Blackburn Fights for Fort Campbell and America's Military

Statement

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) today issued the following statement on House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, legislation that will provide important resources to the Fort Campbell community and our nation's military.

Congressman Blackburn secured a provision in the bill that authorizes funding for the "Army and Air Force flying hours program," to provide training and flight hours at 100% levels for military aviators. "Like many military installations across the country, Fort Campbell is facing budget constraints that will have an impact on military readiness programs. I have worked tirelessly to ensure this vital program provides the training necessary for mission success and the safety of our soldiers," Blackburn said.

"It only takes a few weeks for our nation's pilots and crewmembers to lose currency, which puts their lives and our country's national security at risk. We must make sure resources are available to keep their training up to date. H.R. 1735 will ensure the brave men and women who serve our country will have what they need to defeat ISIL and continue the fight against global terrorism. It also initiates landmark reforms to the Department of Defense's broken acquisition system that will eliminate the red tape hindering technological advances required to respond to the evolving security threats we face."

"The NDAA improves military benefits by allowing servicemembers to contribute to a portable retirement plan, cutting the backlog for military childcare, and implementing communication between the VA and the DOD to ensure servicemembers receive consistent care as they transition out of military service. I am pleased to support this legislation and will continue my mission to make sure we meet and protect the needs of those serving in Tennessee and across our great nation."

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