House hits Iran, North Korea, Russia in last NDAA votes of the day

That was approved just as the Obama administration said it believes Syria is using chemical weapons against its people, and said it would offer some support to Syrian rebels.

{mosads}On Afghanistan, the House approved language from Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) requiring an assessment of the Afghan National Security Force’s ability to maintain U.S.-funded infrastructure after 2014. Members also supported an amendment from Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) prohibiting spending on permanent bases in Afghanistan.

These and several other foreign policy-related amendments were approved en bloc in the last vote of the day. Other amendments included in that final vote were from:

— Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), providing procurement guidance on garments sources from Bangladesh to ensure fire and building safety conditions in that country.

— Scott Rigell (R-Va.), prohibiting spending on military coins not made in the United States.

— Niki Tsongas (D-Mass.), requiring athletic footwear provided to new recruits to be made in the United States.

— Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), preventing funds for tear gas and other riot control gear to the Middle East and North Africa.

— Peter Welch (D-Vt.), requiring the Department of Defense to report to Congress on efforts to ensure aid to the Afghan National Security Forces is not used to buy fuel from Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions.

— Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), stating that Congress supports Israel’s lawful exercise of self-defense.

— Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.), adding a sense of Congress supporting full sanctions against Iran.

— Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.), directing the Department of Defense to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to the Middle East and North Africa.

— Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), creating a program to increase contract opportunities for small businesses.

— Joe Garcia (D-Fla.), requiring the Department of Defense to report to Congress on the Military Housing Privatization Initiative.

— Steve Pearce (R-N.M.), extending the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant mission.

— Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.), adding a sense of Congress that the president should establish an Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health, to help determine eligibility for contract health claims.

— Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), adding a sense of Congress that a top security concern is Iran’s and North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons.

— Franks, adds consultation as a role for the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.