House Passes National Defense Authorization Act
May 24, 2018
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 5515 the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2019. This legislation increases funding to rebuild the military and provides the largest pay raise for our troops in 9 years (2.6%).
"This NDAA is focused on increasing readiness of our military and taking care of our most valuable assets – our troops. The steady decline of our armed forces under the previous administration is well-documented. Now, we're continuing the revitalization we started last year by investing in our soldiers and providing them with the necessary equipment to get the job done. We're also investing in critical missile defense and nuclear deterrence programs that will substantially improve our national defense capabilities. In order for America to continue as the most prosperous country in the world, our military must be ready to defend us from any and all threats. This legislation gives them the tools to do so."
Rep. LaMalfa speaks on the House floor to urge timely passage of the NDAA for fiscal year 2019 in the Senate. [YouTube]
Highlights of the NDAA for fiscal year 2019:
- Supports necessary increase in topline funding to support our troops and readiness recovery consistent with President Trump's commitment to rebuild the military.
- Pay raise of 2.6% for our troops - Largest in 9 years.
- Increase 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;
- $18.6 billion to begin to rehabilitate and replace worn out Army equipment;
- $39.5 billion to begin to overcome the crisis in military aviation by getting more aircraft in the air;
- $36.0 billion to restore America's strength at sea;
- $23.3 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.
- 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.
A full summary of H.R. 5515 from the House Armed Services Committee can be found here.
Included in the bill was an amendment by Rep. LaMalfa requesting the United States Air Force (USAF) halt rehabilitation of the Over-The-Horizon Backscatter (OTHB) Rader Site located in Modoc National Forest in Modoc County, CA. The site has not been active since 1991 and is being returned to the original condition of the land prior to the USAF leasing it. Halting this process would save taxpayer money, save USAF resources, and allow Modoc County to use existing infrastructure for economic development purposes.
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California's First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.
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