Rep. Graves votes to give troops pay raise, strengthen Georgia military installations

Washington, D. C. – Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) today voted for and the House passed the fiscal year 2017 Defense Appropriations bill ( H. R. 1301), which funds the Department of Defense and includes a 2.1 percent pay raise for the troops.

“Our troops and their families have endured more than a decade and a half of war, including ongoing efforts to defeat the Islamic State,” said Rep. Graves. “Simply put, they deserve a pay raise. I hope it helps provide financial security for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.”

H. R. 1301 also includes Rep. Graves’ provision to speed the replacement of a critical radar system and aircraft, known as the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System ( JSTARS). The technology, which is stationed at Robins Air Force Base, significantly enhances the ability of our warplanes and other military assets to target enemy combatants and help protect our soldiers on the ground by detecting threats and allowing for better coordinated, more effective support.

In addition, the bill increases crucial funding for cyber defense, including for the activities at Fort Gordon, which hosts the Army Cyber Center of Excellence. These resources will help address the growing threat of cyber attacks.

Among other wins for Georgia, the legislation prohibits the retirement of the A- 10C Warthog fleet, a significant portion of which are stationed at Moody Air Force Base. These aircraft are frequently utilized in the fight against the Islamic State, and their mission at Moody contributes to the base’s importance. The bill also supports the acquisition of a new class of ballistic missile submarines to replace the Ohio- class submarines stationed at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia.

“With more than 100,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen in Georgia, I’m proud to support our men and women in uniform by voting for this legislation,” said Rep. Graves.