Yoho Votes to Provide the Resources America’s Troops Need

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-03) voted in favor of H.R. 1735, the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. Congressman Yoho issued the following statement after his vote:

“America’s safety is priority number one. We owe a lot to the brave men and women- and their families - who provide that safety by selflessly serving our country. This defense authorization gives the men and women of our armed forces the tools they need to do their jobs at the highest level. It also takes steps to address current international threats. The threats we face are numerous and I want to thank each and every one who wears our nation’s uniform and stands watch over all of us. The freedoms we enjoy are paid for by their sacrifice. Once this overwhelming bipartisan bill reaches the president, he needs to sign it into law as soon as it hits his desk.”

Details of Defense Authorization:

• Troop pay increase of 1.3%
• Establishes retirement plan for the 83% of service men and women who are currently not eligible for one. Also provides more flexible options to the service members.
• Ensures that post commanders can permit members of the Armed Forces to carry firearms at DOD installations, reserve centers, and recruiting centers.
• Requires DOD to submit a strategy to counter threats posed by Iran (Subject to Congressional Approval)
• Reforms the DOD’s acquisition system in order to improve efficiency, accountability, simplifies the chain of command, and streamlines the bureaucracy
• Prohibits the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo to the US and limits transfers to other countries
• Establishes a legal prohibition against torture that includes our intelligence agencies
• Requires the president to establish an integrated deterrence policy to counter the growing threat from China and Russia gaining an asymmetric advantage over the space capabilities of the US—If the report is not provided on time by the president then it would limit the obligation of $10 million for the Executive Office of the President.
• Provides greater protections against sexual assault

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Congressman Ted Yoho serves on the Foreign Affairs and Agriculture Committees. He represents North Florida’s 3rd Congressional District