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Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green), released the following statement on President Obama’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, which previously passed the House and Senate:

“It is deeply disappointing that the President would limit the ability of our brave servicemen and women to complete current missions, and defend against future threats for the sake of political gamesmanship. For 53 consecutive years, Congress has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility to provide for our national defense through the passage of the NDAA. This policy has enjoyed broad bipartisan support, yet the President - ignoring the perilous nature of current and potential global conflicts - chose to unilaterally deny our troops the resources needed to defend this nation.”

“There are American servicemen and women in harm’s way today across the globe bravely fighting to preserve the liberties we hold dear. We owe them nothing less than our full support, and the means to ensure they can accomplish their missions and safely return.” 

“Our ‘full support’ also includes the fulfillment of our obligation to take care of our heroes here at home. In addition to funding our national defense, the NDAA raises the pay of our troops, and provides access to retirement plans for 83% of currently ineligible service members. It provides better access to mental healthcare treatments, and help for those transitioning from military service.”

“In vetoing this bill the President has failed his obligation to protect the American people by putting our national security at risk and failed the men and women dedicated to securing our defense.”