releases: http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=380851
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=380851 | Loebsack Authored Provisions Included in 2015 Defense Policy Bill | 2014-05-08 | 2014 | 2014-05 | Democrat | House | IA | Dave Loebsack | L000565 | loebsack.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after key provisions he authored to support the Rock Island Arsenal were passed by the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) early this morning. Loebsack, the only member of the Iowa delegation who serves on the Committee, offered these amendments to be included in the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was passed by the full committee. The legislation also includes new language, which Loebsack supported and worked to include, addressing the ongoing sexual assault crisis in the military. Additionally, it prohibits any new BRAC rounds, which Loebsack fought to include in the bill. “Our men and women in uniform, along with their military families, proudly and honorably serve our country. As a military parent, I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver the level of support and access to resources our troops need and deserve. The legislation that now heads to the House floor includes language that I authored, which will make the Rock Island Arsenal stronger by driving more workload to their facilities. These provision will help both the Arsenal and Quad Cities’ economy remain strong. “While I still believe that more needs to be done to address the horrific sexual assault crisis that has engulfed the military, this legislation takes multiple important steps to continue to address the issue. We must ensure victims have the support they need and prosecute perpetrators to the fullest extent. I will continue to work to address this issue with the urgency it deserves.” Specifically, amendments authored by Congressman Loebsack included in the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act are: Installation Arsenal Reutilization Authority – Provides senior leadership at Rock Island Arsenal greater authorities to lease real or personal property for the purposes of leveraging private investment at military manufacturing arsenals through long-term facility use contracts, property management contracts, leases, or other such agreements. This amendment is designed to give Rock Island leadership greater flexibility to utilize unused administrative and warehouse space on the island, helping to bring workload and continued employment to the Island. Utilization of Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support (ARMS) Initiative - This provision requires the Department of the Army to review improvements to the ARMS program, including longer lease terms. It also encourages greater cooperation with the local community to promote greater use of ARMS. As the United States shifts to a peacetime footing, increased use of ARMS will help to support our ammunition plants and the highly skilled workforce there. This amendment encourages the Army to work closely with local and state governments as well as economic development organizations and private businesses to make ARMS even more of a win-win for the Army, private businesses, local communities, and the ammunition plants. In addition, Loebsack pushed to include many provisions important to our troops and their families, including. -A 1.8% pay raise for our troops, more than the 1% that was requested by the Department of Defense; -Rejects Department of Defense proposals to fundamentally change the TRICARE military healthcare system; -Rejects Department of Defense proposals to reduce military compensation and benefits; -Included efficiencies to military commissaries, making them more efficient without increasing prices to military personnel and their families; -Includes $45.3 million for behavioral and psychological health programs to help combat suicide; -A number of important sexual assault prevention and prosecution provisions, which Loebsack has championed, including: Elimination of the “good soldier defense” – a consideration of general military character toward the probability of innocence in sexual assault prosecutions; A review of the terms of discharge for those who are victims of sexual offenses, to ensure that they have not been persecuted for reporting crimes. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |