Press Releases

Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-2) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representative passed the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016:

“Maintaining the strongest military force in the world is a top priority of this Congress. Today, I was proud to join my colleagues in authorizing continued funding of our military. The FY 2016 NDAA will increase accountability for taxpayer dollars being spent on training forces in Syria, provide funding to enhance our cyber warfare capabilities, and give crucial funding to assist the Ukrainian military. This bill also authorizes additional funds to be used for the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account and accelerates the Blackhawk helicopter modernization plan, which is critical to our Army National Guard Aviation Units.

“I am particularly pleased with the NDAA’s reauthorization of the prohibitions against transferring of Guantanamo Bay (GTMO) detainees to the United States. Last week, I visited GTMO and saw firsthand this safe and secure facility that holds the world’s most notorious agents of terror, and we must ensure its utilization in our ongoing fight against terrorism.

“However, I am disappointed that my amendment to conduct a business case analysis on the Air Force’s decision to maintain 10 C-130J aircraft at Keesler Air Force Base was not included. One year ago Air Force officials highlighted the importance of Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) and the cost savings and efficiencies that would be realized by relocating these aircraft to LRAFB, which is one of the most technologically advanced and well-run military installations in the entire country and is a center of excellence for our global airlift operations. Although I disagree with this decision, I will continue my work to ensure that LRAFB maintains its airlift capabilities, which are so essential to our entire military.”

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