Casey Amendment to NDAA Will Strengthen NCTC Operations and Create Sustainable Funding for the Centers, Measure is Expected to Be Debated When Congress Reconvenes / National Guard Counterdrug Training Centers Have Been Targeted for Cuts in the Past
Fort Indiantown Gap, PA- As Central Pennsylvania and communities across the state battle a heroin epidemic, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today pushed for continued funding for National Guard Counterdrug Training Centers across the country and in Fort Indiantown Gap. In the past, Counterdrug Training Centers have been targeted for cuts. Casey discussed his amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would strengthen the Northeast Counterdrug Training Center (NCTC).
“Our law enforcement officials who are on the front lines of the fight against drugs gain valuable training and experience at the counter drug centers,” said Senator Casey. “Now is not the time to cut back on these resources which enhance their capability to combat drug trafficking.”
Senator Casey’s NDAA amendment would: 1) expand the definition of “drug interdiction and counter-drug activities” to include operations that target transnational criminal organization drug smuggling and associated illicit activities within and on state borders, and 2) mandate that the Department of Defense work with other agencies to develop a sustainable funding solution for the centers. NDAA will be one of the first items debated when Congress reconvenes in November.
Previously, Casey has fought to keep these centers open through a bipartisan effort in 2012 (link) and earlier this year (link).
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