REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS LEADS PASSAGE OF NUCLEAR SECURITY INITIATIVES IN 2019 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., today helped to fulfill a core responsibility of the federal government, voting for the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), setting national security policy at the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

    The Congressman, the chairman of the Range and Testing Center Caucus, is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and the Subcommittees on Readiness, as well as Seapower and Projection Forces. In the annual authorization, which passed the House of Representatives on a wide, bipartisan basis, he successfully included measures to increase funding for hypersonic weapons development in the Aerospace and Defense Technology Corridor spanning Middle Tennessee, and to enforce an amendment he introduced last year, which requires the federal government to identify capability and funding shortfalls across the Nuclear Security Enterprise.

    “During my visits to Arnold Air Force Base, Redstone Arsenal and the Y-12 National Security Complex, civilian and military personnel alike have underscored the need for a consistent commitment to high-tech defense research and testing. We must not simply keep pace with China and Russia, but instead must make sure the United States always has superior ability on the ground, at sea, in the air and in space,” said Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04).

    He recently spoke on the House Floor in favor of fully funding the NNSA, responsible for military applications of nuclear science. Tennessee’s Oak Ridge/Y-12 complex plays an integral role in the field. In addition, the NDAA increases troop numbers, gives them their largest pay increase in nine years, and supplies military branches with advanced equipment and warfighting platforms. Over the past few years, high-profile naval and air accidents have highlighted the nation’s need to rebuild its depleted fighting forces, said Rep. DesJarlais.

    “Leading from behind, the previous administration’s strategy, led to a deterioration of our military, while foreign adversaries took the opportunity to assert themselves across the globe. Russia, China and Iran advanced in their regions. North Korea and Islamic terrorism became more aggressive, filling the vacuum that our retreat from global leadership created,” said the Congressman.

    “With a new Commander-in-Chief and Congress, working to Make America Secure Again, we are on a path to greater safety and prosperity for the American people. Today’s defense bill reaffirms our commitment to our friends and allies in Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia, and partner nations depending on U.S. assistance to stop threats. National security is our government’s number-one duty,” said Rep. DesJarlais, “and I am honored to provide necessary resources to the brave men and women, including many Tennessee Volunteers, protecting the United States.”

    The NDAA will move to the Senate for approval, before the President signs it into law.

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