Last month, I was proud the Senate voted overwhelmingly (89-8) to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (NDAA), legislation I championed as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee that authorizes $700 billion for national defense and gives American troops the training, equipment and resources they need. The bill also includes several important provisions that strengthen Arizona's many contributions to defense and national security.
The fundamental purpose of this legislation is to provide our Armed Forces what they need to do the jobs we ask of them. Congress has no higher duty than to do everything we can to support our fellow Americans who serve and sacrifice every day to keep us safe. Importantly, the NDAA is the culmination of months of bipartisan work, and it is legislation in which all Senators, and all Americans, can take great pride.
This year's NDAA is particularly critical due to do the recent fatalities during military training exercises. These incidents are evidence of an overworked, strained force. At a time when threats are continuing to grow in size and complexity, this year's legislation will begin to address the readiness shortfall and modernization crisis currently facing our military and put an end to routine training exercise incidents.
I am particularly proud that the NDAA once again recognizes and enhances Arizona's unique contributions to national security. From keeping the A-10s flying at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson and funding additional Apache Attack Helicopters that protect frontline warfighters, to training the next-generation of fighter pilots at the unparalleled Barry Goldwater Range, the NDAA will ensure Arizona's proud service members have the training, resources and equipment they need to rise to the challenges of a more dangerous world.
Watch my statement on the Senate floor on the Senate's vote to pass the National Defense Authorization Act here.
No comments:
Post a Comment