Press

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, voted late this evening in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This annual legislation, which contains a number of provisions championed by Fischer in committee, authorizes defense spending for the fiscal year and sets the policy and priorities for our military. It supports our national defense, from authorizing combat bonuses for soldiers fighting overseas, to supporting the maintenance and modernization of our nuclear weapons. Fischer released the following statement: 
 

“While I am troubled by the broken legislative process, which jeopardized passage of this critical legislation, I am pleased that the final National Defense Authorization Act contains a number of important provisions – including many I worked on in committee. The compromise agreement bolsters STRATCOM’s missions, modernizes our nuclear deterrent, strengthens missile defense, and comprehensively addresses sexual assault in the military. It enables the United States to counter a growing array of global threats and equips our service members with the tools they need to accomplish their missions, and I’m pleased to support it.”
 

The legislation contains the following initiatives championed by Senator Fischer at the committee level:

  • STRATCOM: Supports STRATCOM’s vital missions and approves the next portion of funding for its new facility.
  • CYBERCOM: Includes language similar to an amendment offered by Fischer and Senator Mike Johanns asking the Department of Defense to provide information on any plans to make CYBERCOM independent from STRATCOM. While no decision has been made, it is important to review the underlying reasons for doing so and to understand the additional costs associated with such a move.
  • Sexual Assault:
    • Contains over 30 historic reforms to counter sexual assault in the military, many of which Fischer cosponsored at the committee level. These include efforts to bolster victims' rights and to help prevent abusive treatment of sexual assault victims in pre-trial settings.
    • Provides victims with a Special Victims' Counsel to make certain they are receiving unbiased, independent legal advice.
    • Removes commanders’ authority to overturn jury convictions, makes retaliation against victims a crime, requires dishonorable discharge or dismissal for those convicted of sexual assault, and provides critical civilian oversight.
  • Strategic Forces: Enhances nuclear modernization to bring our strategic forces into the 21st century. Bolsters the missile defense system by providing additional resources for sensors.
  • Counter Terrorism: Extends critical counter-terrorism and counter-proliferation programs, and invests in advanced, next-generation technologies – all missions overseen by the Emerging Threats and Capabilities subcommittee, on which Fischer serves as Ranking Member.
  • Syria’s Chemical Weapons: Permits existing funding to be used to dismantle Syria’s chemical weapons.
     
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