WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement regarding the decision by Senate Democrats to filibuster consideration of the FY2016 Defense Appropriations Bill:

 

“For the first time in many years, the Senate has an opportunity to debate, amend and pass individual appropriations bills, a fundamental and constitutional responsibility of the Congress.  The FY2016 Defense Appropriations Bill would provide the resources necessary to fulfill another of our obligations--protecting our country.  I hope that those who opposed moving to this national security legislation will reevaluate their position.  We’ve passed a defense policy bill with overwhelming bipartisan support.  Let us now move forward in providing the actual funding needed by our military leaders and those they command.”

 

Cochran, who also chairs the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee that initially produced the bill, guided the legislation to full committee approval on June 11 by a bipartisan vote of 27-3.  On Thursday, Cochran voted for Senate passage of the FY2016 National Defense Authorization Act, which sets defense policy.  Both defense bills are consistent with the 2016 budget resolution approved by the House and Senate earlier this year.

 

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