A law to boost our military needs
By US congressman Randy Weber writes exclusively in The Post about issues involving his work as part of our nation’s government
Randy Weber
Washington watch with Randy Weber
Last week, the US house of representatives passed the National Defense Authorization bill, a bi-partisan measure that will help close the readiness gap our military faces at present. If it becomes law, the act will provide much needed funding for fiscal year 2017 – ensuring our armed-services members are equipped with the proper tools and resources.
The bill authorizes nearly $610 billion in spending for military personnel, weapons systems and national defense programs domestically and internationally.
Our military is not adequately equipped to protect our great nation at present. For instance, the US Marine Corps has been pulling parts off museum planes in order to keep its F-18s flying, resulting in our marine pilots getting as little as four of the 25-30 hours needed in the cockpit due to the lack of flight readiness in their planes. 
Only one-third of our US Army brigades are ready for combat. Our US Air Force’s B-52 bombers are an average of 53 years old. Our US Navy has to extend deployments because we have only 273 ships when we need 350.
Fortunately, the NDA act would invest in maintenance by including an increase of $597m for the Navy and Marine Corps, $312m for the Army and $430m more for the Air Force.
The hardworking men and women serving our country will receive a much-needed raise. Congress authorized a 2.1 per cent increase instead of the 1.6 per cent proposed by the White House. This raise will allow our servicemen and women to provide for their families while they work tirelessly to defend our country.
The act would authorize measures to combat Islamic State, deter Russia and provide additional funds to Ukraine. The legislation also provides language to prevent the closing of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and prohibit the transferring of dangerous detainees to United States soil.
This authorization will streamline the process of procuring the latest technology and will increase transparency to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly.
Our military readiness is paramount to protecting our nation. We must never forget that we are the land of the free because of the brave. The passage of the National Defense Authorization act will provide support for our service men and women and provide direction and funds that will allow our military to grow and respond to the demands of an ever-changing and uncertain world.
Randy Weber is the US representative for the 14th district of Texas, which covers Brazoria, Galveston and Jefferson counties.
Image from https://www.emergencydentistsusa.com/price
