Cramer Statement on Veto of National Defense Authorization Act

Press Release

Congressman Kevin Cramer made the following statement after President Obama vetoed H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2016. The conferenced bill passed the House on Oct. 1 by a vote of 270 to 156. It included an amendment co-sponsored by Cramer when the bill passed the House in May prohibiting funds from being expended to reduce, or prepare to reduce the responsiveness or alert level of U.S. intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM).

"It is unconscionable the President, the Commander In Chief of our military, would veto the bill authorizing our most fundamental constitutional responsibility. While our world is confronted by a resurgent and aggressive Russia and China not to mention the Islamic State, Barack Obama places a higher priority on releasing billions of dollars to Iran than providing pay increases for our armed forces and their families. This veto is an insult to the brave men and women he is obligated to command and I will do all I can to convince as many of my colleagues to override this injustice."

During the debate on passage of the NDAA in May, Congressman Cramer gave a floor speech on the importance of his Nuclear Alert Status Amendment.

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