Lance Statement on Defense Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) released the following statement after passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2018:

“Passing this defense bill is one of the most important constitutional responsibilities of Congress.  Our Nation faces urgent threats from around the globe:  North Korea, Russia, Islamic terrorism and other forces that wish ill on our country and our allies.  This measure authorizes the missions, equipment and resources needed to defend our country and enable the United States to be a global force for good.   And it meets and keeps obligations and sacred promises made to our men and women in uniform.  This legislation is fiscally responsible, directing more resources to emerging threats while spending significantly less than previously authorized.  I urge the U.S. Senate to pass this measure swiftly and send it to the President’s desk to provide our military with the tools to protect the citizens of the United States both here and abroad.”

The U.S. House included a number of amendments authored by Lance, including:

• Language authorizing an audit of the Pentagon which will inform taxpayers on Pentagon assets, procurement and spending habits to identify waste;
• A provision prohibiting the Pentagon from terminating the successful Vets4Warriors crisis hotline program based out of Rutgers University.  The hotline has assisted thousands of service members in need; and
• Legislative language co-authored by Rep. Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) creating a new service commendation for military dogs and their handlers.  New Jersey has lost nine service members with that specialty.