[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 7137]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, after 2 days of needless delay from 
across the aisle, this morning we will vote to invoke cloture on the 
motion to proceed to the National Defense Authorization Act and 
hopefully adopt that motion quickly thereafter.
  This critical defense bill passed committee on a strong bipartisan 
basis; there is no reason for further delay from our Democratic 
colleagues. The National Defense Authorization Act authorizes funds and 
sets our policy for our military annually. It is always an important 
bill. It is especially important today.
  Consider the multitude of threats facing us from nearly every corner 
of the world. Consider the need to start preparing our armed services 
for the many global threats the next President will be forced to 
confront.
  As I have noted before, some of the most senior national security 
officials within this administration--such as Secretary of Defense 
Carter and General Dunford or those recently retired from service, such 
as retired General Campbell--have spoken of the need to better position 
the next President in theaters from Afghanistan to Asia to Libya.
  So whoever that President is, regardless of party, we should take 
action now to help our next Commander in Chief in this year of 
transition. That is what this defense legislation before the Senate 
will help us do.
  No. 1, it will support our allies and partners, authorizing funds to 
combat ISIL, preserve gains in Afghanistan, increase readiness at NATO, 
and assist friends like Ukraine.
  No. 2, it will enhance military readiness, providing more of the 
equipment, training, and resources our servicemembers need.
  No. 3, it will help keep our country safe, getting us better prepared 
to confront emerging threats like cyber warfare, terrorism, and the 
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
  Critically, this bill will also honor our commitment to 
servicemembers, their families, and veterans, authorizing raises, 
supporting Wounded Warriors, and delivering better health care and 
benefits for the men and women who stand on guard for us every single 
day.
  This bill contains sweeping reforms designed to advance American 
innovation and preserve our military's technological edge. The funding 
level it authorizes is the same as what President Obama requested in 
his budget.
  As I said earlier, it passed the Armed Services Committee on a strong 
bipartisan vote, 23 to 3, including every single Democrat on the 
committee. The Armed Services chairman, Senator McCain, knows what it 
means to serve. He is always on guard for the men and women of our 
military. This bill is a reflection of his commitment. It is a 
commitment to them, and it is a commitment to every American--to 
preparing our country in this year of transition for both the threats 
we face today and the threats yet to emerge.

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