Rep. Vargas Proudly Supports National Defense Authorization Act of 2013
Washington, DC (June 14, 2013) –Today, Rep. Vargas proudly supported the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 (NDAA), which he says is “a strong, bipartisan bill that successfully addresses necessary funding levels, supports our military troops, and works to control costs.”
Vargas, who has numerous military stations in his district, said, “The National Defense Authorization Act is incredibly important for my district, where over 25% of the economy is tied directly to the defense industry. My colleagues and I secured funding for major Navy vessels and aircrafts, boosting Southern San Diego’s economy, and defeated an amendment that would have reduced the number of aircraft carriers, ensuring that San Diego continues to be the home port of three of the nation’s eleven carriers.
“In addition, the NDAA provides our service members and their families with the care and support they need. Vital provisions in the bill include increasing troop pay and strong measures to combat sexual assaults in the military. In addition, the bill would prohibit a proposal to raise TRICARE enrollment fees and pharmacy co-pays, so that our service members and veterans can continue to have affordable quality healthcare.
“I am also pleased that the House Armed Services Committee included the text of my bill, H.R. 1691, “Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range Transfer Act of 2013’’ in the National Defense Authorization Act.
“I look forward to the Senate hearing the NDAA and am optimistic that it will gather the same bipartisan support it received in the House.”
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas is currently serving his first term in Congress. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.