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This bill, however, underfunds our nations diplomatic efforts, overall development initiatives, and multilateral obligations, while also containing a series of highly controversial legislative riders that neither the President nor the Senate will accept and will inevitably be removed in conference negotiations...I believe that by the end of the process we will be back at the balanced allocation in [the Budget Control Act], and can then repair many of the cuts proposed in this and other House bills.

This bill has a strong reputation for common ground as members traditionally work together to fund construction of military facilities and the quality of life of veterans and military families. Thankfully, that tradition continues as this bill provides funding levels that members on both sides agree are appropriate, while avoiding contentious legislative riders that complicate passage.

Overall the Majority's approach to the defense budget has been reasonable. I only wish that the same approach would be taken with the non-defense portion of the discretionary budget.