Hoeven: Senate Effort to Bring Defense Appropriations Bill to Floor Blocked, Military Construction/VA Bill Advances

Press Release

Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the Defense Appropriations bill was blocked and failed to get the 60 votes necessary to bring it to the floor for debate and amendments. The legislation funds the U.S. Department of Defense for national security needs, military operations abroad, and other important resources for the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families.

Following the Defense Appropriations vote, the Senate advanced to the floor the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill, also an important measure for our military. The legislation funds the construction and maintenance of the nation's armed forces and provides services to our veterans, service members and National Guard members.

"Today, we tried once again to bring the Defense Appropriations Bill to the Senate floor for debate and amendments, but it was again blocked by our colleagues across the aisle. That's unfortunate because the measure includes important provisions for the nation's defenses, as well as for North Dakota.

"These include resources to support the Nuclear Force Improvement Program, replace the Minuteman III missile, modernize the B-52 bomber, retain the Global Hawk and conduct research on unmanned aerial systems. The measure also includes funding to support our National Guard. Because we host both Minot Air Force Base and Grand Forks Air Force Base, this is a very important bill for North Dakota, as well as the nation.

"While today's effort fell short, this is an important bill for our country and our state, and I believe that we will ultimately get the necessary votes to pass it.

"On a positive note, the Senate was able to advance the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriation bill for Fiscal Year 2016. The measure provides our veterans, service members and National Guard with the resources they need to defend our country, and also funds the construction and maintenance of the nation's armed forces. That includes the North Dakota Air National Guard's Intelligence Targeting Facility in Fargo."

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