WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)  released the following statement on his vote in favor of proceeding to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that authorizes funding for the Department of Defense through Fiscal Year 2016:

“The NDAA is one of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress passes for the defense of our nation. Yet, even as conflict worsens in the Middle East, our Commander in Chief is threatening to veto this critical funding for our troops, their families, combat pay and troop pay raises, wounded warriors, and personnel and equipment necessary to fight the many threats that face our nation. As a Marine, I want to ensure all our warfighters receive the best support possible to meet these threats around the world. Unfortunately, President Obama would rather play politics and allow terrorists from Guantanamo Bay to move to our mainland.”

In addition to authorizing funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) through fiscal year 2016, the National Defense Authorization Act includes provisions that:

Preserve our military’s technological edge and cuts the bloated Pentagon bureaucracy to focus precious defense dollars on our troops.
Give service members transitioning out of the military the option to use a portion of their retirement benefits to buy a home, start a business, or put their kids through college.
Continue the prohibition of any transfer of prisoners from Guantanamo Bay to the United States.
Make military health care more accessible and flexible for military families.
Improve military justice, including sexual assault prevention and response.
The motion to proceed to the legislation passed the Senate by a vote of 73-26.

Senator Roberts is the most senior Marine in the Congress and a former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.