Representative John Carter (TX-31) released the following statement after House Democrats passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“For decades the NDAA has been widely bipartisan, but unfortunately, this year, the House Democrats decided to play political games with our military’s funding authorization. By making arbitrary funding cuts and cutting the military personnel accounts that handle troop pay, housing and benefits by $1.2 billion, Democrats are signaling that politics is more important than our men and women in uniform.

“In addition, earlier this week, I submitted an NDAA amendment  to the House Rules Committee to give a four percent pay raise to our troops. My amendment was blocked by the Democrats. I persevered and offered it again as part of a motion to recommit today, and once again, Democrats blocked it. The men and women in uniform swore an oath to protect this country, and Congress has a duty to provide the resources they need to do their job, and a proper wage so they can take care of their families. Today, House Democrats failed to do both.  

As a representative of Ft. Hood, I will not support legislation that falls short of taking care of the Soldiers I represent. I hope that House leadership will take a good hard look at fixing the major issues of this bill to get it to the President’s desk.”

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Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus and Ranking Member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Appropriations.