NDAA

Last week, the House adopted the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017, which authorizes vital funding to our nation’s military. Taking care of our troops is the first step to restoring strength to the military. Our servicemen and women are facing rising threats around the world, but we are sending them into missions with inadequate training and outdated equipment. This legislation prioritizes our troops through funding to close the readiness gap, increase the size of the force, and give troops a much needed pay raise. Along with ensuring our troops have the skills and tools they need to succeed, the bill provides our nation’s military leaders with clear objectives and financial certainty. The legislation honors our partnership with Israel, prevents a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), and keeps terrorists in Gitmo.

Fiscal Year 2017 Appropriations Process

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies

On May 19, the House approved the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill. The NDAA authorizes defense programs and the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill allocates the funding. Supporting our servicemembers and their families is extremely important to me and this bill funds programs for our troops, military families, defense infrastructure, and veterans. The legislation provides for family housing, construction of hospitals and health facilities, and critical overseas investments. Also, additional funding was included to address the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) management problems and health care shortages to improve the quality of care our veterans receive.

Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies

On Thursday, the House rejected the Energy and Water Development funding bill. This bill funds the Department of Energy, the Army Corps of Engineers, the national defense nuclear weapons activities, and other related agencies. Unfortunately, due to spending on certain programs and amendments added to the base bill, I was unable to support final passage. I think it is important for the House to continue to work together and put forth funding bills that promote fiscal responsibility and support for appropriate agencies and programs. 

I recently introduced legislation to designate the United States Postal Service facility in Oxford, Mississippi, as the "Army First Lieutenant Donald C. Carwile Post Office Building." Carwile, a 101st Airborne Division officer, was killed in Afghanistan while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. Prior to reenlisting in the Army in 2006, he served as a patrol officer with the Batesville and Oxford Police Departments. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and daughters, Elizabeth Reese and Avery Claire.

On August 15, 2008, Donald Carwile's vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb and then attacked by insurgents with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Carwile and Army Private First Class Paul E. Conlon, Jr. of Somerville, Massachusetts were both killed. The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. 

On this upcoming Memorial Day, we remember the brave heroes, like Army First Lieutenant Donald “Donnie” Carwile, who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country safe and protect our freedom.