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Graves, Tom
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Rep. Tom Graves Votes to Counter Terrorist Radicalization, Prioritize National Defense
Bill Strengthens Georgia Military Installations

Washington, Jun 16 -

Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) today voted for and the House passed the Countering Terrorist Radicalization Act (H.R. 5471) and the fiscal year 2017 Department of Defense Appropriations Act (H.R. 5293). H.R. 5471 enhances law enforcement’s ability to counter terrorist radicalization in the United States and H.R. 5293 funds the Department of Defense.

“In the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Orlando, Florida, it’s clear that we are a nation at war with militant Islamic terrorism, and that’s why this legislation is so important,” said Rep. Graves. “These bills give law enforcement new tools to fight terrorist radicalization in America and provide our brave men and women in uniform with the resources they need to defeat the enemy.”

H.R. 5471 enhances federal coordination with state and local law enforcement officials in fighting terrorism; requires the Department of Homeland Security to incorporate former extremist testimonials in fighting terrorist recruiting in America; and develops central procedures for issuing terrorism alerts.

H.R. 5293 provides $58 billion to support the Global War on Terrorism, an increase from last year. Total, the bill gives the Department of Defense $575.8 billion to support our troops and our military operations for this upcoming fiscal year.

The bill includes Rep. Graves’ provision to speed the replacement of a critical radar system and aircraft, known as the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS). The technology, which is stationed at Robins Air Force Base, enhances the ability of our warplanes and other military assets to target enemy combatants and help protect our soldiers on the ground by detecting threats and allowing for better coordinated, more effective support.

Among other wins for Georgia, H.R. 5293 prohibits the retirement of the A-10C Warthog fleet, a significant portion of which are stationed at Moody Air Force Base. These aircraft are frequently utilized in the fight against the Islamic State, and their mission at Moody contributes to the Base’s importance. 

“Not only does this legislation provide the critical resources our troops depend on, it also strengthens Georgia’s military installations, along with the communities they support,” said Rep. Graves. “With more than 100,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen in Georgia – the fourth largest military population in the nation – I am proud to support our men and women in uniform by voting for this legislation.”

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