Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Terri Sewell, a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after voting for H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018:

“As a Member of Congress, one of my top priorities is to ensure that our brave men and women in uniform have all of the support necessary to protect and defend our nation from threats both foreign and domestic. By ending the defense sequester, modernizing our military force for the future, and rebuilding our military readiness, the National Defense Authorization Act makes good on our commitment to preserve our national security and support our service members. I am particularly pleased to see that this bill prioritizes the readiness of U.S. Cyber Command, cyber mission forces, and cyber warfare tools and capabilities, including initiatives to strengthen the cyber workforce and strengthen congressional oversight of these capabilities.”

“While I am supportive of the funding allocated to these critically important defense programs, I continue to have strong concerns about Congress’ inability to make difficult funding decisions as it relates to our national security priorities. Ultimately, I am deeply concerned that many of these initiatives will potentially be funded at the expense of vital domestic spending programs. While robust funding of our national security is paramount, it is equally as important that we continue to provide essential funding for domestic programs that help educate our children, ensure every American has access to quality and affordable healthcare, and repair our deteriorating infrastructure.”

The National Defense Authorization Act for FY18 authorizes $631.5 billion for base budget requirements as well as $64.6 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations. This legislation contains several provisions that would equip, supply, and train U.S. troops; provide resources for them and their families; and set national security policy for threats at home and abroad.

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Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) is serving her fourth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional district. She sits on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was recently appointed to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Sewell is a Chief Deputy Whip and serves on the prestigious Steering and Policy Committee of the Democratic Caucus. She is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and serves as Vice Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, and Vice Chair of Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition.