U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) Thursday released the following statement after the House passed legislation to continue the rebuilding of the military and provide servicemembers their biggest pay raise in nine years:
“Providing for the national defense is our most important responsibility, and this bipartisan legislation puts the safety and security of the American people first.
“It boosts readiness by investing in maintenance, modernization, and training. It restores our Armed Forces to full strength. And it gives our troops their biggest pay raise in nine years.
“This critical bill continues the rebuilding of our military and gives our brave servicemembers the tools and support they need both on and off the battlefield.”
BACKGROUND
The House passed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 5515, the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019 by a bipartisan vote of 359 to 54. The Senate is expected to follow suit in the coming days and send the legislation to the president’s desk.
Rebuilding Our Military
- Authorizes $708.1 billion in discretionary defense funding for FY19.
- Increases size of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Naval and Air Reserve, and Air Guard.
- Improves readiness through increased training and flying hours.
- Boosts investment in maintenance, modernization, rebuilding, and replacement of equipment.
- Makes key reforms to Pentagon bureaucracy and streamlines acquisition process.
Supporting Troops and Military Families
- Fully funds a 2.6 percent pay increase for servicemembers – the largest increase in nine years.
- Extends special pay and bonuses for servicemembers in high-demand fields.
- Provides additional assistance to military spouses seeking employment by enhancing the My Career Advancement program.
- Requires comprehensive review of wounded warrior care and mental health services.
- Ensures no military medical treatment facility is closed until all facilities are transitioned to the Defense Health Agency.
Keeping Our Nation Safe
- Maintains existing prohibitions on closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay or transferring terrorist detainees to U.S. soil.
- Supports partners and allies fighting ISIS, the Taliban, and other terrorist organizations.
- Enhances missile defense and nuclear deterrence capabilities to counter threats from Iran and North Korea.
- Strengthens cyberdefense and provides critical resources to confront threats from hostile nations.
- Continues support for European allies to deter Russia and provides funding to counter Russian cyber and information warfare threats.
- Supports co-development of missile defense systems with Israel and co-production of Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow weapons systems.
Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
