09.11.17

NDAA: ‘Rebuilding Our Military’

Defense ‘Legislation Begins To Address The Readiness Shortfall, Crisis In Modernization, And Eroding Military Advantage By Recapitalizing And Reinvesting In Our Forces’

SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN (R-AZ): “The NDAA starts the process of rebuilding our military after six years of devastating cuts to our defense budget. By supporting $640 billion for defense, this legislation begins to address the readiness shortfall, crisis in modernization, and eroding military advantage by recapitalizing and reinvesting in our forces. This year’s legislation also builds upon the sweeping reforms that Congress has passed in recent years… [T]he NDAA seeks to strengthen accountability and streamline the process of getting our warfighters the equipment, training, and resources they need to succeed.” (U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Press Release, 6/28/2017)

SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE  RANKING MEMBER JACK REED (D-RI): “…an important step in meeting the goal of both Democrats and Republicans to get our troops the resources they need to meet a variety of pressing security challenges.  It invests in much needed readiness to allow our fighting men and women to be properly trained and equipped for a wide range of threats.” (U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Press Release, 6/28/2017)

Bipartisan Legislation ‘Will Strengthen Our National Security’

The Fiscal Year 2018 Defense Authorization Bill was approved unanimously by the Senate Armed Services Committee. (U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Press Release, 6/28/2017)

SEN. MIKE ROUNDS (R-SD): “This year’s NDAA takes important steps to rebuild our military and adequately address the challenges our military leaders have laid out before us in committee hearings…. The NDAA is one of the most important bills we pass each year in Congress, and it is one of the rare instances in which we truly check our party ID at the door to put the defense of our nation, our troops and their families before all else.” (Sen. Rounds, Press Release, 6/29/2017)

SEN. GARY PETERS (D-MI): “The National Defense Authorization Act will bolster American leadership around the world and provide our brave men and women in uniform with the support needed to complete their missions safely and effectively.” (Sen. Peters, Press Release, 6/29/2017)

SEN. DEB FISCHER (R-NE): “The president has clearly stated his goal of rebuilding our military and Secretary Mattis has candidly testified before our committee about the challenges we face as a nation, including the readiness gaps in our armed forces. I’m pleased to see the committee respond to the administration today in a strong, bipartisan fashion. National defense is the number one priority of the federal government and this legislation reflects a shared agreement among members of both parties that more must be done to strengthen our military.” (Sen. Fischer, Press Release, 6/28/2017)

SEN. TIM KAINE (D-VA): “After extensive debate over hundreds of amendments, the Senate Armed Services Committee continued its streak of bipartisanship with a unanimous vote of support for this year’s defense bill.  This legislation has many provisions that will strengthen our national security … [T]he bipartisan collaboration of the Armed Services Committee members should serve as an example of how meaningful legislative compromise can be reached.” (Sen. Kaine, Press Release, 6/28/2017)

SEN. LUTHER STRANGE (R-AL): “President Trump and his administration have made it clear that rebuilding our military is a critical national priority, and this bill empowers the Department of Defense to support evolving missions and address growing threats. As the committee continues its work on behalf of our nation’s men and women in uniform, I remain committed to supporting Alabama’s important contributions to the finest fighting forces in the world.” (Sen. Strange, Press Release, 6/30/2017)

SEN. JIM INHOFE (R-OK): “It is Congress’ constitutional responsibility to provide for our national defense and ensure we provide the best equipment and training to the men and women in uniform who protect our nation and its interests…. This year’s NDAA … builds on President Trump’s earlier efforts to rebuild our military by providing critical funding and improving the combat readiness of our military. This bill increases our end strength and boosts funding for equipment, operations, maintenance, military construction and includes a 2.1 percent pay increase for our troops.” (Sen. Inhofe, Press Release, 6/28/2017)

SEN. THOM TILLIS (R-NC): “The NDAA reaffirms our nation’s commitment to supporting the brave men and women in uniform and reestablishes America’s commitment to a strong national defense and protecting its interest abroad.” (Sen. Tillis, Press Release, 6/28/2017)

SEN. DAN SULLIVAN (R-AK): “In an increasingly dangerous world, this year’s NDAA begins the important process of rebuilding our military so that our service members have the tools and resources they need to protect America and our interests around the globe…. Today members of the committee are making a strong and bipartisan statement that we are going to bolster our nation’s missile defense and continue to protect America from an unstable North Korea.” (Sen. Sullivan, Press Release, 6/29/2017)

SEN. DAVID PERDUE (R-GA): “Over the last ten years the world has become more dangerous, and the Senate Armed Services Committee has taken action to ensure our military has the resources it needs…. Responsibly funding our national defense remains a top priority and is necessary to protect our homeland and advance U.S. interests around the world.” (Sen. Perdue, Press Release, 6/29/2017)

SEN. TED CRUZ (R-TX): “The passage of this year’s NDAA marks a critical step in rebuilding our nation’s military, further protecting our national security interests at home and abroad, and fulfilling our promise to better equip and train our men and women in uniform for their mission…. This bill also provides a well-deserved pay increase to our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who defend our nation and freedoms every day.” (Sen. Cruz, Press Release, 6/29/2017)

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SENATE REPUBLICAN COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

Related Issues: NDAA, Senate Democrats, National Security, America's Military