Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act of 2014 & National Defense Authorization Act of 2015

Floor Speech

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Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, which provides our men and women in uniform the equipment and training they need to get their jobs done. I wish to thank my esteemed colleague and ranking member from Guam, Madeleine Bordallo, and all the members of the subcommittee for their great efforts.

Mr. Speaker, this bill accomplishes three important national security and military readiness imperatives. First, it prohibits DOD from conducting another base realignment and closure round at a time when our national security strategy is in flux, our requirements uncertain, and the future unclear. We have asked the military to simultaneously draw down operations in Afghanistan, build partnership capacity in the Asia Pacific, and execute operations in Iraq. We should not divert their attention away from these important missions to pursue ill-advised objectives driven by budgets rather than sound strategy.

Second, we have increased funding to more than $1 billion to pay for critical operation and maintenance activities, including depot maintenance, ship and aircraft sustainment, and basic and advanced training for our troops. This bill also funds the refueling and overhaul of CVN 73, National Guard training center rotations lost due to sequestration, critically needed upgrades for our training ranges, long overdue military construction projects, and delayed facility sustainment and modernization requirements.

Finally, this bill funds our Nation's most pressing missions, including those focused on support for our European allies against increasing Russian aggression and fighting ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

As I close I wish to join my colleagues in congratulating Chairman McKeon for getting this bill across the finish line and for his exemplary service to our soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen.

Mr. Chairman, everyone acknowledges your formidable record on defense policy and your leadership of this committee, but I want to recognize another legacy that shouldn't be overlooked. As Members of Congress, we have no greater responsibility than to be the leading advocate and voice in this Chamber for our constituents. Without question, Mr. Chairman, you have done your duty for the people of the 25th District. It is an honor to serve with you. I wish you fair winds and following seas, and may God bless you, your family, and our great Nation.

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