Heck Votes to Support Troops, Veterans, Military Families

National Defense Authorization Act ensures military has tools to defend homeland, allies overseas

Bill protects veterans by preventing proposed changes to military retirement, TRICARE program

WASHINGTON - A week after passing the House Armed Services Committee by a vote of 56-5, Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) today voted in support of H.R. 4310, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2013, which provides the funding, and authorities for the Department of Defense. The bill authorizes funding for national defense at $554.2 billion with $88.5 billion for overseas contingency operations. The funding levels in the NDAA for 2013 are consistent with the House-passed budget.

"I support this bill because it gives our men and women in uniform the necessary tools to protect themselves and our nation," Rep. Heck said. "The NDAA for 2013 also maintains our commitment to military members and their families by rejecting proposed changes to the military retirement system and makes  no changes to TRICARE enrollment fees. This is consistent with the belief that service to our nation is pre-payment for benefits and healthcare after retirement. As an Army Reservist, I know firsthand the challenges our service men and women and their families face, and this bill affirms our commitment to them and our appreciation for their service."

Rep. Heck continued, "By clarifying existing constitutional protections against the unlawful detention of U.S. citizens and stating that no person detained in the United States shall be denied the right to stand before a judge to determine if they have been unlawfully detained, this bill upholds the constitutional rights of our citizens without jeopardizing national security."

More information on the NDAA for 2013:

* The NDAA is the key mechanism by which Congress fulfills its primary constitutional responsibility to “provide for the common defense.”

* The bill authorizes funding for National Defense at $554.2 billion for the base budget, and $88.5 billion for overseas contingency operations.

* This level of funding is consistent with the House-passed Budget.

* The FY13 NDAA authorizes a 1.7% pay increase and extends bonuses and special pay for our men and women in uniform.

* As the size of the military is reduced, the FY13 NDAA caps the number of troops that can be separated from the force in a single year, thus ensuring that gains made are not jeopardized during draw down phase.

* The FY13 NDAA also prohibits the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the United States and prohibits use of funds to house Guantanamo terrorist detainees in the United States.

* During amendment debate, Rep. Heck supported an amendment offered by Elijah Cummings (D-MD) that provides additional protections against mortgage foreclosures for service members, veterans, and surviving spouses which has been a critical issue for the state of Nevada.

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