WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement on the Senate Armed Services Committee completing its work on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Graham is a member of the committee.

“Ensuring our men and women in uniform have the necessary tools, training, and equipment to carry out their critical mission of protecting our nation is the first responsibility of a Member of Congress.

“Overall, I thought it was a good markup. We increased pay for our troops to recognize the service and sacrifice they make on behalf of our nation. We put in place major reforms of systems within the Pentagon. We showed strong support for keeping Guantanamo Bay open and ensuring the detainees currently housed there remain there. We authorized additional funds in the Defense Health Program budget for military health system reforms. Finally, it was a good markup for MOX to ensure the Obama Administration cannot cancel the program.

“I truly appreciate the leadership shown by our Chairman and Ranking Member, Senators McCain and Reed, in pushing this legislation forward. In a time of bitter divisions, their leadership in bringing the committee together gives me hope. They deserve much credit for a job well-done and our men and women in uniform will benefit from their good work.”

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SUMMARY OF THE MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE NDAA:

http://www.armed-services.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-armed-services-committee-completes-markup-of-national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2017