Turner Fights for Southwest Ohio and Wright Patterson AFB in FY 2017 NDAA

Statement

Congressman Mike Turner, Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, released the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee marked up the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

"The FY2017 NDAA provides our men and women in uniform with the resources needed to keep Americans safe at home and abroad. As our nation continues to address some of the most complex security challenges in recent history, we must ensure our military can meet those threats head on.

"Additionally, I am proud of the steps we are taking to protect the responsiveness of our national defense capabilities and provide the necessary resources to modernize our military to combat future threats."

The FY2017 NDAA also includes the provisions of the Prevent Retaliation and Open Transparency to Expand Care for Troops (PROTECT) Act which calls for increased transparency in the military justice system, greater protection for survivors and witnesses from retaliation, better survivor access to court information, and an increased focus on treatment for male survivors of sexual assault. Both Congressman Turner and Congresswoman Tsongas, co-chairs of the Military Sexual Assault and Prevention Caucus, introduced the PROTECT Act earlier this year.

"The PROTECT Act works to increase transparency and protect survivors and those affected by this crime. Our servicemen and women sacrifice so much for our country and they deserve to know they are protected against the retaliation that often coincides with this crime" said Rep. Turner. "Rep. Tsongas and I have worked together over the years to fight for those who need it most and I appreciate her ongoing dedication to our nation's military."

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