WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 4310, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2013. This legislation authorizes appropriations for military activities of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2013. Following passage of H.R. 4310, U.S. Congressman Bill Flores released the following statement:

“Ten years following the 9/11 attacks, after a drawdown of troops in Iraq, and with our troops still committed in Afghanistan, our national security faces continuing challenges with respect to fighting and prosecuting the war on terror. The federal government's primary responsibility under the Constitution is to provide for the common defense to protect all Americans. We have an obligation to future generations of Americans to fight terrorism and the groups that use it.

“The National Defense Authorization Act provides our military with the resources and the authority they need to fight and defeat the threats that exist in the world today. It provides America’s uniformed men and women and their families with the care and support they need, deserve and have earned. I have and will continue to support efforts to strengthen our national defense and support our military men and women who are committed to protecting America.

“In addition, in order to address the concerns that some persons had regarding the prior (FY 2012) National Defense Authorization Act, the newer NDAA includes robust constitutional protections for U.S. citizens and lawful residents, while still providing for the use of military tribunals for foreign terrorists.”

Congressman Bill Flores represents the 17th District of Texas and is an entrepreneur, former energy executive, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and member of the House Budget, Natural Resources and Veterans’ Affairs Committees.