Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) has joined a bipartisan majority to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (H.R. 1735), which includes a military pay raise, updated retirement benefits, expanded programs to combat military sexual assault, and provides appropriate funding to safeguard America’s national security.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER SUPPORTS MILITARY PAY RAISE, VOTES TO MODERNIZE MILITARY RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) has joined a bipartisan majority to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (H.R. 1735), which includes a military pay raise, updated retirement benefits, expanded programs to combat military sexual assault, and provides appropriate funding to safeguard America’s national security.
“Our brave men and women in uniform are America’s true superheroes,” said Congressman Pittenger. “We must never take their sacrifice and commitment to service for granted, and while we can never truly repay them, we can ensure their compensation and benefits are appropriate for the modern economy.”
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) approved today includes:
- A 2.3% military pay raise, to ensure pay keeps pace with the Employment Cost Index.
- Modernization of the military retirement system. Currently, only those serving 20 or more years are eligible for retirement benefits. The NDAA would allow the remaining 83% of military personnel who serve less than 20 years to participate in a 401k-style retirement plan for federal employees.
- Expansion of sexual assault prevention training to ROTC and Junior ROTC programs.
The NDAA also fully funds military operations, including programs vital to America’s counterterrorism efforts. Congressman Pittenger serves as Chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare.
“Russia and China are increasingly aggressive, Iran continues to support proxy wars and terrorist organizations, and both ISIS and al-Qaeda remain serious threats to America’s national security,” said Congressman Pittenger. “The NDAA continues our Constitutional obligation to provide for the common defense.”
The NDAA passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 269-151.
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