Washington, D.C. – Congressman Filemon Vela (TX-34), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and appointed Conferee, released the following statement in support of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with overwhelming support:

“Today, in a bipartisan manner, the House passed the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, which gives the United States military the authority to operate and defend America in 2021. The NDAA is a vital document to America’s National Security that Congress has passed for 59 continuous years. Its passage reaffirms Congress’s commitment to the 2.2 million servicemembers that courageously operate in harm’s way, continuously defending the freedom and democratic values America cherishes.  

The Senate and President must pass and sign this bipartisan bill into law in order to send a clear message to our troops, allies and adversaries that America’s National Security is above politics.  I strongly urge my friends and colleagues to pass this legislation. Failure to do so will impact pay that has been dutifully earned by our servicemembers and delay important military projects essential to maintaining our strategic advantage over our adversaries.” 

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