U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after passage of the National Defense Authorization Act in the House of Representatives:

“This must-pass piece of legislation provides critical funding for core defense requirements such as personnel, training, and maintenance that ensures our service men and women have the necessary support to fulfill their missions,” Luetkemeyer said. “I am pleased this legislation provides a 2.1 percent pay raise for our troops as well as increases the end strength of our Armed Forces, both of which go beyond the President’s request. Furthermore, this bill contains the longstanding provision to prohibit the closure of Guantanamo Bay and the transfer of its detainees to the United States. Providing for the common defense is a top priority and I will continue to support legislation, like the NDAA, that keeps our nation and Americans safe.”