Cramer: House Passes National Defense Authorization Act

Statement

Today, Congressman Kevin Cramer joined a majority of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (NDAA). Included in the final bill is an amendment co-sponsored by Congressman Cramer which prohibits funds from being expended to reduce, or prepare to reduce the responsiveness or alert level of U.S. intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM). In addition, the amendment expresses a sense of Congress any action to reduce the responsiveness and alert levels of United States ICBMs would be contrary to longstanding United States policy, and deeply harmful to national security and strategic stability in a crisis.

"This bill ensures America's armed forces remain the best equipped, best trained military in the world. The strength of the US Military isn't only in our equipment and technology, it is embodied in the quality of the men and women who serve in our armed forces and this bill provides the lawful 2.3 percent pay increase and for the first time retirement benefits to the 83% of service members who traditionally leave the service without the chance to build a nest egg. I am proud of the vital role North Dakota continues to play in the defense of our nation and freedom around the globe," said Cramer.

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