WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after voting to support the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included his bipartisan amendment to reauthorize and strengthen the State Partnership Program. The NDAA, which has now passed both the House and Senate, will soon be signed into law by President Obama. The State Partnership program supports the U.S. National Guard in building and maintaining cooperative relationships with more than 75 foreign militaries and establishing lasting military to military and military to civilian ties.
“I'm proud to vote today to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, an important piece of legislation that helps make sure our troops have what they need to protect and promote our interests around the world,” said Senator Coons. “I am particularly glad to see the bill contains my bipartisan amendment to reauthorize and strengthen the State Partnership Program, which I co-authored with Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Pat Leahy (D-Vt.). Our amendment permanently codifies the program into law, increases transparency and oversight of the program, and clarifies reporting and funding mechanisms. This widely supported program leverages the unique capabilities of our National Guard to support U.S. interests abroad by creating sustained cooperative relationships with more than 75 foreign militaries and establishing lasting military to military and military to civilian ties. The State Partnership Program reinforces our commitment to our allies, enhances civilian control of the military, and promotes stability around the world. I look forward to continuing to work with Democratic and Republican colleagues to strengthen these programs and uphold our commitments to Guardsmen stationed in Delaware and across the country, Airmen at Dover Air Force Base, and American service members around the world.”