Press Releases

MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEES WILL MEET TO BEGIN THE CONFERENCE PROCESS

The conferees for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018 will meet tomorrow to formally begin the conference process. Known as the "pass the gavel" meeting, the event is the first formal meeting of NDAA conferees, who work together to resolve differences between the defense authorization bills passed separately by the House and the Senate. Each year, the chairmanship of the NDAA conference committee alternates between the two chambers. This year, Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) will pass the gavel to his House counterpart, House Armed Services (HASC) Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX).

The working portion of the "pass the gavel" meeting is closed to the press. However, the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee will host a brief, joint media availability prior to the meeting.

The NDAA authorizes funding to equip, supply, and train our troops and support military families and has been passed by Congress for 55 straight years. HASC Chairman Thornberry and SASC Chairman McCain, as well as HASC Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) and SASC Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI) say they hope to continue the bipartisan tradition of passing a strong defense bill that addresses the needs of our nation and our servicemembers.

WHO: Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI)
WHAT: Media Availability ahead of NDAA Conference Committee Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, October 25 - 2:20 PM
WHERE: SD-G50 Foyer