Congressman Seth Moulton Offers Motion to Recommit to Protect Our Troops

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) offered a Motion to Recommit to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act which would provide additional funding to protect our troops, help them with reintegration process and ensure they have cutting edge medical techniques to save injured troops on the battlefield.

Moulton delivered the following remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives: 

“Mr. Speaker, this amendment is simple. 

“First, it will add $2 million for the Army Threat Integration Center to protect our troops and their families from terrorist attacks. ISIS, Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups are directly threatening Americans, our troops, and our allies abroad every single day. In fact, a group related to ISIS recently posted online the photos and addresses of about 100 U.S. troops so that - in their words - 'our brothers residing in America can deal with you.'

“Our military families have also been threatened with attacks. We can’t stand idly by. We must act. And, this additional funding will help.

“The amendment also adds $2 million for the 'Yellow Ribbon' reintegration program to help our active duty and National Guard troops.

“As a veteran myself, I know just how difficult the reintegration process can be. In fact, I’m in regular contact with many of the Marines from my platoon and we talk about this every day.  These men and women have put their lives on the line for our country and our freedom. We owe it to them to provide them with the resources they need both on and off the battlefield.

“And lastly, this amendment adds $5 million for Joint Warfighter Medical Research, which provides the latest cutting edge techniques to save injured troops on battlefield. The men and women who fight on our behalf should know that we have their backs at the most difficult times.

“These initiatives are fully paid for with a reasonable and common sense reduction in funding for Defense Media activity, which provides magazines and movies for our military.

“I ask my colleagues, is it more important to fund the fight against ISIS or to fund government funded Scooby Doo. After all, if the troops really want to watch it they can get the cartoons on their smart phones anyway.  

“Rarely in this chamber is the choice before us so clear. Let’s take a small step to improve this bill for our military families and for our troops.

“I urge you to vote yes on this Motion to Recommit.”