REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS URGES SENATE TO SUPPORT LATEST HOUSE-PASSED DEFENSE FUNDING BILL

ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE MEMBER STRESSES MILITARY THREATS, SHORTFALLS

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., a House Armed Services Committee member, voted for another defense funding bill today, putting pressure on the U.S. Senate to pass more funding for troops, training and equipment, and to deliver legislation to President Trump for signature.

            “National security is the federal government’s first priority, clear in our Constitution,” said Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04). “With Russia, China and North Korea advancing their military capabilities, and Islamic terrorist groups active in large parts of the world, we must rebuild our forces to protect Americans, as well as brave men and women currently serving in the Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines.”

            “Conflicts in Europe, the Middle East and Pacific are straining an historically small number of troops and ships. This readiness problem has been building, as global threats mount, and budget uncertainty grows in Washington.”

            Rep. DesJarlais has worked to accelerate weapons development and procurement, improve nuclear infrastructure, audit Pentagon finances to save taxpayer money, and raise troops’ pay, efforts to fulfill his and President Trump’s promises to strengthen security. However, in exchange for military funding, Democrats are demanding amnesty for beneficiaries of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, in addition to domestic spending increases.

            DACA, an Obama Administration order that federal courts halted, granted temporary work permits and other benefits to illegal aliens. Last week, Senate Democrats blocked a funding vote and shut down the federal government. Rep. DesJarlais warned that liberal groups are probably understating the extent of a potential amnesty, while overstating the importance of military funding would be difficult.

            Tying the two issues together jeopardizes national security, said the Congressman, who plans to attend the President’s State of the Union Address tonight.  “We have accomplished a lot in the last year, but need to address the crucial issue of dependable military funding. The House has sent numerous measures to the Senate, which must act soon.” 

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