"For the last several years Congress has been derelict in one of its most important duties: providing for a common defense. But the policy agenda set forth in this bill signals the tides are shifting. The additional funding provided by the Overseas Contingency Operation fund rolls back the constraints on our military put in place by sequestration. This means our national-security strategy can once again begin to drive our military budget, rather than the budget setting our strategy.
"The final bill contains several provisions I proposed that will help make Arkansas and America safer and stronger. First, this legislation provides for the ability to explore additional uses for arsenal land in Jefferson County the Army is no longer using. This will allow for new development opportunities while maintaining important safeguards that ensure the Pine Bluff Arsenal will continue to play a vital role in our nation's defense. The bill also contains three amendments I offered to strengthen the transfer standards for Guantanamo Bay detainees. The individuals housed at Guantanamo Bay are hardened terrorists and we must ensure any transferred detainee does not return to the fight and once again threaten the United States.
"Military strength and moral confidence in the defense of America's national security are critical to our prosperity. This legislation puts our national defense on the right track and lets our aggressors know they will pay an unspeakable price for challenging the United States."
