{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015225/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/164-rep-tulsi-gabbard-bipartisan-defense-bill-supports-hawai-i-priorities-and-economy", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Bipartisan Defense Bill Supports Hawaii Priorities and Economy", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Bipartisan Defense Bill Supports Hawai\u2018i Priorities and Economy\t\t \n\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today voted in support of the annual National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The must-pass bill is a compromise between the House- and Senate-passed versions, and passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 350-69.\n\n\tCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard worked on and supported several crucial provisions in the final bill, including more than $400 million for military construction projects in Hawai\u2018i and improvements to the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) programs for Iraqi and Afghan citizens who worked as\u00a0interpreters\u00a0working with the U.S. military overseas.\n\n\t\u201cThis final bipartisan Defense bill demonstrates a commitment to Hawai\u2018i\u2019s strategic importance in the Pacific and provides for good jobs across our islands,\u201d said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. \u201cThis year\u2019s bill also continues support for missile defense and provides resources for the protection of Hawai\u2018i and the mainland from emerging threats around the globe. By improving the Special Immigrant Visa program, the bill recognizes the commitment of the U.S. to the Iraqi and Afghan citizens who put their lives on the line to help our troops overseas. It also will maintain our commitment to Hawai\u2018i\u2019s selfless veterans by allowing a one-time chance for certain beneficiaries who live within 40-100 miles of a military medical facility to stay on TRICARE Prime, which is critical for our neighbor island residents.\n\n\t\u201cWhile it is disappointing that the Military Justice Improvement Act was not brought to a vote in either the House or Senate this year, I am encouraged by the progress made on the issue of sexual assault in our ranks and the many provisions that were included in the Defense bill.\u201d NDAA Highlights:\n \n\t\n\t\tMilitary Construction (MILCON): Provides more than $400 million in funding or\u00a0Hawai\u2018i\u00a0military\u00a0construction\u00a0projects.\n\t\n\t\tTRICARE: Provides a one-time opportunity for certain beneficiaries who live within 40-100 miles of a military medical treatment facility and have not moved to remain on TRICARE Prime. \u00a0This is a provision that is critical to serve our neighbor island veterans.\n\t\n\t\tRebalance to the Pacific: NDAA reflects the U.S. commitment to the rebalance, but Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will work to ensure that sufficient resources are dedicated to carry out the renewed focus on the Asia-Pacific region.\n\t\n\t\tMissile Defense: Authorizes $9.5 billion for missile defense programs and authorizes funds for a new radar aimed at identifying missile launches from North Korea.\n\t\n\t\tBase Realignment and Closure (BRAC): \u00a0Prohibits a new round of BRAC cuts.\n\t\n\t\tIraqi and Afghan Interpreters: The bill extends and improves the Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa program and makes improvements to the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Program. During House consideration of the NDAA earlier this year, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard introduced an amendment to strengthen and reform the backlogged SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan citizens who have bravely served alongside American troops during war. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard\u00a0spoke in support of the measure on the House floor and it later passed with an overwhelming vote of 420-3.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140307015225/http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/news/press-releases/15-media-center/press-releases/164-rep-tulsi-gabbard-bipartisan-defense-bill-supports-hawai-i-priorities-and-economy"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.4177043922245502, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}