Washington, May 19, 2016 -

Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) released the following statement after voting in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (H.R. 4909), annual legislation that authorizes funding for the Department of Defense: 

“To effectively protect our nation, we must have the strongest, most advanced military in the world. This legislation authorizes the resources necessary to protect our nation today and prepare for the threats of tomorrow. In other words, this bill makes national defense a national priority. 

“The legislation also authorizes a pay raise for our troops. After more than a decade of continuous combat operations, our servicemembers and their families have endured long deployments, trying circumstances and many sleepless nights. While we can never fully repay these brave men and women, this raise helps honor their service.”   

Additionally, H.R. 4909 contains several provisions that strengthen Georgia’s contribution to our national security, including an amendment prohibiting the retirement of a critical radar system and aircraft, known as the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS), which is stationed at Robins Air Force Base. It also authorizes a study on the possibility of restarting production of the F-22 Raptor, which would likely be manufactured in Marietta, Georgia. Finally, the bill authorizes additional funding for cyber defense, including for the Army Cyber Command missions located at Fort Gordon. 

H.R. 4909 passed the House last night by a bipartisan vote of 277 to 147.

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