Today, U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) spoke on the House Floor in support of the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and his amendment aimed at supporting the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and combating transnational criminal organizations.

Click here to watch Rep. Scott’s full remarks.

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Below is a transcript of Rep. Scott’s remarks:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my fellow Members to support the FY18 National Defense Authorization Act.

“After nearly 13 hours of debate, my colleagues and I on the Armed Services Committee came together to pass this legislation to provide critical resources and reforms for our nation’s military to undertake 21st century threats that our country and the world faces.

Part of facing these challenges is ensuring that our military personnel are able to combat the dangerous and illegal actions of transnational criminal organizations, particularly those close to home in the SOUTHCOM region.

“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman who spoke earlier about the opioid epidemic. I would just remind my fellow Americans that over 5,000 Americans die every month from drug overdoses.

“Just a few months ago, I along with my colleague Mr. Veasey from Texas, had the opportunity to visit with the JOINT INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE – SOUTH and SOUTHCOM’s Headquarters in Florida to hear and see first-hand the challenges that migrant and drug interdiction within the Caribbean region pose on Homeland and National Security.

“Included in FY18 NDAA is a provision I authored aimed at addressing the threat these transnational criminal organizations pose on our country and seeking to find new ways to support SOUTHCOM in their continuing effort to tackle those threats head-on.

“To all members of the SOUTHCOM team: Thank you for the important work you do in securing our coastline, supporting our national security, and protecting your fellow Americans.

“To my colleagues: I urge your support in passage of FY18 NDAA, to keep the U.S. military the best and most prepared fighting force in the world.”

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