WASHINGTON – Congressman Andy Barr released the following statement upon passage of H.R. 1960, the FY 14 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is the key mechanism to provide necessary authorities and funding for America’s military:
 
"I am committed to ensuring the safety and readiness of our brave men and women in uniform and voted today to provide them with the resources and support they need and deserve to fulfill their mission.  I am also glad to support the significant measures this legislation takes to reduce the shameful backlog at the Veterans Administration that is denying America's veterans timely access to the benefits and care they have earned.  H.R. 1960 also provides improved protection to our service members by more aggressively combating the spiraling problem of sexual assault in the military and increasing security provided to American embassies.”
 
Furthermore, H.R. 1960 will restore promises made to our veterans by taking measures to prevent TRICARE Prime costs from rising; increase family support services; and hold senior commanders, senior civilian officials, and the Commander-in-Chief accountable for decisions they make regarding the safety of those they lead.
 
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