Press Releases

Eighth District Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. released the following statement after the President today vetoed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016:

“It’s irresponsible for the Commander in Chief of the U.S. military to veto a bill that provides critical funds for our military operations, supports our troops and their families, and helps secure America at home and abroad in order to leverage an increase in spending on his political priorities,” said Bucshon. “At a time when we are facing unprecedented threats around the world, we must provide our men and women in uniform the resources to be successful and the support they’ve been promised when they return home. This veto should be overturned immediately.”

This marks the first time a U.S. President has vetoed a national defense authorization bill for non-defense related reasons.

BACKGROUND:

Highlights of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016:

• Provides the resources for a strong national defense in a fiscally-responsible way, while reforming the way the Department does business and cares for the troops
• Enhances the Retirement System by providing additional options for military families
• Increases pay and improves other benefits for our troops and their families
• Reforms DoD's broken acquisition system by streamlining the process, improving accountability, and eliminating outdated regulations
• Provides greater protections against sexual assault
• Empowers Commanders to permit a member of the Armed Forces to carry appropriate firearms, including personal firearms, at DOD installations, reserve centers, and recruiting centers by 12/31/15
• Strengthens the nation’s cyber defenses
• Reinforces the mission to defeat ISIL
• Provides for lethal aid to Ukraine to help defend itself against Russian aggression
• Restricts GTMO transfers
• Addresses Russian Aggression and reassures European Allies
• Addresses Iran’s malign activities

The NDAA passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 270 to 156 and the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 70 to 27.  

HEADLINES:

• “Obama Takes the Military Hostage. He’ll veto a bipartisan defense bill to coerce more domestic spending.” (WSJ; 10/19/15)
• “What's in the defense bill for military and families?” (AP; 10/5/15)

Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his third term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.  

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