Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne voted to give our military the tools it needs to ensure that it is fully prepared for threats and challenges worldwide, and to support American men and women in uniform and improve the lives of military families. The National Defense Authorization Act (HR 2647) will strengthen America's military readiness, reduce waste, fraud and abuse in military contracting, and make critical investments in nuclear nonproliferation efforts.   The bipartisan bill passed by a vote of 281 -146.

"This bill allows us to meet our current military challenges and prepare for those of the future in a smart, strategic, and fiscally responsible way," said Payne. "We are supporting our service members, strengthening our military readiness and emphasizing key programs that secure our national interests."

This is the Year of the Military Family, and this bill will improve the quality of life for troops and their families, and address the changing needs of our military personnel. It will provide a 3.4% pay raise for service members, improve military housing, extend health care coverage and make it easier for friends and family to visit wounded service members in the hospital.

"Our troops and their families sacrifice a tremendous amount for this country," said Payne. "We have a moral obligation to support the military families in the Tenth District of New Jersey and across the nation before, during and after their service. This bill does just that, with programs and services that will play a significant role in improving the quality of life for our brave men and women in the Armed Services."

The National Defense Authorization Act improves our troops' readiness by ensuring they have the equipment and armor they need. It replaces and repairs equipment that has been used in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and addresses equipment shortfalls in the National Guard and Reserve, making sure that our troops in harm's way have the protective equipment they need.

It strengthens nuclear non-proliferation efforts to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists, invests in missile defense systems that address genuine threats with equipment that our commanders in the field have requested, and strengthens our ability to combat growing cyber threats to our critical infrastructure.

To support our efforts to reduce waste, fraud and abuse in military contracting, this legislation will increase oversight and boost acquisition reform.

"This legislation underscores our commitment to support our troops and provide them with the tools they need to keep Americans safe," said Payne.

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