Faso Votes for National Defense Authorization Act
NDAA Sets Defense Policy Priorities and Makes Efficiency Reforms for FY2019
Washington D.C. — Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook) today highlighted the passage of H.R. 5515, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. The bill passed the House of Representatives with Congressman Faso’s support by a vote of 351—66. The NDAA had previously passed the House Armed Services Committee by a vote of 60—1.
“This year’s NDAA continues our efforts to significantly improve the nation’s military readiness while also equipping our warfighters with the tools they need to succeed on the battlefield,” said Faso. “Efficiently rebuilding the military has been one of my biggest priorities. I was proud to vote for this bill and continue this Congress’ commitment to the men and women who sacrifice daily to keep us safe.”
The NDAA contains much-needed funding to support training exercises and to update outdated equipment. This past year, eighty members of the military have died as a result of non-combat training-related accidents, nearly four times more than the number of troops who have died in combat. According to the Air Force, only 71% of Air Force aircraft were mission-capable at any given time during fiscal year 2017.
Highlights of the NDAA:
- Provides a pay raise of 2.6% for our troops.
- Increases funding for the armed forces consistent with previous promises to rebuild the military.
- Makes significant reforms in Pentagon bureaucracy and streamlines buying practices to increase efficiency.
- Authorizes funding for co-development and co-production of missile defense and weapon systems with Israel.
