Comstock Votes On Two National Security Bills

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) issued the following statement after the House passed the Conference Report to H.R. 1735, FY16 National Defense Authorization Act, by a vote of 271 to 156.  The House also passed H.R. 3457, the Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act, which Rep. Comstock cosponsored, by 291 to 173.

“I supported the bipartisan NDAA because it is vital for our nation’s military and it should not be used as a pawn in political games.  Our Armed Forces need this important funding so they can effectively protect our nation. As we see Vladimir Putin using the Russian military in Syria, ISIS on the march, and the Taliban taking back territory in Afghanistan, it is distressing that the White House would issue a veto threat on the very legislation that funds our brave men and women in uniform who are battling these challenges.

“The Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act is commonsense legislation that prevents President Obama from lifting sanctions on Iran until it pays over $43 billion in restitution to Americans and their families who fell victim to Iranian-sponsored terrorism. Three Northern Virginians who were victims of Iranian terrorist acts are entitled to $645.5 million in restitution. Iran is the leading state-sponsor of terrorism in the world and they must be held accountable for the killing and injuring of Americans. I am proud to have cosponsored this legislation and it should become law so justice is finally served.”