[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 122 (Wednesday, July 19, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 H.R. 2810, THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018

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                         HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2017

  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, last Friday, I voted against H.R. 2810, the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018.
  The legislation includes several provisions that I strongly support, 
including giving servicemen and women a well-deserved raise of 2.4 
percent. Those who serve in uniform have made extraordinary sacrifices 
for our country and have earned and deserve a pay raise. It also 
includes funding for Ukraine and Eastern Europe security initiatives to 
counter Russia's heightened military provocations and annexation of 
Crimea.
  Despite these important initiatives, I have strong concerns with H.R. 
2810. This legislation authorizes more than $688.3 billion, which is 
$70.4 billion more than the FY 2017 authorized level and $28.5 billion 
more than the president's request. This includes $74.6 billion to the 
Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) fund, an account which is not 
counted in the budget and is not paid for. It adds to the deficit and 
is used as a slush fund by the Pentagon.
  Unlike every other federal agency, the Department of Defense (DOD) 
refuses to complete a financial audit so taxpayers know how the biggest 
bureaucracy in the federal government spends their money. In fact, a 
shocking report released last December exposed $125 billion in 
administrative waste that the Pentagon tried to bury from being viewed 
by the public.
  I refuse to support increased bureaucratic waste at the expense of 
American taxpayers and our men and women in uniform. A more accountable 
and transparent department would ensure taxpayer dollars are directed 
towards the needs of our troops and the benefits they deserve, rather 
than buying unnecessary weapon systems, sustaining a Cold War era 
military force, and giving the president a blank check to fund wars 
Congress hasn't authorized.
  I have always advocated for maintaining Congress's constitutionally-
confirmed prerogative to declare war under the War Powers Act and 
limiting the President's authority to engage in armed conflict without 
the consent of Congress. I strongly oppose the NDAA's continued 
authorization of spending for wars that are not congressionally 
approved. The Pentagon uses the 2001 Authorization of Use of Military 
Force (AUMF) to continue to justify the 16 years our troops have been 
fighting in the Middle East. In his short time in office. President 
Trump has already sent troops to Iraq, Syria and elsewhere without 
seeking a new Authorization of Use of Military Force (AUMF), a 
violation of the War Powers Act.
  Additionally, the bill prohibits the closing of Guantanamo Bay, which 
costs more than $100 million each year to house 41 prisoners and has 
been used as a top recruiting tool by terrorists. Frankly, the prison 
at Guantanamo Bay has been a black eye for the United States, has 
eroded relationships with our allies, undermined U.S. missions abroad, 
and put U.S. citizens and our troops at risk of retaliation.
  Congress can make responsible cuts to our defense budget without 
jeopardizing the safety of our troops or undermining our national 
security. Fiscal responsibility and accountability at the Pentagon 
would allow for funds to be better spent supporting the basic needs of 
our troops, meeting our obligations to veterans of past wars, and 
ensuring our true defense needs are prioritized

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