Long statement on passage of FY 2017 Defense Appropriations bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Billy Long (MO-07) issued the following statement following the passage of H.R. 5293, the “Department of Defense Appropriations Act” for Fiscal Year 2017, which ensures strategic military readiness, maintains America’s technological advantage, and improves quality-of-life programs for our troops.

“Our troops risk everything to defend the American way of life and the freedoms we hold dear. We have a duty in Congress to respect that sacrifice and ensure that they have the tools they need to succeed,” Rep. Long said.“This critical bill ensures that they’re well prepared for combat and peacetime missions, bolsters our military’s technological advantage with funding for improved equipment, and improves compensation and medical benefits for troops and their families.” 

The Fiscal Year 2017 “Department of Defense Appropriations Act” provides a fully funded 2.1 percent pay raise for active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve troops. It allots $517.1 billion ($3 billion more than FY16 levels) in base discretionary funding and $58.6 billion for overseas contingency operations.

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