U.S. Reps. Gibson, Katko, Stefanik: NDAA Vital to Our Region

Press Release

U.S. Representatives Chris Gibson (NY-19), John Katko (NY-24,) and Elise Stefanik (NY-21) today released the following statement voicing their support for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2016:

"The President has issued a veto threat and continues to use the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) as a bargaining chip to increase spending. We came to Congress to fight through precisely this type of gridlock.

"As representatives for Central and Upstate New York in Congress, we urge the President to reconsider his veto threat and to sign the defense bill into law.

"At a time when the United States faces a new age of ever-evolving threats at home and abroad, the NDAA authorizes funding to increase pay for service members and ensure that our military has the modern resources and support necessary to provide for the safety of our nation. From weapon systems that protect our men and women in uniform, to funding electric bills on base -- this bill represents everything the Department of Defense needs to keep Americans safe. Among the provisions are benefits for service members who currently receive no retirement, increased protections against sexual assault, and assistance to our foreign allies.

"Upstate New York is home to Fort Drum and the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field. By failing to fund the Department of Defense, President Obama puts Fort Drum, New York's largest single-site employer and one of the largest training bases in the U.S., at tremendous risk. A veto would also jeopardize the 174th Attack Wing, one of only three Formal Training Units for unmanned aircraft. In total, these bases contribute over one billion dollars annually to our region's economy. That economic impact could abruptly end.

"What's more, many Upstate New York industries rely on defense dollars to keep their facilities open and large numbers of our constituents employed. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Harris Corp., Saab-Sensis, and SRC would be faced with the cold reality of the need to layoff valuable employees.

"It is clear that a veto of this bill would not only put our national security at risk, but that it could irreversibly harm our regional economy.

"This bill includes dollar-for-dollar what the President requested at the beginning of the year. Yet, the President has threated a veto. He continues to push an ambiguous foreign policy that alienates our closest allies and fails to adequately fund the Department of Defense. A veto of this bill would prevent pay and healthcare for our nation's service members and force private sector companies to potentially lay-off thousands of workers. The President's disregard for this legislation jeopardizes our service members around the world and here at home.

"The federal government has no greater responsibility than providing for the common defense of U.S. citizens. We believe that it is imperative that the President -- our Commander in Chief -- stop playing partisan politics with our country's national security and move quickly to sign this critical legislation into law.

Congressman Chris Gibson represents the 19th Congressional District of New York and serves on the House Armed Services Committee. During his 24-year career in the U.S. Army, which included service at Fort Drum, Congressman Gibson deployed seven times and rose to the rank of Colonel. Congressman John Katko represents the 24th Congressional District of New York, and serves on the House Committee on Homeland Security where he chairs the Subcommittee on Transportation Security. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik represents the 21st Congressional District of New York is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and Vice Chair for the Subcommittee on Readiness. She was the sole freshman negotiator on the bipartisan, bicameral NDAA conference committee.

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