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Representative John Culberson (TX-07) joined 276 of his colleagues in voting for final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2017. The legislation provides $618.9 billion in discretionary and mandatory funds. Representative Culberson provided the following statement following final passage:

“Fellow Texan, Chairman Mac Thornberry, did an excellent job protecting the United States military in this crucial legislation. This funding authorization ensures that our military remains the strongest in the world and is prepared against any threat. It is Congress’ Constitutional duty to ‘provide for the common defense’ and our military men and women deserve every resource they need to do their important work.

“At a time when our country is facing very real threats, reducing America’s military resources is extremely dangerous. This legislation ensures that we take care of our men and women in uniform by providing them with a 2.1% pay raise. The bill also makes critical investments in our nation’s Virginia Class attack submarines as well as our next-generation nuclear ballistic missile submarines.  These subs are critical in maintaining our readiness and unparalleled ability to defend the country in two hemispheres at once if necessary.  The bill rejects dangerous cuts that the President proposed to our aviation assets and troop levels, and the bill provides resources to eradicate the Islamic State.”

Representative Culberson also offered an amendment to the NDAA legislation, which was adopted by voice vote, to preserve our nation’s historic battleships. The amendment creates a competitive grant program within the Department of the Interior to maintain historic battleships, like the USS Texas.

“These historic battleships played an important role in America’s success in World War I and II. These battleships are floating museums that stand as a memorial to the bravery and sacrifice of the servicemen that fought on them. This amendment ensures that those battleships can be preserved so that we never lose these national treasures,” Rep. Culberson stated.