Fischer Supports Defense Bill

Press Release

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, today voted in favor of an annual Department of Defense funding bill, which passed the Senate by a vote of 89-11. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which contains a number of provisions championed by Fischer in committee, authorizes defense spending for the fiscal year and sets the policy and priorities for our military. It provides for our national defense, from authorizing combat bonuses for soldiers fighting overseas, to supporting the maintenance and modernization of our nuclear weapons. Fischer released the following statement:

"I am pleased that the final National Defense Authorization Act contains a number of important provisions -- including many I fought for in committee," Fischer said. "The compromise agreement bolsters STRATCOM's missions, helps modernize our nuclear deterrent, strengthens missile defense, and continues to addresses sexual assault in the military. It enables the United States to counter a growing array of global threats and equips our service members with the tools they need to accomplish their missions."

FY15's NDAA includes the following provisions supported by Fischer:

Supports STRATCOM's vital missions and approves the fourth and final portion of funding for construction of its new facility.

Preserves and strengthens our nation's nuclear deterrent

Contains important increases in funding for missile defense programs

Renews current prohibition on transferring detainees housed at Guantanamo Bay to the United States.

Authorizes additional funding to address gaps in training and operations for Special Operations Forces.

Contains over 20 provisions addressing sexual assault in the military. Contains much of S. 1917, a bill Fischer wrote with Senators Claire McCaskill (R-Mo.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) Key accomplishments include:

Extending new protections instituted by the Department of Defense to the military service academies

Eliminating the so-called "good soldier" defense preventing the consideration of general military character for the purpose of showing the probability of innocence.
Strengthening the role of prosecutors by allowing them to seek additional review in cases where commanders decide not to proceed to trial.

Requiring the performance appraisals of commanding officers evaluate their handling of sexual assault allegations.

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