Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Darin LaHood voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2017. The bill, which funds the Department of Defense, rebuilds our military, and ensures our troops have the tools necessary to carry out missions, passed with a bipartisan vote of 375-34.
“This is about our national security and supporting those who protect it. This bill will ensure that our military has the resources they need to protect themselves and those at home. Additionally, thanks to this bill, our troops—who serve and sacrifice for the sake of our freedoms—will be receiving the largest pay increase in six years,” stated Rep. LaHood. “The decades of support for this annual bill show that we all have a mutual duty and desire to support our troops and their efforts to keep Americans safe at home and abroad.”
The annual defense authorization fulfills Congress’ Constitutional responsibility to “provide for the common defense.” Among many measures, FY17 NDAA authorizes $619 billion for the national defense, improves access to health care for our troops and their families, prohibits the transfer of detainees at Guantanamo Bay to the U.S., and provides resources to combat Islamic extremists. Funding also targets core defense requirements and military readiness with support for increased personnel, training, maintenance, and procurement.
Congressman Darin LaHood proudly serves the constituents of Illinois’ 18th Congressional District, consisting of more than 710,000 constituents across 19 counties throughout Central and West-Central Illinois. Darin was born and raised in Central Illinois and currently resides in the Peoria area with his wife, Kristen, and their three children.
