Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act

Floor Speech

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the National Defense Authorization Act and to call on Congress to come together and pass this important bill so that our troops have the support they need to succeed in the field and so that our military commanders and policymakers have the certainty they need to conduct our Nation's national security affairs.

This year's NDAA has already been voted on by the House, passing with bipartisan support.

In addition to keeping troops adequately equipped and trained, this year's legislation also includes a piece of legislation called the Medical Evaluation Parity for Service Members Act, or MEPS Act, which is a bill I introduced that will help our military move toward a more comprehensive and effective approach to suicide prevention and detection.

While our military has made great strides to address issues of mental illness, it is tragic events such as those at Fort Hood that remind us we must do better.

Madam Speaker, I am calling on the Senate to move forward on this legislation so that we can fulfill our commitment to those who serve in uniform. They deserve as much.

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