U.S. Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon

Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-Santa Clarita), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the 51st National Defense Authorization Act with an overwhelming bipartisan majority:

“The passage of the 51st National Defense Authorization Act is a tremendous achievement for the 112th Congress. It has been an honor and privilege for me to lead our Committee and the House conferees throughout this process. I am heartened that even during this time of partisan division and intransigence Members were able to come together in a bipartisan, bicameral manner to support our brave men and women in uniform. The NDAA ensures that our troops will have the resources they need to defend our liberty in these perilous times. With the NDAA, we have begun the process of rebuilding a military that has been tested by a decade at war while keeping faith with our troops and their families. I am confident that this law prepares our nation for the challenges of a dangerous and ever-changing world as best we can. It upholds the strongest tradition of Congressional oversight, while providing value to the taxpayer and strength and agility to the warfighter.”

“Soon Members may depart the nation’s capital to be with their loved ones for the holidays. We must be mindful that for thousands of American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines around the world, that homecoming may still be months away. I hope they will see the passage of this conference report as a sign of steadfast support for them and their cause from a grateful nation.”