Rep. Walberg Votes for Defense Authorization Which Includes Amendments to Assist New Veterans and Reduce Wasteful Spending

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Walberg voted in support of H.R. 4435, the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which provides the funding, authorities and pay for the Armed Forces. H.R. 4435 included two bipartisan amendments offered by Rep. Walberg that would assist small businesses and reduce wasteful spending, as well as an amendment based on H.R. 3493, legislation Rep. Walberg has introduced to assist new veterans as they transition back into civilian life.

"Our nation asks so much from the brave men and women who proudly wear the uniform in defense of our freedoms, and we are obligated to provide them with the necessary equipment, resources and care. I am glad this authorization upholds those commitments, including a 1.8 percent pay raise for our troops, a rejection of the Administration's proposed TRICARE fee increases, and the inclusion of commonsense amendments I offered that will reduce wasteful spending and help new veterans as they come home," commented Rep. Walberg following the vote.

Background:

During consideration of H.R. 4435, Congressman Walberg successfully offered three amendments that were adopting unanimously:

· Walberg (R-MI) Amendment #56 - Assists the transition of service members from military service to civilian life by providing a more accessible, updated and comprehensive copy of their information to State veterans agencies. This amendment is based Rep. Walberg's bill, H.R. 3493, the Servicemembers Transition Improvement Act, which has 11 bipartisan co-sponsors.

· Walberg / Cohen (D-TN) Amendment #139 - Prohibits any new funds for the Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund until previously appropriated funds have been fully expended. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan has found these projects are behind schedule, prone to fraud, and may actually hurt our efforts in Afghanistan because they create expectation gaps among the Afghan people or that they lack local citizen support.

· Meng (D-NY) / Walberg Amendment #75 - Modifies General Services Administration policy to help protect the ability for small businesses in Michigan and across the country to compete for government contracts.