Bill Passed

The full House just approved the fiscal year 2012 defense authorization bill by a 322-96 vote.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon later released a statement on the bill:

This year's defense authorization bill meets the national security needs of a nation at war while preparing our warfighters for the threats of tomorrow. With the tough fiscal times facing our country, the bill treats every taxpayer dollar as precious. Sound fiscal stewardship is essential to protecting our national security. We address the breathtaking size and scope of our national security challenges by providing for the common defense in an efficient, fiscally responsible manner.

This bill mandates fiscal responsibility within the Department of Defense. It cuts wasteful programs and redirects those savings to higher priorities. The bill makes timely and necessary investments in military equipment and weapons systems.  As we work to ensure America’s strength endures in the 21st century, the bill seriously examines emerging threats from China, North Korea, Iran and in cyberspace.

Most importantly to me, this bill reflects the best efforts of the Armed Services Committee and the whole House to honor the service of our military personnel, veterans and their families. Accordingly, the bill boosts military pay and protects TRICARE from steep increases in the future.

This bill would not have been possible without the dedication and professionalism of my friend, Ranking Member Adam Smith. I also want to thank our subcommittee chairmen, all the members of the Committee and the staff for their tireless efforts on behalf of the men and women of our armed services.