WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 1, 2015 – U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (R-FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, released the following statement after voting to adopt H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act, which will authorize and prioritize funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) and other select national security programs within the Department of Energy for Fiscal Year 2016:
“I voted to adopt the National Defense Authorization Act in order to provide the resources necessary for military operations, to protect our nation, and to ensure our brave and selfless men and women in uniform are compensated for their services and sacrifices. In fact, beginning in 2017, this legislation will provide a retirement plan to 83 percent more servicemen and women than currently receive one today.
“This bill allows Congress to perform its constitutional obligation to ‘provide for the common defense.’ It is our key mechanism for providing our troops who are deployed around the world in harms’ way with the authorities and funding they need to defend our nation and keep our defense programs running without putting a price tag on American lives. This legislation also authorizes a plan to combat Iran’s malign influence in the Middle East, as well as a joint formulary to ease the transition between DOD and the VA for those being treated for sleep disorders, pain management or mental health issues.
“And, on a personal note, I’m honored and grateful that my legislation to waive the time limitations and award the overdue Distinguished-Service Cross to longtime Mulberry resident Edward Grady Halcomb was included in the text of this bill. During the Korean War, Mr. Halcomb personally tended to and protected his fellow POWs in a North Korean camp, suffering starvation and beatings. Awarding the Distinguished-Service Cross to Mr. Halcomb is a long overdue honor for a man who risked his own health and safety as a POW to care for and defend his fellow prisoners.”
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