Defense Drumbeat

On May 24, 2018, the FY19 NDAA passed the House with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 351-66. The Senate passed their version of the NDAA by a vote of 85-10. Here are the highlights of the FY19 NDAA Conference Report introduced today:

• Supports necessary increase in topline funding to support our troops and readiness recovery consistent with the Trump Administration's commitment to rebuild the military.
• Pay raise of 2.6% for our troops - Largest in 9 years.
• Increases the size of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Naval and Air Reserve, as well as Air Guard.
• Makes major reforms in Pentagon bureaucracy and streamlines buying practices.
• Increases funding to rebuild our military and support readiness recovery:
  • Increases funding for training in each of the Services;
  • $17.7 billion to begin to rehabilitate and replace worn out Army equipment;
  • $40.8 billion to begin to overcome the crisis in military aviation by getting more aircraft in the air;
  • $36.3 billion to restore America's strength at sea;
  • $23.5 billion to sustain, repair and rebuild crumbling military buildings and other infrastructure.
• Makes critical investments in missile defense and our nuclear deterrent, which is the cornerstone of our national security.
• Makes key investments in other critical military capabilities to confront aggression and address threats around the world, including threats from Russia, China, North Korea and Iran.
• Protects the United States from malicious technology from Chinese companies like ZTE and Huawei by banning those companies from doing business with the United States Government or any entity that does business with the United States Government.
• Authorizes funding for co-development and co-production of missile defense and weapon systems with our key ally Israel.
• Advances innovative technologies that will reform the way we will fight and win wars.