WASHINGTON- Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon made the following comments after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act by a vote of 283-136.

“It has been an honor to lead the Congress in providing our men and women in uniform the resources they need to keep us all safe.  I am proud of the way members from both parties and both chambers have come together to produce this serious piece of legislation.  Together, we have demanded more accountability from nations like Iran, we have aided our forces fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we look to emerging issues, like proliferation and cyber threats.  We have assured that the Department of Defense will be a more efficient steward of the taxpayer dollar and we have ensured that as we fight terrorists around the world, we also protect the civil liberties of Americans at home.”

“Soon, Members of Congress will leave Washington to spend the holidays with our families and loved ones.  For thousands of Americans deployed around the world that homecoming may still be months away.  As they serve in freedom’s cause abroad, I hope they will see the passage of this conference report as the clear signal of support it is. “