Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Rick Allen (R-Ga.-12) today voted in favor of H.R. 4909, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017. The NDAA is annual legislation which authorizes defense spending and sets priorities for the U.S. military. Congressman Allen issued the following statement in strong support after the House’s passage today:

“The NDAA is singlehandedly one of the most vital pieces of legislation that comes before Congress. Not only does it fulfill our Constitutional responsibility to protect this nation and its citizens, but also reaffirms our commitment to supporting our men and women in uniform. Nothing is more important to me than securing the needed resources for our troops so that they can be ready at a moment’s notice to defend our nation. This is the least we can do for our servicemen and women who sacrifice so much.

I have worked diligently with my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee to ensure our military capabilities remain the greatest in the world. As warfare continues to modernize, our tools to fight must continue to evolve as well.  We are very fortunate to have Fort Gordon in the Augusta area, a leading base in Army Cyber warfare.

 Specific to Georgia’s 12^th district, this year’s NDAA authorizes full funding for projects to aide in the expansion of Ft. Gordon, as requested by the Army. I was proud to offer an amendment to the NDAA to expand the Army Cyber ROTC program in the base bill to universities working with Cyber Institutes at the Service Academies. The passage of my amendment will help bring cyber ROTC programs to universities across the country looking to train our future military leaders, including Augusta University. Cyber is the future of modern warfare and these projects are vital to establishing a 21^st century military.

By supporting this year’s NDAA, I hope to ensure that our soldiers are properly equipped with the resources they need and deserve to defend our great nation. During a time of such turmoil and unrest, the NDAA is key to restoring Americans’ confidence in not only their futures, but the future of this country.  I urge my colleagues in the Senate to act immediately and pass this legislation—our national security depends on it.”

Specific to Georgia’s 12^th District, this year’s NDAA:

• Authorizes full funding for projects to aid in the expansion of Ft. Gordon including:

  • New access control point, or gate, to alleviate traffic and provide quicker access to Ft. Gordon

  • Second round of authorized funding for completion of the U.S. Army Cyber Command on Ft. Gordon

  • Cyber protections ops facility

  • Medical clinic replacement

• Authorizes full funding for the Savannah River Site (SRS) to:

  • Ensure SRS continues to operate in a safe and efficient manner

  • Provide funding for nuclear material management, environmental cleanup, and community support.

  • Additionally, this funding will ensure the construction of the only mixed oxide fuel (MOX) manufacturing plant in the U.S. stays on track.

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