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Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017

Floor Speech

By: Tom Cole
By: Tom Cole
Date: June 14, 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Foreign Affairs

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Mr. COLE. Mr. Chair, H.R. 5293 is key to funding our country's national security programs and provides for the essential needs of our military.

Just as our military service members answer the call to defend the United States, so too should Americans always prioritize the funding they need to be successful in whatever mission they are tasked with. I am proud to support this bill and the important funding it provides for our Nation's military, security, and our courageous men and women in uniform.

This bill makes difficult budgetary choices but includes funding for safety, security, and the ongoing success of our service members and their families. Our armed forces will stay prepared, safe and trained to fight.

The legislation addresses not only current threats but instability in the Middle East, Russian aggression in the Ukraine and Baltic, and changing relationships in the Pacific.

Specifically, the bill provides $517.1 billion, an increase of $3 billion above last year's level, and $58.6 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) funding--the level allowed under current law.

$219 billion is included for operations and maintenance, which provides for readiness programs that prepare our troops for combat and peacetime missions.

An effective military, one that is well equipped and well trained, is indispensable to the common defense of our country and is in the best interest of all Americans.

I thank the Chairman for his outstanding leadership, appreciate the Ranking member's common commitment to work in a bipartisan manner and fund our military and intelligence community as they remain engaged in responding to instability abroad.

I has perhaps never been more urgent to invest in the future of our military and renew our ability to project power.

The funding levels in this bill will ensure our military remains the most capable, prepared, and exceptional armed force anywhere in the world.

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