Buck backs bill to strengthen military

From Brush News-Tribune:

U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, R-Windsor, has voted to support Senate Bill 2943, by Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, providing $619 billion for national defense, including the largest pay raise for active-duty military in six years.

The bill, named the National Defense Authorization Act, passed the House by a 375-34 vote and had previously passed the Senate.

“If we’re going to maintain peace in this world, then we must have a strong military,” Buck said in an emailed statement. “This NDAA takes care of our troops while equipping them to adequately defend our nation.”

The NDAA provides for a 2.1 percent pay raise for active-duty military, ends the military drawdown, increases ground and aviation training, provides for operation and maintenance support, replenishes depleted munitions inventories and provides for advanced funding for submarines and amphibious ships.

Additionally, the NDAA provides resources to deter Russian aggression in Europe and enhance U.S. access in the Pacific and fully funds Israel’s missile defense needs.

The bill prevents women from being required to register with the Selective Service, and to study the future use of Selective Service.

Active-duty and retired military health care is addressed.

The bill makes no changes to out-of-pocket health care costs, provides for two TRICARE plans, eliminates referrals for urgent care and addresses care at Military Treatment Facilities. Housing allowances will be unchanged by the NDAA.

The NDAA also makes significant reforms to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, including expansion of the statute of limitations for child abuse offenses and fraudulent enlistment.

The National Security Council’s staffing is capped at 200 through the NDAA, and continues the prohibition on the transfer of Guantanamo Bay Detention Center detainees to the United States.