The House today overwhelming approved H.R. 441, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Congressman Mullin voted in support of H.R. 441 noting some of its merits for our military.

“Today I voted to approve the National Defense Authorization Act,” said Mullin. “Among many things, the Act supports current law allowing troop pay to keep pace with the private sector, as well as preventing new fees and increases to TRICARE. Important to many Oklahomans, the legislation expands religious freedom protections for chaplains and service members to include beliefs and the expression of beliefs.”

H.R. 441 provides funding for modernization of National Guard and Reserve equipment as well as increasing spending, beyond what President Obama requested, for our homeland missile defense system. In light of what happened in Benghazi in 2012, the legislation also requires a report from the Department of Defense on the readiness of American military forces to respond to attacks on American embassies overseas.

The bill also requires the Pentagon to give a minimum of 120 days' notice prior to deployment and no less than 180 days' notice prior to cancellation of deployment for the operational reserves.

“For reserve soldiers and their families, as much advance notice as possible about an upcoming deployment would be tremendously helpful and allow them make the necessary preparations in their civilian lives prior to a deployment,” said Mullin.

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