill makes targeted cuts to DOD headquarters staff budgets to ensure responsible and effective use of taxpayer dollars. Senator Fischer questioned Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on this issue during his confirmation hearing earlier this year.

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