House Passes Defense Authorization Bill
“This bill recognizes Utah’s role in the defense of this country.”
WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act of NDAA. As a senior member of the House Committee on Armed Services, Rep. Rob Bishop (UT-01) voted in favor of the authorization bill which strengthens Utah and allows Congress to provide for the common defense. Following passage of the NDAA, Rep. Bishop offered the following statement:
“This year’s NDAA is significant, for it marks a turning point in Congress’ attitude towards our military. For almost a decade, we have been cutting the size and funding of our military. Congress has now realized that such behavior puts our citizens in danger, and that America cannot maintain a respected foreign policy without an adequate military to support it. This NDAA is a step in the right direction, but there is more to be done.
Rep. Bishop added:
“This bill recognizes Utah’s role in the defense of this country. In some respects, it rewards the community for supporting our men and women in uniform and recognizes the key role of all those who work to support our military forces. I am happy with our efforts to promote the F-35 program, to respect the workforce at Hill Air Force Base, and common sense land policies that no longer squander time and money on bureaucratic waste.”
Rep. Bishop introduced two amendments to the NDAA, including an amendment that would allow for an exchange of land between the Bureau of Land Management and the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, thus providing money for Utah Schools, and potentially reducing the property tax burden on Utah taxpayers. Bishop is also responsible for language that prohibits the Obama Administration from usurping the traditional role of states in managing wildlife. This language is crucial to prioritizing military readiness.
