WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, today praised the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation included key Casey amendments to strengthen our national security and protect our troops.

“Our nation faces many threats and our troops and their families have made great sacrifices to keep us safe,” said Senator Casey. “I am gratified that the Senate came together tonight in a bipartisan vote to ensure the safety and security of our nation.”

Senator Casey led the following amendments to:

Hold Pakistan Accountable on IEDs: amendment would require a certification on efforts by the Government of Pakistan to implement a strategy to counter improvised explosive devices. Senator Casey has led the way in the Senate to increase international pressure to stop the flow of bomb making materials into Afghanistan. Senator Casey has pushed the Department of Defense to increase coordination and end unnecessary duplication in efforts to counter roadside bombs, or IEDs.

Ensure Government Programs are Properly Serving the Military: amendment would require a report by the Comptroller General on Department of Defense military spouse employment programs. This amendment would direct the Department of Defense to conduct a thorough review of all military spouse employment programs to ascertain their effectiveness.

Senator Casey also cosponsored amendments to:

Require Sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran: amendment would require the President to impose sanctions on foreign financial institutions that conduct transactions with the Central Bank of Iran.

Strengthen the National Guard: amendment would further empower the National Guard by making the Chief of the National Guard Bureau a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This move will enhance our national defense and disaster reaction through improvement of Federal-State military coordination in domestic emergency response.

Account for Weapons in Libya: amendment would urge greater action by the Obama Administration to keep Libya’s stockpile of about 20,000 portable anti-aircraft missiles, known as MANPADS, out of the hands of terrorists.

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