By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Thursday, November 5, the US House of Representatives passed a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). US Representative Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) supports the legislation.
Congressman Byrne said in a statement to constituents, “All – I wanted to make you aware that the House just passed an updated version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes the construction of three more Littoral Combat Ships. The bill passed 370 to 58, which is way over the two-thirds majority needed to override a presidential veto.”
Rep. Byrne said, “You may remember that President Obama vetoed the original NDAA because he wanted more money to be spent on non-defense programs. The budget deal approved by Congress last week resolved the issue over spending limits, so it is expected that President Obama will sign this version of the NDAA. The bill will still need to be approved by the Senate, but Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain said he expects the Senate to easily pass the bill early next week.”
Rep. Byrne said, “As we approach Veterans Day, there is nothing more important for Congress to be doing than supporting our nation’s military. This year’s National Defense Authorization Act is important for the over 4,000 men and women who work at the Austal shipyard in Mobile.”
Rep. Byrne said, “This is the bill President Obama vetoed a few weeks ago that includes authorization for three additional Littoral Combat Ships, which are built in part by Austal USA in Mobile. I was proud to help make the bill a reality, and I call on the President to stop with the political games and finally sign the bill.”
After the House passed Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) issued a written statement: “I want to applaud Chairman Mac Thornberry and the Armed Services Committee for their hard work on this bill. With this legislation, we are starting to build a 21st-century military that can tackle all of our national-security challenges. Most important of all, this bill will provide for our troops and their families, and I urge the president to sign it.”
The House passed the National Defense Authorization Act by a vote of 370-58,
The bill will now go to the Senate. President Obama has not said yet whether or not he plans to veto it again.
